Any change in the shape and color of the nail plates may indicate the presence of a fungal infection.In medicine, they are called onychomycosis, popularly called nail fungus.If detected at an early stage, there is a high probability of a quick recovery;advanced forms 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 they occur in 7-16% of the population.Their presence is closely related to many factors, from social to individual characteristics of the body.
What does nail fungus look like in the early stages?
Almost always, the initial stage of nail fungus is asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only sometimes, small yellow spots can be observed on the nail plate or a slight itching can be felt on the finger.Almost always, the lesion begins on the 1st and 5th fingers and looks like changes:
- Nail colors (yellow, brown shades);
- 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 pain can be added.
Note!Onychomycosis occurs more often on the legs, less often on the arms.Very often, if the patient is already sick with mycosis of the feet, it appears as a result of an injury during a manicure or pedicure.
Classification of onychomycosis
Today, it is customary to classify onychomycosis not only taking into account the clinical features of damage to the nail plate, but also based on the options for penetration of fungi into it.The following types of onychomycosis are distinguished:
- distal;
- distal-lateral;
- white surface;
- proximal subungual;
- completely dystrophic.
The first two forms are the most common, because in them the pathogen enters the nail from the affected skin of the feet.They are characterized by a long course, the lesion process slowly spreads over the entire nail in the form of an oval yellow spot or fragmentation.
A distinctive feature of white superficial onychomycosis is damage to the nail plates of the first fingers in the initial stage.Damage to the matrix and nail bed is extremely 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.
Pathogens of nail fungus are also divided into three groups:
- dermatophytes;
- Yeast fungi of the genus Candida;
- mold fungi.
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.
The main factors for the development of onychomycosis
Many people wonder how it is that we all visit baths, saunas, swimming pools, beaches, but only some of us get nail fungus.The fact is that not only a favorable environment is needed for the reproduction of fungi, but also weakened protective functions of the body.The risk group includes people with problems related to:
- veins of the lower extremities;
- overweight;
- deformation of straight legs and feet;
- an increase in the level of glucose in the blood, which is used by fungi 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 at the initial stage?
If you have any suspicion of nail fungus, you should immediately consult 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 carried out before prescribing.If problems are found, the drug is replaced by another.
Treatment of nail fungus at home is acceptable if you know the pathogen and are in the early stages.Then, by following the rules of disinfection (processing underwear, socks, shoes, treating the nail plate, etc.), you can quickly get rid of the disease without taking systemic drugs.
With the treatment of advanced nail fungus, everything is more complicated, because here it is necessary not only to fight with the external manifestations of the disease, but also to remove the pathogen from the body.Here, in addition to attention, the patient needs patience and time, because the therapy can last for years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to ask for help from a specialist, then when you detect the first signs of nail fungus, you can rinse the affected areas with iodine and hydrogen peroxide, which are considered effective in the fight against dermatophytes and candidiasis.For a month, it is recommended to treat the entire nail with iodine in the morning and peroxide in the evening.Before treatment, wash your feet clean, wipe dry and trim the affected nail as much as possible.