Onychomycosis: prevention of nail fungus

Just a few years ago, fungal diseases of the nails were not given much importance, while now everyone understands the need for timely detection and treatment of a massive contagious fungal infection caused by a variety of dermatophyte fungi. Thanks to the wide awareness of the public, the number of visits to specialists with this pathology has increased, which has led to an increase in the detection of foot mycoses. Since any deformation of the nail plate without any obvious reason (for example, injury) is mainly suspected of a fungal infection, self-diagnosis in this case is a decisive factor. Thus, any change in the nail plate is a reason to contact a dermatologist, because at least half of such disorders will have a fungal etiology, and the rest will require careful diagnosis, again carried out by a specialist.

Factors leading to fungus:

1. In fact, fungal nail infection is a slow disease that does not lead to life-threatening conditions and does not cause pain or discomfort. It most often affects the elderly population, who often associate changes in appearance with the aging process.
2. Sufferers themselves are often embarrassed by the disease, are not prepared for the financial costs of treatment, or believe that it is incurable. Many people begin to self-medicate and do not see the disease as a reason to see a specialist.
3. Since the disease mainly affects the feet, even during medical examinations or examinations by doctors, the issue usually does not come directly to the examination of the feet, without specific complaints of the patient about changes in the nails. This is facilitated by the extremely short time allotted for visiting patients even in specialized institutions, which, unfortunately, forces doctors to examine them only for the main reason for the visit.

Fungal nail infection lasts quite a long timeTherefore, the earlier the disease is detected, the higher the chance of its complete recovery. In addition, an early start of therapy allows us to limit ourselves to the use of only external preparations and nail cleaning, and this is possible only if the infection has affected only the nails from the distal or lateral edges less than 1/3-1. /2 of the plate. Topical external therapy is used to treat the initial stages of fungal nail infection. Advanced forms of fungal infection require longer and more expensive treatment. Periodic preventive examinations and medical examinations of the population play a special role in the early detection of nail mycoses.

Consequences

This seemingly harmless disease can have very serious complications:

• smooth skin damage and secondary infection;
• sensitization to fungi with the formation of allergic reactions and foci of microbial eczema;
• complications of chronic dermatoses, varicose veins of the lower extremities and leg lesions in diabetes mellitus, etc.

It is impossible not to mention the epidemiological importance of existing foci of fungal infection: a sick person will infect public places and other people, and in everyday life will be a source of transmission within the family of fungal infection.

Nail fungus (medically called onychomycosis) is a fairly common disease. According to doctors, it affects more than 15% of the world's population, although this pathology is diagnosed much less often (in 2% of people). This discrepancy is explained simply: nail fungus does not threaten life, and if it worsens its quality, then in most cases it is very insignificant. Therefore, people do not always consult a doctor about onychomycosis, trying to cope with the disease themselves or simply leaving it without treatment.

Nail fungus develops quite slowly. Therefore, the first signs of fungal infection usually escape the attention of the patient. When the changes in the nails caused by the fungus begin to be visible, it means that the process has already gone far enough and it will not be easy to defeat the fungus.

Onychomycosis is often perceived as a cosmetic problem: nails affected by the fungus look ugly. But it is necessary to fight the fungus not only in order to return the nails to the right shape and shine. If the fungus is not treated, it will spread further. The nail of the big toe is usually the first to be affected. If treatment is not started, the fungus spreads to the other toes, and since we inevitably touch our feet with our hands, it is possible that the fingernails and toenails can then become infected with the fungus. The fungus also spreads to the skin surrounding the nail, causing irritation and itching.

Causes of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis can be caused by different types of fungi. First of all, these are dermatophytes. In second place are yeast fungi of the genus Candida, which are always present in small amounts on human skin (they most often affect the nails). Mold infection is also possible (they usually accompany other pathogens. Isolated mold infection is typical not for our climate, but for tropical climates).

The risk of fungal infection increases with age. In children, nail fungus is very rare and, conversely, in the elderly it is detected relatively often. In addition, men suffer from onychomycosis more often than women.

The age specificity of fungi is explained by the fact that our local immunity decreases over the years, while the natural defense of a young body, as a rule, well suppresses the activity of fungi, preventing them from colonizing the nail plate. There is a dependence not only on local immunity, but also on general immunity. A general weakened immune system is a favorable background for the development of any fungal infection.

For fungi of the genus Candida, it is enough to have problems with the immune system: they simply begin to reproduce actively. Fungi of other species still have to somehow enter our body from the external environment. Some types of fungi can be carried by animals. Molds are everywhere; they are able to reproduce without a host. However, in most cases, the fungal infection is spread from person to person.

Fungi love a moist environment. Therefore, fungal infection often occurs in places where humidity is high. These are swimming pools, saunas, locker rooms, gyms. Wearing socks and shoes on wet feet can also be a trigger.

If there are wounds and cracks, they allow the infection to penetrate directly into the tissue, avoiding the need to attack the protective barrier that forms the surface of our skin.

The spread of fungi is facilitated by negligence in personal hygiene: you should not use someone else's slippers, soap or towel. Precisely because not every family follows this rule, nail fungus often becomes a family disease.

Nail damage usually starts at the edge. Dermatophytes penetrate under the free edge of the nail plate (in the subungual incision). In this case, the pathological process develops mainly in the nail bed. The second way of penetration of the fungus is through the nail fold. Candida fungi usually first affect the back fold of the nail (paronychia appears), and only then the nail itself suffers. A type of dermatophyte (T. mentagrophytes) can penetrate directly through the nail plate.

Symptoms of onychomycosis

The first sign of a fungal infection is loss of shine, clouding and discoloration of the nails. In cases where the infection affects the skin around the nail, itching appears. If treatment is not started, the fungus begins to destroy the nail plate: the surface of the nail becomes rough, the nail may crumble, fall, break, crumble.

Specific manifestations depend on the pathogen, as well as on the location, duration of the pathological process and its form. There are normotrophic, hypertrophic and atrophic forms of fungal infection.

It is characterized by the fact that the thickness of the nail plate remains unchanged. The disease appears in the form of white or yellow spots, which gradually increase in size. Eventually, the color of all the nails changes. The nail plate can peel off because the fusion of the nail with the subungual tissues is interrupted.

It is characterized by a significant increase in the thickness of the nail plate (due to the growth of the subungual epithelium). The nail becomes brown-yellow or gray. The nail plate is usually actively crumbling. The nail is especially damaged on the sides, resulting in a claw-like shape.

With this form of fungal infection, the nail becomes thinner and destroyed, starting from the outer edge. The destruction goes deeper, in the back fold of the nails; the nail bed is filled with a loose mass formed by decaying epithelial particles. Eventually, the nail may be completely lost.

Methods for diagnosing onychomycosis

Changes in color and fragility of nails should be a reason to consult a dermatologist. You should not replace the doctor and diagnose yourself - you may make a mistake: changes in the nails may have another cause.

The doctor makes a diagnosis based on a visual examination (a microscope may be used). To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis is performed. It is also necessary to determine the type of pathogen (this will allow to prescribe the most effective treatment).

At the appointment, the doctor will scratch the affected nail plate. If the pathological process has affected only the free edge of the nail, then the subungual epithelium is also scratched.

Microscopy is performed in the laboratory. Cultural studies are also done (the material is placed in a favorable environment and seen if a mold colony appears). Cultural studies make it possible to determine which fungi caused the disease.

To accurately diagnose the disease, make an appointment with the specialists of the Family Doctor network.

Methods of treatment of onychomycosis

Treatment for nail fungus involves removing the affected part of the nail. Then, the treatment is carried out using local antifungal agents (ointments, drops, sprays, varnishes). For significant lesions, the doctor may prescribe general antifungal agents (tablets).

Since the activity of fungi increases in the context of immune problems, the proposed course of treatment may include measures aimed at increasing general immunity.

It is advisable to apply local products (ointments, creams, drops) to the open nail bed. Do not stop treating the affected area until the time prescribed by your doctor has expired. Before removing the treatment, the doctor will most likely do another itching so that a laboratory test can confirm the absence of fungi. Otherwise, there is a high risk of disease recurrence.

Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Vinegar recipes to treat nail fungus

Having discovered toenail fungus, only a few decide to seek the help of a specialist. Others often ignore the problem until it reaches an advanced stage. Given the expensive drug treatment, more and more people are choosing folk remedies to eliminate the unpleasant manifestations of the disease.

Treating nail fungus with vinegar is the easiest way at home to get rid of an unpleasant disease. Easy and affordable recipes, if used correctly, will help to quickly cure an initial infection. Vinegar and eggs provide significant help in the complex therapy of onychomycosis, acting as an addition to medications. The product is also used for the prevention and rapid relief of unpleasant symptoms.

Reviews of the folk remedy for toenail fungus using the essence of vinegar and eggs are mostly positive. Many patients say that with the help of this medicine they were able to cope with the disease in just 2-3 weeks. However, this effect can only be achieved if the onychomycosis is in an unadvanced form.

Fungus causes and symptoms

Disease symptoms and photos:

1. change in plate thickness - thickening or thinning;
2. unpleasant smell;
3. swelling, hyperemia, pain of nail folds;
4. the appearance of lines or spots of different colors - white, yellow, black;
5. distortion and destruction of the plate, deformation.

In the later stages, the plaques leave the bed, become mobile and severe pain is felt during movement. Deformed plates make it difficult to put on shoes. For women, the trouble is compounded by the inability to wear open sandals, as their appearance suffers. Onychomycosis is usually accompanied by skin infection, in which the limbs itch, peel and the skin peels. The essence of vinegar, which is available in every home, can be a real rescue in the initial stage of treatment for nail fungus.

The causative agents of onychomycosis are opportunistic, they are constantly present near people. What factors contribute to the development of the disease:

• decreased immunity;
• constant contact with a sick person and his belongings;
• wearing and using someone else's clothing and hygiene products - washcloths, slippers, manicure and pedicure accessories;
• ignoring hygiene rules;
• increased sweating of the extremities;
• visits to beauty salons with weak antiseptics.

It is easy to get infected with onychomycosis. It will take a long time to cure nail fungus with vinegar, as well as any antifungal agent. Often, the infection is detected when the pathogen has penetrated deep into the nail plates and their destruction is visible.

How does vinegar affect the source of the disease?

The positive effect that comes from the treatment of nail fungus with acetic acid is created by its effect on pathogenic microorganisms. An acidic environment is harmful to dermatophytes.

With prolonged contact with the acid, the fungi stop multiplying and die.

Ointment for treatment

An ointment that can quickly and effectively heal fungus can be prepared according to the following recipes:

1. Take glycerin and any 7% or 9% vinegar and mix everything. The amount of ingredients should be used in such a way that it is necessary to form a paste consistency. After that, the finished mixture is applied to the legs approximately 2 times a day.
2. You need to take 1 egg and dip it in 70% vinegar essence. After waiting for the peel to dissolve, you need to remove the film and mix the white and yolk with 200 g of butter. Before using the ointment, it is recommended to steam the feet well. It should last up to 8 hours, so it's best to use the product at night.

You can make an ointment to treat nail fungus at home using one of the following recipes:

• Take glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phthalate in equal parts. Mix and add a double part of 70% essence of vinegar to the resulting mixture and mix again. Apply to the nails and leave for 10 hours, and then rinse using soap and water for washing;
• take 40 g of eucalyptus essential oil, 1 large spoon of 9% vinegar and 15 g of honey, mix everything and refrigerate for 3 days. After that, the finished oil should be applied to the affected nail plate once a day.

You can use vinegar against toenail fungus through cauterization. The main advantage of this method is that it requires a minimum of time, and the efficiency is comparable to other methods.

How to prepare the mixture? Traditionally, vinegar and iodine are mixed in equal parts and applied to all toenail plates. The amount of product applied depends on the size of your plate. Usually use no more than 2-4 drops. Then, you have to wait until the solution is absorbed and you can get dressed or, for example, go to bed. The procedure is carried out no more than 1-2 times a day.

What causes fungal infections?

fungusspreading from the foot (known as"dermatophyte fungi"), cause most fungal nail infections. Less commonly, nail infections are caused by other types of fungus, usually yeast (eg.Candida) Andmold.

These fungi tend to attack nails that are already damaged, as it is easier for the fungus to penetrate. Fungal infections of the toenails are very common (1 in 4 people may be affected at some point), while toenail fungus is less common. Both types are more common in the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes and poor peripheral circulation. A warm, moist environment helps fungi grow and cause infection. Wearing tight shoes or using showers, bathrooms or locker rooms can increase the risk of yeast infections.

Are they inherited?

Absolutely not. However, in some extremely rare cases, there is a genetic risk factor and other family members may also be affected.

What are the symptoms of fungal nail infections?

Initially there are usually no symptoms. Later, the nails may thicken and become painful when pressure is applied to the inside of the shoe. Then they are difficult to trim. The sight of an infected nail, especially a nail, can be embarrassing. Affected nails can ruin socks and tights and can also rub the adjacent skin. The nearby skin may also have a fungal infection; it may itch, crack, blister or appear white, especially between the toes.

What do fungal nail infections look like?

Fungal nail infectionit usually starts at its free edge and then spreads along the side of the nail to the base of the cuticle. Eventually the entire nail can be affected. Infected areas turn white or yellow and become thick and wrinkled. Less commonly, there may be white inclusions on the surface of the nail. The nails most susceptible to damage from fungal infections are the big and little toes. Sometimes, especially for those who regularly do wet work, such as housewives or cleaners, the skin around the nail becomes red and swollen. This is called paronychia and can allow infection to easily enter the nail.

How are fungal nail infections diagnosed?

Fungal nail infectionsusually diagnosed clinically. Your doctor may take a piece of the infected nail and send it to a lab to see if the fungus can be seen under a microscope or grown in culture. Repeat samples may sometimes be required.

Many nail problems can only look likefungal infection, - for example, the changes observed in psoriasis, after a bacterial infection or an old injury, but antifungal tablets will not help. Proper treatment may depend on knowing which fungus is causing the problem; It may take several weeks to see results.

Can fungal nail infections be cured?

Yes. However, for successtreatment of fungal nail infectionLong-term treatment is required, which can last up to a year. Fingernails are easier to treat.Fungal nail infectionsusually recur, especially in the toes.

How can fungal nail infections be treated?

Fungal nail infectionsare not worrisome in themselves, not all require treatment. Some people with infected toenails don't worry about them at all. In this case, they can sometimes be left alone (although the patient must be careful and try not to spread the infection to other parts of the body and nails, or to other people).

On the other hand, ifinfected nailscause discomfort or distress, they are usually treated. It is important to treat people whose infections can cause serious health problems, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, to prevent potentially serious health problems.

The goal of treatment is to remove the fungus: then the nails usually return to normal. However, if the nail was damaged before it became infected, it will be more difficult to clean and may return to its previous state.Nail infectionscaused by mold and yeast can be very resistant to treatment.

Treatment options include:

Treatments applied to the nails (local treatments)

Treatments applied to the nails do not work as well as orally administered treatments. They are most effective if the infection is at an early stage. The most commonly used methods are amorolfine medicated nail polish, ciclopirox and tioconazole solution.

They may not be able to clean the deeper parts of the infected nail on their own, but regular removal of the damaged part of the nail using scissors or a file can help. Oral medications used in combination with an antifungal agent increase the likelihood of cure. They may need to be used for 4-12 months before effects are seen.

ABOUTfingernail infectionsthe course of treatment is shorter. The cure rate with local treatments alone is about 15-30%. Local treatment is safe. Redness and irritation may occur.

Before you start taking the pills, your doctor must send a part of the nail to the laboratory to check if the diagnosis of a fungal infection has been confirmed.

Laser and photodynamic therapy can be helpful, but are less effective than the topical and systemic treatments listed above.

Plant-based products are also promoted fortreatment of fungal nail infection, but there is no conclusive evidence that it is safer or more effective than standard treatments.

Surgical removal of nails

Sometimes very thick nails that do not respond to pills alone can be removed by surgeons under local anesthesia, however this is rarely done as the level of result does not justify surgery.

Self care

• Keep nails short, dry and clean. Use one clipper for infected nails and the other for normal nails.
• Don't just treat your nails; Use an antifungal cream to treat the skin on your feet.
• Avoid cutting the cuticles, either by yourself or by a nail technician, as this increases the risk of nail damage and infection.

For fungal infection on the fingers:

• Wear comfortable shoes without high heels or tight socks.
• Keep your feet dry, wear cotton socks and change them daily and use breathable shoes. Regular washing in hot water will clean most contaminated socks, but it can be made more effective by using an antifungal spray before washing. Other clothing generally cannot be contaminated.
• Maintain good foot hygiene, including treating any infections.
• Wear clean shower shoes when using shared showers.
• Be especially careful about the hygiene of the affected feet.
• Consider seeking help from a podiatrist if thick toenails cause discomfort when walking.

conclusions

Vinegar and egg against nail fungus give positive results when used daily. If no effect is observed during treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor and start drug therapy. In this case, you can continue to use folk remedies - they will only speed up the healing process.

It should be remembered that treatment for onychomycosis will always take a long time. To achieve full recovery, it may take several months to a year with regular treatment procedures.