The problem of fungal nail infection is quite common today. The very advanced reproduction of fungi in the thickness of the nail plates and in the soft tissues surrounding the nail leads to complete loss of the nail without the possibility of even partial recovery. That is why if you suddenly notice changes in their structure or color that are not characteristic of the usual type of nails, be sure to contact specialists for treatment. They will help determine the presence of a fungal infection and, if necessary, distinguish it from bruises on the nail, from the manifestation of systemic diseases of the body.
Causes of nail fungus
Compliance with the usual rules of hygiene and vigilance against infection is the basis for the prevention of fungal infections. Failure to observe these vital aspects leads to disease. Most often, the fungus gets on the skin and the nail plates themselves when wearing someone else's shoes, taking baths in public places such as baths, swimming pools, saunas, notyou wash your feet rarely or not at all, do not fight overgrown nails and cracks on the rough skin of the soles.
If the condition and disinfection of pedicure tools are poor, it is also possible to become infected with the fungus, although this is fraught with infections and more dangerous infections, such as hepatitis B and C.
All these reasons lead to the fact that it is easier for fungal microorganisms to populate previously healthy tissues, for this the most favorable conditions are created, which you only exacerbate.
What does nail fungus look like?
Signs of nail fungus do not appear at the same time. Before a clear change of the nail plates on the affected toes in the region of the periungual soft tissue structures, skin cracks of different sizes and depths can be observed in the interdigital areas. Join in that itchy, tingling sensation in the affected areas. The skin may begin to peel, redden with varying degrees of severity from these symptoms. The main signs of a fungal infection are changes in the nail plate. It can thicken or thin, and a change in the usual color of the nail is also characteristic: white, light yellow, dark yellow, brown, light green, color combinations. The edge of the nail ceases to be even, in advanced cases the nail gradually loses its structure, breaks, crumbles. Eventually, delamination of the entire plate may occur.
By looking closely at your friends, especially those who are already mature and old, you will probably be able to easily identify the symptoms of nail fungus.
How to distinguish a bruised nail from a fungus?
First of all, toenail bruising is directly related to having a recent toe injury. External manifestations of a bruise do not occur immediately, but after 2-3 hours. Before this, the finger swells, may turn red. Also, the blood that has accumulated under the nail plate (and this is due to its outflow from the damaged vessels of the nail bed) becomes visible to the naked eye. Its cluster initially acquires a pink-scarlet color, over time it turns into dark red, dark purple and even black. In parallel, the hematoma decreases in size, and at the very end of the healing process it may look like a point. The soft tissues of the finger retain swelling and a bruise may also form on them. The severity of the symptoms depends on the force that caused the injury to the finger and the nail plate.
Thus, the symptomatology and actions of the patient preceding its appearance, characteristic of the picture of a bruised nail, are fundamentally different from the clinic of a nail fungus. The difference is also evident in the mechanism of development of these diseases: they are infected with a fungus, other damage to the nail is associated precisely with the activity of microorganisms, a bruise is the result of an injuryand a hematoma forms due to damage to the vessels of the finger, no microorganisms are involved in the pathogenesis. Also, nail fungus is treated by a dermatovenereologist or dermatologist, while a bruise is closer to the activities of traumatologists and surgeons.
Method of controlling a fungal infection with potassium permanganate
Such a quick and easy recipe for diagnosing a fungus can be used at home. The main substance for the determination is potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate), which must be diluted in pure water in order to obtain its weak purple color. Then you have to place your feet in the colored water and let it soak for a few minutes. If your nails really have a fungus, potassium permanganate will not stain the affected areas (they will be white). The healthy part of the nail plates will turn brown. So you can easily diagnose the disease.
After completing this experiment, do not forget to treat your nails with hydrogen peroxide for disinfection. And be sure to contact a specialist if you find a positive diagnostic result. Now you know how to recognize nail fungus at home without much effort.
The diagnosis of nail fungus in the hospital certainly includes other more precise laboratory methods to get to the bottom of the problem.
We treat fungus on the nails with drugs
As you know, many people prefer attempts at traditional treatment of any disease to modern drug treatment by doctors. It is possible that nail fungus can be treated with traditional methods in some cases, but there is no evidence for this. That is why the main recommendation if you have a fungal infection of the nails is to comply with medical prescriptions, undergo treatment with pharmacological preparations.
Depending on how far the disease has traveled, the forms of drugs are selected. Basically, they are divided into means of local (local) and general action. These drugs contain antifungal agents - a special group of pharmacological substances.
In the early stages of fungal infection, the use of local remedies (ointments, creams, gels) is preferable. If the fungus has already been able to enter the general circulation, which is the most serious outcome, or if the nail plate is significantly affected, the treatment is supplemented with general preparations (tablets or infusions of solutions).
The list of antifungal drugs for the treatment of fungal nail infections includes: levorin, nystatin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, amphotericin B, griseofulvin, itraconazole, terbinafine. These are the names of the active substances that form the basis of the treatment. These funds can be part of various drugs. That is, the latest drugs are just the trade names of the substances listed first. In order not to be mistaken with the remedy, the form of its use and dosages, be sure to consult with specialists and follow their treatment recommendations.
The most common treatment methods include:
- soda baths
- iodine treatment
- therapy with vinegar or vinegar essence
- fungus treatment with laundry soap
Folk methods are effective only in the early stages, along with medications.
Prevention of nail fungus infection
To protect yourself from fungal microorganisms, you do not need to follow any special rules, they are quite simple if you introduce them into your daily routine. For starters, refuse to wear someone else's shoes, even in the most innocuous of cases. Also be sure to use individual slippers and slates in baths, saunas, swimming pools.
Take care of your feet constantly, remove germs well with soap, dry your skin. Try to avoid shoes that make your feet sweat. Watch for the appearance of cracks in the skin of the feet, especially near the nail plates and in the interdigital spaces. Change socks daily and as soon as they get dirty. And if foot sweating is your unpleasant routine, then we advise you to look into special baths, they can really help you.
Fungal infection is a common disease among the people of the country today. Many are not even aware of its presence, evoking, perhaps, the symptoms of a bruised fingernail or a banal daily pollution. But, as you have already seen, the fungus causes quite characteristic clinical manifestations. It is enough to take a closer look at their feet and seek medical help for timely treatment, but it is better to tackle infection prevention.