What does toenail fungus look like?

What does toenail fungus look like, symptoms and treatmentEvery third person on earth has a problem such as delamination and crumbling of the nails, clouding of the plate - this is onychomycosis. The disease affects different age groups. Toenail fungus (photo below) spreads quickly and adapts to new conditions.

Consider in more detail the main factors of occurrence, types and methods of treating 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. Epiderrnophyton floccosum. Anthropophilic fungus that affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis. After infection, pink scaly patches with characteristic fuzzy edges appear on the skin. Transmission through tactile contact or through household items.
2. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These are two yeast-like mushrooms from the Trichopyton genus. They have a toxic effect, can remain in a dormant state for a long time and become more active after exposure to negative factors. The first signs of the disease are itching between the fingers and an unpleasant smell, later a rash and peeling appear. The color of the skin can remain unchanged.

Mycologists distinguish four types of mycoses that can be caused by different fungi of the foot:

1. The shape that is deleted is the lightest. It is characterized by slight itching between the fingers and easy peeling of the skin. The reason is Candida Saprophyte. The incubation period is 2 weeks. In most cases, patients simply do not notice the signs of infection and spread the fungus. Even without treatment, the disease will go away on its own.
2. Squamous cell hyperkeratotic. The neglected form of this athlete's foot can cause deep tears and damage to the leg tissue down to the ankle. It is noteworthy that at the initial stage of the disease there are no external manifestations. The sole does not itch or hurt, occasionally small cracks appear;
3. Intertriginous or interdigital is most common. Most often, the primary lesion begins with the folds of the thumb and forefinger and then spreads along the foot. Possible causes of occurrence - contact with an infected person (surface), violation and non-observance of personal hygiene rules;
4. Dyshidrotic or vesicular form - mycosis, which provokes 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 mushroom loves the hands and palms more. In the absence of adequate treatment, mycotic eczema occurs due to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms.

Over time, fungal infections progress, although it does so very slowly. Sometimes people live with mushrooms for decades and do not worry until the nail completely leaves, painful sensations appear. There are several levels in total.

1. First phase. The fungal infection is just beginning to destroy the nail, its color changes, the transparency disappears.
2. The appearance of hyperkeratosis. This phenomenon, when with mycosis, the nail begins to thicken, becomes very dense, sometimes it grows strongly. At the end of this stage, the nail plate loosens, sometimes its top layers can simply be scraped off with a finger.
3. In the next stage, the fungal infection migrates under the nail. The cuticle comes off the nail plate and the nail fold can become red, swollen, and inflamed.
4. Current stage. The nail is stunted, it completely changes color. At this stage, the nail plate is often completely detached or destroyed.

Suspicion of nail fungus is advisable at the initial stage, in its advanced form treatment is difficult and lengthy, sometimes it is necessary to completely remove the nail plate. Do not start with a mycosis.

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) and smoothly affects all plates.

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

• the appearance of whitish or greenish stripes and spots under the nails;
• Cloudiness of the plate, change in color (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;
• the formation of mold on the nails.

To identify the disease in the initial stages, in the photo you can see the main manifestations of nail fungus. This will give you at least a rough idea of how the infection is beginning to develop and see a doctor if signs are similar.

What does the mushroom look like in the photo

In any case, the initial examination of the leg is carried out 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 the nail fungus at the initial and advanced stages.

diagnosis

There are more than 50 subspecies of fungi that cause onychomycosis, so it is possible to accurately determine the type only in laboratory conditions. Preliminary diagnosis at home is possible from the second stage, when 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 the thickness of the nail, the presence of flakes and crumbling.
3. The determining factor can 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 it first, and then move to the nail plate.

In some cases, the causative agent is multiple types of fungal infections. Combinations of dermatophytes with yeast-like fungi or molds with Candida are possible.

Treatment of nail fungus in the initial stages

When such a disease occurs, there are 3 possible treatments, it all depends on what stage the fungus is at. So this:

• the use of local drugs;
• the use of oral drugs;
• Combination therapy.

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

1. Oral drugs are taken orally and act on the pathogen from the body. They have side effects and affect not just the affected area but the whole body. In some cases a single application is sufficient, sometimes a regimen is required. 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 on the causative agent of the disease from within.

The course of therapy should not be interrupted for any treatment option. The scheme of drug use and the duration are determined by the doctor. As a rule, after the symptoms and external manifestations of the mycoses have disappeared, treatment is continued for a few days (up to a week).

Varnishes and ointments against fungi

If the nail fungus has not started, but is in its initial stages, then you should try applying varnishes and ointments that will 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 "Terbinafine", "Amorolfine", "Cyclopirox". According to the instructions, the polish is applied twice a week for several months until the healthy nail grows back completely.
2. Also well known are: Creams - "Sertaconazole", "Bifonazole", "Ketoconazole", "Terbinafine"; Sprays - "Terbinafine", etc. Apply to a clean, dry surface of the finger and nail area affected by the fungus. Antifungal fluid containing boric acid and resorcinol will help dry and disinfect the affected skin and nail.
3. An iodine-based antiseptic accelerates the renewal and healing process of the nail itself and its surroundings. After applying the spray, manifestations of an allergic reaction in the form of burning, itching are possible.

For nail treatment, you should choose some type of drug. It is not recommended to alternate the means, such manipulations 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 a special file that comes with the medicine. After degreasing the nail with a water-alcohol solution, a layer of varnish is applied, which should be changed every few days. Before the procedure, you can take a foot bath with soap and soda. The varnish is removed with organic solvents as when decorating.

Ethnosciences

Nail mycosis in the early stages can be treated with home methods. Folk remedies are good helpers in complex therapy of the disease.

1. Sea-salt. This remedy is best combined with conservative treatments. Sea salt baths are a recommended preparation procedure before using topical products. For a small amount of hot water, you need to take a teaspoon of salt and hold your legs for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Trays from a decoction of willow twigs are used three times a week. For cooking, collect young shoots, finely chop, take 500 gr. Raw materials and pour 2 liters of water. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and let stand for 10 minutes. After the broth cools, strain and keep the legs for 20 minutes.
3. Tea tree oil. Injured nails should be lubricated, bandaged, and left overnight before going to bed. Remove the bandages in the morning, clean the stratum corneum 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. Dilute 5 tablespoons in 2 liters of hot water (37 degrees). l. 9% vinegar. The feet need to be soaked in such a solution for at least half an hour. Next, 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. Perform 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 caution because of its active "cauterizing" effect. Celandine juice, decoctions and oils based on this plant are used against the fungus.

Laser therapy

Laser therapy is one of the newest treatments for nail fungus, especially at an advanced stage. This method is an alternative to surgical removal followed by a long recovery period. During the laser treatment, healthy tissue remains untouched, during the procedure the patient does not feel any 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 therapy method chosen, all rules of personal hygiene must be strictly observed. Nail fungus can reappear and treatment will not be effective if it is not done.

When treating toenail fungus, you need to regularly conduct hygiene measures, frequently change socks and air shoes after wearing them. The same rules must be followed so that after the treatment, mycoses of the nails do not recur.

prevention

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

How to protect yourself from fungus:

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, chamois or streptocide are also suitable;
2. Before every visit to the swimming pool, sauna, gym, or any other place where you need 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 outdoors. No special formulations are required for this. Most products can be cleaned inside with alcohol or other antibacterial solutions.

To strengthen the skin and ensure local immunity, a recipe for an onion-based prophylactic mixture is suitable. An 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 other day;