Despite all the achievements of science and progress, fungi as a disease cannot be eliminated.This is due to his survival and living conditions.The fungus needs moisture and warmth.As long as they exist, the fungus will exist.
Types of nail fungus
Dermatophytes
They affect the body due to reduced immunity.In extremely rare cases - in a person with a high level of immunity.
The source of infection is soil, sometimes humans or animals.The basis of the entire colony is the mycelium.It is attached to the nail by processes (hyphae), which grow into the tissue and destroy the structure.
Subtypes of dermatophytes and characteristics of the course of the disease:
- Trichophyton order.The disease proceeds according to the standard: the tip of the nail becomes infected, followed by progression to the root.The fungus tends to affect several fingers at the same time.The nail changes shape, thickens and becomes rough.Delamination is observed.The skin around the affected nail also becomes infected - it dries and peels;
- Trichophyton interdigitalis.The source of the disease is rooms with a high level of humidity.It most often affects the nails of the big toes.Localized on the surface of the nail and the skin between the fingers.Whitish spots are formed on the plates;
- Other types of dermatophytes affect the body against the background of other diseases in 5% of all cases.
Yeasts from the genus Candida
They are actually present on human skin and mucous membranes.It is not necessary to encounter a carrier of the disease.It is enough to have a weakened immune system for the fungus to occupy the nail plate.
The peculiarity of the course of the disease is that the nail is not affected at the end, but at the base, it grows in the direction of growth, because candida does not create a mycelium and cannot be attached to the surface at the edge.
Mould
The causative agents of onychomycosis are more than 40 species.It is difficult to diagnose damage by this type of fungus - the symptoms are not very different from the symptoms of dermatophyte damage.
However, the treatment is significantly different.The diagnosis of mold can only be made by bacteriological analysis.
The subspecies is capable of releasing hyphae and rapidly destroying the nail.In addition, in conditions of a critical decrease in the patient's immunity, mold fungi can penetrate the body and infect the organs.
There are 2 additional classifications.
Classification according to the source of the disease:
- vesicular fungi.The lower part of the foot is primarily affected.Blisters and swelling appear on the skin.This type of fungus is easily associated with a bacterial infection;
- membrane Localized in the area between the little toe and the "ring" on the leg - the skin cracks and peels off in large scales.It may be accompanied by a bacterial infection;
- moccasin pods.The disease is localized on the heel or sole, gradually spreading upwards.
Classification according to the form of deformation of the nail layer:
- normotrophic.The nail changes color, but keeps its shape.Streaks and/or spots of yellow and white shades appear;
- hypertrophic.The structure and shape of the nail are deformed: the nail becomes thick, begins to crumble and causes pain during movement;
- atrophic.The nail is "skinny".The plate becomes very thin, cloudy and white spots and streaks appear on it.
Toenail fungus: signs of infection
Main visible and tangible symptoms:
- itchy skin, especially after swimming;
- the appearance of an unpleasant smell;
- peeling skin;
- the nail has changed color.As a rule, the entire nail plate gets a uniform shade.The color depends on the subspecies of the mushroom, but most often it is yellow;
- the surface of the nail becomes rough;
- separation along the tip of the nail.It occupies the entire open length of the nail and gradually deepens;
- white spots under the nail plate;
- dullness;
- many bumps;
- separation of the entire nail;
- destruction of the nail on a large scale;
- small notches along the entire outer surface of the plate;
- the nail plate thickens and the lower layers fall apart.
Is it possible to completely cure toenail fungus?It is possible, but not always.A hereditary disease that cannot be changed is a living example of this.It progresses over the years, deforming the shape of the nail.
The fact of a hereditary disease can only be confirmed by a doctor's consultation.
How to effectively cure toenail fungus: drug treatment
In order to choose medicines, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the type of fungus, the stage of the disease and the type of skin.Only a doctor can do this.
Depending on the test results and the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe either local drugs - ointments or varnishes, or a complex of local and systemic drugs.
Systemic drugs suppress the pathogen, preventing reproduction.Topical drugs act in the area of application, destroying fungi.
Systemic drugs stress the liver.You will have to give up everything that complicates the work of the organs - alcohol, fatty food.This is necessary to avoid double loading.
There are special means for removing nails without surgery.
Each drug works only on a certain type of mycosis.Even the most advanced drugs will not work if they are not "paired" with the fungus.
How to cure toenail fungus: folk remedies
Vinegar is the most effective method in the initial stages.
Baths: a glass of table vinegar (9%) per water bath.As a rule, a sink is used in which the feet are placed.Water is poured up to the ankle.First, it ensures the proper concentration of vinegar in the water.
Second, the skin is exposed to chemical burns.Before bathing, it is necessary to trim the nails and remove the upper layers of the skin with pumice stone or a brush.This will ensure maximum "impregnation".
If there are microdamages on the legs, the procedure will cause pain.Duration – 15 minutes.
Vinegar lotions - soak a cotton ball/cotton in vinegar and apply to the problem area for 10-15 minutes. It is more effective to use after bathing.
Ointment: 2 portions of acetic acid (70%) mixed with glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phthalate, one portion each.Apply with a cotton swab every day for 8 hours on clean feet.Wash with laundry soap.
Hydrogen peroxide is used to fight the advanced stage.The feet are steamed in a soda bath (1 teaspoon per 1 liter), and then cotton wool soaked in peroxide, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a bandage is applied to the problem areas.The duration of the treatment is 40-60 minutes.
Ammonia.For a glass of water - 1 spoon.l.alcohol Soak cotton wool or a piece of gauze and put it on overnight as a compress.
Boric acid.Before going to bed, the feet are scalded, sprinkled with powder and put on clean socks.
Baking soda.Add some water until it forms a paste and apply the mixture on the problem area for 15-20 minutes.
Garlic.Rub the affected area with a cut clove of garlic.Vegetable pulp can be used as a poultice.
Iodine.Just lubricate the problem area well.
How to cure toenail fungus fast
Complex treatment consisting of systemic antifungals and local agents will be required.Medicines are prescribed by a doctor.
It is recommended to combine traditional medicine and medicines.
Features of the treatment of neglected fungi
First of all, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.
Complex treatment will be required, which means:
- oral intake of broad-spectrum drugs;
- narrow focus directly on the nail;
- strengthening the immune system;
- taking medicines to support the body while taking essential medicines;
- strictly follow the instructions.
Medicine is conceived in such a way that during the treatment of a disease, a blow is given to a healthy organ.Most often - liver and intestines.You need to prepare yourself for the consequences and talk to your doctor in advance about the side effects of the drugs.Some cause allergies or are unacceptable for certain diseases during pregnancy.
If the stage is critical and nothing helps, the last option remains - complete removal of the nail plate, but this does not always guarantee relief from the disease.
What is the danger of untreated onychomycosis?
The disease can progress to a stage where most of the available drugs stop working against the fungus - the spores will penetrate deep into the tissues and the drugs simply cannot reach them.
Deformation of the shape of the plate leads to deep ingrowth into the skin of the nail, even cutting the tissue.
The result is excruciating pain and inflammation in the tissues of the toes.Both the nail and the tissue around the nail will begin to rot.
The advanced stage of deformation of the nail plate makes it impossible to wear shoes.Any footwear that squeezes the toes even slightly will cause severe pain.Even just walking around the house barefoot will hurt.
In addition:
- general decrease in immunity;
- the spread of fungi in the blood;
- occurrence of dermatitis and eczema;
- inflammation of the mucous membrane.
Prevention
Antifungal prophylaxis is based on the following factors:
- personal hygiene.You must wash your feet with soap every day.Cut your nails on time, don't pull your nails and use only personal pedicure tools.If you had to take in strangers, sterilize them.Wear clean socks.Do not use used shoes;
- shoe careShoes need to be dried in a timely manner, which prevents the creation of conditions suitable for the growth of fungi.Take out the insoles and dry them separately, dry the shoes themselves with special dryers or untie them completely and put them under the radiator;
- Of course, not visiting the bath and sauna is not an option.Give preference to establishments that have reviews.If possible, ask what and how often the floors are washed.Be sure to use only your own belongings, especially replaceable rubber slippers;
- To avoid re-infection, throw away the shoes that the patient wore during the illness.If this is not possible, sterilize it internally;
- if your immune system is weakened or there are micro-damages on your feet, try not to walk barefoot and avoid situations where the fungus could infect you.