Onychomycosis, or simply fungus, is an insidious disease that progresses on the nails of the hands, more often than on the feet.At first, the nail itself "gets sick", then the tissues around the nail are exposed to pathogenic effects.Then (in the absence of proper treatment) they "make their way" to the neighboring nails, continuing to progress.If you have onychomycosis of the nails (photos below), immediately start treatment, as a seemingly harmless darkening of the nail plate can lead to catastrophic complications.
Do you think the cause of the yellowing, thinning and loosening of the nail plate is a recent blow or injury?Не обръщате ли внимание на промените с надеждата, че „ще изчезнат сами“?Do not be so careless, it is possible that your nails are already developing fungus in the initial stage!
Fungal infection, what is it?
Anyone can "catch" a fungus on their nails, regardless of social status, gender or age category.This type of microorganisms "live" everywhere (soil, moisture, wet environment).The easiest way to "catch" the fungus is in public institutions, such as a bathroom, gym shower or swimming pool.Spores reproduce well in moist environments, "seeking" their host.Once on a person's feet, microorganisms penetrate the skin through imperfect areas where they begin to parasitize.
The incubation period after the pathogen gets on the feet is quite long and amounts to 2-4 weeks, so it is quite difficult to immediately notice any disorders.After surviving the incubation period, the fungus penetrates into the deeper layers of the nail, affecting not only the grown nail plate, but also the matrix from which it grows.
It "works" as follows.Attaching to the nails, skin or hair, it grows inside the cells, destroying the main substance for their restoration - keratin.
Recognition of nail onychomycosis: photos of the initial stage
When the fungal spores are just beginning to parasitize the nail plate, you may notice fading and a color change closer to yellow or dark brown.In most cases, the first "victim" is the toenail.
With deeper penetration into the thickness of the plate, "dirty" spots and stains appear.The plate itself thickens, begins to darken, and the nail bed becomes keratinized.The plaque loosens, crumbles and delaminates.
In addition to external excuses, itching and discomfort appear.The cavity between the nail and the bed increases, which serves as a favorable environment for the increased spread of fungi.An unpleasant smell appears.
How toenail fungus develops: stages of development with photos
If, based on the description given above, you have determined that you have toenail fungus, the stages of development with a photo will help you "calculate" the current form of infection.
- White or superficial form.In this case, the microspores of the fungus parasitize on the surface of the nail.At first it looks like white spots.Over time, they increase in size, the plate itself becomes rough, crumbly and when scraped falls into plates.
- Distal-lateral form.The plaque becomes yellow in color, the fungus develops on one side: on the side (in the photo) - side lesion;above - distally.In intensive development, total damage can be observed both on top and on the sides.
- Distal-lateral with hyperkeratosis.It is characterized by the presence of a cavity in which microorganisms parasitize.This leads to hyperkeratosis - when the nail plate itself thickens and the nail bed becomes keratinized.
- A distal-lateral form in which the entire plate is susceptible to fungal infection.In medicine, the term nail dystrophy is often used for diagnosis.
- Proximal subungual form.In such a fungal infection, the periungual tissue suffers first.It turns red, changes shape, and the cuticle begins to separate.Then there is a process of nail dystrophy, in which the irregularities in the plate appear in the form of furrows.If treatment is not started on time, the nail may fall off completely.
- Total dystrophic form with irreversible processes, in which the nail plate is uneven, has an unpleasant smell, completely changes color, loses its integrity and falls into pieces.
Symptoms of nail plate damage from various fungi with photos
Onychomycosis of the nails can be caused by different types of fungi.Let's take a closer look at what toenail fungus is and the symptoms that appear during their development.
- Moldy.It is considered a non-penetrating species, making it easy to treat.The main symptoms of such a lesion are a change in the color of the nail plate.It takes on a greenish, brown or black hue.Perhaps the appearance of spots and dots.
- yeast.This variety belongs to the genus Candida.By parasitizing, it thins the nail plate.Under the influence of the development of spores, the nail can acquire a yellowish tint and begin to lag behind the bed.If you do not carry out the necessary therapy, you may notice how the plaque turns brown and begins to peel off.Not only the nail itself suffers from the effects of the yeast fungus, but also the adjacent skin, which thickens and swells.
- Dermatophyte.Another variety in which streaks or spots with a gray-yellow hue appear.Over time, without proper treatment, the edge of the nail begins to peel away from the bed, exposing the hyponychium.
Which doctor should I go to for help?
Without proper treatment, the fungal infection "migrates" from the nail plates to the skin of the feet.Provokes the appearance of:
- itching;
- inflammation between the fingers;
- eczema;
- cracks
It hurts when walking.A dermatologist can help you solve the problem, and the sooner you contact him, the sooner you will say goodbye to onychomycosis.Only a specialist can best choose the means, outline a treatment regimen and will monitor the dynamics of therapy.Self-treatment of nail fungus may not always be correct or effective.
How to treat onychomycosis
As we already understood, there are quite a few types of fungus that affect toenails.Therefore, the drug purchased in a pharmacy may not always have the desired effect, since the therapeutic effect will be aimed at localizing only one of the types of onychomycosis, and for other types the active substance will simply remain useless.Visiting a doctor, you will know for sure what drugs are needed in a particular case.
Based on the results of the examination, the dermatologist usually prescribes the following therapy:
- drugs intended for oral administration;
- drugs for topical application.
The latter option is resorted to more often, since most recorded cases of fungal infection are treated in the initial stages.In advanced situations, oral therapy cannot be avoided.
"Grandmother's recipes" can be used as an aid in the treatment of onychomycosis.But the main emphasis should be on traditional medicine, because quite often patients come with an advanced stage of the fungus due to the fact that at the beginning of the disease they preferred traditional medicine and the advice of "neighbors".
Modern cosmetology offers special healing varnishes, but their effect is scientifically unfounded.Please note that you should not cover the sore nails with decorative varnish, as this will only worsen their condition.
Prevention of onychomycosis
By following simple preventive measures, you can avoid "acquaintance" with fungal infections.Prevention measures include:
- wear dry, comfortable shoes and socks made of natural materials;
- do not walk barefoot in public places (saunas, baths, pools);
- use only your own shoes, including when visiting public places;
- do a pedicure yourself or in "trusted" salons where the tools are properly processed.
Once you notice the initial stage of onychomycosis on the nails, do not self-medicate, but seek help from specialists.