Toenail fungus

Nail fungus is a dermatological disease that affects more than 20% of humanity and causes not only aesthetic damage, but can also cause problems with human health and immunity.

It is characterized by a change in the color of the nail plate, its deformation and disintegration, in medicine this pathology is called onychomycosis. Infection occurs when a fungus of the dermatophyte class gets under a healthy toenail. It multiplies rapidly, damages soft tissues and forms spots on the nails with white and yellow color, which further provokes deformation and death of the nail. When a nail is affected, with untimely treatment, the fungus is transferred to healthy surfaces. All this brings significant discomfort in a person's life. In this article we will understand the causes, symptoms, how to cure such a fungus and, most importantly, how to avoid this nasty disease.

Causes of toenail fungus

The main reason for the appearance of the fungus is a weak human immune system. When the body's defenses do not work well, the risk of infection with infections, viruses and bacteria increases significantly. Fungus on the toes occurs more often than on the hands due to high humidity and lack of proper air circulation.

Also at risk are:

• People with poor hygiene. Do not allow intense sweating of the feet, wet and dirty socks, walking barefoot without slippers;
• People with pathologies of the internal organs and blood vessels, carriers of HIV. Diabetes and blood clots in the veins provoke poor blood circulation in the legs;
• People who neglect tight and uncomfortable shoes. Even minor calluses, microcracks and calluses on the feet can provoke a fungal infection;
• People in the period of hormonal changes in the body, the elderly;
• People try on shoes in disposable sock stores. After all, there is a danger that a person infected with the fungus will try these shoes before you.

Fungal infections like a humid, warm environment, as well as open wounds and abrasions, where they can multiply instantly.

Public places such as hotels, gyms, swimming pools, changing rooms, showers and saunas are a favorite home for fungal infections. If a person likes to go there barefoot, the risk of infection is one hundred percent. It should be remembered that fungal infections are contagious and easily transmitted by home or human contact.

Stages and symptoms of the fungus

Alas, the fungus is an infection that develops rapidly. Like the roots of a tree, it grows under a person's skin, destroying tissues and surfaces. The fungus usually starts its activity with the little finger or thumb, eventually affecting all nails.

There are generally initial, moderate, and advanced stages, but we will learn a little more about the course of the disease using medical terms:

1. Stage of infection - the fungus sticks to dead skin scales, eventually creeping to the nail plate. It is not accompanied by any symptoms;
2. Normotrophic stage - the natural color of the nail fades and turns yellow at the edges, thickening towards the corners. Small white streaks or dots may appear. It has a specific smell and a feeling of discomfort;
3. Hypertrophic stage - the nail becomes completely yellow, deformed, the surface is disordered and ribbed. In most cases, the entire nail plate is compacted, and the edge itself is loosened and exfoliated;
4. Atrophic stage - cloudy yellow or gray nails. Pieces of the nail fall off, the nail bed has an unhealthy appearance, loose surface;
5. Stage - onycholysis - the whole nail plate becomes very thin and then disappears. The fungus can move into adjacent, still healthy nails.

The skin around the nail itself is usually red and flaky. The patient notices itching between the fingers, cracks are observed, accompanied by pain. Often, in the last stage, the fungus, falling into the nail bed, dies under the influence of immunity. But if the body's defenses are weakened or not treated, blood poisoning can occur.

Types of fungi

The most popular among the causes of onychomycosis are fungi - dermatophytes. They affect more than 85% of infections. And accordingly, the fungi of the class Candida (yeast) and molds are much less common among pathogens. Also, sometimes there are cases of nail infection with several types at once.

Let's take a closer look at each type.

Fungal dermatophytes

There are many species of this fungus. They are popular because they can adapt to any microclimate. Living in the ground cover, they can easily infect animals and humans through direct contact on the surface, as well as through the "carrier and infected" link. However, this type of infection is rare and is usually preceded by several factors.

The most famous types of dermatophytes:

• Trichophyton rubrum - first infects the tip of the nail, then gradually reaches the base. The nail falls apart, becomes yellow, thick and lethargic. The skin around is unusually dry, red and scaly;
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the main lover of humid and warm microclimate. They usually become infected in public places, such as showers, swimming pools and saunas. It often causes damage to the big toes and the area around it. The skin becomes inflamed, itchy and inflamed bumps form.

It is difficult to cure a fungus that has managed to reach the base of the nail plate. In this case, there will probably be a complete loss.

Candida fungus

Yeast or candida are present in normal amounts in the body of all people, but for a number of reasons can multiply rapidly and cause disease.

Mostly familiar to women. Because many of them had to deal with such a disease as thrush in their lifetime, provoked by this specific type of fungus of the Candida class.

In cases where Candida appears on the nails, it is safe to assume that the infection occurred at home, through something that the infected person has used before (towel, towel, shoes). And it is formed, unlike dermatophytes, initially at the base and is most common on the fingernails.

mold fungi

The most dangerous type of fungus. It is able to damage not only the skin, but also quickly affect the whole body.

The infection occurs due to destruction of the nail, exposure of the nail bed. The good news is that infection with this type of fungus occurs in extremely rare cases. But if this still happens, it is very difficult to treat with conventional drugs and requires special means to treat mold on the nails.

Diagnosis

Because the external symptoms of nail fungus may be similar to other diseases (such as lichen planus, psoriasis, keratoderma), to confirm the diagnosis of fungal infection and determine the pathogen, the doctor prescribes such tests:

• Nail plate microscopy - the laboratory assistant makes a scraper from the nail and treats it with a special substance to destroy keratin. This procedure is necessary for easier and more accurate observation under a microscope. This analysis also has a drawback. With its help it is impossible to determine the type of pathogenic fungus. Based on the obtained results, extensive antifungal drugs are prescribed;
• Cultural type of research - in the laboratory, the material obtained from nail scraping is immersed for cultivation in Sabouraud nutrient medium, where the fungus grows rapidly. The fungus is determined by the rate of growth, color and shape of its colonies. Also, using this method, the sensitivity of antibodies to drug treatment is determined. The disadvantage is that the result of the analysis should be expected in 3-5 days;
• The purpose of DNA diagnostics - nail scrapings are examined for the presence of DNA cells in it of fungal infections of the class of dermatophytes or yeast. The most dangerous type of mold cannot be determined by this method. The result of the diagnosis is ready in 1-2 days, and the disadvantage is the high cost of the method due to the use of special devices.

Methods of treatment

If you are wondering which doctor to go to for such a disease, the answer is only one - you need a dermatologist.

In the initial stage, if it is possible to immediately identify the infection, external treatment will be sufficient. However, if the infection is not detected immediately and the visit to the doctor is postponed for a long time, a more serious complex therapy will be needed. In particularly severe cases of the disease, the nail plate is removed. Sometimes treatment is delayed by six months to prevent this, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to the alarming symptoms in time and seek professional help immediately.

What kind of treatment you need will be determined by diagnosis, as it is important to determine which fungus has arisen. Medicines for the treatment of toenail fungus are divided into 2 groups:

• Topical preparations - this group includes therapeutic ointments, creams, varnishes and gels. They are usually used in the initial stage of treatment, when the disease is detected in time;
• Antifungals are antifungal drugs with a systemic effect that are used orally. It is available in the form of tablets and capsules, which can eliminate the activity of the fungus. They have the ability to block the spread of mycosis, have a long-lasting effect, which prevents the recurrence of the disease.

These groups of drugs can be prescribed individually or can be a means of complex therapy, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.

Doctors also give additional recommendations:

• Use only personal hygiene products and household items (towel, towel, dishes, etc. );
• Follow a personal diet prescribed by a doctor;
• Treat and ventilate the shoes so that during the treatment the fungus does not create a favorable environment for reproduction;
• Remember to take vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system. both during and after treatment.

Antifungal ointments

In the treatment of toenail fungus, it is important to use topical preparations only in cases where the lesion is not serious and occupies less than half of the nail plate. Or in cases of individual intolerance to the components of systemic drugs. After all, drugs such as antifungal ointments do not penetrate enough into the tissues and therefore do not have the ability to heal a person effectively and completely. But as an adjunct therapy to relieve external symptoms and prevention are great.

It should be remembered that first the affected part of the nail is cut and then not only the nail but also the soft tissues, the areas around it should be treated with ointment.

Topical therapy will be effective with the participation of such means for the treatment of nail fungus:

• Hypoallergenic drug with minimal side effects, well tolerated by the body. The composition contains such a non-toxic component as a polyene antibiotic (tetraene polyene group). The ointment is applied in a thin layer on the affected areas, usually for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the stage of the disease;
• A preparation capable of penetrating deep into the skin has a storage effect. Also use a thin layer on dry affected areas. The course is at least two months.

Special varnishes

Toenail fungus varnishes are the most convenient to use, but are also suitable only in the early stages of fungal infection. You should use them only two to three times a week, applying to the affected nails. Here are examples of proven and effective varnishes:

• The active component of the varnish is a derivative of morpholine, which can quickly destroy up to 10 types of infectious agents, destroying them at the cellular level. The drug is applied by pre-steaming the nails, in a course of complete remission;
• The active substance of the varnish is able to destroy 58 types of fungal pathogens. The course of treatment is 3 months, with a gradual decrease in the frequency of use per week (the first month the nail is applied every other day, then twice a week and in the last stage only once a week).

ethnoscience

Folk remedies cope well with the symptoms of fungal infections, but work only in combination with drugs.

There are many natural components, natural remedies and treatment methods that do not require large costs. These can be various herbs, potassium permanganate, iodine and vinegar for baths, solutions, tea tree oils and eucalyptus. But because nail fungus is a complex and long-term disease, it also requires the approval of your dermatologist. In the end, there is a high risk of complications and subsequent loss of the nail completely and forever.

The following alternative methods are often recommended to relieve symptoms:

• Rub the affected areas of the nail with garlic;
• Immerse your feet in water with washing powder;
• Lotions with baking soda diluted with water (to achieve a thick consistency and apply on the nail for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water);
• Invest in socks such herbs as: nettle, mint, chamomile, sage, propolis (change the contents of the socks every day).

Below we will get acquainted in more detail with other folk methods.

Vinegar baths

Vinegar baths are one of the best folk remedies for the treatment of toenail fungus.

Apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar are suitable for recipes. At the same time, it is important to observe the correct proportions and use only natural products, without any chemical additives.

• Recipe №1: Soak your feet once or twice with water mixed with apple cider vinegar in a ratio of one to one. The duration of the procedure is approximately 20 minutes and it is better to extend the course of treatment for 2 weeks with daily baths;
• Recipe number 2: Dilute 5 tablespoons of 9% wine vinegar in 2 liters of hot water. Boil your feet for at least 30 minutes and then clean the softened stratum corneum on the nail plate with a stick. It is then recommended to apply an antifungal agent immediately. Extend the course of the procedure for a month, using baths daily, preferably 2 times a day.

Tea tree oil

An effective antifungal agent that is obtained by pressing the oil from the leaves of the tea plant. It is used all over the world to treat other pathologies, in the form of acne, scratches and abrasions. Recommended for use in the following ways:

1. Steam your feet and lubricate the affected area of skin and nails with tea tree oil in an amount of five to ten drops using a cotton swab. No need to rinse. The course of the procedure: 3 times a day, at least two weeks;
2. Add 5-10 drops of oil to a liter of hot water and keep your feet in such a bath for about half an hour. The course can last 2 months.

Tea tree oil is not recommended for pregnant women.

Iodine treatment

The most famous and inexpensive method recommended by dermatologists around the world. The secret of this tool is that iodine has the ability to fold proteins. And as we know, pathogens have a protein structure because they feed on keratin - a type of fibrillar protein.

How to treat feet with iodine?

• Method number 1:

  Apply one drop of 5% iodine solution on the affected nail 2 times a day and once a day on adjacent healthy nails. After about a week, a painful sensation will appear in the form of a burning sensation, which will mean that the destruction of fungal pathogens has begun. The course of treatment may exceed one month, until full recovery;

• Method number 2:

  Boil your feet in a bath of hot water, soda and salt for 30 minutes (1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of salt). Remove keratinized areas with scissors and dry your feet. Then apply 3 coats of iodine solution on each affected area of the nail (apply 1 coat, wait until completely dry and apply the next). The course of the procedure: 1 time per day for a month.

Children can be exposed to nail fungus

As you may have guessed, such a disease as toenail fungus can develop not only in adults but also in children.

Children can catch the cause of the fungus anywhere. Get infected by contact with an already infected person, by a domestic case of poor hygiene, which we discussed above, or by injury by getting dirt into the wound, which can develop later as an infection.

In children, nail fungus can easily affect one or more fingers and toes. The first symptoms appear as small white or yellow spots on the nail. The infection can occur slowly, eventually spreading to the entire nail and completely changing its color. In addition, there is deformation of the nail plate and disintegration of the nail, accompanied by excruciating pain.

Symptoms of nail fungus in children

Let's take a closer look at the symptoms of nail fungal infection in children:

• There is a thickening of the nail plate;
• Deformation of the nail, accompanied by its fragility;
• In appearance, the nails become dull, weak, without natural shine;
• If the fungus is actively developing its vital activity under the nail, the nail plate may become brown, green or dirty yellow;
• In complications of the disease, the nail emits an unpleasant odor.

Causes of nail fungus in children

The cause of infection, as in adults, lies mainly in the defeat of parasites - dermatophyte fungi. This type of fungus loves warm and humid environments and is found in a large number of public places such as showers, bathtubs and swimming pools, where it is easy to get up. The nail bed is a convenient habitat for such a parasite, where they can also go through invisible cuts.

Children are at risk of infection more often because their immune system is still not strong enough and because they neglect the rules of hygiene.

Treatment of nail fungus in children

Methods of treating nail fungus in children are usually not much different from treating the same fungus in adults. It is advisable to pay attention to the symptoms in time and consult a doctor to get a prescription for medication. It is best to use topical creams, ointments and varnishes, but their effectiveness in the development of infection will be very small. Therefore, oral medications are often attached to treatment. Such systemic remedies should be taken for a long time until a healthy nail completely replaces the infected. However, such drugs have a number of side infections that can manifest themselves in the form of skin rashes, damage to internal organs. It is forbidden to use for children with liver pathologies, heart problems. But all this is individual, so it is so important not to self-medicate and find a qualified dermatologist.

In general, it is not as difficult to treat fungal nail disease in children as it is to prevent it. To do this, it is worth talking to children more often about the rules of hygiene.

Toenail fungus, photo