Any changes in the shape and color of the nail plates may indicate the presence of a fungal infection.In medicine they are called onychomycosis, popularly – nail fungus.If detected at the initial stage, there is a high probability of a quick cure; advanced forms can be treated for years and not always with positive success.It is worth noting that onychomycosis is common throughout the world, and in Russia they occur in 7-16% of residents.Their presence is closely related to many factors, ranging from social to individual characteristics of the body.
What does nail fungus look like at the initial stage?
Almost always, the initial stage of nail fungus is asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only occasionally may small yellow spots be observed on the nail plate or a slight itch may be felt on the finger.Almost always, the lesion begins with the 1st and 5th toes and it looks like changes:
- Nail colors (yellow, shades of brown);
- Shape of the nail plate (either thickening or vice versa – thinning is observed);
- Deformation (appearance of longitudinal and transverse stripes of yellow or white color).
In addition to all visible changes, subjective sensations in the form of itching and soreness may be added.
Note!Onychomycosis is more common on the legs, less often on the arms.Very often it appears as a result of injury during a manicure or pedicure, if the patient is already sick with mycosis of the feet.
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 variants of fungal penetration into it.The following types of onychomycosis are distinguished:
- distal;
- distal-lateral;
- white superficial;
- proximal subungual;
- total dystrophic.
The first two forms are most common, since in them the pathogen enters the nail from the affected skin of the feet.They are characterized by a long course, in which the lesion process slowly spreads throughout the entire nail in the form of an oval yellow spot or splinter.
A distinctive feature of white superficial onychomycosis is damage to the nail plates of the first fingers at the initial stage.Damage to the matrix and nail bed is extremely rare; basically, the entire 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 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 fungi.
The first two types are much more common, and their clinical picture is clearly expressed by damage not only to the nail plate, but also to the feet.
Fundamental factors for the development of onychomycosis
Many people wonder how it is that we all visit baths, saunas, swimming pools, beaches, in the end, but only some of us become infected with nail fungus.The thing is that for the proliferation of fungi, not only a favorable environment is needed, but also weakened protective functions of the body.At risk are people who have problems with:
- vessels of the lower extremities;
- overweight;
- flat feet and foot deformities;
- increased levels 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 70 years of age develops nail fungus on their toes or hands.
How to treat nail fungus at the initial stage?
If you detect any suspicion of nail fungus, you should immediately see a dermatologist.At least in order to identify the pathogen and select an effective antifungal drug.Most modern drugs are very harmful to the liver and tests are taken before they are prescribed.If problems are detected, the drug is replaced with another one.
Treatment of toenail fungus at home is acceptable if you know the pathogen and you are in the initial stage.Then, by following the rules of disinfection (processing underwear, socks, shoes, treating the nail plate, etc.), you can quickly get rid of the disease even without taking systemic medications.
With the treatment of advanced nail fungus, everything is much more complicated, since 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 attentiveness, the patient will need patience and time, since therapy can last for years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to seek help from a specialist, then when you detect the first signs of nail fungus, you can smear the affected areas 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 clean, wipe them dry and cut off the affected nail as much as possible.