toenail fungus

Nail fungus is a skin disease that affects more than 20% of humans, causing not only aesthetic damage but also problems with human health and immunity.

It is characterized by changes in the color of the nail plate, deformation and fragmentation, a pathology known in medicine as onychomycosis. An infection occurs when a dermatophyte-type fungus gets under a healthy toenail. It multiplies rapidly, destroys soft tissues and forms white and yellow spots on the nails, further causing deformation and death of the nails. When a nail is affected, the fungus can transfer to a healthy surface if left untreated. This all brings considerable discomfort to one's life. In this article, we'll learn about the causes, symptoms, how to cure this fungus, and most importantly, how to avoid this unpleasant disease.

Causes of Toenail Fungus

The main reason for the emergence of fungi is the weak immune system of the human body. When the body's protective functions are not functioning well, the risk of contracting infections, viruses, and bacteria increases significantly. Fungus occurs more frequently on toes than on hands due to high humidity and lack of necessary air circulation.

Also at high risk are:

• People with poor hygiene. Don't let your feet sweat, your socks are wet and dirty, and walk barefoot without slippers;
• People with visceral and vascular lesions, HIV carriers. Diabetes and blood clots in veins can cause poor circulation in the legs;
• Ignore people with tight and uncomfortable shoes. Even small corns, microcracks and calluses on the feet can cause fungal infections;
• People who are in a period of hormonal changes in the body, the elderly;
• People try on shoes in stores that don't have disposable socks. After all, it's dangerous for someone with a fungus infection to try on the shoes before you.

Fungal infections like moist, warm conditions, and open wounds and scrapes that can multiply immediately.

Public places such as hotels, gyms, swimming pools, locker rooms, showers and saunas are the preferred places for fungal infections. If a person likes to walk there barefoot, the risk of infection is 100 percent. It must be remembered that fungal infections are contagious and spread easily through household means or human-to-human contact.

Fungal Stages and Symptoms

Alas, fungus is a rapidly growing infection. Like the root of a tree, it grows under a person's skin, destroying tissues and surfaces. Usually, the fungus begins its activity on the little finger or thumb and eventually affects all nails.

Generally speaking, there are initial, intermediate and advanced stages, but we will use medical terms to learn more about the course of the disease:

1. Infection stage - the fungus attaches to the dead skin flakes and eventually climbs up the nail plate. without any symptoms;
2. Normal vegetative phase - the natural color of the nails fades and yellows at the edges and thickens towards the corners. Small white streaks or dots may appear. have a specific smell and discomfort;
3. Hypertrophic stage - the nails are completely yellowed, deformed, and have an uneven surface and are ribbed. In most cases, the entire nail plate thickens and the edge itself loosens and falls off;
4. Atrophic stage - dull yellow or gray nails. Nail pieces fall off, the nail bed looks unhealthy, and the surface is loose;
5. Stage - Nail peeling - The entire nail plate becomes very thin and then disappears. The fungus can move to adjacent, still healthy nails.

The skin around the nails is usually red and flaky. The patient noted itching between the fingers, cracks were observed, and pain was associated with it. Usually, in the final stage, the fungus that entered the nail bed dies under the influence of immunity. But blood poisoning can occur if the body's protective functions are weakened or left untreated.

type of fungus

The most popular of the causative agents of onychomycosis is the fungus - dermatophytes. They affect more than 85% of infections. Therefore, Candida fungi (yeast) and mold fungi are less common among pathogens. Also, sometimes more than one type of nail is infected at the same time.

Let's take a closer look at each type.

fungus dermatophytes

There are many species of this fungus. They are popular because they can adapt to any microclimate. Living in the earth's soil cover, it easily infects animals and humans through direct contact at the surface, as well as through a "carrier-infected" relationship. However, this type of infection is rare and often the disease is preceded by several factors.

The most famous types of dermatophytes:

• Trichophyton rubrum - first infects the tip of the nail and then smoothly reaches the bottom. Nails cracked, yellowed, thickened, and lethargic. The surrounding skin is unusually dry, red, and flaky;
• Trichophyton mentagrophytes are major fans of humid, warm microclimates. They are usually infected in public places such as showers, swimming pools and saunas. Usually causes damage to the big toe and surrounding area. The skin becomes inflamed, itchy, and forms inflamed bumps.

It is difficult to cure the fungus that has managed to reach the base of the nail plate. In this case, it is likely to be lost entirely.

Candida

Yeast or Candida is present in normal amounts in all people, but under a variety of triggers, they can multiply rapidly and cause disease.

Mainly known to women. Because a large percentage of them have had to deal with diseases like thrush in their lives, which are caused by this particular type of fungus in the Candida family.

In the case of candida on the nails, it is safe to assume that the infection occurred at home through something previously used by the infected person (towels, towels, shoes). Unlike dermatophytes, it forms initially at the base and is most commonly found on the nails of the hands.

mold mushroom

The most dangerous type of fungus. Not only can it damage the skin, but it can quickly affect the entire body.

Infection occurs due to the destruction of the nail, the exposure of the nail bed. The good news is that this fungal infection happens very rarely. But if it still happens, it can be difficult to treat with conventional medicines and requires special treatment for mold on the nails.

diagnosis

Since the external symptoms of nail fungus can be similar to other diseases (such as lichen, psoriasis, keratosis), to confirm the diagnosis of fungal infections and to identify the causative agent, doctors prescribe such studies:

• Microscopic examination of the nail plate - a laboratory assistant makes a scraper from the nail and treats it with a special substance to destroy the keratin. This procedure is required for easier and more accurate viewing under the microscope. There is also a downside to this analysis. With its help, it is impossible to determine the type of pathogenic fungi. According to the results obtained, antifungal drugs with broad action are prescribed;
• Culture-type studies - In the laboratory, nail scrapes are cultured by dipping into Sabouraud's nutrient medium, where fungi grow rapidly. Fungi are determined by the growth rate, color and shape of their colonies. Furthermore, using this method, the sensitivity of antibodies to therapeutic drugs can be determined. The disadvantage is that the analysis results will take 3-5 days to get the results;
• Purpose of DNA Diagnostics - To study the presence of dermatophytes or yeast fungi-infected DNA cells in nail scrapings. This method cannot identify the most dangerous types of mold. The diagnosis results are released after 1-2 days, the disadvantage is that the method is expensive due to the use of special equipment.

treatment method

If you are wondering which doctor to contact for this condition, there is only one answer - you need a dermatologist.

In the initial stage, external treatment is sufficient if the infection can be recognized immediately. However, if the infection is not detected immediately and medical attention is delayed for a long time, more serious and complex treatment is required. In particularly severe cases, the nail plate is removed. Treatment is sometimes delayed by up to six months, and to prevent this from happening, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to interfering symptoms and seek specialist help immediately.

What kind of treatment you need will be determined by diagnosis, as it is important to identify the fungus from which the infection occurred. Medications for toenail fungus are divided into two groups:

• Preparations with topical action - This group includes therapeutic ointments, creams, varnishes and gels. Usually they are used in the initial stages of treatment, i. e. the timely detection of disease;
• Antifungals are antifungal drugs that have systemic action and are given orally. Available in tablet and capsule form, it eliminates fungal activity. They have the ability to stop the spread of fungal diseases, have a long-term effect, and prevent the disease from recurring.

Depending on the nature and severity of the infection, these drug groups can be prescribed individually or as a means of complex treatment.

The doctor also gave additional advice:

• Use only personal hygiene products and household items (towels, towels, plates, etc. );
• follow a personal diet prescribed by a doctor;
• Treat and ventilate the shoes so that the fungus does not create a favorable environment for reproduction during the treatment;
• Be sure to take a vitamin complex to boost your immune system. During and after treatment.

antifungal cream

When treating toenail fungus, it is important to use topical preparations only if the lesions are not severe and make up less than half of the nail plate. Or in the case of individual intolerance to systemic components of the drug. After all, drugs such as antifungal creams do not penetrate tissues enough to effectively heal a person completely. But as an additional remedy for external symptom relief and prevention, they are great.

It must be remembered that first, the affected part of the nail is cut off, then not only the nail, but also the soft tissue, the area around it needs to be treated with an ointment.

Topical treatment will be effective with the participation of such drugs for the treatment of toenail fungus:

• Hypoallergenic drug with minimal side effects and well tolerated by the body. The composition contains non-toxic ingredients such as polyene antibiotics (a group of tetraene polyenes). Apply the ointment thinly to the affected area, depending on the stage of the disease, usually for a course of 2 to 4 weeks;
• Formulations that penetrate deep into the skin have a depot effect. Can also be used in thin layers on dry affected areas. The course lasts at least two months.

special varnish

Nail polish for toenail fungus is the most convenient way to use it, but it is also only suitable for the early stages of a fungal infection. You only need to use it two to three times a week and apply it to the affected nails. The following are examples of varnishes that are proven and effective:

• The active ingredient of the varnish is a derivative of morpholine, which rapidly destroys up to 10 infectious agents, destroying them at the cellular level. Use the drug in a course of pre-steaming the nails until complete relief;
• The active substances of the varnish are able to destroy 58 fungal pathogens. The course is 3 months and the frequency of weekly use is gradually reduced (varnish every other day for the first month, then twice a week, and once a week for the last phase).

Ethnoscience

Folk remedies work well for the symptoms of fungal infections, but they can only be used in combination with medication.

There are many natural ingredients, natural remedies, and remedies that don't cost a fortune. It can be various herbs, potassium permanganate, iodine and vinegar for baths, solutions, tea tree and eucalyptus oils. But since nail fungus is a complex and long-term condition, they also require your dermatologist's approval. After all, the risk of complications and subsequent complete and permanent nail loss is high.

In general, to relieve symptoms, the following alternatives are recommended:

• Rub garlic on the affected area of the nail;
• Soak feet with washing powder;
• lotion containing baking soda, diluted with water (to thick consistency and apply to nails for 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water);
• Invest in socks such as: nettle, mint, chamomile, sage, propolis (change the contents of the socks daily).

We'll look at the rest of the folk methods in more detail below.

vinegar bath

Vinegar baths are one of the best folk remedies for toenail fungus.

Apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar work well for the recipe. At the same time, it is important to adhere to the correct ratios and use only natural products without any chemical additives.

• Recipe #1: Soak your feet once or twice in water mixed with apple cider vinegar in a one-to-one ratio. The operation time is about 20 minutes, and it is best to extend the course of treatment by 2 weeks, with daily bathing;
• Recipe 2: Dilute 5 tablespoons of 9% wine vinegar in 2 liters of hot water. Steam your feet for at least 30 minutes, then use a stick to clean the softened cuticles of your nail plates. After that, an antifungal agent is recommended immediately. Extend the procedure for a month and use the tub daily, preferably 2 times a day.

tea tree oil

A potent antifungal agent obtained by pressing the oil in tea leaves. It is used around the world to treat other conditions, including acne, scratches and abrasions. Recommended for the following methods:

1. Steam your legs and use a cotton swab to lubricate the affected skin and nails with five to ten drops of tea tree oil. No need to rinse. Procedure: 3 times a day for at least two weeks;
2. Add 5-10 drops of oil to a liter of hot water and let your feet soak in such a tub for about half an hour. Courses can last 2 months.

Tea tree oil is not recommended for pregnant women.

Iodine treatment

The most famous and cheapest method recommended by dermatologists around the world. The secret to this tool is that iodine has the ability to fold proteins. As we know, pathogens have a protein structure because they feed on keratin - a fibrous protein.

How to treat feet with iodine?

• method one:

  Apply one drop of a 5% iodine solution to the affected nail 2 times a day, once a day, on the adjacent healthy nail. After about a week, pain in the form of a burning sensation develops, which means that the destruction of the fungal pathogen has begun. The course of treatment may exceed one month until full recovery;

• Method Two:

  Steam your feet in a tub with hot water, soda water and salt for 30 minutes (1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of soda water, 2 tablespoons of salt). Use scissors to remove keratinized areas and dry feet. Then apply 3 coats of iodine solution to each affected area of the nail (apply 1 coat and wait until it is completely dry before applying the next coat). Procedure: 1 time a day for one month.

Children may be exposed to nail fungus

As you might have guessed, diseases like toenail fungus can develop not only in adults but also in children.

Kids can pick up fungal pathogens anywhere. This can develop into an infection later on through contact with someone who is already infected, through the household cases of poor hygiene we examined above, or through injury when dirt gets into the wound.

In children, nail fungus can easily infect one or more fingers and toes. The first symptoms appear as small white or yellow spots on the nails. The infection can occur slowly, eventually spreading throughout the nail and changing its color completely. In addition, there is a deformed nail plate, a chipped nail, and excruciating pain.

Symptoms of Nail Fungus in Children

Let's take a closer look at the symptoms of a fungal nail infection in children:

• thickening of the nail plate;
• Deformation of the nail, with its fragility;
• In appearance, the nails become dull, brittle, and lack natural luster;
• If the fungus is actively developing its life activity under the nail, the nail plate may turn brown, green or dirty yellow;
• With complications of the disease, the nails emit an unpleasant odor.

Causes of Nail Fungus in Children

As in adults, the cause of infection is mainly the failure of the parasite-dermatophyte fungus. This fungus prefers warm, moist environments and is found in abundance in public places such as showers, baths and swimming pools, where it can be easily picked up. Nail beds are a comfortable habitat for the parasite, where they can also pass through invisible wounds.

Children are more at risk of infection because their immune systems are not strong enough and because hygiene rules are ignored.

Treatment of nail fungus in children

Treatments for nail fungus in children are usually not much different from treatments for the same fungus in adults. It is recommended to pay attention to symptoms in time and consult a doctor for prescription. Topical creams, ointments, and varnishes are best, but they will have very little effect in the development of an infection. Therefore, oral medications are often associated with treatment. This systemic treatment needs to be taken long-term until healthy nails completely replace infected nails. However, these drugs have many side effects, which may manifest as skin rashes and damage to internal organs. Their use in children with liver disease, heart problems is prohibited. But this all varies from person to person, so it's important not to self-medicate and to seek out a qualified dermatologist.

In general, treating fungal nail disease in children is not as difficult as preventing it. For this reason, it is worth discussing hygiene rules with children frequently.

toenail fungus, photo