Every third person on Earth has encountered a problem such as stratification and squeezing nails, blurring the plate - this is onychomycosis.The disease affects different age groups.Foot fungus (the photos are presented below), quickly spread and adapts to new conditions.
We will look at the main factors for the occurrence, types and methods for treating fungi at home.
Classification
The causative agents of this disease are saprophytes, fungi, candida and other pathogenic microorganisms.
The main types of pathogens of the disease:
- Epiderrnophyton Floccosum.Anthropophilic fungus that affects the sinewy layer of the epidermis.After infection, pink peeling spots with characteristic obscure edges begin to appear on the skin.It is transmitted with tactile contact or through household items.
- Trichophyton Rubrum and Trichophyton Mentagrophytes.These are two mushrooms similar to yeast of the genus Trichopitons.They have a toxic effect, can remain in a sleep state for a long time and after exposure to negative activation factors.The first signs of the itching disease between the fingers and the unpleasant odor, later rash and peeling appear.The color of the processing may remain unchanged.
Mycologists distinguish four varieties of mycosis that can be caused by different fungi on the foot:
- The deleted shape is the easiest.It is characterized by minor itching between the fingers and light peeling of the skin.The reason is Saprofit Candida.Its incubation period is 2 weeks.Most often, patients simply do not notice the signs of infection and are the distributors of the fungus.Even in the absence of treatment, the disease goes away.
- Squamine -hyperkeratotic.The advanced shape of this leg fungus can cause deep cracks and damage to the tissues of the legs to the ankle.It is noteworthy that there are no external manifestations in the initial stage of the disease.The sole did not itch or hurt, sometimes small cracks occur;
- Intrigistic or Interas - the most common.Most often, the primary lesion begins with the folding of the thumb and forefinger, then spreads along the foot.Possible causes are contact with an infected person (surface), injuries and discrepancy with the rules of personal hygiene;
- A brew or vesicular form - mycosis, which provokes the appearance of the epidermis of rashes and local erosion.It is transmitted exclusively by the patient and is rarely diagnosed on the skin of the feet.This sponge is thought to love brushes and palms more.In the absence of proper treatment due to the effects of pathogenic microorganisms, mycotic eczema occurs.
Over time, fungal lesions progress, although this happens extremely slowly.Sometimes people have lived with mushrooms for decades and begin to worry only when the nail goes completely, painful sensations appear.There are several stages in total.
- The initial stage.The fungal infection is still beginning to destroy the nail, its color changes, the transparency disappears.
- The onset of hyperkeratosis.This phenomenon, when with mycosis, the nail begins to thicken, becomes very thick, sometimes grows strong.By the end of this stage, the nail plate loosens, sometimes its upper layers can simply scrape your finger.
- In the next stage, the fungal infection moves under the nail.The cuticle is separated from the nails, the nail roll can blush, swell and inflamed.
- Running stage.The nail is atrophied, it completely changes color.At this stage, the nail plate often completely deviates or destroys.
It is advisable to suspect the nail fungus in the initial stages, in advanced form it is difficult and treated for a long time, sometimes it is necessary to completely remove the nail plate.Do not release mycosis.
Symptoms
Onychomycosis most often affects the nails on the legs, the hands suffer less often.The disease begins with the thumb and the little finger (the outer edge is touched), affecting all the plates smoothly.
Leading symptoms of onychomycosis will help determine the fungal infection (see photo):
- The appearance of strips and spots of whitish or greenish tint under the nails;
- blurring the plate, change in color (from yellow to dark brown);
- redness and peeling of the skin around the nail;
- the appearance of roughness of the legs and between the toes;
- The formation of mildew on the nails.
To know how to recognize the disease in the initial stage, you can see the main manifestations of nail fungus in the photo.This will understand at least approximately how the development of the infection begins and in the case of such signs, consult a doctor.
What does the sponge in the photo look like
In any case, the initial check of the legs is performed independently.In order not to stir the fungus with possible calluses or ordinary mechanical damage to the foot, we recommend that you study the photos of the nail sponge in the initial stage.
Diagnostics
There are more than 50 subspecies of fungi causing onychomycosis, so you can accurately determine the species under laboratory conditions.Pre -home diagnosis is possible from the second stage when symptoms occur.
- It is necessary to check the nail plates to determine the location of a fungal infection.
- The next criterion is the form for changing the thickness of the nail, the presence of peeling scales and squeezing.
- The determining factor may be the color of the foci of the infection.
- It is necessary to evaluate the condition of the skin and hair during the detection of onychomycosis: many fungi affect them first and then switch to nail plaques.
In some cases, the pathogen is several types of fungal infection.Combinations of dermatophytes with mushrooms similar to yeast or shapes with candidates are possible.
Treatment of nail fungus in the initial stage
In the case of such a disease, 3 treatment options are possible, it all depends on the stage at which the fungus is located.So this is:
- use of local medicines;
- use of oral medicines;
- Combined therapy.
- Local medicines are represented by various ointments, gels, suspensions, emulsions and other types of external drugs.They act only on the lesion and do not penetrate the blood.They are mainly used in the early stages of the development of dermatomycosis or with a small focus of infection.Treatment is generally a week to several months, depending on the neglect of the lesion.
- Perijurous drugs are taken inside and affect the pathogen on the inside of the body.They have side effects and affect not only the affected area but also the body as a whole.In some cases, there is sufficient single use, sometimes a course of treatment is required.They are used for severe lesions and advanced stages of fungal diseases.
- Combination therapy is used more frequently.The action of external drugs reduces the intensity of symptoms, accelerates the healing of damaged areas and tablets acting inside the pathogen.
In each treatment variant, the course of therapy cannot be interrupted.The diagram for the use of medicines and the duration is determined by the doctor.As a rule, treatment continues after the disappearance of the symptoms and external manifestations of mycosis for a few more days (up to a week).
Lacquers and ointments against the fungus
If the nail fungus is not neglected but at the initial stage, you should try to use varnishes and ointments that help to soften the affected area.In this case, spores of the sponge die under the influence of the drug.
For the treatment of the nail, choose a kind of medicine.It is not recommended to alternate, change funds, such manipulations will reduce the effectiveness of therapeutic effects.Before you begin, be sure to read the contraindications.Pregnant women and people suffering from individual intolerance to use antifungal lacquers for treatment.
Before applying varnish or ointment, it must be removed as much as possible with the fungal zone of the nail, using a special file available with the medicine.With a nail of a solution of water-alcohol, a layer of varnish is applied, which should be changed every few days.Before the procedure, you can pick up a foot bath soap.The elbow is removed in the same way as the decorative, using organic solvents.
Traditional medicine
Nail mycosis in the initial stage can also be treated with home methods.Folk remedies are good assistants in complex therapy for the disease.
- Sea salt.This tool is best combined with conservative treatments.Sea salt baths - recommended preparatory procedure before applying local funds.You should take a teaspoon of salt for a small amount of warm water, keep your feet for about 15-20 minutes.
- Baths from a decoction of vertical branches are used 3 times a week.To prepare, collect young shoots, finely chop, take 500 gr.Raw materials and pour 2 liters of water.Boil, reduce heat and last for 10 minutes.After cooling the decoction, strain it and keep your feet for 20 minutes.
- Tea tree oil.The wounded nails should be lubricated at bedtime, bandaged and left overnight.In the morning, remove the bandages, clean the nail from the keratinized layer and again drip tea tree oil, but no longer wrap it.It is important to continue treatment until the healthy nail begins to grow.
- Vinegar baths.In 2 liters of hot water (37 degrees), dilute 5 tbsp l.9%vinegar.The legs should rise in such a solution for at least half an hour.Then clean the softening, keratinized layer of the nail with a file and treat the affected areas of the legs and between the toes with pumice stone.After such manipulation, it is recommended to apply antifungal cream or solution.The procedures do regularly (1-2 times a day) within one month.
- Salandin.This plant has long been used against diseases of the nails and skin.You need to deal carefully because of the active "cauterizing" effect.The juice, decay and oils based on this plant are used against the fungi.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is one of the most methods of treating nail fungus, especially in the short stages.This method is an alternative to surgical removal, followed by a long recovery period.With laser treatment, healthy tissues are untouched, during the procedure the patient does not experience pain and other unpleasant sensations.
Cons of laser treatment: High price, between the procedures you need to take breaks, only a qualified dermatologist can perform them.Regardless of the method of therapy chosen, it is necessary to follow all the rules of personal hygiene.The nail fungus can be repeated, treatment will not be effective if this is not done.
When treating your toenails, you should regularly perform hygiene procedures, often change socks, fan shoes after socks.The same rules should be followed so that mycosis of the nails does not reappear after treatment.
Prevention
Of course, it is better to warn the fungi than to fight its consequences for a long time.
How to protect yourself from the fungus:
- At the first signs of the fungus (itching, redness, peeling), you should lubricate your feet in abundance with a special ointment with antibacterial and moisturizing skin with the effect;
- Before every visit to the pool, sauna, fitness or other place to take off, it is important to treat the skin with a protective cream;
- Treat shoes regularly, wash it if possible, and dry it in the fresh air.It is not necessary to use special compositions for this.Most products can be wiped inside with alcohol or other antibacterial solutions.
To strengthen the skin and provide local immunity is a suitable recipe for a preventative onion mixture.One onion is rubbed with two tablespoons of honey.The resulting paste is applied to the skin of the feet and palms.It is advisable to withstand the mask for 30 minutes.Repeat every other day.