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Onychomycosis or nail fungus in an advanced stage.Signs, types, methods of treatment

According to medical statistics, onychomycosis or fungal damage is a fairly common nail disease, often turning into an advanced form.

Nail fungus - what is it?

Onychomycosis is the fungal damage to the nail plate caused by various types of microorganisms, mainly Dermatophytic fungi.Such pathogens can live and multiply in a favorable environment for them. The disease is contagious, for this reason, for its treatment, both dermatologists and infectious disease specialists are addressed.

Most often, infection occurs in public baths, saunas, pools.The development of fungal lesions can also be provoked by injury to the nail plate, secondary immunodeficiency state, and disorders in antibiotics.

   In the early stages of the development of the disease, the following symptoms take place:

  • barely noticeable spots and strips on the nail plate (1 degree of damage);
  • peeling of the skin and cracks on the fingers and in interdigital zones;
  • the luster of the nail is lost;
  • the color of the nail plate changes;
  • The surface of the nail is deformed.

Usually people do not pay attention to these signs. In the absence of treatment, the development of fungal lesion occurs to the advanced stage, when microorganisms are introduced into the nail plate and lead their vital activity already under it.At this stage It is difficult to get rid of the disease, since the nail becomes a kind of “shelter” of fungi from the effects of local medications.

Causes of the advanced stage of onychomycosis

The main reasons for the transition to the neglected shape of the nail fungus are:

  • non -effective drugs - often the use of various antifungal varnishes and poorly -acting creams in the treatment of fungal nail damage;
  • untimely started treatment;
  • self -medication.

The fungal damage to the nail plates is not as safe as it seems sometimes. The active development of microorganisms can entail their ingress in the bloodstream and tissue of internal organsWhat affects the work of immunity.There is an increase in the risk of infection with viral and infectious diseases.

Also Relapse of the disease is possible.This happens when the patient was not fully treated, did not follow the doctor’s recommendations in full, with the development of microorganisms for drugs and ignoring patients of preventive measures.

What is the danger of a neglected shape of the nail fungus?

The development of nail fungus to a neglected form leads to such consequences as:

  • reduction of immunity;
  • increasing the risk of viral and infectious diseases;
  • the penetration of fungi into the blood and internal organs;
  • varieties of dermatitis, eczema;
  • exacerbation of chronic diseases;
  • the risk of the transition of the fungus to the skin;
  • The development of allergic reactions to toxins is the occurrence of asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis.

From the side neurological disorders There are violations of the emotional background: The emergence of depression, neurosis, frequent irritability.

When detecting nail fungus It is important to carry out proper treatment This pathology, compliance with daily hygiene, as well as carry out prevention for all family members, since the disease is very contagious.

Hygienic procedures for fungal lesions involve the use of Nail baths with the addition of soda, vinegar, sea salt, potassium permanganate, herbal decoctions.It is also important to often change socks, wipe your legs and area between the fingers after washing.

Types of fungi

The most common pathogens of onychomycosis are Dermatophytic mushrooms - About 86% of all cases.Much less often the disease can cause yeast and mold mushrooms.The lesion of the nail plate may be observed, the source of which is immediately 2 or 3 types of pathogens.

The most common onhomitosis is caused by such varieties of microorganisms:

  • dermatophytes;
  • molds;
  • yeast mushrooms.

Penetration into the nail occurs most often through its side part, damaged joint of the skin and nail plate.These microorganisms are not able to confront the body With reduced immunity. Dermatophytes cause a change in the structure of the nail by the formation of cavities and canals in it.

Nail damage can be caused and moldsbut quite rarely.When diagnosing the disease in this case it is possible to difficulty in determining the pathogen, since characteristic symptoms are usually absent.In this situation, only can help Bacteriological analysis. Treatment of onychomycosis, caused by mold mushrooms differs from the treatment of nail damage by other microorganisms.

Among the yeast, onychomycosis most often cause mushrooms Candida.Within the norm, they are found on the skin and mucous membranes of each person. Provoking factor For the development of damage to the nail, yeast fungi is also Weakening of immunity.Destruction of the nail as a result of the activity of such microorganisms comes from its base, next to the cuticle.

Signs of fungus in an advanced form

The following features are characterized by the advanced form of the disease:

  1. Deforming the nail plates with their thickening or thinning.The growth of the stratuminal layer prevents the effect of a fungus of medications.
  2. Relaxing, destruction of nail plates.
  3. Changing the color of the nail plates, which can be different: from grayish-yellow to brown and black.This is due to the stratification of the nail, since fungi, dirt, dead skin scales penetrate into it.
  4. In the area between the fingers, the skin is red with signs of peeling, the presence of itching and pain.
  5. More than two nails are affected.
  6. The release of the nail from the nail bed or its complete destruction.

Complications

Nail fungus transition to a neglected shape Dangerous the fact that the active development of these microorganisms leads to a large number of toxic products they produce.

As a result of this, serious somatic diseases may develop:

  • toxicoderma;
  • toxic hepatopathy;
  • Layella syndrome.

Also The disease is dangerous for thosethat in the absence of proper treatment or improper therapy with progression, can lead to The complete destruction of the nail plate.

Skin lesion With a fungal infection are also frequent complication: Red rashes appear on the body, the patient feels burning and itching, after a while, areas that secrete transparent fluid form at the site of the rash.

Most unwanted complication the spread of fungal infection is In the internal organs, since with this development of the disease the treatment will be severe and long.

At-risk groups

The following groups of people are distinguished by the most prone to the development of fungal nail damage:

  1. Elderly people and advanced age.

Factors provoking the fungus of such persons:

  • changes in the skin associated with age;
  • increased sweat;
  • the presence of concomitant diseases;
  • taking drugs weakening the body (antibiotics, corticosteroids);
  • hormonal violations;
  • gastrointestinal disorders.
  1. Male faces, Especially military, athletes (due to long-term wearing special shoes, locker rooms, a common soul).
  2. People who have Family member suffers from fungal defeat legs.
  3. City residents (By reason for visiting public places, such as pools, baths, saunas, gyms, manicure and pedicure salons with insufficient disinfection).

Varieties of drugs

The treatment of the fungus in an advanced form should be comprehensive.After examining and conducting the necessary tests, the doctor prescribes the following types of drugs:

  • system action drugs - fungus tablets taken inside;
  • Local preparations - ointments, varnishes and creams applied to the affected areas;
  • means for the general strengthening of the body and vitamins;
  • If there is a need - Removing the nail plate (in particularly severe cases).

Description and methods of using drugs

A serious approach - the key to successful treatment of the fungus in an advanced form.Patients who regularly use drugs prescribed by the doctor without passing in their use are the best results. With non -compliance with medical recommendations The fungus can be purchased resistance to drugs and you have to select new medicines, which will lead to additional difficulties.

General rules for the use of drugs:

  • varnishes, gels and ointments are applied only to the purified and the dried surface of the nail plate;
  • All medications for external application They are used regularly: Once or twice a day (accurate information can be read in the instructions for the drug);
  • before applying varnish or ointment on the nail, It is necessary to save it as much as possible from damaged tissue and nearby areas of the nail plate;
  • The use of varnish - 2 times in 7 days;
  • Do not use pregnant women and children Local drugs prohibited by the instructions, tabletized drugs for such patients are prohibited;
  • apply Local drugs on the nails should be regularly throughout the year or longer;
  • Take tablets only as prescribed by a doctor;
  • The frequency of application tablets - one or several times a day for about 7 days, Then follows interrupt for a period of about 3 weeks (depending on the drug);
  • during treatment You can not drink alcohol;
  • Sometimes parallel use is required drugsReducing harmful Impact on the liver.

Types of removal of the nail plate

Removing the affected nail plate It is carried out if drug treatment does not bring results.This procedure is needed so that there is an opportunity to grow a new healthy nail.

The standard method of removing the affected nail plate is Surgical intervention Using anesthesia in order to avoid pain.In the process, both the entire nail and only its part, subject to the fungus, can be removed.

If desired Remove the nail without unnecessary discomfort you can opt for hardware pedicure.This method is carried out in sterile conditions of a medical institution.It is in layout of the affected nail With the help of various nozzles and cutters of the device.The procedure is absolutely performed painless With preliminary softening of the nail plate with special solutions.After removing the affected areas, ointment and bandage are applied to the treated area, fixed with a patch.

The nail plate can also be removed chemical method - on the affected place is superimposed Keratolic patch And not removed within 2-3 days.During this time, the stratum layer of the nail plate is dissolved.

With a small area of fungal damage, it is possible Home removal method.It will be required first steam the nail And if necessary, use special varnishes in order to soften its surface.Then using accessories for pedicure The affected part of the nail is removed. The method is not suitable for complete removal nail plate.

Removing the nail with a laser

Laser removal - the most commonly used method in the treatment running fungus nails.TO The advantages of the procedure are its painlessness And the ability to eliminate the focus of infection at any depth.

The advantages of this method are also:

  • Safety and accuracy of the method - The laser removes only affected areas without falling on neighboring fabrics, and Disinfects the wound in the area of the nail bed to eliminate the risk of infection;
  • Lack of pain, Since the method refers to minimally invasive;
  • The short duration of the procedure - Removing one nail lasts only a few minutes;
  • High efficiency;
  • The relatively low cost of the procedure is its accessibility.

Contraindications to conduct laser removal of the nail is the presence decompensated diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors, inflammatory processes and viral infections In the body.You can not perform the procedure and with pregnancy.

The day before laser removal, the legs should be steamed.After the bath with soda and household soap, it should file and cut the surface of the nail as much as possible.

When conducting laser removal of the nail in a place affected by the fungus, heat is felt.For a complete cure of a neglected form, about 10 procedures will be required.

The disadvantages of removal of the nail

Often, after removing the nail plate, undesirable consequences occur:

  • The growing of a new nail in the nail bed - a kind of “side effect”;
  • possible wound infection after surgical removal (in order to avoid this, you should change the bandage in time and use various ointments with antimicrobial effects);
  • possible Deformation of the new nail plate.

In the case of a nail and infection of the wound, it is necessary to seek medical help.

Nail fungus during pregnancy

The main factors provoking onychomycosis during pregnancy:

  • lack of trace elements - potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and others;
  • weakening of the body's immune forces;
  • increased sweating;
  • impaired blood circulation in the feet;
  • diabetes.

For the fetus, the danger lies in the possible manifestation of the disease at birth, as well as its transition to a chronic form.

Features of the treatment of the fungus during pregnancy

The difficulty of treatment Onychomycosis during pregnancy It consists in the ban on most of modern drugs. This measure is necessary in order to avoid harm to the fetus, since such medicines are toxic.It is best to get rid of the fungus after childbirth.

In case of danger of fungal lesions, a special symptomatic treatment is sometimes prescribed for the fetus.Most often, it consists of folk methods that can easily be carried out at home.

Self -medication during pregnancy is not allowed - Only an experienced doctor should compile a scheme of therapy.

A common treatment for the treatment of fungus during pregnancy:

  • softening of the affected areas by applying petroleum jelly on them before going to bed, the compress is left until morning;
  • In the morning they make a warm bath with the addition of laundry soap and soda;
  • jump off the affected part of the nail and keratinized skin;
  • Apply local drugs prescribed by the doctor.

The course of treatment of nail fungus during pregnancy should not exceed 30 days.

Hydrogen peroxide against the fungus

Hydrogen peroxide for onychomycosis is used in complex therapy to disinfect the affected area and destroy microbes, The substance is not capable of killing the fungus.This liquid is good to additionally treat the damaged area.

The advantage of peroxide is that it can be used by pregnant women.

This tool is used as follows:

  • make a bath with hot water and the addition of copper sulfate for steaming damaged areas of the nail plates;
  • wipe the skin dry;
  • peroxide is abundantly moistened with a cotton pad and applied to the injured nail, and then fixed with a bandage;
  • After 40 minutes, the compress is removed, a softened keratinized layer is scraped off the brightened nails and the local antifungal drug prescribed by the doctor is applied.

Such procedures are done 2 times a day: in the morning and before bedtime.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used in another way.You will need 2 liters of water and 100 ml of hydrogen peroxide.The liquids are mixed and the feet are immersed in the resulting solution for half an hour.Then the legs are wiped dry, the affected areas are cut off, a therapeutic ointment is applied.

Nail fungus in children

Onychomycosis in children often occurs due to the weakening of immunity. Another provoking factor is the insufficient thickness of the skin, which is why the risk of infection with a fungus in childhood increases greatly.

In the treatment of nail fungus Children use local drugs: ointments, creams.They are used 1 or 2 times a day, the amount of use depends on the degree of damage.The specifics of these medicines is that they do not penetrate the blood, and They do not harm for the child's body.

As system drugs, the doctor can prescribe medications in the form of capsules, tablets, syrups.It is also possible the purpose of intramuscular or intravenous injections.Treatment can be both outpatient and stationary.

System preparations have a negative effect on the kidneys and liver of the childTherefore, they are prescribed extremely rarely when local drugs are ineffective.

Home remedies

In the treatment of an advanced form, the fungus can be The following folk recipes are effective.Some of them:

  • Home ointment: You will need 200 g of butter, a raw chicken egg along with a shell, 100 g of acetic acid (70%).The first two ingredients are mixed, the third is poured without mixing, covered with a lid, placed in the refrigerator for 7 days.After the egg shell is dissolved, the product is thoroughly mixed. Keep refrigerated.
  • The roots of calamus (15 g) are poured 250 ml of boiling water, the infusion is aged for half an hour under a dense lid. Drink medicine 60 ml 4 times a day. You can use baths with calamus.In 250 ml of boiling water, fall asleep 30 g of raw materials, let it brew for half an hour.In the resulting liquid 15 minutes, hold the nail plates affected by the fungus. After 7 procedures, they will crumble. With parallel treatment, ointments against the fungus for 1.5 months are possible to get rid of the disease.
  • Take ash from 3 cigarettes, mix it from 0.5 tsp.Toothpaste with fluorine. Make compresses With this remedy for the night, the next morning to wash off.
  • Propolis tincture: The joints of the Golden mustache plant (50 pcs.) Pour 500 ml of vodka, I insist 14 days.For treatment, take 3 parts of water and 1 part of the tincture of the golden mustache, mix and apply to the affected nails 2 times a day.
  • 15 g of celandine, 30 g of lilac flowers, 45 g of chopped oak bark are mixed.The dry mixture is poured with 500 ml of water, boiled for an hour. Compresses with this infusion are applied to damaged nail plates, Fixed with bandages.Treatment continues until a complete recovery.

All folk methods of treatment should be used only after consulting with a specialist, after their approval.

Prevention measures

In order to avoid re -infection with a fungus, the following recommendations must be followed:

  • carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene;
  • perform daily disinfection of shoes with the help of special UV dryers-to destroy the fungus in it;
  • Do not walk barefoot in public places (baths, saunas or pools), after visiting and water procedures, use antifungal ointments and creams;
  • Do not wear someone else's shoes and hosiery.

A comprehensive approach to treatment, as well as compliance with the above rules will contribute to the rapid cure and prevention of nail fungus.