In medicine, nail fungus is officially called onychomycosis.This is a disease of a fungal nature that affects the nail plates on the fingers or legs.According to WHO, this is a fairly common disease.It occurs in about 27% of people, and on the legs the pathology is diagnosed 2 times more often than on the hands.The problem of nail fungus is very delicate, since the unpleasant type of affected plates makes the patient feel discomfort and hide them from others.
Symptoms and signs of nail fungus
Onichomycosis is very easy to recognize, since its signs on the nails cannot be ignored.At first, the nail plates become dull and rough, lose their glossy shine.Then, instead of pink, the nail acquires dirty yellow, whitish or gray.Next, other characteristic symptoms of the fungus appear:
- an increase in the thickness of the plate;
- defects in the form of stripes, bends, irregularities and waves;
- Relaxing and cringing the plate;
- An unpleasant odor from nails.
As a result, the nail is completely destroyed and even exfoliates, exposing the bed under the nail.The skin next to the plates turns red and causes severe itching.
Causes
The main reason for the development of fungal infections is to get into the body or inside the human body.As a rule, these are Mikrosporum, Metridium and Epidermofiton.These are the fungi causes onychomycosis especially often.
When it enters the body, such fungi are localized on keratinized derivatives of the skin, i.e.nails and hair.This is due to the nutrition of parasites for which they use fibrillar protein keratin, which is available in nails and hair.
Ways of infection
The risk of getting an infection with a fungus in public places with high humidity is especially high.These are saunas, pools, gyms, public baths, etc. The most common ways of infection:
- Direct contact with an infected person.Here the fungus falls from its habitat on healthy areas, thereby causing an infection;
- household path.In this case, infection occurs when using the patient’s personal things: shoes, personal hygiene items, etc.
Risk factors
The incidence of onychomycosis increases by 60 years.At this time, the probability of developing such an infection is 60%, which is explained by a slowdown in metabolism, especially in distal (remote) areas of the body, which are just the fingers and legs.
Other risk factors for the development of nail fungus include:
- diabetes mellitus;
- varicose veins;
- injuries of nails and adjacent tissues;
- HIV and other states of immunodeficiency;
- long -term intake of antibiotics;
- weakened immunity;
- vascular and skin diseases, dermatitis, diaper rash;
- impaired blood supply to the limbs;
- insufficient hygiene.
Complications
With an uncomplicated course, the disease causes symptoms traditional for the fungus, causing a person only severe discomfort.But without treatment, onychomycosis can cause complications.Most often, they appear in the addition of a bacterial infection.
Sometimes onychomycosis is very acute with the advent of bubbles, ulcerations and weeping areas on the skin next to the nail.In severe cases, the disease acquires a generalized form.This means that the nail fungus applies to internal organs and systems, and then the patient will need emergency hospitalization.
When to consult a doctor
Many who have encountered onychomycosis know that the disease develops slowly, and is treated with incredible labor.That is why it is very important to consult a doctor when the first signs of the disease appear.The treatment of onychomycosis of the nails is engaged in a dermatologist.The specialist will provide competent assistance and will lead you until a complete recovery.
Preparation for a visit to a doctor
Before taking a dermatologist, it is important to do not process the affected areas of nails, i.e.Do not use drugs, including iodine and green.It is also necessary to exclude the use of creams and ointments from the fungus.It is worth taking all previously taken tests, including about other diseases.The affected nails cannot be cut for 3-4 days before the consultation.
Diagnosis of nail fungus
First of all, the patient is directed to microscopy, which allows you to identify the presence of the pathogen.In the future, it is necessary to determine its variety in order to choose the correct treatment of nail fungus on the legs.The most modern and common methods for diagnosing onychomycosis are practiced:
- Bacteriological sowing.For this, a biological sample of affected tissues is placed in an artificial nutrient medium, where the pathogen is grown in order to determine its type;
- The method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect DNA of the pathogen in the taken sample of affected tissues.
Treatment
At the early stage of the disease, as a rule, local therapy is prescribed, which consists in the use of creams and ointments with antifungal effects.
Antiseptic solutions are also used as external products from nail fungus.In addition to effective tools from onychomycosis of the nails, antihistamines and desensitizing drugs are prescribed, which relieve swelling, inflammation and sensitivity.
If the nail is completely affected by the fungus and the drug treatment does not give positive results, then the plate is subjected to surgical removal.Also, with a total form of onychomycosis, antifungal drugs are prescribed inside in the form of tablets, which have a systemic effect on the body.
Home treatment products
Before using funds for home treatment, you need to consult a doctor.By his resolution, you can use the following recipes:
- iodine.Before using the leg, it is necessary to steam, rinse with household soap, and then remove the affected areas of the nail plates.Next, treat the nails and skin between the fingers with iodine, withstand them in a bath with a soda solution for 20-30 minutes and dry thoroughly;
- vinegar.For 3 liters of water, take 1 tbsp.apple cider vinegar and add a little potassium permanganate.Keep your legs in the bath for 20-30 minutes, then thoroughly dry;
- Hydrogen peroxide.Thoroughly steaming the legs, remove the affected areas of the nail plates.Put on them cotton wheels moistened with hydrogen peroxide, wrap with a bandage and leave for half an hour.
Myths and dangerous delusions in the treatment of nail fungus
One of the most important and dangerous myths is that nail fungus is not considered a serious disease.In fact, onychomycosis, progressing, can lead to serious consequences up to deformation and complete rejection of nails from the nail bed.
In addition, an infected person is a danger to loved ones daily, because, being next to him, they also risk getting sick.That is why it is important to know how to cure nail fungus on time.
Prevention
To prevent the development of onychomycosis, it is necessary to exclude the negative effect on the body of risk factors:
- Treat system diseases in time;
- Do not wear someone else's shoes;
- in the pool and sauna to walk in shales;
- Change socks daily and follow personal hygiene rules;
- Do not wear moist shoes - thoroughly dry it;
- Exclude direct contact with potential fungi media.