Onychomycosis or, more simply, fungus, is an insidious disease that progresses in the fingernails, more often than in the toenails.Initially, the nail itself "becomes sick", then the periungual tissues are exposed to pathogenic effects.They then (in the absence of proper treatment) “work their way” to neighboring nails and continue to progress.If you have onychomycosis on your nails (photos below), start treatment immediately, since a seemingly harmless darkening of the nail plate can lead to disastrous complications.
Do you think the cause of the yellowing, thinness and sagging of the toenail plate was a recent blow or injury?Do you not pay attention to the changes in the hope that they will “go away on their own”?Don't be so careless, the initial stage of nail fungus may already be developing!
Fungal infection, what is it?
Anyone can "get" nail fungus, regardless of social status, gender or age category.This type of microorganism “lives” everywhere (soil, humidity, humid environment).The easiest way to "catch" the fungus is in public institutions, such as a bathhouse, a shower in a gym or a swimming pool.The spores reproduce well in a humid environment, “searching” for their host.Once on human feet, microorganisms penetrate the skin through imperfect areas, where they begin to parasitize.
The incubation period after the pathogen comes into contact with the legs is quite long and amounts to 2-4 weeks, so it is quite difficult to immediately notice any violations.After surviving the incubation period, the fungus penetrates into the deeper layers of the nail, affecting not only the regrown nail plate, but also the matrix from which it grows.
It "works" as follows.By attaching to nails, skin or hair, it grows inside the cells, destroying the main substance for its reconstruction: keratin.
Recognition of onychomycosis of the nails: photos of the initial stage.
When fungal spores are just beginning to parasitize the nail plate, you may notice a loss of shine and a color change closer to yellow or dull brown.In most cases, the first “victim” is the nail of the big toe.
With deeper penetration into the thickness of the plate, "dirty" spots and spots appear.The plaque itself thickens, begins to darken, and the subungual bed becomes keratinized.The plate becomes loose, crumbles and delaminates.
In addition to external excuses, itching and discomfort appear.The cavity between the nail and the bed increases, serving as a favorable environment for greater fungal proliferation.An unpleasant odor is produced.
How does toenail fungus develop: stages of development with photos?
If, based on the above description, you have determined that you have toenail fungus, the stages of development with a photo will help you "calculate" the current form of infection.
- White or superficial form.In this case, the microspores of the fungus parasitize the surface of the nail.Initially it looks like white spots.Over time, they increase in size, the plaque itself becomes rough, friable, and when scraped, it falls off in plaques.
- Distal-lateral shape.The plate turns yellow, the fungus develops on one of the sides: on the side (in the photo) - a lateral lesion;from above – distal.With intensive development, the full damage can be observed both from above and from the side.
- Distal-lateral with hyperkeratosis.It is characterized by the presence of a cavity in which microorganisms parasitize.This leads to hyperkeratosis, when the nail plate thickens and the nail bed becomes keratinized.
- Distal-lateral form, in which the entire plaque is susceptible to fungal infection.In medicine, the term nail dystrophy is often used for diagnosis.
- Proximal subungual form.With a fungal infection of this type, the periungual tissue is the first to suffer.It turns red, changes shape and the cuticle begins to separate.Subsequently, a process of nail dystrophy occurs, in which irregularities appear in the plate in the form of grooves.If treatment is not started on time, the nail may fall off completely.
- A complete dystrophic form with irreversible processes, in which the nail plate is uneven, has an unpleasant odor, completely changes color, loses its integrity and falls off in pieces.
Symptoms of damage to the nail plates by various fungi with photos.
Nail onychomycosis can be caused by different types of fungi.Let's consider in detail what toenail fungus looks like and the symptoms that appear during its development.
- Moldy.It is considered a non-penetrating species, so it is easy to treat.The main symptoms of such an injury are a change in the tone of the nail plate.It acquires a greenish, brown or black tint.Perhaps the appearance of spots and spots.
- Yeast.This variety belongs to the genus Candida.By parasitizing, it thins the nail plate.Under the influence of spore development, the nail may acquire a yellowish tint and begin to lag behind the bed.If you do not carry out the necessary therapy, you may notice how the plaque turns brown and begins to peel off.Not only the nail itself suffers the effects of the fungus, but also the adjacent skin, which thickens and swells.
- Dermatophyte.Another variety in which grayish-yellow stripes or spots appear.Over time, without proper treatment, the edge of the nail begins to peel away from the nail bed, exposing the hyponychium.
Which doctor should I go to for help?
Without proper treatment, the fungal infection "migrates" from the nail plates to the skin of the feet.Causes the appearance of:
- itch;
- inflammation between the fingers;
- eczema;
- cracks
It hurts when I walk.A dermatologist can help you solve the problem and the sooner you contact him, the sooner you will “say goodbye” to onychomycosis.Only a specialist will be able to best select the means, outline a treatment regimen and will control the dynamics of therapy.Self-treatment of toenail fungus may not always be correct or effective.
How to treat onychomycosis
As we have already discovered, there are quite a few types of fungus that affect toenails.Therefore, a drug purchased in a pharmacy may not always have the desired effect, since the therapeutic effect will be aimed at localizing only one of the types of onychomycosis, and for other types the active substance will simply remain useless.By visiting a doctor, you will know for sure what medications are needed in a particular case.
Based on the test results, the dermatologist usually prescribes the following therapy:
- medicines intended for oral administration;
- topical medications.
The latter option is resorted to more frequently, since most recorded cases of fungal infection are treated in the initial stages.In advanced situations oral therapy cannot be avoided.
"Grandma's recipes" can be used to help in the treatment of onychomycosis.But the main emphasis should be on traditional medicine, since very often patients arrive with an advanced stage of the fungus because at the beginning of the disease they preferred traditional medicine and the advice of “neighbors”.
Modern cosmetology offers special medicinal varnishes, but their effect is not scientifically proven.Please note, do not cover sore nails with decorative varnish, as this will only worsen their condition.
Prevention of onychomycosis
By following simple preventative measures, you can avoid the "knowledge" of fungal infections.Prevention measures include:
- wear dry, comfortable shoes and socks made of natural materials;
- do not walk barefoot in public places (saunas, baths, swimming pools);
- wear only your own shoes, even when visiting public places;
- Get a pedicure done yourself or in "trusted" salons, where the tools undergo proper treatment.
Noticing the initial stage of onychomycosis on the nails, do not self-medicate, seek help from specialists.