Onychomycosis: prevention of nail fungus

Just a few years ago, fungal nail diseases were not given much importance, whereas now everyone understands the need for timely detection and treatment of a massive contagious fungal infection caused by a variety of dermatophyte fungi. Thanks to widespread public awareness, the number of visits to specialists with this pathology has increased, which in turn has led to an increase in the detection of mycoses of the feet. Since any deformation of the nail plate for no apparent reason (for example, injury) is primarily suspected of a fungal infection, self-diagnosis in this case is a decisive factor. 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 require careful diagnosis, again carried out by a specialist.

Factors leading to fungus:

1. Actually, fungal nail infection is a sluggish disease that does not lead to life-threatening conditions and does not cause pain or discomfort. More often it affects the elderly population, who often associate changes in appearance with the aging process.
2. The sick themselves are often embarrassed by the disease, are not prepared for the financial costs of treatment, or are confident that it is incurable. Many people begin to self-medicate and do not see the disease as a reason to see a specialist.
3. Since the disease mainly affects the feet, even during medical examinations or examinations by doctors, the matter usually does not come directly to the examination of the feet, without specific patient complaints about changes in the nails. This is facilitated by the extremely short time allotted for seeing patients even in specialized institutions, which, unfortunately, forces doctors to examine them only for the main reason for the visit.

Fungal infection of nails lasts quite a long timeTherefore, the earlier the disease is detected, the higher the likelihood of its complete cure. In addition, an earlier start of therapy allows us to limit ourselves to the use of only external preparations and nail cleanings, and this is only possible if the infection has affected single nails from the distal or lateral edges of less than 1/3-1/2 of the plate. Local 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 mycoses.

Consequences

This seemingly harmless disease can have very serious complications:

• damage to smooth skin and secondary infection;
• fungal sensitization with the formation of allergic reactions and foci of microbial eczema;
• complication of chronic dermatoses, varicose veins of the lower extremities and foot lesions in diabetes mellitus, etc.

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

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

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

Onychomycosis is often perceived as a cosmetic problem: nails affected by the fungus look unsightly. But it is necessary to fight fungus not only in order to return the nails to the correct shape and shine. If the fungus is not treated, it will spread further. Usually the big toe nail is the first to be affected. If treatment is not started, the fungus spreads to other toes, and since we inevitably touch our feet with our hands, it is possible that the nails and fingernails will subsequently become infected with fungus. The fungus also spreads to the skin surrounding the nail, causing irritation and itching.

Causes of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis can be caused by various types of fungi. First of all, these are dermatophytes. In second place are yeast fungi of the genus Candida, which are always present in small quantities on human skin (they most often affect fingernails). Infection with mold fungi is also possible (they usually accompany other pathogens. Isolated infection with mold fungi is typical not for our climate, but for the tropical climate).

The risk of fungal infection increases with age. In children, nail fungus is very rare, and, conversely, in older people it is detected relatively often. 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, while the natural defense of a young body, as a rule, well suppresses the activity of fungi, 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 that there are problems with the immune system: they simply begin to actively reproduce. Fungi of other species still need to somehow get into our body from the external environment. Some types of fungi can be carried by animals. Molds are found everywhere; they are able to reproduce without a host. However, in most cases, the fungal infection spreads from person to person.

Mushrooms love a moist environment. Therefore, fungal infection often occurs in places where humidity is high. These are swimming pools, saunas, locker 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. It is precisely because not every family follows this rule that nail fungus often becomes a family disease.

Damage to the nail usually begins at the edge. Dermatophytes penetrate under the free edge of the nail plate (into the subungual recess). In this case, the pathological process develops mainly in the nail bed. The second route of penetration of fungi is from the nail fold. Candida fungus usually affects the posterior nail fold first (paronychia occurs), and only then does the nail itself suffer. One type of dermatophyte (T. mentagrophytes) can penetrate directly through the nail plate.

Symptoms of onychomycosis

The first sign of a fungal infection is the loss of shine of the nail, clouding, and discoloration. In cases where the infection affects the skin around the nail, itching occurs. If treatment is not started, the fungus begins to destroy the nail plate: the surface of the nail becomes rough, the nail can flake, flake, break, crumble.

Specific manifestations depend on the pathogen, as well as on the location, duration of the pathological process and its form. 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, which gradually increase in size. Eventually, the color of the entire nail changes. The nail plate may peel off because the fusion of the nail with the subungual tissues is disrupted.

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 in color. The nail plate usually actively crumbles. The nail is especially damaged from the sides, resulting in a claw-like shape.

With this form of fungal infection, the nail becomes thinner and destroyed, starting from the outer edge. The destruction goes deeper, to the posterior nail fold; the nail bed is filled with a loose mass formed by decaying particles of the epithelium. Eventually, the nail may be lost completely.

Methods for diagnosing onychomycosis

Changes in color and brittleness of nails should be a reason to consult a dermatologist. You should not replace the doctor and diagnose yourself - you can make a mistake: changes in the nail may have a different cause.

The doctor makes a diagnosis based on a visual examination (a microscope may be used). To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory diagnostics are performed. It is also necessary in order to establish the type of pathogen (this will allow the most effective treatment to be prescribed).

At the appointment, the doctor will scrape the affected nail plate. If the pathological process has affected only the free edge of the nail, then a scraping of the subungual epithelium is also taken.

Microscopy is performed in the laboratory. Cultural studies are also carried out (the material is placed in a favorable environment and it is seen whether a colony of fungi appears). Cultural studies make it possible to determine which fungi caused the disease.

To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with specialists from the Family Doctor network.

Treatment methods for onychomycosis

Treatment for nail fungus involves removing the affected part of the nail. Next, 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 overall immunity.

It is advisable to apply local products (ointments, creams, drops) to the open nail bed. Do not stop treating the affected area until the time prescribed by your doctor has expired. Before removing the treatment, the doctor will most likely do another scraping so that a laboratory test can confirm the absence of fungus. Otherwise, there is a high risk of relapse of the disease.

Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Recipes with vinegar to treat nail fungus

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

Treating nail fungus with vinegar is the easiest home way to get rid of an unpleasant disease. Easy and affordable recipes, if used correctly, will help quickly cure an incipient infection. Vinegar and eggs provide significant assistance in the complex therapy of onychomycosis, acting as an addition to medications. The product is also used for the prevention and rapid relief of unpleasant symptoms.

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

Causes and symptoms of fungus

Symptoms of the disease and photos:

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

In the later stages, the plates move away from the bed, become mobile, and severe pain is felt when moving. Deformed plates make it difficult to wear shoes. For women, the troubles increase due to the inability to wear open sandals, as their appearance suffers. Onychomycosis is usually accompanied by skin infection, in which the limbs itch, peel, and the skin peels off. Vinegar essence, which is available in any home, can be a real salvation at the initial stage of treatment for nail fungus.

The causative agents of onychomycosis are opportunistic; they are constantly present near humans. What factors contribute to the development of the disease:

• decreased immunity;
• constant contact with a sick person and his things;
• wearing and using someone else's clothing and hygiene products - washcloths, slippers, manicure and pedicure accessories;
• ignoring hygiene rules;
• increased sweating of the extremities;
• visiting beauty salons with poor antiseptics.

It is easy to become infected with onychomycosis. It will take a long time to cure nail fungus with vinegar, as well as any antifungal agent. Often, infection is detected when the pathogen has penetrated deep into the nail plates and their destruction is obvious.

How does vinegar affect the source of the disease?

The positive effect that comes from treating nail fungus with acetic acid is created by its effect on pathogenic microorganisms. An acidic environment is detrimental to dermatophytes.

With prolonged contact with acid, the fungus stops multiplying and dies.

Ointment for treatment

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

1. Take glycerin and any 7% or 9% vinegar and mix everything. The quantity of components must be used in such a way that it is necessary to form a paste consistency. After this, the finished mixture is applied to the feet approximately 2 times a day.
2. You need to take 1 egg and dip it in 70% vinegar essence. After waiting for the shell to dissolve, you need to remove the film and mix the white and yolk 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 make an ointment to treat nail fungus at home using one of the following recipes:

• Take glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phthalate in equal parts. Stir and add a double share of 70% vinegar essence to the resulting mixture and mix again. Apply to the nail and leave for 10 hours, and then wash off using 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 place in the refrigerator for 3 days. After this, the finished ointment must be applied to the affected nail plate once a day.

You can use vinegar against toenail fungus through cauterization. The main advantage of this method is that it requires a minimum of time, and the 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. Next, you need to wait until the solution is absorbed and you can get dressed or, for example, go to bed. The procedure is performed no more than 1–2 times a day.

What Causes Fungal Infections?

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

These fungi tend to attack nails that are already damaged, as 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 in time), while toenail fungus is less common. Both types are most common in older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes and poor peripheral circulation. A warm, moist environment helps fungi grow and cause infection. Wearing tight shoes or using showers, bathrooms or locker rooms may increase the risk of yeast infections.

Are they hereditary?

Absolutely not. 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 fungal nail infections?

Initially there are usually no symptoms. Later, the nails may thicken and become painful when pressure is applied to the inside of the shoe. They are then difficult to trim. The sight of an infected nail, especially a fingernail, can be embarrassing. The affected nail can ruin socks and tights and can also rub adjacent skin. The skin nearby may also have a fungal infection; it may itch, crack, blister, or appear whitish, especially between the toes.

What do fungal nail infections look like?

Nail fungal infectionusually start from its free edge and then spread along the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Eventually the entire nail may be affected. Infected areas become white or yellowish and become thickened and flaky. Less commonly, there may be white inclusions on the surface of the nail. The nails most susceptible to damage from fungal infections are the big toes and little toes. Sometimes, especially for those who regularly do wet work, such as housewives or cleaners, the skin around the nail becomes red and swollen. This is called paronychia and can allow infection to easily enter the nail.

How are fungal nail infections diagnosed?

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

Many nail problems may only look likefungal 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 fungal nail infections be cured?

Yes. However, for successfultreating fungal nail infectionLong-term treatment is required, which can take up to a year. Fingernails are easier to treat.Fungal nail infectionsusually recur, especially on the toes.

How can fungal nail infections be treated?

Fungal nail infectionsare not disturbing 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 be left alone (although the patient must remain 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 inconvenience, they are usually treated. It is important to treat people whose infections may 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. However, if the nail was damaged before it became 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:

Treatments applied to the nails (local treatments)

Treatments applied to the nails do not work as well as treatments administered orally. They are most effective if the infection is at an early stage. The most commonly used methods are medicinal 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 regularly removing the damaged part of the nail using nail clippers or sanding can help. Oral medications used in combination with an antifungal agent increase the likelihood of cure. They may need to be used for 4-12 months before effects are noted.

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

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

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

Plant-based products are also promoted fortreating fungal nail infection, but there is no convincing evidence that it is safe or more effective than standard treatments.

Surgical nail removal

Sometimes very thick nails that do not respond to pills alone can be removed by surgeons under local anesthesia, however this is rarely done as the level of outcome 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, either by yourself or by a nail technician, as this increases the risk of nail damage and infection.

For fungal infection on toes:

• Wear comfortable-fitting 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 contaminated socks, but it can be made more effective by using an antifungal spray before washing. Other clothing generally cannot be contaminated.
• Maintain good foot hygiene, including treating any infection.
• Wear clean shower shoes when using shared showers.
• Be especially careful about the hygiene of affected feet.
• Consider seeking help from a podiatrist if thickened toenails cause discomfort when walking.

conclusions

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

It must be remembered that treatment for onychomycosis will always take a long time. To achieve complete recovery, it may take several months to a year with regular treatment procedures.