Any changes in the shape and color of the nail plate may indicate the presence of a fungal infection.Medically, they are known as onychomycosis and colloquially as onychomycosis.If caught in the early stages, there is a good chance of a quick cure; late forms can be treated for several years, but not always with positive success.It is worth noting that onychomycosis is common throughout the world, and in Russia, 7-16% of residents suffer from onychomycosis.Their presence is closely related to many factors, from society to the physical characteristics of the individual.
What does onychomycosis look like in the early stages?
The initial stages of onychomycosis are almost always asymptomatic, especially on the feet.Only occasionally small yellow spots may be observed on the nail plate, or a slight itching may be felt on the fingers.Lesions almost always start on the first and fifth toes and look variable:
- Nail color (yellow, brown);
- The shape of the nail plate (thickening or vice versa - thinning is observed);
- Deformation (appearance of yellow or white vertical and horizontal stripes).
In addition to all visible changes, subjective sensations such as increased itching and soreness may also occur.
notes!Onychomycosis is more common on the legs and less commonly on the arms.If the patient already has foot mycosis, this usually occurs as a result of an injury during a manicure or pedicure.
Classification of onychomycosis
Today, it is customary to classify onychomycosis taking into account not only the clinical features of the nail plate lesions, but also based on the variant of fungal penetration into the nail plate.Onychomycosis can be divided into the following types:
- remote;
- distal-lateral;
- The surface is white;
- proximal subungual;
- Total malnutrition.
The first two forms are the most common because in these two the pathogen enters the nail from the affected skin of the foot.They are characterized by a long course, with the disease process slowly spreading throughout the nail in the form of oval yellow spots or fragments.
A distinctive feature of white superficial onychomycosis is damage to the nail plate of the first finger in the initial stage.Damage to the matrix and nail bed is extremely rare; essentially, the entire procedure is limited to the appearance of superficial white lesions.
The last two forms are very rare and are characterized by a rapid course in which the stroma and periungual ridge are affected.A distinguishing feature is partial or complete destruction of the nail plate.
The pathogens of onychomycosis are also divided into three categories:
- dermatophytes;
- Yeast fungi of the genus Candida;
- Mold.
The first two types are more common, and their clinical manifestations are not only damage to the nail plate, but also damage to the foot.
Basic factors for the occurrence of onychomycosis
Many people wonder why we all go to the bathroom, sauna, swimming pool, beach and only some of us end up infected with onychomycosis.The problem is that not only does the fungus require a good environment to thrive, it also requires a weakening of the body's protective functions.People with the following problems are at risk:
- Lower extremity blood vessels;
- overweight;
- Flat feet and foot deformities;
- Increased glucose levels in the blood, which the fungus uses for metabolic processes;
Onychomycosis is common in adults but almost never occurs in children.One in two people over the age of 70 will develop onychomycosis on their toes or hands.
How to treat onychomycosis in the early stages?
If you notice any suspicion of nail fungus, you should see a dermatologist immediately.At least to identify the pathogen and select an effective antifungal drug.Most modern drugs are very harmful to the liver and are tested before being prescribed.If a problem is discovered, another drug is substituted.
Treating toenail fungus at home is acceptable if you understand the causative agent and are in the initial stages.Then, following the rules of disinfection (processing underwear, socks, shoes, processing nail plates, etc.), you can quickly get rid of the disease even without taking systemic drugs.
With the treatment of advanced onychomycosis, everything becomes more complicated, since here you have to not only fight the external manifestations of the disease, but also eliminate the pathogen from the body.Here, in addition to concentration, patients also need patience and time, as treatment can last for years.
If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to seek expert help, then when you notice the first signs of nail fungus, you can apply iodine and hydrogen peroxide to the affected area, which are considered effective against dermatophytes and candida.It is recommended to treat the entire nail with iodine in the morning and hydrogen peroxide in the evening for a month.Before treatment, wash and dry feet, and trim affected nails as much as possible.