Despite all the achievements of science and progress, the fungus as a disease cannot be eliminated.This is due to its survivability and living conditions.The fungus needs humidity and warmth.As long as they exist, the fungus will exist.
Types of nail fungus
Dermatophytes
They affect the body due to a decrease in immunity.In extremely rare cases - in a person with a high level of immunity.
The source of infection is soil, sometimes people or animals.The basis of the entire colony is the mycelium.It is attached to the nail by processes (hyphae) that grow into the tissue and destroy the structure.
Subspecies of dermatophytes and features of the course of the disease:
- Red trichophyton.The disease progresses according to the norm: the tip of the nail becomes infected, followed by progression towards 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 is also infected: it dries and peels;
- Trichophyton interdigitalis.The source of the disease lies in rooms with high humidity.Most often it affects the nails of the big toes.Located on the surface of the nail and on the skin between the fingers.Whitish spots form on the plates;
- Other types of dermatophytes affect the body against the background of other diseases in 5% of cases.
Yeasts of the genus Candida
They are in fact present on human skin and mucous membranes.It is not necessary to meet a carrier of the disease.It is enough to have a weakened immune system for fungi to occupy the nail plate.
The peculiarity of the course of the disease is that the nail is affected not at the tip, but at the base, developing in the direction of growth, since candida does not form mycelium and cannot attach to the surface at the edge.
Mold
The causative agents of onychomycosis number more than 40 species.It is difficult to diagnose damage caused by this type of fungus - the symptoms are not much different from damage caused by dermatophytes.
But the treatment is fundamentally different.The diagnosis of mold infection can only be made by bacteriological analysis.
The subspecies is capable of releasing hyphae and quickly destroying the nail.In addition, in conditions of a critical decrease in the patient's immunity, mold is able to penetrate the body and infect organs.
There are 2 additional classifications.
Classification according to the source of the disease:
- vesicular fungi.The lower part of the foot is mainly affected.Blisters and swelling appear on the skin.This type of fungus is easily associated with bacterial infection;
- membrane Localized in the area between the little finger and the “ring” toe - the skin cracks and peels off in large scales.May be accompanied by bacterial infection;
- moccasinopods.The disease is localized on the heel or sole of the foot and gradually spreads upwards.
Classification according to the form of deformation of the nail layer:
- normotrophic.The nail changes color, but retains its shape.Stripes and/or spots of yellow and white shades appear;
- hypertrophic.The structure and shape of the nail become deformed: the nail becomes thick, begins to crumble and causes pain when moving;
- atrophic.The nail “loses weight”.The plaque becomes very thin, dull and white spots and stripes appear on it.
Toenail fungus: signs of infection
Main visible and tangible symptoms:
- itchy skin, especially after swimming;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- peeling of the skin;
- the nail has changed color.As a rule, the entire nail plate acquires 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.Occupies the entire open length of the nail and gradually deepens;
- white spots under the nail plate;
- flatness;
- lots of burrs;
- peeling of the entire nail;
- large-scale destruction of the nail;
- small notches on the entire exterior surface of the plate;
- the nail plate thickens and the lower layers crumble.
Is it possible to completely cure toenail fungus?It's possible, but not always.A hereditary disease that cannot be changed is a living example.It evolves over the years, distorting the shape of the nail.
The fact of a hereditary disease can only be confirmed during a medical consultation.
How to effectively cure toenail fungus: drug treatment
To select drugs, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the type of fungus, stage of the disease and skin type.This can only be done by a doctor.
Depending on the test results and the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe either local medications - ointments or varnishes, or a complex of local and systemic drugs.
Systemic medications suppress the pathogen, thereby preventing reproduction.Local drugs have an effect in the area of application, destroying fungi.
Systemic medications place a significant load on the liver.You will have to give up everything that complicates the work of the organ - alcohol, fatty foods.This is necessary to avoid doubling the load.
There are special ways to remove nails without surgery.
Each medication only works on a certain type of mycosis.Even the most advanced remedies will not work if they are not “associated” with a 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.Typically, a basin is used in which the feet are placed.The water is poured up to the ankles.First, it ensures the correct concentration of vinegar in the water.
Second, the skin is exposed to a chemical burn.Before bathing, you need to cut your nails and remove the upper layers of skin with a pumice stone or brush.This will ensure maximum “soaking”.
If there are microdamages on the legs, the procedure will cause pain.Duration – 15 minutes.
Vinegar lotions – soak a cotton pad/cotton pad in vinegar and apply to the problem area for 10-15 minutes. It is most effective to use it after bathing.
Ointment: 2 portions of acetic acid (70%) mixed with glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phthalate, one portion of each.Apply using a cotton swab for 8 hours every day on clean feet.Wash with laundry soap.
To combat the advanced stage, hydrogen peroxide is used.The feet are steamed in a soda bath (1 teaspoon per 1 liter), then cotton wool soaked in peroxide is applied to the problem areas, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a bandage.The duration of the compress is 40 to 60 minutes.
Ammonia.For a glass of water - 1 tbsp.L.alcohol Soak a cotton ball or a piece of gauze and apply overnight as a compress.
Boric acid.Before going to bed, the feet are steamed, sprinkled with powder and clean socks are put on.
Baking soda.Add a little water to it until a paste forms and apply the mixture to the problem area for 15-20 minutes.
Garlic.Rub the affected area with a cut garlic clove.The plant pulp can be used as a compress.
Iodine.Just carefully lubricate the problem area.
How to quickly cure toenail fungus
Complex treatment will be required, consisting of systemic antimycotic drugs and local agents.Medicines are prescribed by a doctor.
It is recommended to combine traditional medicine and medications.
Features of treatment of neglected fungus
First of all, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.
Complex treatment will be required, which means:
- taking broad-spectrum medications orally;
- close focus directly on the nail;
- strengthen the immune system;
- taking medications that support the body while taking essential medications;
- scrupulously follow the instructions.
Medicine is designed in such a way that when treating a disease, a blow is delivered to a healthy organ.Most often – the liver and intestines.You should prepare for the consequences and discuss the side effects of medications with your doctor in advance.Some cause allergies or are unacceptable for certain illnesses 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 when most available remedies cease to act on the fungi - the spores will penetrate deep into the tissues and drugs simply will not be able to reach them.
Deformation of the shape of the plate leads to deep penetration into the skin of the nail and even cutting of the tissues.
The result is hellish pain and inflammation of the toe tissues.The nail and the tissue around the nail will begin to rot.
An advanced stage of deformation of the nail plate makes it impossible to wear shoes.Any shoes that squeeze your toes even slightly will cause severe pain.Even just walking around the house barefoot will hurt.
In addition :
- general decrease in immunity;
- spread of the fungus in the blood;
- the occurrence of dermatitis and eczema;
- inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Prevention
Antifungal prophylaxis is based on the following factors:
- personal hygiene.You should wash your feet daily with soap.Trim your nails in a timely manner, do not pull nails, and use only personal pedicure tools.If you must bring strangers, sterilize them.Wear clean socks.Do not use used shoes;
- shoe care.Shoes should be dried in a timely manner, thereby preventing the formation of favorable conditions for the growth of fungus.Remove the insoles and dry them separately, dry the shoes themselves with special dryers or untie them completely and place them under the radiator;
- Of course, not visiting baths and saunas is not an option.Choose establishments that have reviews.If possible, ask what and how often the floors are washed.Make sure you only use your own belongings, including replaceable rubber slippers;
- To prevent reinfection, throw away shoes that the patient wore during illness.If this is not possible, sterilize it from the inside;
- If your immune system is weakened or your feet have microdamage, try not to walk barefoot and avoid situations in which the fungus could attack you.