Despite all the achievements of science and progress, fungi as a disease cannot be eliminated.This is due to its survivability and living conditions.Fungi require moisture and warmth.As long as they exist, fungi will exist.
Types of onychomycosis
dermatophytes
They affect the body due to reduced immunity.In rare cases - people with high immunity.
The source of infection is soil and sometimes people or animals.The basis of the entire colony is mycelium.It attaches to the nail through projections (hyphae), which grow into the tissue and destroy the structure.
Dermatophyte subspecies and disease course characteristics:
- Trichophyton red.The disease proceeds according to the standard: the tip of the nail becomes infected, then progresses to the root.This fungus often affects several fingers at once.The shape of the nails changes, becomes thicker and becomes rough.Delamination was observed.The skin around the affected nail can also become infected - drying out and flaking;
- Trichophyton interdigitata.The source of the disease is rooms with high humidity.Most commonly it affects the nails of the big toe.The skin between the nail surface and the fingers.White spots form on the plate;
- Other types of dermatophytes affect the body in the context of other diseases, accounting for 5% of all cases.
Candida yeast
They are actually found on human skin and mucous membranes.You may not necessarily encounter disease carriers.A weakened immune system is enough for the fungus to take over the nail plate.
The characteristic feature of this course of the disease is that the nails are affected not at the ends, but at the roots, in the direction of growth, since Candida does not form mycelium and cannot adhere to the surface of the edges.
Mold
There are more than 40 pathogens of onychomycosis.Diagnosing damage caused by this fungus is difficult—the symptoms are not that different from damage caused by dermatophytes.
However, the treatments are fundamentally different.Diagnosis of fungal infection can only be done through bacteriological analysis.
This subspecies is capable of releasing hyphae and rapidly destroying nails.Additionally, in cases where the patient's immunity is severely compromised, mold can penetrate the body and infect organs.
There are 2 additional categories.
Classification by disease source:
- Vesicular fungi.The lower part of the foot is mainly affected.Blisters and swelling appear on the skin.This fungus is easily associated with bacterial infections;
- Membrane The area between the little finger and the "ring" toe - a large area of skin that breaks and peels.May be accompanied by bacterial infection;
- Mocaxipods.The disease is localized in the heel or sole and gradually spreads upward.
Classification according to the deformation form of the nail layer:
- Nutrition is normal.Nails change color but maintain their shape.The appearance of streaks and/or spots with yellow and white tones;
- Fat.Deformation of nail structure and shape: nails become thicker, begin to crumble, and cause pain when moved;
- shriveled.Nails become "weightless".The board becomes very thin and dull, with white spots and streaks appearing on it.
Toenail Fungus: Signs of Infection
Main visible and tangible symptoms:
- Itchy skin, especially after swimming;
- An unpleasant odor occurs;
- peeling skin;
- The nails are discolored.Typically, the entire nail plate has an even tone.The color depends on the subspecies of fungus, but the most common is yellow;
- The nail surface becomes rough;
- Separate along the tip of the nail.Occupies the entire open length of the nail and gradually deepens;
- White spots under the nail plate;
- slow;
- many burrs;
- Loss of entire nail;
- Massive destruction of nails;
- Small notches along the entire outer surface of the board;
- The deck thickened and the underlying layer shattered.
Is it possible to completely cure onychomycosis?This is possible, but not always the case.Inherited diseases that cannot be changed are a living example.Over time, it can develop and deform the shape of the nail.
The fact of a hereditary disease can only be confirmed through medical consultation.
How to Treat Onychomycosis Effectively: Medication
When choosing a drug, accurate diagnosis of the type of fungus, stage of the disease, and skin type is required.This can only be done by a doctor.
Depending on the results of the examination and the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe topical medications (ointments or varnishes), or a combination of local and systemic medications.
Systemic drugs inhibit pathogens and prevent reproduction.Topical medications work in the area of application, destroying the fungus.
Systemic drugs place a high burden on the liver.You must give up everything that complicates the work of the organs - alcohol, fatty foods.This is necessary to avoid doubling the load.
There are special ways to remove nails without surgery.
Each drug works only against certain types of fungal diseases.Even the most advanced treatments won't work if they aren't "paired" with the fungus.
How to treat onychomycosis: folk remedies
Vinegar is the most effective method initially.
Bath: One cup of vinegar (9%) per bath water.Typically, a basin is used to place the feet.Water was poured ankle deep.First, this ensures the proper concentration of vinegar in the water.
Second, the skin is chemically burned.Before bathing, you'll need to trim your nails and remove the top layer of skin with a pumice stone or brush.This will ensure maximum "soaking".
If there are micro-injuries to the legs, the surgery can cause pain.Duration – 15 minutes.
Vinegar Lotion - Soak a cotton pad in vinegar and apply to problem areas for 10-15 minutes.The effect is better when used after bathing.
Ointment: 2 parts of acetic acid (70%), mixed with glycerin, olive oil, and dimethyl phthalate, one part each.Apply to clean feet with a cotton swab for 8 hours daily.Wash off with laundry soap.
To combat the advanced stages, hydrogen peroxide is used.Steam your feet with soda (1 teaspoon equals 1 liter), then apply cotton wool soaked in peroxide to the problem area, cover with polythene and wrap with a bandage.The pressing time is 40-60 minutes.
ammonia.glass of water - 1 tbsp.Soak cotton wool or a piece of gauze in alcohol and apply it as a compress overnight.
Boric acid.Before going to bed, steam your feet, dust them with powder, and put on clean socks.
baking soda.Add a small amount of water until a paste forms and apply the mixture to the problem area for 15-20 minutes.
garlic.Rub the affected area with chopped garlic.The vegetable pulp can be used as a dressing.
iodine.Just lubricate the problem area thoroughly.
How to cure onychomycosis quickly
Complex treatment is required, including systemic antifungals and topical agents.Medications are prescribed by doctors.
It is recommended to combine traditional medicine and medicine.
Therapeutic Properties of Neglected Fungi
First, seek diagnosis and consultation from your doctor.
Complex treatment is required, which means:
- Oral broad-spectrum medications;
- Focus directly on the nails;
- Strengthen the immune system;
- Take body-supportive medications along with essential medications;
- Follow instructions strictly.
Medicine is designed in such a way that when treating a disease, it hits healthy organs.The most common are the liver and intestines.You need to be prepared for the consequences and discuss the medication's side effects with your doctor in advance.Some may cause allergies during pregnancy or be inadmissible due to certain medical conditions.
If the stage is critical and nothing helps, then the last option remains - complete removal of the nail plate, but this does not always guarantee remission of the disease.
What are the dangers of untreated onychomycosis?
The disease may progress to a stage where most available treatments no longer work against the fungus - the spores will penetrate deep into the tissues and the drugs simply cannot reach them.
Deformation of the plate shape can cause the nail to grow deeply ingrown and even cut tissue.
The result is hellish pain and inflammation of the toe tissue.Both the nail and the tissue surrounding the nail begin to decay.
Advanced stages of nail plate deformation result in the inability to wear shoes.Any shoe that squeezes your toes even slightly can cause severe pain.Even walking around the house barefoot can hurt.
in addition:
- General decline in immunity;
- The fungus spreads into the blood;
- occurrence of dermatitis and eczema;
- Mucosal inflammation.
prevention
Antifungal prophylaxis is based on the following factors:
- Personal hygiene.You need to wash your feet with soap every day.Trim your nails promptly, do not remove hangnails, and use only personal pedicure tools.If you must bring strangers over, sanitize them.Wear clean socks.Do not use old shoes;
- Shoe care.Shoes need to be dried promptly to prevent conditions conducive to fungal growth.Take out the insoles and dry them separately, use a special dryer to dry the shoes themselves or completely untie the shoelaces and put them under the radiator;
- Of course, it’s impossible not to go to the bathroom and sauna.Priority will be given to institutions with reviews.If possible, ask what and how often the floors will be cleaned.Be sure to use your own, especially replaceable rubber slippers;
- To avoid reinfection, throw away shoes worn during the illness.If this is not possible, disinfect it from the inside;
- If you have a weak immune system or have minor injuries on your feet, try not to walk barefoot to prevent fungi from infecting you.