Everyone laughs at hypochondriacs who just run to the doctor. In the case of the fungus, the hypocrite is absolutely right. The sooner you can recognize the disease and begin treatment, the less money and time you will spend. We have collected all the main examples of what nail fungus looks like.
Let's say right away: a healthy foot and healthy nails look the same for all people. This is pink-beige, slightly matte, slightly shiny skin with an even texture, without holes, cracks, plaques, or porous lesions. These are transparent, pinkish nails of even color and texture, without grooves, pits, or spots.
The pink color is caused by the large number of blood vessels in the nail bed. A sign of health is an even roller, not inflamed, not hanging over the plate, without fluids oozing from it. Healthy nails do not change color, do not get wet and do not hurt.
Some changes in the nails may not indicate fungus, but other problems (which, in turn, open the gates to fungus).
Only a specialist can recognize a fungal infection of the nails (onychomycosis) after scraping. The scraping is placed in an alkaline environment and looked under a microscope to see if there is mycelium (mycelium) penetrating your nails. The answer will be known very soon. But the etiology of the fungus can be determined in three weeks, when its culture is grown.
However, there is a modern method for determining the type of fungus using DNA, but it is not yet so widespread. However, before going to the doctor, many people want to recognize whether it is a fungus or a simple unkempt foot, injury, age-related or psoriatic changes, etc. The story about what nail fungus looks like is intended for them.
The fungus adheres to the skin, penetrates its microcracks, settles, goes through an incubation period, enters the stage of growth and development of cultures, penetrates and infects tissues. Changes begin with the skin of the foot.
Let's say you read all this, decided that you have a fungus and began to treat it with home remedies. This is especially common among men affected by mycoses. Clinical studies show that men get sick several times more often than women, but women are more likely to seek help.
Follow their example. Treatment with home remedies almost never leads to a complete cure. The fungus is driven inside, becomes more resistant to any form of therapy, and when the disease takes on a developed form, it can be truly difficult to cure it.
Athletes are famous for especially advanced cases (45% of professional athletes have nail fungus). There is even a term – “athlete’s foot”.
A lonely man discovered that the nails on his thumbs were halfway back from the bed, so that a wooden nail spatula could fit through there. A whitish substrate oozed from under the plates, and the nails smelled unpleasant.
For more than six months, A. was treated with various homemade rubbings, in addition, cleaning the substrate from under his nails with a spatula. Sometimes these manipulations caused blood to bleed from under the nails. The affected nails have turned yellow. A. began to look for photos of nail fungus on the Internet, but did not find anything similar and put off visiting a doctor, embarrassed by the advanced disease and hoping for improvement.
As a result, the fungal mycelium penetrated into the nail bed and matrix. In the end, A. had to see a doctor and undergo systemic combination therapy using systemic and external drugs, with hardware removal of the affected fragments. Therapy took two years, a year later there was a relapse.
In such cases, the cost and duration of treatment increase. It is better to kill the fungus in its early stages. But even if you are late, you should not despair. Modern drugs, laser and hardware therapy successfully treat even fungal infections with 30-40 years of experience.
Don't neglect your health and enjoy it for many years.
Toenail fungus is a contagious disease. Its medical name is onychomycosis of the feet.
The pathology worsens the patient’s quality of life, causes self-doubt, complexes and fear of infecting loved ones. Mycosis is caused by three types of fungi - anthropophilic, zooanthropophilic and yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.
Thus, infection occurs due to close contact with a carrier of the fungus, be it a person or an animal.
Opportunistic fungi are ubiquitous in the environment, but their activation on the human body occurs only under favorable conditions. Those for parasites are wet rooms, unsanitary conditions, alkaline skin conditions, general use of bath accessories and wearing slippers, socks, tights, and performing pedicures with non-sterile instruments.
The direct route of infection of the foot with a fungus involves its movement to a person’s feet from the soil, from plants and during communication with a sick person or animal. An indirect route of infection with onychomycosis is indicated if a new patient used the things of another patient, or picked up a fungus while caring for an animal.
Susceptibility to toenail fungus infection increases for many reasons:
Predisposing factors facilitate the penetration of the fungus into human skin. The parasite germinates with mycelium and takes root with spores in the human body. If left untreated, the fungus actively develops and gradually destroys the nails, achieving their complete destruction.
To prevent fungus from completely ruining the beauty of your toenails, you need to clearly know what it looks like.
The first sign of onychomycosis is a slight change in the shade of the nails. Instead of pale pink plates, the patient develops dull, yellowish and dull affected nails. Most often, the fungus affects the big toes, but in practice it is not uncommon for a patient to have all the fingers on the lower extremities damaged by onychomycosis.
The initial stage of toenail fungus is clearly shown in the photo below.
In the thickness of the plates, yellow foci of different sizes are visible, and keratinization of the subungual bed (hyperkeratosis) is observed. The nail constantly flakes, crumbles, and becomes loose. Falling particles become a source of infection for healthy people. Despite the destruction, the structure of the nail thickens significantly. A crack or plaque with detached tissue forms between the fingers. Severe itching occurs in this area and throughout the foot.
The limb emits an unpleasant odor because a gap appears between the nail and the bed, clogged with dead skin, dirt and fungal waste products. The accumulations give the plate not only yellowness, but also grey, brown, brown and even green or black.
Doctors determine what type of onychomycosis occurs based on specific changes. For example, symptoms of normotrophic toenail fungus are spots and streaks. The plate becomes yellow, but still retains a healthy shine and normal thickness.
Hypertrophic onychomycosis is characterized by several signs:
If the fungus develops according to the atrophic type, dull foci of a gray-brownish tint appear on the surface of the toenails. Thanks to their presence, specialists accurately determine the points of parasite invasion. Unlike other forms, with atrophic onychomycosis the nail does not thicken, but becomes thinner. In the affected areas, nail detachment or rejection is clearly visible. In advanced cases, the plate eaten by the fungus is completely rejected.
Features of the localization of the mycelium make it possible to classify the infection in a different way:
If you suspect onychomycosis of the feet, a person should go to the clinic and find out which doctor treats toenail fungus. The diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis is carried out by a dermatologist or mycologist.
To confirm the diagnosis, the specialist gives the patient a referral for tests:
The external symptoms of fungus are not specific; they only indicate damage to the toenails. The cause of the disease becomes clear only after diagnostic studies. To prescribe adequate therapy, onychomycosis of the feet is differentiated from lichen planus, nail psoriasis, keratoderma and other diseases that cause malnutrition of the nails.
Timely diagnosis of nail fungus significantly speeds up treatment of the pathology and minimizes the risk of complications. The consequences of onychomycosis of the feet can include conditions such as mycotic eczema, fungal infection of the skin and organs, and aspergillosis.
The dermatologist prescribes a course of treatment for onychomycosis taking into account various factors:
In mild forms of onychomycosis of the feet, local remedies are used to treat toenail fungus. These are antimycotic solutions, varnishes and ointments, which are best applied after surgical or keratolytic treatment of the affected plate. The preparatory procedure improves the absorption of drugs by damaged tissues and speeds up the treatment of the fungus.
Treating the nail with keratolytics helps soften it and painlessly remove it. Manipulation is carried out using patches containing salicylic acid or urea:
Instructions for using keratolytic patch for toenail fungus:
If the combined remedy Mikospor is used to treat onychomycosis, treatment of toenails is carried out every evening for 3 weeks.
How else can you treat onychomycosis of the feet - a list of external medications:
Ointments with antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects:
Antimycotics in tablets for the systemic treatment of toenail fungus are prescribed in advanced cases or when local therapy is unsuccessful (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Diflucan, Terbinafine). The rules for their admission are determined by the doctor.
For some patients, traditional methods of treating toenail fungus seem less expensive. And this is true, since most of the ingredients for making your own medicine are found at home.
However, it is important to understand here that in advanced cases, folk remedies can only be part of complex therapy and only when the patient has received the doctor’s approval to perform a particular procedure. The highest effect from home treatment for onychomycosis of the feet can be achieved when the first signs of a fungal infection appear.
The acidic environment of the liquid product is detrimental to all parts of the fungus. But it should be used with caution, because vinegar causes burns to the periungual skin. Let's look at how to get rid of toenail fungus using vinegar.
The effectiveness of using iodine for onychomycosis of the feet is due to the ability of the antiseptic to fold proteins (the fungus has a protein structure). A positive result from treating a fungus with iodine can be achieved if the toenail is affected by ¼ or less.
Lubricate the nail and surrounding skin daily, but do not overuse it. In large quantities, iodine causes burns. To prevent onychomycosis, healthy nails are allowed to be lubricated 1 r. in a day. For medicinal purposes it is used twice a day.
Treatment of onychomycosis with kombucha is carried out over a 5-7 day course. The result is consolidated after some time by repeating 1 - 2 procedures.
Celandine tincture for toenail fungus is prepared from the fleshy aerial part of the plant. The stems and leaves are twisted with a meat grinder and the juice is squeezed out of the pulp through multi-layer gauze. Dilute it with alcohol 70% concentration 1:1 and leave for exactly 24 hours. Sore feet are steamed in hot soapy-salt water, then the nails and skin are wiped with an alcohol preparation of celandine.
Baths with celandine for onychomycosis of the feet are made by adding 1 liter of strong tea leaves of the plant to hot water. Limbs float for 20 minutes. The procedure is alternated with the use of celandine tincture.
The initial stage of nail fungus (onychomycosis) occurs without obvious symptoms. Minor changes in the appearance of the nail plate are observed, minimal discomfort is possible, so diagnosing the disease at this stage is quite difficult. But this must be done, because the sooner treatment for mycosis begins, the faster it will be possible to get rid of it.
The first signs of nail fungus are already a signal to action
The first signs of nail mycosis appear almost immediately after infection. If, after visiting public places such as a swimming pool, sauna, shower in the gym, or the beach, your nails become dull and start to itch a little, then these may be the first signs of onychomycosis.
Healthy nails are practically not susceptible to fungal infection. It begins to develop quickly when it comes into contact only with damaged nail plates.
Fingernail fungus is more often diagnosed in women, but men are also susceptible to this disease. The first symptoms of damage to the nail plate:
You can see what nail fungus looks like on your hands in the photo.
Nail fungus occurs on both hands and feet
You can recognize toenail fungus by the typical symptoms:
Photo of what affected toenails look like.
If treatment is not started in a timely manner, stage 1 of onychomycosis progresses rapidly. As a result, the nail becomes deformed and may peel off completely. Poisonous toxins released during the life of pathogenic fungi enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. This leads to a deterioration in metabolic processes and dysfunction of internal organs.
In most cases, to treat the early stage of onychomycosis, drugs that have a local effect directly on the affected nail are sufficient. Tablets and injections are prescribed for more advanced stages.
In advanced cases, medical assistance is required
Folk remedies are used to treat nails at home. It is better to combine them with pharmacological medications for external action.
There are many folk remedies that will help cure nails affected by fungus at the initial stage. Let's look at effective, yet simple recipes.
Sometimes regular iodine can help quickly get rid of fungus
Chicken egg ointment is also quite effective against nail mycosis
Even a “neglected” fungus can be cured at home. Just remember to apply once a day.
Chopped onions will help restore your nails to a healthy look.
If treatment with folk remedies does not give the desired result, consult a doctor
More material on softening nails in older people, for cutting and for fungus, can be found in this article.
After it has been possible to recognize the type of fungus that has affected the nail, the doctor selects medications that will help destroy it. It is most convenient to treat the initial stage of onychomycosis with local agents: varnishes, ointments and creams. Let's look at the most effective drugs.
They are effective precisely at stage 1 of mycosis, when no more than 50% of the surface of the nail plate is affected. This product is convenient to apply and adheres well to the nail, thanks to which the active substances penetrate deep into the affected nail and do not wear off.
Mikozan varnish is one of the most effective remedies against nail fungus
Other antifungal varnishes are Oflomil, Cyclopiroxolamine, Demicten, Lorecil, Flamin. > Large overview of antifungal varnishes.
Antifungal ointments and creams
Contains an optimal concentration of active ingredients to fight fungus.
List of effective drugs:
Clotrimazole - cream for external use 1%
Other effective topical agents are Zalain, Nizoral, Nitrofungin, Mifungar, Fundizol, Lamisil.
Before each application of varnishes, as well as ointments and creams, the nail must be prepared. To do this, it is steamed, after which it is cut off as much as possible. You should try to remove the affected areas with a nail file. An individual tool must be used for each nail.
In rare cases, when the disease progresses very quickly, the doctor may prescribe pills. Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Terbinafine have an antimycotic effect.
Always follow preventive measures that will eliminate or at least minimize the likelihood of nail fungus infection.
Simple recommendations will help:
No one is immune from mycosis. Even if you practice good hygiene and try to eliminate the possibility of infection, if you notice symptoms typical of a fungus, consult a doctor without delay. The sooner you start treating onychomycosis, the less harm it will cause to the body.
Do not self-medicate; only a qualified doctor can prescribe an effective course of therapy. If you try to cure the initial stage of the fungus on your own, the disease may progress.
If your nails are deformed, change color or become brittle , it is most likely a fungus (onychomycosis). Here you will see many photographs with varieties of nail fungus.
Nail fungus can occur on both the hands and feet, with the big toe most often affected. Such a sight looks terrible, especially if the disease has already progressed.
It is worth understanding that there are different types of fungal infections, which can manifest themselves in different ways.
From the article you will learn:
There are several signs by which the disease can be identified.
Symptoms of nail fungus:
See photo of fungus with discoloration of the nail plate:
Fungus on the toenails is the most common manifestation of infection. The thumb is especially vulnerable. Sometimes he is the only one suffering from the parasite. What foot fungus looks like at different stages, see below:
Fingernails suffer from onychomycosis mainly after mechanical damage - crushed by a door, too toxic a chemical, etc. Anything that deprives the nail of its integrity can lead to fungus - this makes it easier for the parasite to penetrate inside the plate. Below are examples of hand fungus.
The more advanced the stage of the disease, the worse the nail looks - the fungus can invade all the nails. Let's see what nail fungus looks like at different stages using examples with photos:
The initial or early stage of the fungus is marginal onychomycosis. It is called so because the parasite begins to damage the nail from the edge. At the first stage, the fungus looks quite harmless. See photos of different variations of the disease at an early stage:
It is at this stage that it is easiest to cure the nail . Therefore, it is important to know which medicine is the most effective. I recommend that you immediately consult a doctor and find out whether it is definitely a fungus and what fungicidal agent he will recommend - yes, you will have to get tested to be sure to find out the type of spores and immediately begin treatment.
The last stage of the fungus is a terrible sight. Photos are not for the faint of heart:
At an advanced stage, treating nail fungus is not easy . Most often, ointments are not enough; you will have to take medications internally to cleanse the blood. In any case, only a good doctor can suggest an exact treatment plan.
The only thing that can be said about infection is that there are problems with your health; in people with strong immunity, nail fungus appears extremely rarely. If a child has a fungus, sound the alarm; poor immunity at this age may indicate a weak body - get examined immediately!
Well, now you know what a fungus looks like and you can draw your own preliminary conclusion. However, remember that it is not only onychomycosis that makes nails look like in the photo, it can also be another disease.
Here is a list of diseases in which the nail has similar symptoms:
Whatever it is, go to the doctor and get tested for fungal spores.
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When problems occur in the body, it signals this. External signs of disorders are hair loss, rash, nail fungus. Such symptoms require attention and a thorough examination, because they may hide serious illnesses.
Fungal growths must be treated in the first stages of appearance; this can destroy the nail and lead to irritation of the soft tissues of the finger. The pathology leads to constant unpleasant sensations, worsens the patient’s quality of life, causes a feeling of constant embarrassment in front of others and fear of infecting loved ones.
Nail fungus is a contagious disease; in medicine it is commonly called onychomycosis, or simply mycosis. The disease is treated in a hospital setting, under the supervision of the attending doctor.
Nail fungus occurs more often in women, but men are also susceptible to mycosis. The initial stage of nail fungus is when the nail becomes dull, acquires a yellowish tint and eventually turns brown. If you notice a change in nail color, contact a specialist for advice and analysis.
Next, white spots appear on the nail plate. They differ in size and acquire a yellowish tint. The nail becomes deformed, changes shape, twists, becomes fragile, brittle and crumbles.
In subsequent stages, without proper treatment, the fungal infection spreads to the skin and gradually eats away. The affected skin becomes inflamed, swollen, peels, and oozing wounds appear. With proper hand care, pathology can be avoided.
Women are more often affected by onychomycosis of the fingernails, the reason for this is unsterile instruments used in manicures. According to statistics, this situation becomes the root cause of the appearance and development of fungus on the hands. Carefully monitor how the master handles the tools.
The fungus mostly affects the nails of the lower extremities. The main reason is non-compliance with foot hygiene rules. Excessive sweating on the feet, uncomfortable or too tight shoes, and multiple people wearing shoes are social norms. This behavior becomes a source of infection that is difficult to remove.
Mycosis is an infectious and contagious disease that can be picked up by contacting a contaminated surface: putting on slippers, going into the shower after a person with onychomycosis of the feet. The greatest risk is when using public places, such as swimming pools, saunas, baths. A humid environment and elevated temperatures promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
Although the pathology is not life-threatening, it causes discomfort, itching, burning, and discomfort. It interferes with leading a normal, healthy lifestyle because it affects the organ involved in life 75% of the time - our feet.
Fungal infections come in different configurations, origins, and manifest slightly differently. The photo shows how nail fungus manifests itself. A common symptom is damage to the nail, the appearance of white spots that become larger. The first symptoms are not long in coming. Already a week or two after bacteria enter the nail, the first signs are visible, and you will see what toenail fungus looks like.
Longitudinal stripes of yellow or brown color appear on the toenails. The nail plate thickens, and on the sides it turns yellow and crumbles. The lesion spreads from the end or from the root of the nail. The most common situation is that the free edge of the large nail is affected, followed by the remaining nails and the space between the fingers.
There is a feeling of itching and burning on the skin, and traces of diaper rash appear.
An unpleasant odor and increased sweating are obvious reasons to consult a doctor. If treatment is not started immediately, the nail will subsequently become completely brown, become severely deformed and crumble. A white or yellowish coating appears on the skin around the nail, then between the fingers, on the pad of the thumb. In an advanced stage, the sides of the foot become covered with mold, the skin becomes very inflamed, peels, and the legs swell. Complete loss of the nail is possible, and the appearance will be terrifying. The vigorous activity of bacteria appears in a strong smell of rotting. Watch the video to see the symptoms of foot fungus and why it is dangerous.
The causative agent of nail fungus is fungi of the genus Candida. Under normal conditions, these microorganisms live in the environment and are even present in the human body. They do not bring any damaging effects only because they are constantly suppressed by other bacteria in our body and our immunity.
Activation of the parasitic properties of Candida occurs when favorable conditions arise for them. This is a general weakening of our body, non-compliance with the rules of basic hygiene, and unsanitary standards.
We are constantly in contact with parasites in the environment, but the body rejects the negative influence. Susceptibility increases due to the following factors:
Such conditions make it easier for our skin to accept parasites and resist harmful effects less. Once in the layers of the dermis, bacteria settle, germinate and lay spores. If there is no specialized treatment, they continue to grow further and the effect worsens.
The direct route of infection is contact with Candida’s natural habitat, such as soil, plants, and animals. Indirect - receiving an infection from another person, through the use of shoes, towels, things.
The first thing to do when you notice symptoms is to consult a specialist. A highly specialized doctor who treats exclusively fungal infections is a mycologist. In the realities of our lives, it is difficult to find a specialist. If you were unable to contact him, then a dermatologist will help. Its element is skin diseases, and it will help solve nail problems.
After the analysis, the doctor draws up a course of treatment. Toenail fungus is a persistent sore that is difficult to remove. Standard antiseptics or disinfectants help for prevention, but not for treatment.
Medicines are prescribed for local use. Exceptions are when metabolic processes are disrupted against the background of developed mycosis. Then medications are prescribed to increase immunity and vitamins for the growth and strengthening of nails, calcium.
To win the fight against mycosis, use strong specialized drugs: ointments or drops. Recently, medicinal nail polishes have become popular.
Varnishes stand out because, unlike other products, they do not wear off while walking and remain and act throughout the day. They are prescribed as part of complex therapy, or as an independent medicine. Varnishes have a sharply positive result if no more than 50% of the nail plate is affected.
Remedies that help overcome the disease:
An inexpensive and effective remedy is tea tree oil. This is a powerful antiseptic based on antibacterial action. The oil is famous for its fungal-killing properties, which is why it is widely used by doctors.
More advanced drugs are nizoral, exoderil and lamisil. These are the best-selling representatives of this segment, and are popular among dermatologists due to their proven effectiveness. Products from this group quickly penetrate the skin, softening it. Antifungal compounds are created in the layers of the skin, which not only defeat the fungus, but also help prevent relapse.
Note! Mycosis is microscopic fungal bacteria that constantly multiply, and do so at tremendous speed. Therefore, you need to get rid of every last bacterium. Interrupted treatment or an incorrect course of treatment will certainly lead to relapse.
Take your treatment with full responsibility. The result depends on your self-discipline. A well-designed course will only be useful if you stick to it.
If you do not pay attention to the processes caused by mycosis for a long time, this threatens not only the loss of the nail, but also a deterioration in the condition of the entire body. All systems of your body suffer from inflammation in one place, because most of your energy goes into fighting the infection. Disruption of metabolic processes is the very first thing that threatens.
Do not forget to treat all things with which you had contact, otherwise a relapse cannot be avoided. Thoroughly disinfect shoes, floors, bed linen, and bathroom. During treatment, it is advisable not to walk barefoot around the house and not to visit public places where there is a possibility of infection.
If you have other people living with you, take preventive measures to protect them from infection. And after completing the course, do not forget about preventing fungus, use antiseptics and carefully monitor the hygiene of the lower extremities.
In addition to generally accepted medicines, folk craftsmen know the secrets of self-cure of pathology. These methods are based entirely on natural preparations that are easy to obtain in the natural environment. Inexpensive, time-tested methods.
This is convenient, because most of the components used can easily be found at any housewife’s home. Supporters of alternative medicine argue that treatment with natural remedies is much more effective than pharmaceutical drugs.
The most common is treating the feet with iodine. Thus, the fungal bacteria are cauterized and die. The affected nail plates are generously lubricated with a 5% iodine solution twice a day. Iodine acts slowly. This is an external treatment method, after 3 weeks of this treatment you will notice some improvements. And only after 40-50 days you are guaranteed to forget what nail fungus looks like and what it is.
Iodine not only destroys parasitic bacteria, but also helps restore and strengthen the nail plate. In place of the destroyed nail, a new, healthy and intact one grows. An alcohol solution removes itching and burning from the skin, and, like an antiseptic, removes the nasty odor.
Iodine can be used in combination with other agents. By mixing iodine with celandine, you get an ointment. Treat your heels and toes with it several times during the day. The effect will be clearly noticeable after 2 weeks.
At the same time, you can take vitamin decoctions or remedies to strengthen the immune system. This will improve the overall condition of the body and help it fight from the inside.
Vinegar baths are widely popular. Acetic acid has excellent properties against mold and other fungi. Baths with this drug do not harm the skin at all, and the infection is completely suppressed.
Both regular table vinegar 9% and apple cider vinegar are suitable for use. In particularly difficult cases, it is allowed to increase the concentration by using 70% vinegar. A common application scheme is 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. You can also add tea tree oil there for a stronger antiseptic effect.
This method is suitable for those who have time to take care of their legs, since each procedure lasts 30 minutes and must be repeated twice a day. The optimal time is morning and evening. Vinegar baths are not used as a remedy on their own, because they only suppress and stop the development and reproduction of microorganisms. The spores die in the created acidic environment, but the majority of adult individuals remain. For the most complete and effective treatment, it is worth using the complex.
After the bath, remove the affected nail and use a pumice stone to clean the surrounding skin. This will remove a large layer of accumulated bacteria. And then apply an antifungal agent to achieve maximum benefit from the manipulations.
It is important to know! In advanced stages, traditional medicine cannot be the only means to combat mycosis. It is imperative to use medications, otherwise attempts to completely get rid of the infection will not be successful.
Traditional methods can only be used if the doctor has authorized it. In some situations, it is strictly forbidden to apply alcohol or vinegar to the nail.
The greatest effect from all unconventional methods will be at the first stage of onychomycosis development, until open wounds appear on the skin and inflammation of the finger and foot.
Is it possible to recognize onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) on your own? The disease, especially in its later stages, has quite obvious symptoms. However, only a doctor can accurately determine it. This is due to the fact that the signs of the disease are not specific. That is, they are similar to the symptoms of other diseases. For diagnosis, the doctor takes a scraping from the affected area. It is sent for examination, after which the disease and the microorganisms that caused it are accurately determined.
Fungal microorganisms can be found on almost any surface. They are especially common in baths and saunas, as they actively develop in warm conditions with high humidity. In order to become infected, it is enough to walk barefoot on the floor of public institutions. Hands are vulnerable, because the fungus lives on the handrails of public transport and stairs.
The development of the disease is usually caused by a microorganism called red trichophyton. It captures the skin and nail plates. In the first stages, the disease is considered superficial, since the infection has not yet penetrated the body. However, red trichophyton, if a weakened immune system cannot counteract it, is able to penetrate the blood and lymphatic tract. In this case, it spreads throughout the body, affecting internal organs. This form of the disease is considered rare. Usually occurs against the background of HIV.
You can become infected with onychomycosis in the following ways:
However, the contact of pathogenic microorganisms on the nail does not always provoke the onset of the disease. At this stage, the immune system can cope with the infection. Accelerated development of the disease usually occurs against the background of the following factors:
It is worth noting that onychomycosis on the hands occurs relatively rarely. This is a disease of housewives, since constant contact with household chemicals without gloves leads to the formation of microcracks on the skin. They are literally a gateway for infection.
If these circumstances are present, the person is most vulnerable to the onset of the disease. However, this does not mean that these factors lead to infection. They just allow the disease to actively develop.
How does fingernail fungus start? Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate inside through microcracks and cuts. First, they penetrate into the surface layer of the nail. If the immune system does not provide any resistance, microorganisms multiply and penetrate deeper and deeper. They literally feed on the nail, which causes its destruction.
The infection may reach the nail bed. In this case, the nail begins to peel off from the skin. If there is no treatment at this stage, the disease spreads to the adjacent skin. They begin to peel and turn red. The fungus affects all nails. The disease becomes obvious and begins to cause severe discomfort. There is pain, a burning sensation, and the hands look extremely unaesthetic.
The disease is characterized by relapses. The disease, after successful therapy, recurs in 20% of cases. Against the background of mycosis of the hands, bacterial complications often appear that provoke inflammatory processes in the skin around the nails.
How to recognize fingernail fungus at the first stage? This is not easy to do, since the disease hardly makes itself felt at first. Mycosis usually appears in the nail bed or at the edges of the nail. You can recognize it by the white dots and stripes that appear. Later, the fungus begins to spread throughout the plate. Consider the signs of the initial stage:
If the first signs of fingernail fungus appear, you should consult a doctor. These symptoms may also indicate other diseases, and therefore the diagnosis needs to be confirmed.
What does fingernail fungus look like? Let's look at its most obvious signs:
Against the background of pathological processes, allergic reactions occur, since the infection is hostile to the body. A rash and redness may appear.
Onychomycosis is divided into different types, distinguished by different manifestations:
Mixed symptoms are possible, since several types of the disease are likely to appear at once. In this case, it will be more difficult to treat the fungus. A comprehensive approach will be required.
Paronychia is the medical name for bacterial complications. They manifest themselves through inflammatory processes. When bacteria penetrate the affected area, obvious symptoms occur:
Bacterial complications can be prevented by using antifungal varnish. It creates a dense film on the surface through which pathogenic microorganisms do not penetrate.
Mycosis is only half of other infectious diseases with similar symptoms. Nail destruction can also be caused by the following ailments:
An accurate diagnosis can be made only after diagnostics have been performed.
All instruments for the treatment of onychomycosis can be divided into the following categories:
Therapy may include the use of drugs that stimulate blood circulation, vitamin complexes that improve the functioning of the immune system.
Prevention of mycosis is especially important if you have recently recovered from hand fungus. You should always remember that the disease can return. Prevention consists of the following measures:
You should monitor the condition of the skin of your hands and nails. If the skin is dry and damaged, it is extremely easy to contract mycosis. It is important to perform a manicure only with tools that have been disinfected. At the slightest sign of illness, you need to consult a doctor and take action. A timely response to the disease allows you to get rid of it in a short time, while the advanced form takes a very long time to be treated. At the first symptoms, you can use antifungal varnish.