Onychomycosis or, more simply, fungus is an insidious disease that progresses to fingernails, more often than toenails.First, the nail itself "gets sick", then the periungual tissues are exposed to pathogenic effects.Then (in the absence of proper treatment) they "make their way" to the neighboring nails, continuing to progress.If you have nail onychomycosis (photos below), then start treatment immediately, as a seemingly harmless darkening of the nail plate can lead to catastrophic complications.
Do you think the cause of the yellowing, thinning and loosening of the toenail plate was a recent blow or injury?Do you ignore the changes in the hope that "they will go away on their own"?Don't be so careless, the initial stage of fungus may already be developing on your nails!
Fungal infection, what is it?
Everyone can "catch" the fungus on their nails, regardless of social status, gender or age category.This type of microorganism "lives" everywhere (soil, moisture, moist environment).The easiest way to "catch" the fungus is in public institutions, such as a bathroom, a shower in the fitness room or a swimming pool.Spores reproduce well in a moist environment, "searching" for their host.Once on the human feet, microorganisms penetrate the skin through imperfect areas, where they begin to parasitize.
The incubation period after the pathogen enters the leg is quite long and reaches 2-4 weeks, so it is quite difficult to immediately notice any violation.After surviving the incubation period, the fungus penetrates the deeper layers of the nail, affecting not only the reproduced nail plate, but also the matrix from which it grows.
It "works" as follows.Attaching to the nails, skin or hair, it grows inside the cells, destroying the main substance for their reconstruction - keratin.
Recognition of nail onychomycosis: photos of the initial stage
When the fungal spores just start parasitizing the nail plate, you may notice discoloration and a color change closer to yellow or dull brown.In most cases, the first "victim" is the nail on the thumb.
With deeper penetration into the thickness of the plate, "dirty" spots and spots appear.The plaque itself thickens, begins to darken, and the subungual bed becomes keratinizing.The plaque loosens, crumbles and delaminates.
In addition to external symptoms, itching and discomfort appear.The cavity between the nail and the bed grows, serving as a favorable environment for the growth of the fungus.An unpleasant smell occurs.
How toenail fungus develops: stages of development with photos
If, based on the description given above, you have determined that you have toenail fungus, the stages of development with a photo will help you "calculate" the current form of the infection.
- White or superficial form.In this case, fungal microspores parasitize on the surface of the nail.At first it looks like white spots.Over time, they increase in size, the plaque itself becomes rough, friable and, when scratched, falls on the plates.
- Distal-lateral form.The plate turns yellow, the fungus develops on one of the sides: on the side (pictured) - a side lesion;from above - distal.With intensive development, total damage can be observed both from above and from the side.
- Distal-lateral with hyperkeratosis.It is characterized by the presence of a cavity in which microorganisms parasitize.This leads to hyperkeratosis - when the nail plate itself thickens and the nail bed becomes keratinized.
- The distal-lateral form, in which the entire plate is susceptible to fungal infection.In medicine, the term nail dystrophy is often used for diagnosis.
- Proximal subungual shape.With such a fungal infection, the periungual tissue is the first to suffer.It turns red, changes its shape and the cuticle begins to separate.Then there is a process of nail dystrophy, in which irregularities in the plate appear in the form of grooves.If treatment is not started in time, the nail may fall off completely.
- A total dystrophic form with irreversible processes, in which the nail plate is uneven, has an unpleasant smell, completely changes color, loses its integrity and falls into pieces.
Symptoms of nail plate damage from various fungi with photos
Onychomycosis of the nails can be caused by different types of fungi.Let's examine in detail what is toenail fungus and the symptoms that appear during its development.
- Moldy.It is considered a non-penetrating species, making it easy to handle.The main symptoms of such a lesion are a change in the shade of the nail plate.It takes a green, brown or black shade.Perhaps the appearance of spots and spots.
- Maya.This variety belongs to the genus Candida.By parasitizing, it thins the nail plate.Under the influence of the development of spores, the nail may acquire a yellow tint and begin to remain behind the bed.If you do not carry out the necessary therapy, you may notice how the plaque turns brown and begins to peel off.Not only nails suffer from the effects of toenail fungus, but also the adjacent skin, which thickens and swells.
- Dermatophytes.Another variety in which streaks or spots of a grayish-yellow color appear.Over time, without proper treatment, the edge of the nail begins to peel away from the bed, exposing the hyponychium.
Which doctor should I go to for help?
Without proper treatment, the fungal infection "migrates" from the nail plates to the skin of the feet.It provokes the appearance of:
- itching;
- inflammation between the fingers;
- eczema;
- rive
It hurts when you walk.A dermatologist can help you solve the problem, and the sooner you contact him, the sooner you will "say goodbye" to onychomycosis.Only a specialist can best choose the means, prescribe a treatment regimen and monitor the dynamics of therapy.Self-treatment of toenail fungus may not always be accurate or effective.
How to treat onychomycosis
As we have already understood, there are quite a few types of fungus that affect toenails.Therefore, a drug purchased in a pharmacy may not always have the desired effect, since the therapeutic effect will target the localization of only one of the types of onychomycosis, and for other types the active substance will simply remain useless.By visiting a doctor, you will know for sure what medicines are needed in a particular case.
Based on the test results, the dermatologist usually prescribes the following therapy:
- drugs intended for oral administration;
- local medications.
The last option is used more often, since most recorded cases of fungal infection are treated in the initial stages.In advanced situations, oral therapy cannot be avoided.
"Grandmother's recipes" can be used as an aid in the treatment of onychomycosis.But the main emphasis should be on traditional medicine, since quite often patients come with an advanced stage of fungus due to the fact that at the beginning of the disease they preferred traditional medicine and the advice of "neighbors".
Modern cosmetology offers special medicated varnishes, but their effect is scientifically unfounded.Please note that you should not cover injured nails with decorative varnish, as this will only worsen their condition.
Prevention of onychomycosis
By following simple preventive measures, you can avoid "getting to know" fungal infections.Preventive measures include:
- wear dry, comfortable shoes and socks made of natural materials;
- do not walk barefoot in public places (sauna, baths, swimming pools);
- use only your own shoes, including when visiting public places;
- do a pedicure yourself or in "trusted" salons, where the tools undergo proper treatment.
Once you have noticed the initial stage of onychomycosis on the nails, do not self-medicate, but seek help from specialists.