Despite all the achievements of science and progress, fungus as a disease cannot be eliminated.This is due to survival and living conditions.Fungi need moisture and warmth.As long as it exists, fungi will exist.
Types of nail fungus
Dermatophytes
They affect the body due to decreased immunity.In very rare cases - in a person with a high level of immunity.
The source of infection is soil, sometimes humans or animals.The basis of the entire colony is the mycelium.It is attached to the nail by processes (hyphae), which grow into the tissue and destroy the structure.
Subspecies of dermatophytes and characteristics of the course of the disease:
- Trichophyton red.The disease proceeds according to the standard: the tip of the nail becomes infected, followed by progression to the root.The fungus tends to affect several fingers at the same time.Nails change shape, thicken and become rough.Delamination is observed.The skin around the affected nail is also infected - it dries and peels;
- Trichophyton interdigitalis.The source of the disease is a room with a high level of humidity.Most often it affects the nail of the big toe.Localized on the nail surface and the skin between the fingers.Whitish spots formed on the plate;
- Other types of dermatophytes affect the body against the background of other diseases in 5% of all cases.
Yeast from the genus Candida
They are actually found on human skin and mucous membranes.It is not necessary to face the disease carrier.It is enough to have a weak immune system for the fungus to occupy the nail plate.
The peculiarity of the course of this disease is that the nail is not affected at the end, but at the base, growing in the direction of growth, because candida does not form a mycelium and cannot attach to the surface at the edge.
mould
The causative agents of onychomycosis are more than 40 species.It is difficult to diagnose damage by this type of fungus - the symptoms are not much different from the symptoms of damage by dermatophytes.
However, the treatment is fundamentally different.The diagnosis of fungal infection can only be made through bacteriological analysis.
This subspecies is able to release hyphae and quickly destroy the nail.In addition, in conditions of a critical decrease in the patient's immunity, mold fungi can penetrate into the body and infect the organs.
There are 2 additional classifications.
Classification according to the cause of the disease:
- vesicular fungi.The lower part of the leg is mainly affected.Blisters and swelling appear on the skin.This type of fungus is easily associated with bacterial infections;
- membrane Localized in the area between the little finger and toe "ring" - the skin cracks and peels on a large scale.Can be accompanied by bacterial infection;
- moccasinopods.The disease is localized on the heel or sole of the foot, gradually spreading upwards.
Classification according to the shape of the deformation of the nail layer:
- normotrophic.Nails change color, but keep their shape.Yellow and white streaks and/or spots are visible;
- hypertrophic.The structure and shape of the nail changes shape: the nail becomes thick, begins to collapse, and causes pain during movement;
- atrophic.Nails "reduce weight."The plate becomes very thin, dull, and white spots and stripes appear on it.
Toenail fungus: a sign of infection
The main visible and noticeable symptoms:
- itching of the skin, especially after swimming;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- peeling skin;
- nails have changed color.As a rule, the entire nail plate acquires a uniform shade.The color depends on the subspecies of the fungus, but usually it is yellow;
- nail surface becomes rough;
- separation along the tip of the nail.Occupies the entire open length of the nail and gradually deepens;
- white spots under the nail plate;
- stupidity;
- many burrs;
- detachment of the entire nail;
- massive nail destruction;
- a small notch along the entire outer surface of the plate;
- the nail plate thickens, and the bottom layer collapses.
Is it possible to completely cure toenail fungus?It is possible, but not always.Hereditary diseases that cannot be changed are a living example of this.It develops over the years, changing the shape of the nail.
The fact of hereditary diseases can only be confirmed through medical consultation.
Effective way to cure toenail fungus: drug treatment
To choose medicines, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the type of fungus, the stage of the disease and the type of skin.This can only be done by a doctor.
Depending on the test results and the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe either a local drug - ointment or varnish, or a complex of local and systemic drugs.
Systemic drugs suppress pathogens, preventing reproduction.Local medicine has an effect on the application area, destroying the fungus.
Systemic drugs place a high burden on the liver.You need to give up everything that complicates the work of organs - alcohol, fatty foods.This is necessary to avoid doubling the load.
There are special ways to remove nails without surgery.
Each drug acts only on certain types of mycosis.Even the most advanced drugs will not work if they are not "paired" with the fungus.
How to cure toenail fungus: folk remedies
Vinegar is the most effective method in the early stages.
Bath: a glass of table vinegar (9%) per bath.As a rule, a basin is used where the feet are placed.Water is poured ankle deep.First, this ensures the correct concentration of vinegar in the water.
Second, the skin is exposed to chemical burns.Before showering, you need to cut your nails and remove the top layer of skin with a pumice stone or brush.This will ensure maximum "impregnation".
If there is micro damage to the leg, the procedure will cause pain.Duration - 15 minutes.
Vinegar lotion - soak a cotton pad/cotton pad in vinegar and apply to the problem area for 10-15 minutes. It is more effective to use after showering.
Ointment: 2 parts acetic acid (70%) mixed with glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phtholate, one part each.Apply with cotton for 8 hours daily on clean feet.Wash with laundry soap.
To combat advanced stages, hydrogen peroxide is used.Feet are steamed in a soda bath (1 teaspoon for 1 liter), then cotton wool soaked in peroxide is applied to the problem area, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a bandage.The compression period is 40-60 minutes.
Ammonia.For a glass of water - 1 tablespoon.l.alcohol Soak cotton or a piece of gauze and apply overnight as a compress.
Boric acid.Before going to bed, the feet are steamed, sprinkled with powder, and clean socks are put on.
Baking soda.Add some water to it until it forms a paste and apply the mixture to the problem area for 15-20 minutes.
Garlic.Rub the affected area with a chopped clove of garlic.Vegetable pulp can be used as a compress.
Iodine.Just lubricate the problem area thoroughly.
How to quickly cure toenail fungus
Complex treatment will be required, consisting of systemic antimycotic drugs and local agents.Medicines are prescribed by a doctor.
It is recommended to combine traditional medicine and medicines.
Features of the treatment of neglected fungus
First of all, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.
Complex treatment will be required, which means:
- taking broad-spectrum drugs orally;
- narrow focus directly on the nail;
- strengthen the immune system;
- take medicines that support the body while taking important medicines;
- follow instructions strictly.
Medicine is designed in such a way that when treating a disease, a blow is struck to a healthy organ.Most often - liver and intestines.You need to be prepared for the consequences and discuss the side effects of the medications with your doctor first.Some cause allergies or are unacceptable for certain diseases, during pregnancy.
If the stage is critical and nothing helps, the last option remains - the complete removal of the nail plate, but this does not always guarantee relief from the disease.
What are the dangers of untreated onychomycosis?
The disease may progress to the stage when most of the available drugs stop acting on the fungus - the spores will penetrate deep into the tissue and the drugs will not be able to reach them.
Deformation of the plate leads to deep growth into the skin of the nail, even cutting the tissue.
The result is hellish pain and inflammation in the toe tissue.Both the nail and the tissue around the nail will begin to rot.
Advanced stages of deformation of the nail plate make it impossible to wear shoes.Any shoe that squeezes your toes a little will cause excruciating pain.Even just walking around the house barefoot will hurt.
In addition:
- general decrease in immunity;
- spread of fungi into the blood;
- occurrence of dermatitis and eczema;
- inflammation of the mucous membrane.
Prevention
Antifungal prophylaxis is based on the following factors:
- personal hygiene.You should wash your feet every day with soap.Trim your nails on time, don't pull out hangnails, and use only personal pedicure tools.If you have to adopt a stranger, sterilize them.Wear clean socks.Do not use used shoes;
- shoe careShoes should be dried in a timely manner, thus preventing the formation of conditions suitable for the growth of fungi.Remove the insoles and dry them separately, dry the shoes themselves with a special dryer or remove them completely and place them under the radiator;
- Of course, not visiting the baths and saunas is not an option.Give preference to organizations that have reviews.If possible, ask what and how often the floor is washed.Make sure you only use your own stuff, and especially replaceable rubber slippers;
- To prevent re-infection, throw away the shoes that the patient wore during the illness.If this is not possible, sterilize it from the inside;
- if your immune system is weak or there is micro-damage on your feet, try not to walk barefoot and avoid situations where the fungus can attack you.