Any change in the shape and color of the nail plate may indicate the presence of a fungal infection.In medicine they are called onychomycosis, popularly - nail fungus.If detected at an early stage, there is a high probability of a quick recovery;the advanced form can be treated for years and not always with positive success.It should be noted that onychomycosis is common throughout the world, and in Russia it occurs in 7-16% of the population.Their presence is closely related to many factors, starting from social characteristics to individual bodies.
What does nail fungus look like in the early stages?
Almost always, the early stages of nail fungus are asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only occasionally small yellow spots can be observed on the nail plate or slight itching can be felt on the fingers.Almost always, the lesions start with the 1st and 5th toes and they look like changes:
- Nail color (yellow, brown color);
- The shape of the nail plate (either thickening or vice versa - thinning is observed);
- Deformation (the appearance of yellow or white longitudinal and transverse stripes).
In addition to all visible changes, subjective sensations in the form of itching and burning can be added.
Note!Onychomycosis occurs more often on the legs, less often on the arms.Often it appears as a result of an injury during a manicure or pedicure, if the patient is already sick with foot mycosis.
Classification of onychomycosis
Today, it is customary to classify onychomycosis not only by taking into account the clinical features of damage to the nail plate, but also based on the variant of fungal penetration into it.The following types of onychomycosis are distinguished:
- distal;
- distal-lateral;
- superficially white;
- proximal subungual;
- total dystrophic.
The first two forms are the most common, because in them the pathogen enters the nail from the skin of the affected foot.They are characterized by a long course, in which the lesion process slowly spreads throughout the nail in the form of oval yellow spots or flakes.
A distinctive feature of superficial white onychomycosis is damage to the nail plate of the first finger in the early stages.Damage to the nail matrix and bed is very rare;basically, the whole process is limited to the appearance of superficial white lesions.
The last two forms are very rare and are characterized by a rapid course, in which the matrix and periungual ridge are affected.A distinctive feature is the partial or complete destruction of the nail plate.
Nail fungus pathogens are also divided into three groups:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast fungi of the genus Candida;
- mold fungus.
The first two types are more common, and their clinical picture is clearly expressed by damage not only to the nail plate, but also to the feet.
Basic factors for the development of onychomycosis
Many people wonder how we all visit baths, saunas, swimming pools, beaches, in the end, but only some of us are infected with nail fungus.The problem is that for the reproduction of fungi, not only a good environment is needed, but also weakens the body's protective function.At risk are people who have problems with:
- bottom ship;
- overweight;
- flat feet and foot deformities;
- an increase in the level of glucose in the blood, which is used by the fungus for metabolic processes;
Onychomycosis is common in adults and practically never occurs in children.Every second person over the age of 70 develops nail fungus on their toes or hands.
How to treat nail fungus in the early stages?
If you detect any suspicion of nail fungus, you should immediately see a dermatologist.At least to identify the pathogen and choose an effective antifungal drug.Most modern drugs are very harmful to the liver and tests are taken before they are prescribed.If a problem is detected, the drug is replaced with another.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home is acceptable if you know the pathogen and you are in the early stages.Then, by following the rules of disinfection (processing underwear, socks, shoes, treating nail plates, etc.), you can quickly get rid of the disease even without taking systemic drugs.
With the treatment of advanced nail fungus, everything is much more complicated, because here you have to fight not only the external manifestations of the disease, but also expel the pathogen from the body.Here, in addition to attention, the patient will need patience and time, because therapy can last for years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to get help from a specialist, then when you detect the first signs of nail fungus, you can smear the affected area with iodine and hydrogen peroxide, which are considered effective in the fight against dermatophytes and candida.It is recommended to treat the entire nail in the morning with iodine and in the evening with peroxide for one month.Before treatment, wash your feet thoroughly, wipe them dry and trim the affected nails as much as possible.