Onychomycosis or, more simply, fungus is an insidious disease that progresses on the nails of the hands, more often than those of the toes.Initially, the nail itself “gets sick”, then the periungual tissues are exposed to pathogenic effects.Subsequently (in the absence of adequate treatment) they “make their way” towards nearby nails, continuing to progress.If you suffer from onychomycosis of the nails (photo below), start treatment immediately, as a seemingly harmless darkening of the nail plate can lead to disastrous complications.
Do you think the cause of the yellowing, thinning and loosening of the nail plate was a recent blow or injury?Do you not pay attention to the changes in the hope that they will “go away on their own”?Don't be so careless, the initial stage of the fungus may already be developing on your nails!
Fungal infection, what is it?
Anyone can “get” fungus on the nails, regardless of social status, gender or age category.This type of microorganism "lives" everywhere (soil, humidity, humid environment).The easiest way to "catch" the fungus is in public facilities, such as a bathhouse, gym shower or swimming pool.Spores reproduce well in a humid environment, “looking” for their host.Once on human feet, microorganisms penetrate the skin through imperfect areas, where they begin to parasitize.
The incubation period after the pathogen has settled on the legs is quite long and amounts to 2-4 weeks, so it is quite difficult to immediately notice any violations.After surviving the incubation period, the fungus penetrates into the deeper layers of the nail, affecting not only the regrown nail plate, but also the matrix from which it grows.
It "works" as follows.Attaching to nails, skin or hair, it grows inside cells, destroying the main substance for their reconstruction: keratin.
Recognizing onychomycosis of the nails: photos of the initial phase
As fungal spores begin to parasitize the nail plate, you may notice a dulling and color change closer to yellow or dull brown.In most cases, the first “victim” is the big toe nail.
With deeper penetration into the thickness of the plate, "dirty" spots and stains appear.The plaque itself thickens, begins to darken, and the subungual 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, serving as a favorable environment for increased mushroom proliferation.An unpleasant odor occurs.
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 the infection.
- White or superficial form.In this case, the microspores of the fungus parasitize on the surface of the nail.Initially it looks like white spots.Over time they increase in size, the plate itself becomes rough, brittle and, when scraped, falls into plates.
- Distal-lateral form.The plaque becomes yellow, the fungus develops on one of the sides: on the side (pictured) - a lateral lesion;from above – distal.With intensive development, the total damage can be observed both from above and from the side.
- Disto-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.
- Distal-lateral form, in which the entire plaque is susceptible to fungal infections.In medicine, the term nail dystrophy is often used for diagnosis.
- Proximal subungual form.With such a fungal infection, the periungual tissue is the first to suffer.It turns red, changes shape, and the cuticle begins to separate.Subsequently, a process of nail dystrophy occurs, in which plaque irregularities appear in the form of grooves.If treatment is not started in time, the nail may fall off completely.
- A total dystrophic form with irreversible processes, in which the nail plate is uneven, has an unpleasant odor, completely changes color, loses its integrity and falls apart.
Symptoms of damage to nails by various fungi with photos
Nail onychomycosis can be caused by several types of fungi.Let us consider in detail what toenail fungus is like and the symptoms that appear during its 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 shade of the nail plate.It takes on a greenish, brown or black tint.Perhaps the appearance of spots and spots.
- Yeast.This variety belongs to the Candida genus.By parasitizing, it thins the nail plate.Under the influence of spore development, 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 yeast, but also the adjacent skin, which thickens and swells.
- Dermatophyte.Another variety in which stripes or spots of 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 turn to for help?
Without proper treatment, the fungal infection “migrates” from the nails to the skin of the feet.It causes 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 select the means, outline a treatment regimen and monitor the dynamics of therapy.Self-treatment of toenail fungus may not always be correct or effective.
How to treat onychomycosis
As we have already understood, there are different types of fungi that affect toenails.Therefore, a 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 ingredient will simply remain useless.By visiting a doctor, you will know for sure which drugs are needed in a particular case.
Based on the test results, the dermatologist usually prescribes the following therapy:
- drugs intended for oral administration;
- topical medications.
The latter option is most often resorted to, since most recorded cases of fungal infection are treated in the early stages.In advanced situations, oral therapy cannot be avoided.
“Grandma's recipes” can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of onychomycosis.But the main emphasis should be placed on traditional medicine, since very often patients have 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 medicinal varnishes, but their effect is scientifically unfounded.Keep in mind that you should not cover sore nails with decorative varnish, as this will only worsen their condition.
Prevention of onychomycosis
By following simple preventive measures, you can avoid "knowing" fungal infections.Prevention measures include:
- wear dry, comfortable shoes and socks made from natural materials;
- do not walk barefoot in public places (saunas, bathrooms, swimming pools);
- use only your own shoes, even when visiting public places;
- do a pedicure yourself or in "trusted" salons, where the tools are subjected to appropriate treatments.
Having noticed the initial stage of onychomycosis on the nails, do not self-medicate, but seek help from specialists.