Such an annoying disease as nail fungus (or onychomycosis) is considered one of the most common in the world. According to statistics, every tenth inhabitant of our planet suffers from foot fungus! People of different races, both sexes and all ages are susceptible to the disease - from preschoolers to the elderly.
Many of us believe that foot fungus can occur only in people who neglect personal hygiene, forget to monitor the condition of the skin of the feet, etc.
In fact, toenail fungus can also occur in a clean person, because the infection is very easy to "catch" in public places - on the beach, in the sauna, pool, gym, etc. Toenail fungus is a disease, although not fatal, butvery insidious. In the early stages it manifests itself in the form of harmless symptoms, but later can lead to such serious consequences as the destruction and deformation of the nail, which will never take its previous form. In addition, onychomycosis is highly contagious, so the person who foundthe fungus can easily infect all household members.
Toenail fungus: the first signs
It is quite difficult to identify pathology in the first phase, but it is possible if you look carefully at the condition of the nails and the skin around them.
The main signs by which the fungus can be recognized are:
- nail plate thickening;
- the appearance of furrows, streaks and stains on it;
- loss of shine and elasticity of toenails;
- toenails incised, not previously observed;
- the skin around the nail plate began to itch and cause discomfort to the person; sometimes itching between the fingers begins (these signs are characteristic of children and adolescents, because their skin is much thinner and softer than the skin of adults).
After that, with the development of the fungus, other signs and symptoms appear:
- distortion of the structure of the nails on the feet - they become brittle, scaly, crumbly edges appear;
- color change - instead of the usual, healthy transparent white, the board takes on unnatural shades, such as purple, yellow or even black;
- the nail is deformed, becomes flat or convex, tubercles form on it.
But peeling nails symptoms have advanced stages of the disease. The nail separates from the skin, forming a so-called pocket in which pathogenic bacteria gather and actively multiply. This often manifests itself after contact with hot water - when you take a shower, bathe, swim in the pool, take a steam bath. Once the feet are dry, the board can be reattached to the skin.
Sometimes similar symptoms can occur in a person who does not suffer from fungus. The nail may turn black, peel off, and then fall off completely due to mechanical damage. The dying process begins a week or two after you have injured your toes or simply wearing tight shoes that don’t suit you.
As a rule, after six months a new, completely healthy nail plate grows. A qualified dermatologist or surgeon can determine if it is a fungus or just the consequences of the injury.
These symptoms are accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which is created by pathogenic bacteria. A person suffering from toenail fungus stinks in socks and shoes, and the usual hygienic procedures cannot eliminate this symptom. In this situation, a complex treatment is necessary, otherwise the person may lose the nail plate.
Treatment of onychomycosis
A person can recognize the first symptoms of the disease on their own. But even if you are sure that you have symptoms of fungus on your nails, you should seek the advice of a qualified doctor, otherwise the treatment may not bring the desired results. A specialist will help you identify the disease, determine its stage and recommend the necessary treatment.
First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the causes of the disease:
- humid and warm environment. Wear socks, leggings and shoes made only of natural materials. After each visit to the street, dry your shoes, change your socks, do not allow your feet to stay wet for a long time;
- do not wear other people's shoes, when visiting public places - swimming pool, sauna, beach - use personal replacement shoes, which are disinfected with chlorine or alcohol after each use;
- weak immunity. Often this disease occurs against the background of weak immunity, lack of useful nutrients in the body, frequent colds. After consulting a doctor, you should take a complex of vitamins and minerals that will strengthen the immune system and, accordingly, help with healing.
Traditional treatment
Topical treatment of onychomycosis in the initial phase consists of the application of antifungal creams and ointments. These products are usually sold together with a special waterproof patch.
With the help of a dispenser, the drug is applied to the affected nail plate, fixed with a plaster and left for 24 hours. The patch should not be removed during this period.
After one day, the patch should be removed, the feet dipped in a warm solution of baking soda and the dead tissue removed with a pedicure file.
After the affected areas of the nail plate on the feet are removed, the product must be applied to the nail bed. The duration of such treatment is until a healthy plate grows.
In the first phase of the disease, only with the appearance of the first symptoms, special antifungal varnishes can be used. Apply this varnish once or twice a week throughout the year.
However, if such therapy does not help, and the fungus is already in the second stage, more effective medications are needed. In this case, general antifungals will be needed. They can also be combined with antifungal varnishes. The course of treatment with systemic drugs is prescribed by the doctor individually, depending on the stage of onychomycosis the patient has.
Such means have a number of limitations - kidney and liver diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding. You also cannot combine them with oral contraceptives.
Despite the fact that toenail fungus is a disease that is not life-threatening, in the absence of the necessary therapy can lead to allergic reactions, reduced immunity and the appearance of various skin diseases. Therefore, the treatment of this disease cannot be postponed, you must seek help from a specialist immediately.