Toenail fungus

Nail fungus is a dermatological disease that affects more than 20% of humanity and causes not only aesthetic harm, but can also cause problems with human health and immunity.

It is characterized by a change in the color of the nail plate, its deformation and crumbling, in medicine this pathology is called onychomycosis. An infection occurs when a fungus from the dermatophyte class gets under a healthy toenail. It rapidly multiplies, damaging soft tissues and forming spots on the nails of white and yellow color, which further provokes deformation and death of the nail. When one nail is affected, with untimely treatment, the fungus is transferred to healthy surfaces. All this brings considerable discomfort to a person's life. In this article, we will understand the causes, symptoms, how to cure such a fungus and, most importantly, how to avoid this unpleasant disease.

Causes of toenail fungus

The main reason for the appearance of the fungus is a weak human immune system. When the protective functions of the body do not work well, the risk of infection with infections, viruses and bacteria increases significantly. A fungus on the toes appears more often than on the hands, due to high humidity and lack of necessary air circulation.

Also at high risk are:

• People with poor hygiene. Do not allow intense sweating of the feet, wet and dirty socks, walking barefoot without slippers;
• People with pathologies of internal organs and blood vessels, carriers of HIV. Diabetes mellitus and blood clots in the veins provoke poor blood circulation in the legs;
• People who ignore tight and uncomfortable shoes. Even minor corns, microcracks and calluses on the feet can provoke infection with a fungus;
• People in the period of hormonal changes in the body, the elderly;
• People trying on shoes in stores without disposable socks. After all, there is a danger that a person infected with a fungus tried on these shoes before you.

Fungal infections love moist, warm environments, as well as open wounds and abrasions where they can multiply instantly.

Public places such as hotels, gyms, swimming pools, locker rooms, showers and saunas are a favorite home of fungal infections. If a person likes to walk barefoot there, the risk of infection is one hundred percent. It must be remembered that fungal infections are contagious and are easily transmitted by household means or by contact with a person.

Fungus stages and symptoms

Alas, the fungus is an infection that develops rapidly. Like the roots of a tree, it grows under the skin of a person, destroying tissues and surfaces. Usually, the fungus begins its activity with the little finger or thumb, eventually affecting all nails.

In general, there are initial, moderate and advanced stages, but we will understand a little more about the course of the disease using medical terms:

1. Stage of infection - the fungus clings to dead skin flakes, eventually creeping up to the nail plate. Not accompanied by any symptoms;
2. Normotrophic stage - the natural color of the nail fades and becomes yellow at the edges, thickening towards the corners. Small white streaks or dots may appear. There is a specific smell and a feeling of discomfort;
3. Hypertrophic stage - the nail becomes completely yellow, deformed, the surface is untidy and ribbed. In most cases, the entire nail plate thickens, and the edge itself becomes loose and exfoliates;
4. Atrophic stage - dull yellow or gray nails. Pieces of the nail fall off, the nail bed has an unhealthy appearance, a loose surface;
5. Stage - onycholysis - the entire nail plate becomes very thin and subsequently disappears. The fungus can move to neighboring, still healthy nails.

The skin around the nail itself is usually red and flaky. The patient notes itching between the fingers, cracks are observed, accompanied by pain. Often, at the last stage, the fungus, getting into the nail bed, dies under the influence of immunity. But if the protective functions of the body are weakened or treatment is not performed, blood poisoning can occur.

Types of fungi

The most popular among the causative agents of onychomycosis are fungi - dermatophytes. They affect more than 85% of infections. And, accordingly, fungi of the Candida class (yeast) and mold fungi are much less common among pathogens. Also, sometimes there are cases of infection of the nail with several types at once.

Let's take a closer look at each type.

Fungi Dermatophytes

There are many types of this fungus. They are popular because they can adapt to any microclimate. Living in the soil cover of the earth, can easily infect animals and humans through direct contact on the surface, as well as through the relationship "vector and infected". However, this type of infection occurs infrequently, and usually the disease is preceded by several factors.

The most famous types of dermatophytes:

• Trichophyton rubrum - first infects the tip of the nail, then smoothly reaches the base. The nail breaks down, becomes yellow, thick and lethargic. The skin around is unusually dry, red and flaky;
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the main lover of a humid and warm microclimate. They usually become infected in public places, like showers, swimming pools and saunas. Often causes damage to the big toes and the area around. The skin becomes inflamed, itchy, and inflamed bumps form.

It is difficult to cure a fungus that has managed to reach the base of the nail plate. In this case, most likely there will be a complete loss of it.

Candida fungus

Yeast or Candida is present in normal amounts in the bodies of all people but, under a number of triggers, can multiply rapidly and cause disease.

Mainly familiar to women. Because a huge part of them had to deal with such a disease as thrush during their lives, provoked by this particular type of fungus from the Candida class.

In cases where Candida appeared on the nails, it can be safely assumed that the infection occurred in a domestic way, through a certain thing that the infected person had previously used (towel, washcloth, shoes). And it is formed, unlike dermatophytes, initially at the base and is most often found on the nails of the hands.

mold mushrooms

The most dangerous type of fungus. It is capable of harming not only the skin, but also rapidly affecting the entire body.

Infection occurs due to the destruction of the nail, exposure of the nail bed. The good news is that infection with this type of fungus occurs in extremely rare cases. But if this still happened, it is very difficult to treat with conventional drugs and requires special remedies for mold on the nails.

Diagnostics

Since the external symptoms of nail fungus can be similar to other diseases (such as lichen, psoriasis, keratoderma), in order to confirm the diagnosis of fungal infection and determine the pathogen, the doctor prescribes such studies:

• Microscopy of the nail plate - the laboratory assistant makes a scraper from the nail and treats it with a special substance to destroy the keratin. This procedure is needed for easier and more accurate observation under a microscope. There is also a drawback to this analysis. With its help, it is impossible to determine the type of pathogen fungus. Based on the results obtained, antimycotics of extensive action are prescribed;
• Cultural type of research - in the laboratory, the material obtained from the scraping of the nail is dipped for cultivation in the Sabouraud nutrient medium, where the fungus develops rapidly. The fungus is determined by the growth rate, color and shape of its colonies. Also, using this method, the sensitivity of antibodies to treating medications is determined. The disadvantage is that the result of the analysis must be expected for 3-5 days;
• The purpose of DNA diagnostics - nail scrapings are studied for the presence of DNA cells in it of fungal infections of the dermatophyte class or yeast. The most dangerous type of mold fungi cannot be determined by this method. The diagnostic result is ready after 1-2 days, and the disadvantage is the high price of the method due to the use of special devices.

Treatment Methods

If you are wondering which doctor to contact for such a disease, there is only one answer - you need a dermatologist.

At the initial stage, if it was possible to immediately identify the infection, external treatment will be sufficient. But if the infection was not detected immediately and the visit to the doctor was postponed for a long time, complex therapy of a more serious nature will be needed. In especially severe cases of the disease, the nail plate is removed. Sometimes the treatment is delayed for six months, in order to prevent this, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to disturbing symptoms in a timely manner and immediately seek help from specialists.

What kind of treatment you need will be determined through diagnostics, since it is important to determine which fungus the infection occurred. Medications in the treatment of toenail fungus are divided into 2 groups:

• Preparations with local action - this group includes therapeutic ointments, creams, varnishes and gels. Usually they are used at the initial stage of treatment, when the disease was detected on time;
• Antimycotics are antifungal drugs with a systemic effect, which are used orally. Available in the form of tablets and capsules that can eliminate the activity of the fungus. They have the ability to block the spread of mycosis, have a long-term effect, which prevents the occurrence of the disease again.

These groups of drugs can be prescribed individually, or may be means of complex therapy, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.

Doctors also give additional recommendations:

• Use only personal hygiene products and household items (washcloth, towel, dishes, etc. );
• Follow a personal diet prescribed by a doctor;
• Treat and ventilate shoes so that during treatment the fungus does not create a favorable environment for reproduction;
• Be sure to take vitamin complexes to strengthen the immune system. Both during and after treatment.

Antifungal ointments

In the treatment of toenail fungus, it is important to use topical preparations, only in cases where the lesion is not serious and occupies less than half of the nail plate. Or in cases of individual intolerance to the components of systemic drugs. After all, such remedies as antifungal ointments do not penetrate the tissues enough, and therefore do not have the ability to cure a person effectively and completely. But as an additional therapy for relieving external symptoms and prevention, they are great.

It must be remembered that to begin with, the affected part of the nail is cut off and then not only the nail, but also the soft tissues, the areas around it need to be treated with ointment.

Local therapy will be effective with the participation of such remedies for toenail fungus:

• Hypoallergenic drug with a minimum of side effects, well tolerated by the body. The composition contains such a non-toxic component as a polyene antibiotic (a group of tetraene polyenes). The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas, usually in a course of 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the stage of the disease;
• A preparation capable of penetrating deep into the skin has a storage effect. Use also in a thin layer, on dry affected areas. The course is at least two months.

Special varnishes

Toenail fungus varnishes are the most convenient means to use, but are also suitable only in the early stages of fungal infection. You need to use them only two to three times a week, applying to the affected nails. Here are examples of proven and effective varnishes:

• The active component of the varnish is a derivative of morpholine, which can quickly destroy up to 10 types of infectious agents, destroying them at the cellular level. The drug is applied, pre-steaming the nails, in a course until complete remission;
• The active substance of the varnish is able to exterminate 58 types of fungal pathogens. The course of treatment is 3 months, with a gradual decrease in the frequency of use per week (the first month the varnish is applied every other day, then twice a week and at the last stage only once a week).

ethnoscience

Folk remedies cope well with the symptoms of fungal infections, but they only work in combination with medications.

There are many natural components, natural remedies and methods for treatment that do not require large expenses. It can be a variety of herbs, potassium permanganate, iodine and vinegar for baths, solutions, tea tree and eucalyptus oils. But since nail fungus is a complex and long-term disease, they also require the approval of your dermatologist. After all, there is a big risk to allow complications and subsequently lose the nail completely and forever.

Often, to relieve symptoms, the following alternative methods are recommended:

• Rub garlic on the affected areas of the nails;
• Soar feet in water with washing powder;
• Lotions with baking soda, diluted with water (to achieve a thick consistency and apply to the nail for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water);
• Invest in socks such herbs as: nettle, mint, chamomile, sage, propolis (change the contents of the socks daily).

We will get to know the rest of the folk methods in more detail below.

Vinegar baths

Vinegar baths are one of the best folk remedies for toenail fungus.

Apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar are suitable for recipes. At the same time, it is important to observe the correct proportions and use only a natural product, without any chemical additives.

• Recipe #1: Soak your feet once or twice with water mixed with apple cider vinegar in a one to one ratio. The duration of the procedure is approximately 20 minutes, and it is better to stretch the course of treatment for 2 weeks with daily baths;
• Recipe number 2: Dilute 5 tablespoons of 9% wine vinegar in 2 liters of hot water. Steam your feet for at least 30 minutes, and then clean the softened stratum corneum of the nail plate with a stick. After that, it is recommended to immediately apply an antifungal agent. Stretch the course of the procedure for a month, using baths daily, and preferably 2 times a day.

Tea tree oil

An effective antifungal agent that is obtained by pressing the oil from the leaves of the tea plant. It is used by the whole world for the treatment of other pathologies, in the form of acne, scratches and abrasions. Recommended for use in the following ways:

1. Steam your legs and lubricate the affected area of skin and nails with tea tree oil in the amount of five to ten drops, using a cotton swab. There is no need to rinse. The course of the procedure: 3 times a day, for at least two weeks;
2. Add 5-10 drops of oil to a liter of hot water and keep your feet in such a bath for about half an hour. The course can last 2 months.

Tea tree oil is not recommended for pregnant women.

Iodine treatment

The well-known and cheapest method recommended by dermatologists around the world. The secret of this tool is that iodine has the ability to fold proteins. And as we know, pathogens have a protein structure, because they feed on keratin - a type of fibrillar protein.

How to treat feet with iodine?

• Method number 1:

  Apply one drop of 5% iodine solution to the affected nail 2 times a day and once a day to adjacent, healthy nails. After about a week, a painful sensation in the form of a burning sensation will appear, this will mean that the destruction of fungal pathogens has begun. The course of treatment may exceed one month, until complete recovery;

• Method number 2:

  Steam your feet in a bath with hot water, soda and salt for 30 minutes (1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of soda, 2 tablespoons of salt). Remove keratinized areas with scissors and dry your feet. Then apply 3 layers of iodine solution to each affected area of the nail (apply 1 layer, wait until it dries completely and apply the next one). The course of the procedure: 1 time per day for a month.

Children can be exposed to nail fungus

As you might have guessed, such an ailment as toenail fungus can develop not only in adults, but also in children.

Children can pick up the causative agent of the fungus anywhere. Get infected through contact with an already infected person, through a domestic case of non-compliance with hygiene, which we examined above, or when injured with dirt getting into the wound, which can develop later as an infection.

In children, nail fungus can easily affect one or more fingers and toes. The first symptoms appear as small white or yellow spots on the fingernail. Infection can occur slowly, eventually spreading to the entire nail and completely changing its color. In addition, there is a deformation of the nail plate and crumbling of the nail, accompanied by unbearable pain.

Symptoms of nail fungus in children

Let's take a closer look at the symptoms of nail fungus infection in children:

• There is a thickening of the nail plate;
• Deformation of the nail, accompanied by its fragility;
• In appearance, the nails become dull, weak, without a natural shine;
• If the fungus actively develops its vital activity under the nail, the nail plate may become brown, green or dirty yellow;
• With complications of the disease, an unpleasant odor emanates from the nail.

Causes of nail fungus in children

The cause of the infection, as in adults, mainly lies in the defeat of parasites - dermatophyte fungi. This type of fungus loves warm and humid environments and is found in large numbers in public places such as showers, baths and pools, where it is easy to pick up. The nail bed is a comfortable habitat for such a parasite, where they can also get through invisible cuts.

Children are at risk of infection more often because their immune system is not yet strong enough and due to ignoring the rules of hygiene.

Treatment of nail fungus in children

Treatment methods for nail fungus in children are usually not much different from the treatment of the same fungus in adults. It is recommended to pay attention to the symptoms in a timely manner and consult a doctor to get a prescription for medications. It is best to use topical creams, ointments and varnishes, but their effectiveness in the development of the infection will be very small. Therefore, medications for oral use are often attached to the treatment. Such systemic remedies need to be taken for a long time, until the healthy nail completely replaces the infected one. However, such drugs have a number of side infections, which can manifest themselves in the form of skin rashes, damage to internal organs. It is forbidden to use them for children with liver pathologies, heart problems. But all this is individual, so it is so important not to self-medicate and find a qualified dermatologist.

In general, it is not as difficult to treat fungal nail disease in children as it is to prevent it. To do this, it is worth talking to children more often about the rules of hygiene.

Toenail fungus, photo