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Toenail shapes

31 Aug 18

Correct shape of toenails

  • Correct and beautiful shape of toenails
  • How to properly care for problem toenails
  • Ingrown toenail problem
  • How to trim your toenails correctly
  • The perfect pedicure at home
  • Today there is a wide variety of nail shapes on the toes and hands. But on their feet they must look neat and be properly trimmed; their health depends on this.

    Each person has a different nail plate: for some it is thin, for others it is too thick. It happens that nails peel, crack or even grow in, and they also differ in color. Toenail doctors can even identify a specific disease. And psychologists can tell about the character of their owner by looking at their nails.

    Correct and beautiful shape of toenails

    The thickness of a normal nail should be 1 mm, but if it is much more, then this is a disease - pachyonychia. The shape of the toenail should be square, but to prevent the corners from scratching or tearing the tights, they should be slightly rounded. The recommended length of the regrown part of the nail is 0.5 mm. For complete beauty, the nail plate is torn with a thin layer of transparent or colored varnish.

    To prevent the corner of the nail from growing into the skin, it is necessary to file it properly. People with flat nails usually do not have such problems.

    To give the correct shape, they usually use a nail file, but if the nail has already grown a lot, then nippers or scissors are more likely to help. First you need to steam your feet in water, then use a wooden manicure stick to remove all the dirt under your nails to protect yourself from infections, and only then start trimming and sawing off your feet when they are dry.

    It is important to take care of your nails in a timely manner - about two to three times a month - and correctly. If you take care of your legs regularly, they will delight their owner with their beauty for a very long time.

    If you have no idea what the ideal shape of toenails looks like, then you can find many photographs on this topic on the Internet.

    How to properly care for problem toenails

    If your nails begin to turn yellow or darken, and also begin to flake and crumble, then there are a couple of simple ways to get rid of these unpleasant moments. You can prepare a bath with lemon or salt. To prepare a salt bath, you just need to add 100 grams of salt per liter of water.

    For a lemon bath, add two tablespoons of lemon juice per liter of water. These baths will help restore a healthy appearance to your nails, make them stronger and give them a natural color.

    Iodine and oak bark or vegetable oil baths will help prevent nail splitting. Ribbed nails are polished with a special whetstone. This will make them smooth and even.

    There is one more secret that will prevent your nails from crumbling. You need to file it in one direction - from the edge to the center. Moreover, the use of metal files in pedicure is not recommended; it is better to use files for polishing.

    To maintain the correct shape of the nail, you need to cut it in a straight line, without cutting off the corners, so it will not grow in.

    Ingrown toenail problem

    There are several stages of an ingrown toenail. At the first stage, the skin around the nail turns red, pain is felt, and swelling appears. At the second stage, suppuration already occurs at the site of ingrowth. At the third stage, the finger becomes deformed. You should help yourself already at the first stage; it is possible, of course, to do this at home, but the help of a specialist will not hurt. Self-medication in the second and third stages will no longer help; there is only one way out - going to the doctor.

    You can cure an ingrown toenail at the first stage using chamomile baths at home. What is needed for this:

    1. For two liters of water, take six tablespoons of chamomile (sold dry in pharmacies).
    2. The mixture is infused for an hour.
    3. The infusion is filtered, then heated over fire, without bringing to a boil.
    4. Place your feet in the bath for 20 minutes.
    5. The feet have steamed, now you need to separate the nail from the skin and place a small cotton swab soaked in iodine there.
    6. How to trim your toenails correctly

      First, you need to treat all pedicure tools with an antiseptic or alcohol, which will prevent infections. It is important that the tools are strictly individual, that is, all family members should not use the same nippers. It is necessary to choose all pedicure devices from high-quality materials.

      Feet are thoroughly washed or steamed in warm water. If your nails are very thick, you can soak them in a solution of soap and soda (add two tablespoons of soda to three liters of water). You can soften your nails using a variety of baths. Special emulsions with useful additives, or simple shower gel or essential oils are added to warm water. Five minutes will be enough for steaming.

      Nails should be cut in small steps in a straight line. You cannot cut it too short to the very root, so as not to catch the pad of your finger. Do not cut corners with scissors; it is better to use a file.

      The perfect pedicure at home

      Just a couple of hours of free time and the desire to become more attractive is the main thing you need to give a beautiful look.

    7. The nails are trimmed using tweezers or scissors. The ideal length of the nail is when it does not reach the edge of the finger.
    8. Use a spatula to remove all dirt and dead cells.
    9. The nails are filed to create a smooth edge.
    10. The top layer of the nails is sanded and polished.
    11. A product is rubbed in to soften and remove the cuticle.
    12. The feet are lowered into a warm steam bath, at which time you can treat the feet and heels with a stiff brush or pumice stone. The feet are lowered into the bath only after they have been treated, because the nails have a porous structure and when wet they become saturated with moisture and become very soft; it will be impossible to saw them off perfectly.
    13. The feet are dried with a soft towel. Then you need to push back the cuticle using a wooden manicure stick and trim it carefully with special scissors,
    14. The skin around the cuticle and the surface of the nail itself is treated with a scraper.
    15. The feet are again lowered into the bath for about 20 minutes. Alternatingly removing the feet, they need to be wiped and the stratum corneum removed with a scraper or pumice stone. If everything is very neglected, it will take a lot of time and patience.
    16. Hangnails and dead skin are removed with special tweezers.
    17. A scrub is applied to the legs, rubbed in, then washed off.
    18. After wiping, a special product is applied to the cuticle to nourish it (vitamin E or almond oil is suitable), and a moisturizer is rubbed into the feet.

    The last stage is coating the nails with varnish. Before applying regular varnish, you need to use a base coat.

    Gel nail extensions on forms: step-by-step instructions, photos and videos

    Many girls complain that they cannot grow beautiful, long nails. They definitely start to peel off and it’s impossible to get the desired length. Today this is no longer a problem. You can extend your nails using ordinary stencils made by yourself from any material for these purposes. The procedure for applying extensions to forms is not complicated, just apply a stencil to the nail plates, then apply the gel in an even layer, wait for it to harden and long, beautiful nails will not take long to appear.

    The method is quite effective, it gives the nails not only the desired length, but also strength; it is enough to cover them with several layers of gel. Gel, unlike acrylic, does not penetrate into the deep layers of the nail plate, does not cause allergies, allows air to pass through well, allows the nails to breathe, and lays down in an even and smooth layer. It is recommended to use a polymer-based gel that gives nails strength, shine and maximum surface smoothness.

    List of materials and tools

    For gel extensions on forms, a standard set of materials is required, namely:

  • ultraviolet lamp with built-in timer for drying the gel;
  • clear camouflage gel;
  • flat brush with artificial bristles;
  • degreaser for nail plates;
  • forms for base under the nail;
  • gel for shine and fixation;
  • nail files in a set, different in hardness;
  • buff file for polishing;
  • disinfectant;
  • oil for degreasing cuticles;
  • tip cutter to remove excess length;
  • brush for polishing nail pads;
  • sticky layer remover.
  • Before the extension procedure, you need:

  • Get your nails in order, trim off excess length and polish.
  • Choose the right place for the procedure so that there is sufficient lighting.
  • Wash your hands with soap.
  • Treat the cuticles with antiseptics to prevent the gel from peeling off after hardening.
  • Remove all small particles of skin from under the nail plates.
  • Sand the free edges for gel extensions.
  • Process with a nail file, starting from the edges closer to the center.
  • Remove shine from nail plates.
  • Clean your nails with a brush and sharpen them with a hard nail file.
  • Degrease.
  • Next, you can begin to attach the stencil, apply a base layer of gel with a brush, lower it into an ultraviolet lamp to harden, and then file the nail to give the desired shape and length.

    All that remains is to apply a layer of gel and the desired pattern with paints, varnishes, or you can use ready-made stickers as a stencil.

    It is important to make sure that there are no contraindications for the gel procedure or allergies to gel materials. It is not recommended to take antibiotics or other hormonal drugs the day before that can reduce the quality of work or the desired effect.

    We must not forget that household chemicals are used, so it is necessary to carry out the extension procedure while wearing protective gloves.

    In the future, it is necessary to carry out corrections every 2-4 weeks so that the nails always look neat and beautiful.

  • treating hands with antiseptics;
  • removing the varnish coating and old gel layer;
  • cleansing the surface of the nail so that air bubbles do not form under the new layer due to polymerization from exposure to an ultraviolet lamp;
  • applying a fresh layer of gel;
  • sawing off unnecessary parts of the stencil to give the desired shape to the nail.
  • Instructions for increasing

    You can grow your nails in two ways: on the lower or upper forms.

    The technology for gel extensions on lower forms is:

    1. treating hands with antiseptic;
    2. degreasing nail plates;
    3. removing the top shiny layer with a file to achieve a matte surface;
    4. treating the nail shaft area, degreasing with a cotton swab dipped in a special solution;
    5. applying a universal product as a base coat and top layer;
    6. drying by placing your fingertips in an ultraviolet lamp for 2-3 minutes;
    7. adjustment with a nail file if necessary;
    8. placing the form under the nail exactly in relation to the edges of the form so that the gel layer fits evenly to the plate;
    9. applying droplets to the nail with a brush, starting from the tips, while in the center you can make a seal, slightly turning the nail to give it a beautiful shape;
    10. Secondly placing the fingertips in a lamp to dry for subsequent application of another layer;
    11. lifting the nail from the edges of the bend in order to align and form a drop;
    12. degreasing the plates;
    13. leveling with a nail file to give the desired shape;
    14. grinding, surface leveling;
    15. removing small nicks;
    16. giving smoothness to the top coating;
    17. removing dust from the nail plate using a cotton swab;
    18. applying the finishing layer;
    19. dry for up to 3 minutes;
    20. degreasing special means.
    21. The method of extension to the upper forms is simpler. Forming on bends is not necessary; the nail turns out quite even. You just need to practice a little beforehand and you can do a manicure at home no worse than a professional one.

      When building on top forms, acrylic is not used. We will only use gel, but the main thing is to strictly follow all stages of the procedure and properly treat the nail plates before extensions. So, first the master and the client must treat their hands with disinfectants.

    22. Prepare the nail plates.
    23. Remove the top shiny layer.
    24. Push back the cuticle.
    25. Remove growths from the surface of the nail plate.
    26. Select the top mold for each nail separately.
    27. Place gel in the center of the mold for further construction.
    28. Dry your nails in an ultraviolet lamp.
    29. Apply the stencil to the cuticle area.
    30. Apply a layer of gel to the mold.
    31. Place your finger under the lamp for 20 seconds.
    32. Remove gels from the inside of the nail.
    33. Dry under the lamp for another 2-3 minutes.
    34. Carefully remove the top mold.
    35. Remove the sticky layer from the inside of the nail using a special product.
    36. Give the edges the desired shape.
    37. Remove dust with a brush if you need to add shine to your nails.
    38. It is the upper forms that are more effective when building up if the plates are thin and small.

      Tips and tricks

      In order for the manicure to be of high quality and allow you to enjoy beautiful nails for a long time, some rules and tips must be taken into account.

    39. It is not recommended to apply cream to your hands before the procedure, otherwise the stencil will not attach well to the body, and the coating will not lie in an even layer.
    40. It is necessary to treat the cuticles in advance; on the eve of the procedure, it is not recommended to take hormonal agents or antibiotics, which can only worsen the adhesion of the materials to the nail plate.
    41. The plates must be healthy, there should be no unnecessary wounds or cracks.
    42. You need to decide on the choice of forms for manicure and the lighting in the room in advance.
    43. Choose free time for the procedure so that nothing distracts you from work, so as not to be disappointed later.
    44. In order for your nails to remain graceful for a long time after extensions, you need to correct them in a timely manner, at least 2 times a month, and also protect them from blows and other mechanical influences.
    45. It is not recommended to use metal objects in work.
    46. You should wear gloves before working.
    47. Protect marigolds from water and hot air.
    48. Avoid carrying out extension procedures on critical days, or shortly before them.
    49. Before the procedure, thoroughly clean the cuticles and also treat your hands with antiseptics.
    50. For extensions, it is recommended to use materials from manufacturers Creative, IBD, EzFIow, the production of which guarantees durable artificial turf.

      Advantages and disadvantages of gel extensions on forms

      This type of extension makes it possible to:

    51. It is enough to lengthen short nails;
    52. give them the desired shape and elegance;
    53. improve appearance and match natural colors;
    54. to grow wide nail pads, although it is difficult to do on your own, only professionals can do it;
    55. carry out the process quickly, unlike, for example, when building up chips.
    56. The main thing is to get used to it. Disposable paper forms are quite suitable for the job. Although experts advise using Teflon or metal. The main thing is to thoroughly disinfect both materials and nails after each procedure.

      The good thing about this method is that it is non-hazardous, does not cause allergies, and does not violate the integrity and structure of the nail plates. The gel stays on the nails for quite a long time after extensions, acquires a natural shade after drying and is odorless.

      Nevertheless, artificial extended nails require careful handling. They can quickly break from an accidental blow and do not withstand mechanical stress. On the other hand, artificial nails can always be restored; you just need to change the stencil and start the procedure again. The gel will give your nails elasticity and visual similarity in color to natural ones. The main thing is to choose a durable material for adhesion, a beautiful stencil, and skillfully apply the selected design.

      Coating your nails with gel and adding extensions to forms is a simple procedure, but it will require skill and time to achieve the perfect manicure. It is important to first prepare the nail plates, select high-quality materials for work, and not be distracted during the process. In the future, protect the nails from mechanical damage and contact with abrasive chemical elements.

      Nail diseases that change their shape and size

      Diseases of the nails, in which their shape and size change, always cause great discomfort in a person and significantly reduce his quality of life. Nails are a mirror that reflects the state of human health, and are often the first to indicate serious diseases of the body. Nail fungus accounts for half of all cases of disease. At different stages of the development of this disease, changes in the nails are expressed in one form or another and often have great similarities with a number of other diseases. Nails are often affected by lichen planus, psoriasis and eczema.

      Nail diseases in some common diseases

      Fungal infection (onychomycosis)

      With onychomycosis, color changes, shine is lost, stripes and spots appear, and the thickness of the nail plates increases. Over time, nails become deformed, crumble, break, or become detached from the nail bed.

      Rice. 1. The photo shows onychomycosis.

      Lichen planus

      Thinning of the nail plates, changes in their color, delamination at the free edge, separation from the nail bed and damage to the nail folds are the main signs of lichen planus. Nails decrease in size. Often cracks and ribbing appear on their surface. The causes of lichen planus have not yet been established. The development of the pathological process is influenced by many factors.

      Rice. 2. The photo shows lichen planus.

      The causes of psoriasis have not yet been established. The disease is considered multifactorial. There is no doubt that changes in the immune system play a large role in the development of the disease. Nail plates with psoriasis change long before the appearance of the main manifestations of the disease - psoriatic plaques on the skin. The more the matrix is ​​involved in the pathological process, the more pronounced the change in the nail plate.

      The main manifestations of psoriatic lesions in primary psoriasis: pinpoint depressions and weariness, separation from the nail bed, the appearance of smoky lines, increasing dryness of the nails, their fragility, the development of subungual keratosis.

      In the secondary form of the disease, the nail plates change shape, scales and deep grooves appear on their surface, the color changes, and delamination and peeling are often observed.

      Rice. 3. The photo shows nails with psoriasis.

      Eczema, like lichen planus and psoriasis, is a multifactorial disease. When diseased, the nail plate changes its shape and splits. Its surface is dull and rough, streaked with transverse grooves. The degree of damage to the nail matrix affects the thickness of the nail itself. Frequent inflammation leads to the fact that the nail skin disappears, cracks and wounds appear.

      Rice. 4. The photo shows eczema.

      Changes in the shape, size and appearance of nails

      Brittle nails, crumbling and brittle

      Brittle, crumbling and brittle nails are more often caused by exposure to chemicals, water and nail polish. They appear when the thyroid gland malfunctions. In old age they are a sign of aging. The chronic course of psoriasis also leads to fragility and crumbling. Sometimes the disease is congenital.

      Rice. 5. Nail diseases - onychomycosis and psoriasis.

      Rough and flaky nails (trachnonychia)

      Trachnonychia is most often found in eczema, psoriatic lesions, neurodermatitis and lichen planus. Such nails look dry, dull, flaky, sometimes with pinpoint depressions. The free edge is jagged, with many cracks.

      Rice. 6. The photo shows nail diseases - psoriasis and eczema.

      Brittle, split and peeling nails (onychorrhexis and onychoschisis)

      Splitting of the nail plates and fragility can occur in the longitudinal (onychorrhexis) and transverse (onychoschisis) directions.

      A common cause of this pathology is constant injuries that occur in musicians when playing string instruments and performing cosmetic procedures (manicures). The cause of splitting can be eczema and lichen ruber. Lamellar clefting is most often a congenital pathology. Onychorrhexis is most often a sign of aging.

      Rice. 7. The photo shows splitting of nails in the transverse (onychoschisis) and longitudinal direction (onychorrhexis).

      This pathology often occurs in old people. The cause of the appearance of longitudinal furrows can be lichen planus, stress and metabolic disorders. Longitudinal grooves are found in completely healthy people. Each groove and ridge correspond to ridges located on the undersurface of the nail plate.

      Rice. 8. The photo shows longitudinal grooves.

      Longitudinal canal-like dystrophy

      This type of change affects the nail plates of the thumbs. The phenomenon is characterized by the appearance of a groove (wide channel), often in the center, less often - closer to the outer edge of the nail plate. Often grooves appear after injury and disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The familial nature of the pathology is noted.

      Rice. 9. The photo shows longitudinal canal-like dystrophy.

      Transverse grooves occur in severe somatic diseases and exposure to a number of environmental factors. The deeper the groove, the more affected the nail matrix is. Fissures often appear in a number of skin diseases, myocardial infarction, after chemotherapy, Raynaud's disease and exposure to low temperatures.

      Rice. 10. The photo shows transverse grooves (Beau-Reilly grooves).

      Lateral lesion

      The cause of lateral lesions is most often fungal infection and subungual fibromas.

      Rice. 11. The photo shows nail diseases in which lateral damage to the nail plates is noted - onychomycosis and subungual fibromas.

      Cracks always appear suddenly on healthy nail plates. The phenomenon is associated with the use of significant forces during the treatment procedure (manicure) with sharp instruments.

      Rice. 12. The photo shows a cracked nail.

      The most common cause of thickened nail plates is fungus and psoriasis. Slightly less often, pathology is detected with eczema, warts of the nail bed and lichen planus.

      Rice. 13. The photo shows diseases of the nails, in which their significant thickening is noted - onychomycosis and psoriasis.

      Ingrown (pincer-shaped) nail

      The nail plates acquire a pincer-like shape when their edges grow into the tissue of the nail fold, which becomes inflamed and covered with bloody crusts. The damaged surface is easily vulnerable and often bleeds. Granulations—“wild meat”—grow. There is constant discharge of pus. There is a heavy smell near the patient. The disease is accompanied by severe pain, due to which the patient begins to limp. The disease is most often registered in young people.

      The main cause of the disease is a hereditary factor, when there is a pronounced longitudinal curvature of the nail plate. Its growth takes on an oblique direction. The nail fold itself is significantly enlarged, and the nail bed is narrow.

      The disease is promoted by wearing tight shoes, improper cutting of nails, changing the direction of growth of the big toe and injuries. The disease is often registered in people of certain professions - ballerinas, dancers, basketball players, boxers and football players.

      Rice. 14. But the photo is an ingrown nail (pincer-shaped). The cushion is inflamed, covered with bloody crusts and bleeding. An increase in granulation (“wild meat”) is visible.

      Claw-shaped nails (onychogryphosis)

      Thickening and curvature of the nail plates occurs with injuries, wearing uncomfortable shoes, frostbite, nail fungus, circulatory disorders in the lower extremities and in the elderly.

      Often the disease is congenital in nature, when the cause of onychogryphosis is a malnutrition of the tissues of the nail bed. One or all nails are affected. They have a rocky density and longitudinal grooves of a yellow-brown or brown color. Sometimes their length reaches 3 - 3.5 cm. They can twist, resembling a ram's horn.

      Rice. 15. The photo shows claw-shaped nails (onychogryphosis).

      Partial separation of nails (onycholysis)

      With onycholysis, the nail plates separate from the nail bed. Fungal infection (rubromycosis) and psoriasis are the main causes of this pathology.

      Thyrotoxicosis, severe intoxication, trauma and eczema also sometimes cause nail detachment. The separation begins from the side of the free edge, which becomes white.

      Rice. 16. The photo shows partial separation of the nail plates on the hands due to rubromycosis.

      Rice. 17. The photo shows nail diseases - fungus and psoriasis.

      Complete separation (onychomadesis)

      Complete separation of the nail plate begins at the proximal edge. The process develops very quickly and is mainly recorded on the thumbs of the hands and feet. The reason for the separation of the nail plate is not clear today, but it is known that the function of the matrix is ​​significantly impaired during separation.

      Sometimes separation is preceded by trauma, sometimes by manicure using sharp instruments. The cause of detachment can be fungus, psoriasis, sarcoidosis and eczema. A similar pathology is observed with a congenital disease - epidermolysis.

      Rice. 18. The photo shows complete separation of the nail plates: on the left with psoriasis, on the right with injury.

      Flat nails (platonychia)

      Platonychia most often represents a congenital anomaly. Diseases such as liver cirrhosis and psoriasis lead to the appearance of this pathology during life. Changes always affect all nail plates.

      Rice. 19. The photo shows platonychia.

      Spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia)

      Koilonychia is often a symptom of iron deficiency anemia. The shape of the nail plates changes with injuries, prolonged exposure to acids and alkalis, with Addison's disease, fungal infection, psoriasis, Raynaud's disease and lupus erythematosus. The familial nature of this type of pathology is noted.

      Rice. 20. The photo shows koilonychia.

      Pinholes and dents

      Pinpoint depressions and dents primarily indicate the manifestation of psoriasis and often appear long before the main symptoms of the disease. Slightly less often, such changes are recorded in eczema. Sometimes pinpoint depressions occur in completely healthy people.

      Rice. 21. Damage to nails due to psoriasis - pinpoint depressions.

      Rice. 22. In the photo, nail damage due to psoriasis shows pinpoint depressions.

      Injuries to the nail plates often result in significant cosmetic defects - deformation, destruction and hemorrhage. Sometimes the cause of hemorrhages at the base of the nail can be bacterial endocarditis and rheumatoid arthritis.

      Rice. 23. The photo shows a nail injury.

      Hippocratic nails (“drum fingers”)

      The nails, together with the phalanges of the fingers, become dome-shaped and significantly increase in size, resembling watch glasses. Most often, this pathology occurs in patients with chronic lung diseases - tuberculosis, emphysema, tumors in the lungs, etc. In some patients, “drum fingers” occur in diseases of the cardiovascular system and leukemia. Often this pathology is familial in nature.

      Rice. 24. The photo shows “drumstick” nails.

      Absence of nail plates (anonychia)

      Lichen planus, pemphigus, congenital epidermolysis bullosa are diseases in which anonychia is noted. Often the disease is familial and is a congenital pathology.

      Rice. 25. The photo shows a complete absence of nail plates (anonychia).

      Small nails (micronychia)

      Small nails on the fingers, toes and hands are a congenital disorder. The habit of biting nails, epilepsy, scleroderma, trophoneurosis are the main causes of acquired micronychia.

      Rice. 26. Micronychia.

      Rice. 27. The photo shows micronychia.

      Pachyonychia congenital (Jadassohn-Lewandowski syndrome)

      Congenital pachyonychia always causes great discomfort in a person and significantly reduces his quality of life. Nails are significantly thickened and dull. They are grayish-yellow or brown in color. The causes and development of the disease are unknown. The disease is more often registered in men.

      Rice. 28. The photo shows congenital pachyonychia.

      Diseases that cause nail color to change - see article

      Symptoms and treatment of toenail fungus

      Nail fungus is a fairly common ailment in which the plates become rough and brittle, turn yellow, and become covered with small cracks. The disease progresses slowly and progresses in the absence of adequate therapy. Treatment of onychomycosis at home will help eliminate its symptoms if you use modern medications, tools and techniques.

      The origin of toenail fungus

      Before starting active treatment, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of the disease and reduce the negative influence of environmental factors:

    57. A humid, warm environment is the optimal condition for the growth of bacteria; after walking you need to dry your shoes, and completely avoid synthetic socks.
    58. Fungus often occurs due to a weak immune system; you can step on any surface with unprotected feet and acquire the disease. For these purposes, multivitamin complexes are taken.
    59. Extension of artificial nails is one of the causes of fungus; the procedure should be limited to once every six months.
    60. The most dangerous fungus is onychomycosis, caused by living spores. They can be in a passive state and then suddenly become active. You can become infected with this form of pathology in solariums, swimming pools, baths, gyms, or through someone else's shoes.
    61. The severity, form and nature of its course depend on the cause of the disease. Accordingly, the dermatologist can adjust the complex of therapy for each type of fungus.

      Main symptoms and photos of onychomycosis

      Signs of nail fungus can vary depending on the form of the infection. Among them are the main symptoms:

    62. the plate turns yellow, blackens or becomes brown-white, increases in size;
    63. the surface is covered with a rough crust, the nail begins to crumble;
    64. the plate becomes thinner or thicker;
    65. the nail becomes deformed, which is accompanied by painful sensations;
    66. under the plate the dermis is constantly moist, and an unpleasant aroma emanates from it.

Signs of onychomycosis include unbearable and severe itching, the formation of bleeding microcracks and blisters with liquid on the skin.

Forms and stages of foot fungus

Pathogenic microorganisms never infect the nail plate instantly. The pathology progresses, gradually passing through stages of its development.

Initial stage of the disease

Infection is preceded by skin damage. Itching, blisters, and cracks appear in the spaces between the fingers. As it moves inside the plate, the infection affects a certain area of ​​the nail. It depends on the path of bacterial growth and the type of pathogen.

It is impossible to independently diagnose the first stage of the disease, since there are no obvious symptoms. Specks and stripes on the surface are practically invisible. A laboratory examination will help detect pathology.

Doctors divide mycosis into several types:

  • The normotrophic type of pathology is a change in the texture and shade of the plate. Specks and characteristic stripes form on the surface. The thickness and shine of the nail do not change, for this reason the disease is difficult to detect.
  • Hypertrophic type of mycosis - changes in the shade and texture of the nails. Deformation, slight destruction and keratinization of the plate. The surface is matte, the color is dark green or pale yellow. The shine disappears.
  • Atrophic type of pathology - the infected part of the plate becomes thinner and moves away from the nail bed. The shade is pale yellow, rich green, there is no shine at all.
  • Depending on the type of onychomycosis, appropriate therapy is prescribed.

    Advanced form of fungus

    The last stage of the disease is characterized by radical damage to the nails. In the absence of complex therapy, the risk of plate destruction, as well as skin infection, increases.

    The main symptoms of an advanced form of the disease are crumbling, complete deformation and delamination. The change in shade and thinning of the surface occurs gradually. An immediate transition to a serious illness is possible only against the background of concomitant pathologies, which is more common in old age. The last stage is complete destruction of the nails or severe deformation, as well as serious complications.

    All types of onychomycosis are extremely difficult to cure, but in the first stages it is possible to get rid of the disease using conservative methods. If the form is advanced, surgical intervention will be required.

    Complex fungal therapy at home

    If onychomycosis was diagnosed at the first stage of its development, treatment will not be so radical. Subsequent stages of the disease will have to be treated for a long time; in some cases, dermatologists recommend surgery.

    Adequate drug treatment

    With a conservative method of therapy, various medications are used for external and internal use, depending on the stage and nature of onychomycosis.

    Application: steam your nails in a special solution - a teaspoon of liquid soap and soda per liter of liquid. Wipe your feet dry and apply a patch around the plate. Without rubbing, apply a thick layer of the product, trying not to affect the healthy dermis. Cover the treated area with a band-aid, remove it after 4 days, steam the problem plate, scrape off the detached stratum corneum. The procedure is repeated until the fungus is completely eliminated.

    Medicines for topical use are effective at the initial stage of the disease. Advanced forms of onychomycosis require radical treatment.

    Antifungal tablets

    If the pathology develops quite rapidly, the area of ​​infection is extensive, and systemic antifungal medications cannot be avoided (which only a dermatologist can select). Medicines in this group have many contraindications; they are not prescribed to children or people with kidney or liver diseases.

    Drugs in this group are not compatible with some medications, for example, hormonal birth control pills.

    The most effective oral medications indicated for onychomycosis:

  • "Fluconazole" and "Mikostin";
  • Nizoral, oral medicine Intraconazole;
  • "Fungavist", drug "Lamisil";
  • "Terbizil."
  • All medications are prescribed by a doctor and taken strictly under his systematic supervision. A dermatologist will be able to decide on the choice of complex therapy only after diagnosis and laboratory testing.

    Surgical treatment for advanced stage onychomycosis

    The hardware method of removing nails affected by pathogenic microorganisms is an effective technology that has been used for a relatively short time. To remove the plates, not a simple scalpel (a painful procedure) is used, but specialized equipment. The process involves gradual removal of the stratum corneum without anesthesia, since the procedure is practically painless.

    Cleaning is carried out once every 14 days until the infected tissue is completely removed. Then a course of antifungal agents is prescribed. The effectiveness of treatment - 95% of patients forgot about nail fungus forever.

    Folk secrets of treatment

    Natural remedies are quite effective for onychomycosis in its early stages. Most of them, used at home, really help get rid of the disease.

    This product is a strong antiseptic that has an aggressive effect on pathogenic microorganisms. It is used in both natural and diluted forms. Treatment with oil in advanced and initial stages has its own specifics.

  • At the first stages of the pathology, the oil is heated and rubbed into infected and healthy areas 2 times a day for 3 months.
  • In advanced forms, compresses are applied daily. A cotton swab is soaked in the product, placed on top of the affected plate, and covered with a film. After 20 minutes it is removed. You can mix 10 drops of essential oil and a teaspoon of honey and also use it as compresses.
  • Baths. Per liter of well-heated water, 20 drops of oil, liquid soap. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes.
  • Tea tree is quite effective in treating fungus and is harmless to health, completely safe.

    Celandine essential oil

    You can prepare it yourself, but why complicate it if you can buy the product at the pharmacy. Application is quite simple: steam your feet, wipe with peroxide, treat the plates (remove the infected part, carefully trim the edges as far as possible) and apply celandine oil. The duration of therapy is until a healthy nail grows.

    Several essential oils

    Rosemary, mint, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon oil can be rubbed into problem areas (2 times a day for 3 months) or added to baths. For 0.5 liters of water, 10 drops of product and a little bath gel. Mix well and place the feet into the resulting saturated solution. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.

    Compresses for onychomycosis

    Effective remedies for foot fungus. Several compress recipes will help eliminate the symptoms of the disease:

  • Garlic is a natural remedy that is effective in situations in which medications are powerless. Garlic is taken orally in the form of tea, tincture and used in the form of compresses. The result will be noticeable within 5 days.
  • Potato. At night, apply the juice to the affected areas or massage the affected areas with a slice. Time of use is a month. The first result will be noticeable after 10 days.
  • Onychomycosis is an insidious disease that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. Methods of therapy, medications and folk remedies are selected individually, depending on the picture of the pathological process.

    Prevention and recommendations

    To prevent nail fungus, you should exclude exposure to provoking factors and follow some rules:

  • You can’t wear other people’s things;
  • In the store you should not try on new clothes on your bare leg;
  • You should not walk barefoot in public places with high humidity;
  • hygiene products, towels, tools for pedicure and manicure must be personal;
  • Shoes and socks should not be worn on wet feet.
  • Prevention primarily refers to patients who have recovered from the disease. In addition you can add:

  • Antifungal drugs are used for several months after treatment;
  • It is better to throw away or disinfect old shoes;
  • treat the surface with which pathogenic microorganisms could come into contact.
  • Relapse of the disease is possible in 0.5-8 percent. Therefore, you need to monitor your nails and take appropriate measures at the first sign of infection.

  • You can read what to do if you have a broken foot in this article.
  • How to protect yourself from foot sprains.
  • How long does it take to treat onychomycosis?

    You won't be able to get rid of foot fungus that quickly. Treatment of onychomycosis will take about 6-12 months, depending on the form of the disease, stage and its course. After all, complex therapy involves the use of various drugs and a recovery period, during which the dermatologist prescribes a maintenance course.

    Nail fungus is not only a cosmetic defect, but a serious disease that reduces the body's protective functions. Against the background of weak immunity, dangerous pathologies can develop. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help avoid problems associated with onychomycosis. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your health.

    Types of toenail fungus

    Fungus is the lowest class of organisms, which, however, is characterized by a high degree of development and reproduction in almost any conditions. Fungal spores can be found in the air, water, soil, on animals, and if they get on human clothing or skin, they remain there for quite a long time.

    Some of the most susceptible areas of the body to fungal infections are the skin and toenails. Conventionally, all fungal infections of this type can be divided into two types depending on the pathogenic organisms:

  • mycosis is a fungal disease of the periungual skin, caused by dermatophytes;
  • onychomycosis is a disease of the nail plates caused by various types of fungus.
  • In some cases, a person experiences both types of infection.

    Main causative agents of the disease

    There are certain types of fungi that most often lead to damage to the toenails :

  • Trichophyton rubrum - most often this type of infection affects the nails, fingers and feet and manifests itself in the form of seals, cracks, changes in the color of the nail and the appearance of spots and stripes.
  • Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. Interdigitale - affects the nail plates and skin. On the nails, the source of infection appears as a spot with a bright yellow color; compaction and change in the shape of the plate may occur.
  • Epidermophyton floccosum - this type of fungus affects not only the nail plates, but also the skin between the fingers, as well as the groin, ankle and axillary areas. Has a yellow color.
  • Trichophyton tonsurans - most often manifests itself as a result of decreased immunity and most often affects the skin and hair follicles, and sometimes nails. If left untimely or incorrectly treated, it can develop into a chronic stage.
  • Microsporum gypseum - most often this species can be detected in the ground, so residents of rural areas and the private sector are usually exposed to infection.
  • Microsporum audouinii - affects nails, skin and hair and has a pale gray color.
  • Microsporum canis is very common in children and affects the skin and nails, causing deformation in the form of tubercles. It has a dark gray or yellowish color.
  • Causes of toenail fungus

    Today, many people are exposed to fungal foot diseases, especially those who live in a big city. Often children, whose skin is very thin and more susceptible to damage by pathogenic organisms, also suffer from the disease. People working in gyms, baths, hot shops, and beauty salons are at risk.

    The main cause of toenail fungus is increased sweating , which is a congenital feature or a consequence of disturbances in the normal functioning of the body.

    Among the main reasons that contribute to the occurrence of fungal diseases are:

  • use of tight, low-quality shoes made of non-breathable materials;
  • constant exposure to high temperatures and high humidity;
  • impaired blood circulation in the vessels of the legs;
  • visiting saunas, baths, locker rooms, where the legs remain unprotected;
  • using someone else's shoes, socks, towels;
  • weakened immune system.
  • In addition, there are certain categories of people who, for one reason or another, may be at risk. They may experience additional symptoms that indicate a possible toenail fungus infection:

    • slow nail growth;
    • genetic fungal diseases;
    • working conditions in which feet are constantly exposed to damp environments;
    • cuts, injuries or damage to the skin or nails;
    • diabetes mellitus, anemia;
    • hormonal imbalances;
    • obesity;
    • steroid use;
    • undergoing chemotherapy;
    • AIDS.
    • Symptoms of the disease

      Fungal diseases of the nail plates on the toes have a fairly clear clinical picture and similar symptoms. One of the first signs of fungal nail infection is the formation of scales on the plate. With increased sweating, ideal conditions are created for the development and reproduction of pathogenic fungi.

      First, the nail plate changes color, then the nail delaminates and separates from the finger, resulting in a void.

      Also, the main symptoms of the disease include an unpleasant odor, which is especially noticeable when wearing closed shoes.

      Depending on the first signs of the disease and the formed foci of infection, several types of toenail fungus :

    • Distal onychomycosis is the most common type of toenail fungus, the action of which begins from the extreme part of the nail plate and smoothly moves to the base of the nail. As the infection develops, the color of the nail changes to dirty gray, and the plate itself begins to break and crumble. The nail itself may thicken or, on the contrary, become thinner and completely collapse.
    • Proximal onychomycosis - the focus of infection is located closer to the center, the nail changes its color and begins to collapse.
    • Onychomycosis is white superficial - the lesions are white and are located either in the center of the nail or along the edges. The nail itself often has no visible signs of deformation, but when you touch it, looseness will be noticeable. If not treated in a timely manner, the nail plate can be completely destroyed.
    • Today, a huge number of types of fungal parasites that cause infection of the toenail have been classified, so in order to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe an effective course of treatment, it is very important to identify which fungus caused the disease.

      Consequences of toenail fungus

      As with any other disease, untimely treatment of toenail fungus is fraught with negative consequences. The danger also lies in the fact that when infected with some types of fungus, the disease occurs in a latent form, and harmful bacteria and microorganisms accumulate, which can subsequently affect not only the nail plate, but also the periungual tissues.

      At the first symptoms of a fungal infection, you must consult a specialist, otherwise, at best, the neglect of the disease may result in the removal of the affected nail.

      As mentioned above, the first step when a nail becomes infected is to determine the type of fungus that causes the disease, so that the doctor can prescribe the correct course of treatment. Usually, a specialist will be able to determine the type of fungal disease by its appearance; in some cases, a more detailed laboratory study may be necessary. Then samples of the nails and periungual skin are taken and examined under a microscope; the fungus can also be cultured to prescribe a more accurate course of drugs.

      Before taking samples for analysis, it is prohibited to paint your nails and use creams and powders on your feet.

      You can also determine if your toenail fungus is infected at home - to do this, you should fill a basin with water so that it completely covers your feet, and add a little regular potassium permanganate. Immerse your feet in the water for 5-10 minutes, then carefully examine your nails - if they have a uniform brown color, then everything is in order; if in some places the nail plate has changed its color, there is a fungal infection.

      Treatment of nail infection

      Most often, treatment consists of applying a local antifungal drug to the affected area, but if the immune system is weakened, the course can be supplemented with antiviral and immune drugs.

      If improvements are not observed for a long time, you should consult your doctor again to adjust the list of prescribed medications.

      It should be borne in mind that usually the course of treatment is a long period, and the disease itself tends to cause relapses, so in no case interrupt treatment or self-medicate.

      In addition to the prescribed drug treatment, additional safety measures should also be taken to prevent fungal diseases. These include:

    • wearing appropriate shoes when on the beach, in the gym, baths and locker rooms;
    • compliance with the rules of foot hygiene;
    • refusal of low-quality, uncomfortable shoes;
    • use of your own shoes and personal hygiene items;
    • use of special foot care products for excessive sweating;
    • Wiping your feet dry after water procedures.
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