What does toenail fungus look like?

What does toenail fungus look like, symptoms and treatmentEvery third person on earth has faced such a problem as delamination and crumbling of 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 flaky spots with characteristic fuzzy edges begin to appear on the skin. Transmits through tactile contact or through household items.
2. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. These are two yeast-like fungi from the genus Trichopitons. They have a toxic effect, they are able to stay in a dormant state for a long time, and after exposure to negative factors they become more active. The first signs of the disease are itching between the fingers and an unpleasant odor, later a rash and peeling appear. The color of the covers may remain unchanged.

Mycologists distinguish four types of mycosis, which can be caused by various fungi of the foot:

1. The erased form is the lightest. It is characterized by slight itching between the fingers and slight peeling of the skin. The reason is Candida saprophyte. Its incubation period is 2 weeks. Most often, patients simply do not notice the signs of infection and are spreading the fungus. Even in the absence of treatment, the disease goes away on its own.
2. Squamous-hyperkeratotic. The neglected form of this fungus of the foot can cause the appearance of deep cracks and damage to the tissues of the leg up to the ankle. It is noteworthy that at the initial stage of the disease there are no external manifestations. The sole does not itch and does not hurt, occasionally small cracks appear;
3. Intertriginous or interdigital is the most common. Most often, the primary lesion begins with the folds of the thumb and index fingers, then spreading along the foot. Possible causes of occurrence - contact with an infected person (surface), injury and non-observance of personal hygiene rules;
4. Dyshidrotic or vesicular form - mycosis, which provokes the appearance of rashes and local erosion on the epidermis. It is transmitted exclusively from the patient and is rarely diagnosed on the skin of the legs. It is believed that this fungus loves hands and palms more. In the absence of proper treatment, due to the influence of pathogenic microorganisms, mycotic eczema occurs.

Over time, fungal infections progress, although this happens extremely slowly. Sometimes people live with fungi for decades and begin to worry only when the nail completely leaves, painful sensations appear. There are several stages in total.

1. Initial stage. Fungal infection is just beginning to destroy the nail, its color changes, transparency disappears.
2. The appearance of hyperkeratosis. This phenomenon, when, with mycosis, the nail begins to thicken, becomes very dense, sometimes it grows strongly. By the end of this stage, the nail plate becomes loose, sometimes its upper layers can be simply scraped off with a finger.
3. In the next stage, the fungal infection moves under the nail. The cuticle is detached from the nail plate, and the nail fold can become red, swollen and inflamed.
4. Running stage. The nail is atrophied, it completely changes color. At this stage, the nail plate is often completely detached or destroyed.

It is advisable to suspect nail fungus in the initial stages, in its advanced form it is difficult and long to treat, sometimes complete removal of the nail plate is required. Do not start 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), smoothly affecting all plates.

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

• the appearance of stripes and spots of a whitish or greenish tint under the nails;
• clouding of the plate, a change in its color (from yellow to dark brown);
• redness and flaking 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 know how to recognize the disease in the initial stage, you can see the main manifestations of nail fungus in the photo. This will allow you to at least roughly understand how the development of the infection begins, and if you find similar signs, consult a doctor.

What does the fungus look like in the photo

In any case, the initial examination of the leg is done 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 nail fungus in the initial and advanced stages.

Diagnostics

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 flaking scales and crumbling.
3. The determining factor may 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 them first, and then move to the nail plate.

In some cases, the causative agent is several types of fungal infection. Combinations of dermatophytes with yeast-like fungi or molds with candida are possible.

Treatment of nail fungus in the initial stage

If such a disease occurs, 3 treatment options are possible, it all depends on the stage at which the fungus is located. So this:

• the use of local drugs;
• the use of oral medications;
• combination therapy.

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

1. Oral medicines are taken orally and act on the causative agent from within the body. They have side effects, and affect not only the affected area, but also the body as a whole. In some cases, a single application is sufficient, sometimes a course of treatment 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 from the inside on the causative agent of the disease.

With any treatment option, the course of therapy should not be interrupted. The dosage regimen and duration is determined by the doctor. As a rule, treatment continues after the disappearance of the symptoms and external manifestations of mycoses for several more days (up to a week).

Varnishes and ointments against fungus

If the nail fungus is not running, but is at an initial stage, it is worth trying to apply varnishes and ointments that 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 "Terbinafin", "Amorolfin", "Cyclopirox". Following the instructions, the varnish is applied twice a week for several months, until the healthy nail grows back completely.
2. Also widely known are: creams - "Sertaconazole", "Bifonazole", "Ketoconazole", "Terbinafine"; sprays - "Terbinafin", etc. Apply to a clean, dry surface of the area of the finger and nail affected by the fungus. Antifungal liquid containing boric acid and resorcinol helps to dry and disinfect the affected skin and nail.
3. An antiseptic created on the basis of iodine, accelerates the process of renewal and healing of the nail itself and the area around it. After applying the spray, manifestations of an allergic reaction in the form of burning, itching are possible.

One type of drug should be chosen for nail treatmentIt is not recommended to alternate, change funds, such manipulations will 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 suffering from 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 using 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 soap and soda foot bath. The varnish is removed in the same way as decorative, using organic solvents.

ethnoscience

In the initial stage, mycosis of nails can be treated with home methods. Folk remedies are good helpers in the complex therapy of the disease.

1. Sea salt. This remedy is best combined with conservative treatments. Sea salt baths are a recommended preparatory procedure before applying topical products. For a small amount of hot water, you need to take one teaspoon of salt, keep your legs for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Trays from a decoction of willow branches are used 3 times a week. For cooking, collect young shoots, chop finely, take 500 gr. raw materials and pour 2 liters of water. Boil, reduce heat and stand for 10 minutes. After the broth has cooled, strain it and keep your legs for 20 minutes.
3. Tea tree oil. Injured nails should be lubricated before going to bed, bandaged and left overnight. In the morning, remove the bandages, clean the stratum corneum of the nail and drip tea tree oil again, but do not wrap it up. It is important to continue the treatment until a healthy nail begins to grow.
4. Vinegar baths. In 2 liters of hot water (37 degrees), dilute 5 tbsp. l. 9% vinegar. Feet must be soaked in such a solution for at least half an hour. Next, clean off 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. Do 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 must be handled with care because of the 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 in its advanced stages. This method is an alternative to surgical removal, followed by a long recovery period. During laser treatment, healthy tissues are untouched; during the procedure, the patient does not experience pain or other unpleasant sensations.

Disadvantages of laser treatment: high price, you need to take breaks between procedures, they can only be carried out by a qualified dermatologist. Regardless of the chosen method of therapy, it is imperative to follow all the rules of personal hygiene. Nail fungus can recur and treatment will not be effective if not done.

When treating toenail fungus, you need to regularly carry out hygiene procedures, often change socks, ventilate shoes after wearing. The same rules must be followed so that mycosis of nails does not arise again after treatment.

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 is also suitable;
2. Before each visit to the pool, sauna, gym or 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. It is not necessary to use special formulations for this. Most products can be cleaned from the inside with alcohol or other antibacterial solutions.

To strengthen the skin and provide local immunity, a recipe for a prophylactic mixture based on onions is suitable. One 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;