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 important to note that onychomycosis is common throughout the world, and in Russia it occurs in 7-16% of residents.Its presence is closely related to several factors, ranging from social characteristics to individual characteristics of the body.
What does nail fungus look like in the early stage?
Almost always, the initial stage of nail fungus is asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only occasionally can small yellow spots be seen on the nail plate or a slight itch can be felt on the finger.Almost always, the lesion begins on the 1st and 5th fingers and looks like changes:
- Nail colors (yellow, shades of brown);
- Shape of the nail plate (thickening or vice versa – thinning is observed);
- Deformation (appearance of longitudinal and transverse yellow or white bands).
In addition to all visible changes, subjective sensations in the form of itching and pain can be added.
Observation!Onychomycosis is more common on the legs and less frequently on the arms.It often appears as a result of an injury during a manicure or pedicure, if the patient already has foot ringworm.
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 fungus penetration into it.The following types of onychomycosis are distinguished:
- distal;
- distal-lateral;
- surface white;
- proximal subungual;
- total dystrophic.
The first two forms are more common, as in them the pathogen enters the nail from the affected skin of the feet.They are characterized by a long course, in which the lesional process slowly spreads throughout the nail in the form of an oval yellow spot or chip.
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 nailfold ridge are affected.A distinctive feature is the 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 come we all frequent baths, saunas, swimming pools, beaches, in the end, but only some of us get infected with nail fungus.The fact 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 blood glucose levels, which is used by fungi for metabolic processes;
Onychomycosis is common in adults and practically never occurs in children.Every second person over 70 develops fungus on their toenails or fingernails.
How to treat nail fungus in the initial stage?
If you detect any suspicion of nail fungus, consult a dermatologist immediately.At least to identify the pathogen and select an effective antifungal drug.Most modern medicines are very harmful to the liver and tests are done before they are prescribed.If problems are detected, the medicine is replaced with another.
Treating nail fungus at home is acceptable if you know the pathogen and it is in the early stage.So, following the rules of disinfection (treatment of underwear, socks, shoes, treatment of 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 becomes much more complicated, because here it is necessary to combat not only the external manifestations of the disease, but also to expel the pathogen from the body.Here, in addition to attention, the patient will need patience and time, as therapy can last for years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to seek help from a specialist, 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 combating dermatophytes and candida.It is recommended to treat the entire nail in the morning with iodine and in the evening with hydrogen peroxide for a month.Before treatment, wash your feet, dry them and cut the affected nail as much as possible.