Onychomycosis or, more simply, fungus is an insidious disease that thrives on fingernails, more often than on feet.At first, the nail itself "gets sick", and then the periungual tissues are exposed to pathogenic effects.After that (in the absence of proper treatment) they "break through" to the adjacent nails, continuing to progress.If you have onychomycosis of the nails (photos below), start treatment immediately, because a seemingly harmless darkening of the nail plate can lead to catastrophic complications.
Do you think the cause of the yellowing, thinness and looseness of the nail plate is a recent blow or injury?Do you not pay attention to the changes in the hope that "they will pass by themselves"?Don't be so careless, the initial stage of fungus may already be developing on your nails!
Fungal infection, what is it?
Anyone can "catch" nail fungus, regardless of social status, gender or age category.This type of microorganism "lives" everywhere (soil, moisture, humid environment).The easiest way to "catch" the fungus is in public facilities, such as a bathroom, fitness shower or swimming pool.Spores reproduce well in a moist environment, "looking" for their host.Once on the human feet, microorganisms penetrate the skin through imperfect areas, where they begin to parasitize.
The incubation period after the pathogen reaches the feet is quite long and is 2-4 weeks, so it is quite difficult to immediately notice any injuries.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 nails, skin or hair, it grows inside the cells, destroying the main substance for their reconstruction - keratin.
Recognizing nail onychomycosis: photos of the initial stage
When the fungal spores are just beginning to parasitize the nail plate, you may notice darkening and a color change closer to yellow or dull 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 subungual bed becomes keratinized.The board becomes loose, crumbles and delaminates.
In addition to external apologies, there is itching and discomfort.The cavity between the nail and the bed increases, which serves as a favorable environment for the increased reproduction of fungi.There is an unpleasant smell.
How toenail fungus develops: stages of development with photos
If, based on the above description, 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, fungal microspores 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, brittle and, when scraped, falls into plates.
- Distal-lateral form.The plate becomes yellow, the fungus develops on one of the sides: on the side (in the photo) - a lateral lesion;from above – distally.With intensive development, total damage can be seen from above and from the side.
- 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.
- 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 shape.In such a fungal infection, the periungual tissue suffers first.It turns red, changes its shape and the cuticle begins to separate.After that, the process of nail dystrophy occurs, in which irregularities appear on the plate in the form of grooves.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 by various fungi with photos
Nail onychomycosis can be caused by different types of fungi.Let's consider in detail what a toenail fungus is and the symptoms that appear during its development.
- Moldy.It is considered a non-penetrating species, which makes 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 shade.Perhaps the appearance of spots and spots.
- Yeast.This variety belongs to the genus Candida.Parasitizing, it thins the nail plate.Under the influence of spore development, the nail may acquire a yellowish tint and begin to lag behind the bed.If you do not carry out the necessary therapy, you may notice that the plate turns brown and begins to peel.Not only the nail suffers from the action of yeast fungi, but also the adjacent skin, which thickens and swells.
- Dermatophyte.Another variety in which streaks or spots of a gray-yellow hue appear.Over time, without proper treatment, the edge of the nail begins to peel away from the bed, revealing the hyponychium.
Which doctor should I contact for help?
Without proper treatment, the fungal infection "migrates" from the nail plates to the skin of the feet.It provokes the appearance of:
- itching;
- inflammation between the fingers;
- eczema;
- cracks
It hurts to walk.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, determine the 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 quite a few types of fungus that affect toenails.Therefore, the medicine bought in the pharmacy may not always have the desired effect, because the therapeutic effect will be aimed at the localization of only one of the types of onychomycosis, and for other types the active substance will simply remain useless.By visiting a doctor, you will certainly know which medicines are needed in a specific case.
Based on the test results, the dermatologist usually prescribes the following therapy:
- drugs intended for oral administration;
- local medicines.
The latter option is resorted to more often, since most registered 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 patients often 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 medicinal varnishes, but their effect is scientifically unfounded.Keep in mind that you should not cover painful nails with decorative varnish, as this will only worsen their condition.
Prevention of onychomycosis
By following simple preventive measures, you can avoid "getting acquainted" 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, swimming pools);
- use only your own shoes, including when visiting public places;
- do a pedicure yourself or in "reliable" salons, where the tools undergo appropriate processing.
Having noticed the initial stage of onychomycosis on the nails, do not self-medicate, but seek the help of a specialist.