What does nail fungus look like?

What nail fungus looks like, symptoms and treatmentOne in three people on earth has faced such a problem as delamination and chipping of the nails, clouding of the plaque - this is onychomycosis. The disease affects different age groups. Nail fungus (photo below) spreads quickly and adapts to new conditions.

Consider in more detail the main factors of occurrence, types and methods of treatment of the fungus at home.

Classification

The causative agents of this disease are saprophytes, molds, candida and other pathogenic microorganisms.

The main types of pathogens:

1. Epidernophyton floccosum. Anthropophilic fungus that affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis. After infection, pink scaly patches with characteristic fuzzy edges begin to appear on the skin. Transmits by tactile contact or through household items.
2. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These are two yeast-like fungi of the genus Trichopyton. They have a toxic effect, they are able to sleep for a long time, and after exposure to negative factors they become more active. The first signs of the disease are itching between the fingers and an unpleasant smell, then a rash and peeling appear. The color of the seed coat may remain unchanged.

Mycologists distinguish four types of yeast infection, which can be caused by various fungi of the foot:

1. The erased form is the lightest. It is characterized by slight itching between the fingers and slight peeling of the skin. The reason is saprophytic Candida. Its incubation period is 2 weeks. Most often, patients simply do not notice the signs of infection and spread the fungus. Even without treatment, the disease goes away on its own.
2. Squamous-hyperkeratotic. The neglected form of this foot fungus can cause deep cracks to appear and damage tissue from the leg up to the ankle. It should be noted that at the initial stage of the disease there are no external manifestations. The sole does not itch and does not hurt, sometimes small cracks appear;
3. Intertriginous or interdigital is the most common. Most often, the primary lesion begins with the folds of the thumb and index finger and then extends down the foot. Possible causes of occurrence - contact with an infected person (surface), injury and non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
4. Dyshidrotic or vesicular form - mycosis, which causes the appearance of rashes and local erosions on the epidermis. It is transmitted exclusively by the patient and is rarely diagnosed on the skin of the legs. It is believed that this fungus likes the hands and palms more. In the absence of proper treatment, mycotic eczema occurs due to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms.

Over time, fungal infections progress, although it happens extremely slowly. Sometimes people live with fungus for decades and only begin to worry when the nail completely leaves, painful sensations appear. There are several stages in total.

1. Initial stage. The fungal infection is just beginning to destroy the nail, its color changes, the transparency disappears.
2. The appearance of hyperkeratosis. This phenomenon, when together with the fungus the nail begins to thicken, becomes very dense, sometimes it grows strongly. At the end of this step, the nail plate peels off, sometimes its top layers can be simply scraped off with a finger.
3. In the next stage, the fungal infection moves under the nail. The cuticle breaks off from the nail plate, and the nail crease may become red, swollen, and inflamed.
4. Running step. The nail is atrophied, it completely changes color. At this point, the nail plate is often completely detached or destroyed.

It is advisable to suspect nail fungus in the initial stages, in its advanced form it is difficult and time-consuming to treat, sometimes it is necessary to completely remove the nail plate. Do not start the yeast infection.

Symptoms

Onychomycosis most often affects the toenails, less often the hands. The disease begins with the thumb and little finger (the outer edge is affected), gently affecting all the plaques.

The main symptoms of onychomycosis will help determine a fungal infection:

• the appearance of stripes and spots of a whitish or greenish hue under the nails;
• clouding of the plaque, color change (from yellow to dark brown);
• redness and peeling of the skin around the nail;
• the appearance of roughness on the feet and between the toes;
• mold growth on the nails.

To find out how to recognize the disease at the initial stage, you can see the main manifestations of nail fungus in the photo. This will allow you to understand at least roughly how the development of the infection begins, and if you find similar signs, see a doctor.

What does the mushroom look like in the photo

In any case, the initial examination of the leg is done independently.In order not to confuse the fungus with possible corns or ordinary mechanical damage to the foot, we recommend that you study the photo of nail fungus in the initial and advanced stages.

Diagnostic

There are more than 50 subspecies of fungi that cause onychomycosis, so it is possible to accurately determine the type only under laboratory conditions. A preliminary diagnosis at home is possible from the second stage, when the symptoms appear.

1. It is necessary to examine the nail plates to determine the localization of the fungal infection.
2. The next criterion is the shape of the change in thickness of the nail, the presence of flaking and crumbling scales.
3. The determining factor may be the color of the foci of infection.
4. It is necessary to assess the condition of the skin and hair at the time of detection of onychomycosis: many fungi attack them first, and then move to the nail plate.

In some cases, the causative agent is several types of fungal infection. Combinations of dermatophytes with yeast-like fungi or molds with candida are possible.

Treatment of nail fungus at the initial stage

If such a disease occurs, 3 treatment options are possible, it all depends on what stage the fungus is at. So that:

• the use of local medicines;
• the use of oral medications;
• combination therapy.

Local drugs are represented by various ointments, gels, suspensions, emulsions and other types of external preparations. They act only on the focus of the lesion and do not enter the bloodstream. They are mainly used in the early stages of the development of dermatomycosis or with a small focus of infection. Treatment, as a rule, varies from a week to several months, depending on the degree of neglect of the lesion.

1. Oral drugs are taken orally and work on the causative agent from inside the body. They have side effects and affect not only the affected area but also the body as a whole. In some cases, a single application is sufficient, sometimes a cure is necessary. They are used for severe lesions and advanced stages of fungal diseases.
2. Combination therapy is used more often. The action of external drugs reduces the intensity of symptoms, accelerates the healing of damaged areas, and the tablets act from the inside on the causative agent of the disease.

Regardless of the treatment option, the course of treatment should not be interrupted. The regimen of drug use and duration is determined by the doctor. As a rule, treatment is continued after the symptoms and external manifestations of yeast infection have resolved for several days (up to a week).

Varnishes and ointments against fungi

If the nail fungus has not started, but is in an initial stage, it is worth trying to apply varnishes and ointments that help soften the affected area. In this case, the spores of the fungus die under the influence of the drug.

1. The most common antifungal varnishes are "Terbinafin", "Amorolfin", "Cyclopirox". Following the instructions, the varnish is applied twice a week for several months, until the healthy nail grows back completely.
2. Also widely known are: creams - "Sertaconazole", "Bifonazole", "Ketoconazole", "Terbinafine"; sprays - "Terbinafin", etc. Apply to a clean, dry surface of the finger and nail area affected by the fungus. An antifungal liquid containing boric acid and resorcinol helps dry and disinfect affected skin and nails.
3. An antiseptic created on the basis of iodine, accelerates the process of renewal and healing of the nail itself and the area around it. After applying the spray, manifestations of an allergic reaction in the form of burning, itching are possible.

For the treatment of nails, you need to choose a type of drug. It is not recommended to alternate, change funds, such manipulations will lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the therapeutic effect. Before starting use, be sure to read the contraindications. Pregnant women, children and people with individual intolerance are prohibited from using antifungal varnishes for treatment.

Before applying varnish or ointment, the area of the nail affected by the fungus should be removed as much as possible with the help of a special file that comes with the drug. After degreasing the nail with a hydroalcoholic solution, a layer of varnish is applied, which must be changed every few days. Before the procedure, you can take a soap and soda foot bath. The varnish is removed in the same way as decorative, using organic solvents.

ethnoscience

Early stage nail fungus can be treated with home methods. Folk remedies are good auxiliaries in the complex therapy of the disease.

1. Sea salt. This remedy is best combined with conservative treatments. Sea salt baths are a recommended preparatory procedure before applying topical products. For a small amount of hot water you need to take a teaspoon of salt, keep your legs for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Trays from a decoction of willow branches are used 3 times a week. For cooking, harvest the young shoots, chop finely, take 500 gr. raw materials and pour 2 liters of water. Boil, lower the heat and let stand 10 minutes. Once the broth has cooled, strain it and keep the thighs for 20 minutes.
3. Tea tree oil. Injured nails should be lubricated before going to bed, bandaged and left overnight. In the morning, remove the bandages, clean the horny layer of the nail and again drain the tea tree oil, but do not wrap it. It is important to continue treatment until a healthy nail begins to grow.
4. Vinegar baths. In 2 liters of hot water (37 degrees), dilute 5 tbsp. l. 9% vinegar. The feet should be soaked in such a solution for at least half an hour. Then clean the softened keratinized layer of the nail with a nail file and treat the affected areas on the feet and between the toes with a pumice stone. After such manipulation, it is recommended to apply an antifungal cream or solution. Do the procedures regularly (1-2 times a day) for a month.
5. Celandine. This plant has long been used against diseases of the nails and skin. It should be handled with care due to the active "cauterization" effect. Celandine juice, decoctions and oils based on this plant are used against the fungus.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is one of the newer treatments for nail fungus, especially in its advanced stages. This method is an alternative to surgical removal, followed by a long recovery period. During laser treatment, healthy tissue is not affected; during the procedure, the patient does not feel pain or other unpleasant sensations.

Disadvantages of laser treatment: high price, you have to take breaks between procedures, they can only be performed by a qualified dermatologist. Regardless of the method of therapy chosen, it is imperative to follow all the rules of personal hygiene. Nail fungus may come back and treatment will not be effective if not done.

When treating toenail fungus, you need to regularly perform hygienic procedures, change socks often, ventilate shoes after wearing. The same rules should be followed so that nail fungus does not recur after treatment.

Prevention

Of course, it is better to prevent the fungus than to face its consequences for a long time.

How to protect yourself from fungi:

1. At the first signs of fungus (itching, redness, peeling), you need to generously lubricate the feet with salicylic ointment. It has a strong antibacterial effect and moisturizes the skin. Instead, a chamois or streptocide is also suitable;
2. Before each visit to the swimming pool, sauna, gym or any other place where you have to take off your shoes, it is important to treat your feet with a protective cream.
3. Treat shoes regularly, wash them if possible and dry them outside. It is not necessary to use special formulations for this. Most products can be cleaned from the inside with alcohol or other antibacterial solutions.

To strengthen the skin and ensure local immunity, a prophylactic mixture recipe based on onions is suitable. One onion is ground with two tablespoons of honey. The resulting paste is applied to the skin of the feet and palms. It is advisable to keep the mask for 30 minutes. Repeat every two days;