Helps with medical literature and Internet sites specializing in toenail fungus, why it appears and how to deal with it. However, it is recommended to consult a mycologist. Laboratory tests accurately identify the type of fungal infection, which makes it easier to choose the right treatment regimen.
What is onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a subgroup of diseases caused by the penetration of fungal microorganisms into the tissue of the nail plate. The infection is usually caused by untreated skin lesions on the fingers / toes. The disease can occur at any age, but it is more common in men between the ages of 20 and 55.
According to the International Classification of Diseases, onychomycosis code B35. It is 1. They are mainly dermatophytes that cause pathological changes in the nails, and less often diagnostic tests are carried out by pathogens of the genus Candida or mold microorganisms.
Nail fungus is transmitted, so it happens in 90% of cases - it is already direct contact with a sick person, for example, with members of the same family or using common household items. Increases infection by weakening the body's immune barrier -Causes of fungus on toenailsDiabetes, immunodeficiency, and recent serious illnesses.
The clinical picture depends not only on the type of mycosis pathogen, but also on the area it penetrates - the distal form of onychomycosis or proximal nail lesion. The general prevalence of the infection is extremely rare.
Causes and symptoms of nail fungus
Research by experts has allowed us to learnnail fungus, where it comes fromand which people are at risk of infection. Pathogenic microorganisms live not only in the tissues of the feet and hands, but also in the rest of the human body, and can continue their vital activities in the surrounding objects. To do this, it is enough to be in warm, humid conditions, and people have enough epidermal scales that are constantly broken down for nutrition.
Basiccauses of nail fungus:
- age criterion - any person can be exposed to a fungal infection, but men between the ages of 18 and 50 are susceptible to it;
- work in hazardous production areas - in gas-contaminated, dusty rooms with high temperature / humidity;
- always wear tight, poorly ventilated shoes;
- frequent minor tissue damage - abrasions, abrasions, calluses in the legs;
- anatomical and physiological features - for example, digital interval gaps;
- tendency to excessive sweating - hyperhidrosis;
- The course of various somatic pathologies that weaken the skin's protective barriers - diabetes, hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, obesity.
To doubtnail fungusallow the characteristic signs and symptoms of the disease. Often, people go to the doctor with complaints of cloudiness of the nail plate, a yellowish tingle, an unpleasant odor on the feet, and increased fragility of the nail edge.
Fungal risk groups
In fact, onychomycosis is a common infection. After all, anyone can be infected with a fungus, especially when visiting places with higher concentrations of pathogens. Many people are at risk:
- employees of baths and saunas, swimming pools and gyms;
- public place cleaners;
- family members of a sick person;
- people weakened by recent illnesses;
- expectant mothers - pregnancy worsens the condition of the skin of the feet;
- people who neglect personal hygiene;
- was forced to be in a warm, poorly ventilated room throughout the entire work shift, especially in tight shoes made of artificial materials;
- women visiting pedicure salons with an unproven reputation;
- Beach lovers - sand is often infected with fungal microorganisms, because people walk on it barefoot or in dirty shoes.
If you know who has the most and the mostwhy nail fungus, it is easier to protect yourself from infection. Therefore, everyone is advised to assess the risk of infection and take appropriate preventive measures.
Diagnosis of the disease
It is very easy to get rid of the pathological focus of the disease, it is very easy to choose treatment when people see a doctor early. As the clinical manifestations of onychomycosis are similar to the symptoms of other pathologies of the nail plate, the mycologist will definitely prescribe a number of diagnostic procedures:
- thorough examination of the affected nail with a magnifying glass;
- Complaints and anamnesis - the reasons why a person penetrates the tissues, which can manifest itself;
- removal of debris from the surface of the plate and examination of cells under a microscope;
- take a piece of nail for planting in a special nutrient medium - existing fungal colonies begin to actively multiply, but the analysis takes a long time;
- histological examination - if the process is suspected to be malignant.
After comparing all the information of diagnostic procedures, the mycologist gives a qualified opinion - confirms the initial diagnosisnail fungusand then selects the optimal mode of therapy.
Nail fungus treatment
Important information aboutnail fungusFor a mycologist, it allows you to identify and eliminate the mechanism of human infection, as well as choose the right treatment regimen. After all, there are many pathogens of an infectious disease, and some drugs will be effective, while others only stop the growth of infectious cells, but do not eliminate them completely.
By adjustingcauses of nail fungus, experts already give recommendations for their removal at the first consultation - for example, the purchase of new shoes, personal hygiene, treatment of all family members. Only then did I guesswhy nail fungus, you can start drug treatment. It is customary to distinguish two main areas - local action on the lesion with the help of antifungal ointments, varnishes and systematic courses of antifungal drugs for individual needs.
Traditional treatment
In the classic versionWhy are there fungus on the toenails?- Infection from contaminated shoes or walking barefoot on the pool tiles, it is better to start treatment for the infection by external means. A wide range of antifungal drugs is available on the pharmacy shelf:
- subgroup of polyens - distinguished by a democratic price and high efficiency, various dosage forms;
- subgroup of azoles - fight most of the fungal microorganisms known with timely initiation of treatment;
- The subgroup of alliamides - is characterized by rapid suppression of mycoses of the nails, hair or epithelium of the feet and body.
After learningWhy do mushrooms appear on the nails?, the mycologist will recommend the optimal drug for the suppression of onychomycosis activity - cream / ointment with fungicidal properties. In severe cases, injections of tablets / capsules or drug solutions will be prescribed to create a systemic effect on the infection.
It is unacceptable to change the dose, frequency of treatment or duration of treatment independently. Such actions will aggravate the clinical picture of onychomycosis and lead to complications.
ethnology
A long time agonail fungus treatmentwas under the authority of traditional healers. There are many effective recipes with herbs, bee products and improvised home remedies that relieve anxiety and suppress the activity of fungal microorganisms.
The information gathered about the causes and symptoms of the disease allowed to create effective recipes for treatment at home:
- Prepare a solution of potassium permanganate in concentrate before bedtime, put your feet inside for 15-20 minutes. Then dry the skin thoroughly and apply a mixture of crushed propolis with alcohol to the area affected by the fungus. Apply a gauze bandage on top and leave for a day. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times.
- In a dark cupboard, insist in 1 liter of vinegar itself, 1 packet of pharmacy spray. Strain after 3-4 weeks. Add salt to foot baths. The duration of the procedure is 5-7 minutes.
- Lotions with tar soap. After pre-evaporating the foot tissue, lather the interdigital spaces and nails thoroughly with tar soap and pour table salt on top. Leave on overnight.
You can use simple recipes to speed up the get rid of nail fungus - in the morning wipe the affected areas with iodine tincture or with golden mustache juice, coconut, whisk. They have bactericidal properties that suppress the activity of fungal cells.
Prevention of fungal diseases
Preventing a recurrence of a primary infection, as well as a fungal infection, is easier than getting rid of a foot / hand infection. Primary / secondary prevention interventions are affordable and easy to implement. After allwhat the fungus on the toenails says- about the weakening of the human body's own defenses.
Therefore, it is necessary to take a number of measures to restore a strong and strong immunity:
- reconsider your diet - the menu should include more fresh vegetables with fruits, vitamins, light proteins, but minimize acids and preservatives, fast food and fatty / smoked foods;
- to give up alcohol / tobacco products;
- follow personal hygiene carefully - take a hygienic shower every day, change underwear, socks;
- buy shoes made of high quality materials in the size of your feet, never wear someone else's shoes / boots;
- pedicure yourself with individual tools or entrust your nails to a professional master;
- Before visiting public places with humid air - swimming pool, sauna or bath, use fungicides.
Widespread prevention of fungal infections is to follow sanitary and epidemiological rules - wet cleaning of buildings with the use of disinfectants, active ventilation and, if necessary, quartzation.
Reviews on the treatment of nail fungus
- "Comprehensive treatment of onychomycosis is not only about drug infection, but also the improvement of human lifestyle. The fungus can be defeated by a number of measures - for example, simultaneous application of ointments, hardening of the human body and personal hygiene. It is recommended to treat at once. Pharmacies have many antifungal agents, you can choose the optimal therapy regimen for each situation. "
- "I recently learned that if there is a fungus on the nails - my diagnosis is onychomycosis, the process of early inflammation in the blood began, and tests can show it. The mycologist explained to me in detail all the information about fungal infections and how to best deal with it. I've passed, I feel better. Now I will better observe the prevention of such pathologies, and I will tell my friends and acquaintances not to get this bad infection. "
- "Pharmaceutical products, of course, can cope with nail fungus, but also harmful to health with its chemical components. Therefore, I prefer to use traditional medicine recipes first. I simply removed the fungus from my husband's feet - steamed nails with a soda bath every night, thenthey applied lotions with homemade vinegar. First the itching was relieved by burning, then healthy nails grew again. In addition, they took decoctions with calendula and chamomile, echinacea to strengthen the immune system. Now my husband is completely rid of nail fungus. "