In medicine, nail fungi are officially called onycomycosis.It is a disease of a fungal nature that affects the nail plates on the fingers or feet.According to the WHO, this is a very common disease.It occurs in about 27% of people, and pathology is diagnosed 2 times more often than in the hands.The problem of nail fungus is very delicate, as the unpleasant type of affected tiles makes the patient feel discomfort and hide them from others.
Symptoms and signs of nail fungus
Onichomycosis is very easy to recognize, as its nail marks cannot be ignored.At first, the nail plates become dull and rough, lose their shiny brightness.Then, instead of the rose, the nail adopts fucking yellow, white or gray.Next, other characteristic fungal symptoms appear:
- an increase in the thickness of the plate;
- defects in the form of lines, curves, irregularities and waves;
- Relaxing and peeling of the dish;
- An unpleasant odor from the nails.
As a result, the nail is completely destroyed and even exfoliates, exposing the bed under the nail.The skin near the tiles turns red and causes severe itching.
Causes
The main reason for developing fungal infections is to enter the body or within the human body.As a rule, these are microsporum, metridium and epidermophitone.These are the fungi that cause onycomycosis especially often.
When it enters the body, such fungi are located in the keratinized derivatives of the skin, ie.nails and hair.This is due to the food of the parasites for which they use fibrillar keratin protein, which is available on nails and hair.
Ways of infection
The risk of getting an infection with a fungus in public places with high humidity is particularly high.These are saunas, swimming pools, gyms, public baths, etc.The most common ways of infection:
- Direct contact with an infected person.Here the fungus falls from his habitat in healthy areas, causing an infection;
- House road.In this case, the infection occurs when using the patient's personal things: shoes, personal hygiene items, etc.
Risk factors
The incidence of onycomycosis increases by 60 years.At this time, the probability of developing such an infection is 60%, which is explained by a slowdown in metabolism, especially in the distal (remote) areas of the body, which are only fingers and feet.
Other risk factors for the development of nail fungus include:
- diabetes mellitus;
- varicose veins;
- Damage to adjacent nails and tissue;
- HIV and other states of immunity;
- long -term taking of antibiotics;
- weakened immunity;
- Vascular and skin diseases, dermatitis, diaper rash;
- damaged blood supply to the limbs;
- Insufficient hygiene.
Complications
With an uncomplicated course, the disease causes traditional symptoms for fungi, causing a person only severe discomfort.But without treatment, onycomycosis can cause complications.Most often, they appear in the increase of a bacterial infection.
Sometimes onycomycosis is very acute with the advent of bubbles, ulcers and areas crying on the skin near the nail.In severe cases, the disease acquires a generalized form.This means that nail fungus applies to internal organs and systems, and then the patient will need urgent hospitalization.
When consulting a doctor
Many people who have encountered onycomycosis know that the disease develops slowly, and are treated with extraordinary work.This is why it is very important to consult a doctor when the first signs of illness appear.Treatment of nail onycomycosis is engaged in a dermatologist.The specialist will provide competent assistance and lead you to a full recovery.
Preparing for a visit to a doctor
Before taking a dermatologist, it is important not to process the affected nail areas, ie.Do not use medicines, including iodine and green.It is also necessary to exclude the use of creams and ointments from the fungus.It is worth taking all the tests previously taken, including for other diseases.The affected nails cannot be cut for 3-4 days before consultation.
Diagnosis of nail fungus
First of all, the patient is directed to the microscopy, which allows you to identify the presence of the pathogen.In the future, it is necessary to determine its variety in order to choose the correct treatment of the nail fungus.Most modern and common methods for diagnosing onycomycosis are practiced:
- Bacteriological planting.For this, a biological sample of the affected tissue is placed in an artificial nourishing medium, where the pathogen grows to determine its type;
- The polymerase chain reaction method (PCR) to detect the DNA of the pathogen in the obtained sample of the affected tissue.
Treatment
In the early stage of the disease, as a rule, the local therapy is determined, which consists of the use of creams and ointments with antifungal effects.
Antiseptic solutions are also used as external products from nail fungus.In addition to the effective remedies from nail onycomycosis, antihistamines and desensitizing medicines are prescribed, which relieve swelling, inflammation and sensitivity.
If the nail is completely affected by the fungus and drug treatment does not give positive results, then the plaque is subject to surgical removal.Also, with a total form of onycomycosis, antifungal drugs are prescribed within the form of tablets, which have a systemic effect on the body.
Home treatment products
Before using home treatment funds, you should consult a doctor.With its solution, you can use the following recipes:
- Before using the leg, iodine, it is necessary to evaporate, rinse with homemade soap and then remove the affected areas of the nail plate.Next, treat the nails and the skin between the fingers with iodine, resist them in a bath with a soda solution for 20-30 minutes and dry thoroughly;
- Vinegar for 3 liters of water, take 1 tablespoon.Apple cider vinegar and add a little potassium permanganate.Keep your feet in the bathroom for 20-30 minutes, then completely dry;
- Hydrogen peroxide.By completely descending the legs, remove the affected areas of the nail plate.Wear those cotton wheels wet with hydrogen peroxide, wrap it with a bandage and leave for half an hour.
Dangerous myths and scams in treating nail fungus
One of the most important and dangerous myths is that nail fungus is not considered a serious illness.In fact, onycomycosis, progress, can lead to serious consequences until complete nail deformation and refusal from the nail bed.
Moreover, an infected person is a risk for loved ones every day because, being close to him, they also risk getting sick.That is why it is important to know how to cure nail fungus in time.
PREVENTION
To prevent the development of onychomycosis, it is necessary to exclude the negative effect on the body of risk factors:
- Treat system diseases in time;
- Do not wear someone else's shoes;
- in the pool and the sauna to walk in the mates;
- Change the socks daily and follow the rules of personal hygiene;
- Do not wear moist shoes - completely dry;
- Exclude direct contact with possible fungal media.