Onychomycosis: prevention of nail fungus

A few years ago, fungal diseases of the nails were not given much attention, but now everyone understands the need for timely detection and treatment of massive infectious fungal infections caused by various dermatophyte fungi. Thanks to the awareness of the general public, the number of referrals to specialists with this pathology has increased, which in turn has led to an increase in the detection of foot mycoses. Self-diagnosis is the decisive factor in this case, since any deformation of the nail plate without any reason (for example, injury) is primarily suspected of fungal infection. Thus, any change in the nail plate is a reason to contact a dermatologist, because at least half of such disorders will have a fungal etiology, and the rest will again require a careful diagnosis carried out by a specialist.

Factors that cause fungus:

1. In fact, fungal nail infection is a slow disease that is not life-threatening and does not cause pain or discomfort. It more often affects the elderly population, who associate changes in appearance with the aging process.
2. Patients themselves are often embarrassed by the disease, are not ready for the financial costs of treatment, or are convinced that it is incurable. Many people begin to treat themselves and do not see the disease as a reason to consult a specialist.
3. Since the disease mainly affects the feet, even during a medical examination or doctor's examination, without specific patient complaints about changes in the nails, the matter usually does not come directly to the foot examination. This is helped even by the extremely short time allotted for the admission of patients in specialized institutions, which, unfortunately, forces doctors to examine only the main reason for the visit.

Fungal infection of the nails lasts quite a long timeTherefore, the sooner the disease is detected, the higher the probability of its complete recovery. In addition, the earlier initiation of therapy allows us to limit ourselves only to the use of external preparations and nail cleaning, and this is possible only when the infection affects a single nail from the distal or lateral edges, which is less than 1/3-1. /2 plates. Topical external therapy is used to treat the initial stages of fungal nail infection. Advanced forms of fungal infection require longer and more expensive treatment. Periodic preventive examinations and medical examinations of the population play a special role in the early detection of nail mycosis.

Results

This seemingly harmless disease can have very serious consequences:

• smooth skin damage and secondary infection;
• fungal sensitivity with the formation of allergic reactions and foci of microbial eczema;
• aggravation of chronic dermatoses, varicose veins of the lower extremities and leg damage in diabetes mellitus, etc.

It is impossible not to mention the epidemiological importance of existing foci of fungal infection: a sick person will infect public places and other people and will be a source of intra-family transmission of fungal infection in everyday life.

Nail fungus (medically called onychomycosis) is a very common disease. According to doctors, it affects more than 15% of the world's population, although this pathology is diagnosed less often (in 2% of people). This inconsistency is simply explained: if the nail fungus does not threaten life and deteriorate its quality, in most cases it is very insignificant. Therefore, people do not always consult a doctor about onychomycosis, try to cope with the disease on their own, or simply leave it without treatment.

Nail fungus develops quite slowly. Therefore, the first signs of fungal infection usually escape the attention of the patient. When the changes in the nail caused by the fungus begin to be noticeable, it means that the process has already gone far enough and it will not be easy to defeat the fungus.

Onychomycosis is often considered a cosmetic problem: nails affected by the fungus look unpleasant. But to return the nails to the right shape and shine, you only need to fight the fungus. If the fungus is not treated, it will spread further. Usually the thumb nail is affected first. If treatment is not started, the fungus spreads to other toes, and because we inevitably touch our feet with our hands, it is possible that the nails and nails can later become infected with the fungus. The fungus also spreads to the skin surrounding the nail, causing irritation and itching.

Causes of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis can be caused by different types of fungi. First of all, these are dermatophytes. In second place are yeast fungi of the Candida genus, which are always in small quantities on human skin (they mostly affect nails). Infection with mold fungi is also possible (they usually accompany other pathogens. Isolated infection with mold fungi is characteristic of tropical climates, not ours).

The risk of fungal infection increases with age. Nail fungus is very rare in children, and on the contrary, it is relatively common in older people. Moreover, men suffer from onychomycosis more often than women.

The age specificity of the fungus is explained by the fact that our local immunity decreases over the years, the natural defense of a young body, as a rule, suppresses the activity of fungi well, preventing them from colonizing the nail plate. There is a dependence not only on local immunity, but also on general immunity. A weakened general immune system is a favorable background for the development of any fungal infection.

For fungi of the genus Candida, it is enough to have problems with the immune system: they simply begin to multiply actively. Fungi of other species must still somehow enter our body from the external environment. Some types of fungi can be carried by animals. Molds are found everywhere; they can reproduce without a host. But in most cases, fungal infection is transmitted from person to person.

Fungi love a moist environment. Therefore, fungal infection often occurs in places with high humidity. These are swimming pools, saunas, changing rooms, gyms. Wearing socks and shoes on wet feet can also be a trigger.

If there are wounds and cracks, they allow the infection to penetrate directly into the tissues, avoiding the need to storm the protective barrier that forms the surface of our skin.

The spread of fungi is facilitated by negligence in personal hygiene: you should not use someone else's slippers, soap or towel. Because every family does not follow this rule, nail fungus often becomes a family disease.

Damage to the nail usually starts at the edge. Dermatophytes penetrate under the free edge of the nail plate (subungual recess). In this case, the pathological process develops mainly in the nail bed. The second way of penetration of fungi is through the nail bed. Candida fungus usually first affects the back layer of the nails (paronychia occurs), and only then the nail itself suffers. One type of dermatophyte (T. mentagrophytes) can penetrate directly through the nail plate.

Symptoms of onychomycosis

The first sign of a fungal infection is loss of shine, blurring and discoloration of the nail. Itching occurs when the infection affects the skin around the nail. If treatment is not started, the fungus begins to destroy the nail plate: the surface of the nail becomes rough, the nail may flake, flake, break, collapse.

Specific manifestations depend on the pathogen, as well as the place, duration and form of the pathological process. There are normotrophic, hypertrophic and atrophic forms of fungal infection.

It is characterized by the fact that the thickness of the nail plate remains unchanged. The disease manifests itself in the form of white or yellowish spots that gradually increase in size. Finally, the color of the entire nail changes. Peeling of the nail plate may occur, because the connection of the nail with the subungual tissues is disturbed.

It is characterized by a significant increase in the thickness of the nail plate (due to the growth of the subungual epithelium). The nail becomes brownish-yellowish or gray. The nail plate is usually actively shedding. The nail is especially damaged on the side, resulting in a claw-like shape.

With this form of fungal infection, the nail becomes thinner and starts to die from the outer edge. Destruction goes deeper, to the back nail layer; the nail bed is filled with a loose mass formed by decaying particles of the epithelium. Eventually, the nail may be completely lost.

Methods of diagnosis of onychomycosis

Nail discoloration and fragility should be a reason to consult a dermatologist. You should not replace the doctor and diagnose yourself - you may make a mistake: changes in the nail may have a different cause.

The doctor makes a diagnosis based on a visual examination (a microscope can be used). Laboratory diagnostics are performed to confirm the diagnosis. It is also necessary to determine the type of pathogen (this will allow you to determine the most effective treatment).

During the appointment, the doctor will scrape the affected nail plate. If the pathological process affected only the free edge of the nail, then scraping of the subungual epithelium is also performed.

Microscopy is performed in a laboratory. Cultural studies are also carried out (the material is placed in a favorable environment and it is seen whether the fungal colony is visible). Culture studies allow us to determine which fungi are causing the disease.

To make an accurate diagnosis of the disease, make an appointment with the specialists of the Family Doctor network.

Methods of treatment of onychomycosis

Treatment of nail fungus involves removing the affected part of the nail. Then, the treatment is carried out using local antifungal agents (ointments, drops, sprays, varnishes). For significant lesions, the doctor may prescribe general antifungal agents (tablets).

Since fungal activity increases in the context of immune problems, the proposed course of treatment may include measures aimed at increasing general immunity.

It is recommended to apply local products (ointments, creams, drops) to the open nail bed. Do not stop treating the affected area until the period prescribed by your doctor is over. Before removing the treatment, the doctor will probably do another scraping so that a laboratory test can confirm that the fungus is not present. Otherwise, the risk of recurrence of the disease is high.

Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Recipes with vinegar to treat nail fungus

Having discovered a fungus on the toenails, only a few decide to seek help from a specialist. Others often ignore the problem until it reaches an advanced stage. Considering the expensive drug treatment, more and more people choose folk remedies to eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of the disease.

Treating nail fungus with vinegar is the easiest home method to get rid of an unpleasant disease. Easy and affordable recipes, if used correctly, will help to quickly treat the initial infection. Vinegar and eggs, in addition to drugs, help significantly in the complex treatment of onychomycosis. The product is also used to prevent and quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

Reviews of folk remedies for toenail fungus using vinegar essence and eggs are mostly positive. Many patients say that with the help of this tool, they were able to overcome the disease in just 2-3 weeks. However, this effect can be achieved only if onychomycosis is in an undeveloped form.

Fungus causes and symptoms

Symptoms and photos of the disease:

1. change in plate thickness - thickening or thinning;
2. unpleasant smell;
3. swelling, hyperemia, pain of nail folds;
4. the appearance of stripes or spots of different colors - white, yellow, black;
5. plate delamination and destruction, deformation.

In the later stages, the plates move away from the bed, become mobile, severe pain is felt when moving. Deformed plates make it difficult to put on shoes. For women, difficulties increase due to the fact that they cannot wear open sandals because their appearance suffers. Onychomycosis is usually accompanied by a skin infection, when the limbs become itchy, peeling, and the skin peels. Vinegar essence, which is available in any home, can be a real salvation in the initial stage of nail fungus treatment.

The causative agent of onychomycosis is opportunistic, they are always around people. What factors contribute to the development of the disease:

• decreased immunity;
• constant contact with a sick person and his belongings;
• wearing and using other people's clothes and hygiene products - washcloths, slippers, manicure and pedicure accessories;
• ignoring hygiene rules;
• increased sweating of the extremities;
• visiting beauty salons with weak antiseptics.

Onychomycosis is easy to catch. It will take a long time to treat nail fungus with vinegar, as well as with any antifungal agent. Often, the infection is detected when the pathogen penetrates deeply into the nail plates and their destruction is evident.

How does vinegar affect the source of the disease?

The positive effect of treating nail fungus with acetic acid is due to its effect on pathogenic microorganisms. An acidic environment is harmful to dermatophytes.

When in contact with acid for a long time, the fungus stops multiplying and dies.

Ointment for treatment

An ointment that can quickly and effectively treat the fungus can be prepared according to the following recipes:

1. Take glycerin and any 7% or 9% vinegar and mix everything. The amount of components should be used in such a way that it is necessary to create a paste consistency. After that, the finished mixture is applied to the feet about 2 times a day.
2. Take 1 egg and soak it in 70% vinegar essence. After waiting for the solution of the shell, it is necessary to remove the film and mix the white and yellow with 200 g of butter. Before using the ointment, it is recommended to steam your feet well. It should be kept for up to 8 hours, so it is better to use the product at night.

You can prepare an ointment to treat nail fungus at home using one of the following recipes:

• Take equal parts of glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phthalate. Mix and add double 70% vinegar essence to the resulting mixture and mix again. Apply to nails and leave for 10 hours, then wash with laundry soap and water;
• Take 40 g of eucalyptus essential oil, 1 large spoon of 9% vinegar and 15 g of honey, mix everything and put it in the refrigerator for 3 days. After that, the finished ointment should be applied to the affected nail plate once a day.

You can use vinegar against toenail fungus by cauterization. The main advantage of this method is that it requires minimal time and its efficiency is comparable to other methods.

How to prepare the mixture? Traditionally, vinegar and iodine are mixed in equal parts and applied to all nail plates of the feet. The amount of product applied depends on the size of your plate. Usually use no more than 2-4 drops. Then, you need to wait until the solution is absorbed and you can get dressed or, for example, sleep. The procedure is carried out no more than 1-2 times a day.

What causes yeast infections?

Mushroomsspreading from the foot (known as"dermatophyte fungi"), the most common cause of fungal nail infections. Less commonly, nail infections are caused by other types of fungus, usually yeast (such as yeast).Candida) Andmold.

These fungi tend to attack nails that are already damaged because it is easier for the fungus to penetrate. Fungal infections of the toenails are very common (1 in 4 people may be affected at some point), while toenail fungus is less common. Both types are more common in older people, people with weakened immune systems, people with diabetes, and people with poor peripheral circulation. A warm, moist environment helps fungi grow and cause infection. Wearing tight shoes or using showers, bathrooms, or locker rooms can increase the risk of yeast infection.

Are they hereditary?

Definitely. However, in some extremely rare cases, there is a genetic risk factor and other family members may also be affected.

What are the symptoms of a fungal nail infection?

In the beginning, there are usually no symptoms. The toenails can then become thickened and painful when pressure is applied to the inside of the shoe. Then it is difficult to cut them. The appearance of an infected nail, especially a toenail, can be embarrassing. The affected nail can ruin socks and tights and also rub the adjacent skin. The nearby skin may also have a fungal infection; it may appear itchy, cracked, blistered, or whitish, especially between the toes.

What do fungal nail infections look like?

Nail fungus infectionit usually starts at its free edge and then spreads along the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Eventually, the entire nail may be affected. Infected areas are white or yellowish, thickened and raised. Less commonly, there may be white inclusions on the surface of the nail. The nails most susceptible to fungal infections are the big and little toes. Sometimes, the skin around the nail becomes red and swollen, especially for those who do regular wet jobs such as housewives or cleaners. This is called paronychia and can allow infection to easily enter the nail.

How is a fungal nail infection diagnosed?

Fungal infections of the nailsusually diagnosed clinically. Your doctor may take a piece of the infected nail and send it to a lab to see if the fungus can be seen under a microscope or grown in culture. Sometimes repeat samples may be required.

Many nail problems can only appear like thisfungal infection, - for example, changes observed in psoriasis, after a bacterial infection or an old injury, but antifungal tablets will not help. Proper treatment may depend on knowing which fungus is causing the problem; It may take several weeks to see results.

Can nail fungus infections be treated?

Yes. But to be successfultreatment of fungal nail infectionLong-term treatment is required, which can take up to a year. Nails are easier to treat.Fungal infections of the nailsit usually recurs, especially in the toes.

How to treat fungal nail infections?

Fungal infections of the nailsare not bothersome in themselves, not all of them require treatment. Some people with infected toenails don't worry about them at all. In this case, they can sometimes remain alone (although the patient must be careful and try not to spread the infection to other parts of the body and nails or to other people).

On the other hand, ifinfected nailscause embarrassment or anxiety, they are usually treated. It is important to treat people whose infections can cause serious health problems, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, to prevent potentially serious health problems.

The goal of treatment is to get rid of the fungus: then the nail usually returns to normal. But if the nail is damaged before it becomes infected, it will be more difficult to clean and may return to its previous state.Nail infectionscaused by mold and yeast can be very resistant to treatment.

Treatment options include:

Nail treatments (topical treatments)

Nail treatments are not as effective as oral treatments. They are most effective when the infection is at an early stage. The most commonly used methods are drug nail polish amorolfine, ciclopirox and tioconazole solution.

They may not be able to clean the deeper parts of the infected nail on their own, but regular removal of the affected part of the nail using nail clippers or sandpaper can help. Oral medications used with an antifungal agent increase the likelihood of cure. They should be used for 4-12 months before an effect is noted.

fornail infectionsthe course of treatment is shorter. The cure rate with local treatment alone is about 15-30%. Local treatment is safe. Redness and irritation may occur.

Before you start taking the pills, your doctor must send a part of the nail to the laboratory to check that the diagnosis of fungal infection is confirmed.

Laser and photodynamic therapy can be helpful, but are less effective than the topical and systemic treatments listed above.

Herbal products are also encouragedtreatment of fungal nail infection, but there is no convincing evidence that it is safer or more effective than standard treatments.

Surgical removal of nails

Sometimes very thick nails that do not respond to pills alone can be removed by surgeons under local anesthesia, but this is rarely done because the level of results does not justify surgery.

Self care

• Keep nails short, dry and clean. Use one clipper for infected nails and the other for normal nails.
• Don't just treat your nails; Use an antifungal cream to treat the skin on your feet.
• Avoid cutting cuticles yourself or by a nail technician, as this increases the risk of nail damage and infection.

For a fungal infection on the toes:

• Wear comfortable shoes without high heels or tight socks.
• Keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks and change them daily, and use breathable shoes. Regular washing in hot water will clean most soiled socks, but using an antifungal spray before washing may be more effective. Other clothing cannot be soiled at all.
• Practice good foot hygiene, including treating any infections.
• Wear clean shower shoes when using shared showers.
• Pay particular attention to the hygiene of the affected feet.
• If ingrown toenails cause discomfort when walking, consider seeking help from a podiatrist.

results

Vinegar and eggs against nail fungus have positive results when used daily. If no effect is observed during treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start drug therapy. In this case, you can continue to use folk methods - they will only speed up the healing process.

It should be remembered that the treatment of onychomycosis will always take a long time. It may take several months to a year with regular treatment procedures to achieve full recovery.