The initial stage of nail fungus is a pathology characterized by loss of healthy shine, fragility, changes in color and thickness of the nail plate.Knowing the symptoms of the pathology, the patient will be able to contact a specialist in time.Treatment will stop the disease, and preventive measures will prevent the pathology from developing again.
Insidious onychomycosis
One of the most common infectious diseases is onychomycosis, popularly known as nail fungus.The pathology is not only common, but very insidious and therefore requires careful treatment.Onychomycosis belongs to the category of infectious diseases.Without medical treatment it will become chronic, with serious consequences.The disease does not present itself like this, it all depends on the person's hygiene habits and the characteristics of the profession.People of different age groups are affected by the disease.The fungus most often affects the foot and big toe nail.Fingernails are less affected.It happens that the infection is transmitted to the hands due to non-compliance with hygiene rules during manicure or infected feet.Cases of "family" contagion through the common use of hygiene products are frequent.!Fungi on the hands is not only a medical problem, but also an aesthetic one.As the pathology develops, the patient develops complexes.
Pathogens
trihofitii, fungi of the Candida genus are the main causative agents of the infectious pathology.In rare cases it is mold.According to statistics, about 20 species of trihophytes parasitize human skin.The peculiarity of microorganisms is the formation of spores, resistance to high and low temperatures, drying and antiseptic solutions.Once in the skin or under the nail plate, trihophyte spores grow and degenerate into microorganisms.In the form of thin threads (mycelium) they penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and nails.The mycelium has a dense cell wall that protects them from the immune system and antibodies that have started to fight them.!Parasites enter the blood and spread to internal organs and systems.As a result, nails and lymph nodes in different parts of the body suffer.
Sources of infection
The asymptomatic course of the initial stage of the disease is the cunning of parasites.The fungus on fingers and toes is almost invisible at the beginning of the infection.For the activity and reproduction of microorganisms, a favorable microclimate is heat and humidity.It is therefore not surprising that contagion occurs in public places (saunas, water parks, swimming pools, gyms, transport, train stations).The carrier of the infection leaves microscopic scales of skin and nails on everything he touches (handrails, shower stalls, sauna benches, towels, shoes, floors, sports equipment).Abandoned spores quickly find a new victim and a habitat for active growth and reproduction.The first parasites to attack are people who have: low immunity;body weakened by disease;the psycho-emotional background is disturbed;injuries to the skin, nails;problems with maintaining hygiene standards.Wooden bathtub enthusiasts are also at risk of infection.Wood has a porous structure and it is impossible to thoroughly disinfect it.Fungal spores are considered permanent inhabitants of bathrooms, saunas made of natural materials or places where there are wooden household items.!Sources of infection are warm places with high humidity, hygiene items, bedding, improperly processed manicure tools, and sometimes dishes!
Clinical forms of the pathology
Onychomycosis is a disease that requires immediate medical attention.First of all, the clinical group of the pathology is determined.Clinical forms: Normotrophic form.Symptoms appear slowly.Parasites attack the nail from the inside.Small yellow spots are noted, which increase over time and spread.Hypertrophic form.The infection affects the nail bed and plaque.The nail becomes covered with cavities and tubercles.Fingers and toes suffer.The nail plate is separated from the bed.A whitish tint appears.Interesting!The disease tends to manifest symptoms in different forms.
Manifestations of fungal infection
The infection in the initial stage manifests itself with the same symptoms.The first alarming signs of the disease are the change in the shape and color of the plaque (cause of yellow nails).What does the disease look like in the early stages?At first, the fungus affects gradually, as it progresses and spreads over the entire area.Depending on the location, the following types of pathology are distinguished:
- Distal view.The top part of the nail is affected.
- Side view.The infection develops on the sides, close to the skin.
- Proximal view.The plate surface is contaminated.
- Proximal view.Lesion near the nail fold.
The general symptoms of the first attack of microorganisms are easy to notice.The shade of the plate is striking, the pink color changes to dull yellow and later turns gray.Changes in the structure occur, irregularities and tubercles begin to appear.Subsequently, stripes appear in the longitudinal direction, spots and blurring.There is thickening, tenderness and fragility at the site of the lesion.The infection begins to spread to the skin, which becomes red and inflamed.Fungus on the fingers is more often a problem for women, although in some cases men suffer from this pathology.
Parasites on hands.Primary symptoms:
- loss of shine, opacity
- white spots on the nails
- as the disease progresses the plaque becomes gray or brown
- peeling of the skin on the palms and fingers
- there is fragility, delamination, the nail crumbles
- black streaks on the nails
- changes in the skin near the lesion site, it swells, turns red, peels
.View of nails affected by onychomycosis in the photo.The symptoms of foot and hand fungus have many similarities.
Fungus on toes
Microorganisms on the feet, symptoms:
- the plate is partially covered with yellow, fuzzy spots
- the color is dull, the shine disappears
- thickening and flaking are noted
- skin peels off between toes;slight itching between the fingers
- your feet give off an unpleasant odor
Treatment at the first stage of the development of pathology is an important decision, since the peculiarity of onychomycosis is its rapid progression.Premature treatment will lead to deformation of the nail plate and the accumulation of toxic toxins secreted by parasites.Once in the blood, toxins poison the body, disrupt the functioning of vital organs and impair the metabolic process.
Infection control methods
How to treat onychomycosis?Treatment begins with a visit to the doctor, who prescribes a LBC (lesion curettage) culture procedure and other studies.A diagnostic test will help determine the type of fungal infection and the patient's sensitivity to drugs.Treatment in the initial phase requires complete dedication from the patient.Since the path to full recovery is long, you will have to be patient.To avoid a chronic form, it is important to follow all the recommendations of your doctor.
As a complex treatment the following is used:
- preparations that hydrate, nourish tissues, restore metabolic processes: creams, ointments, gels
- means to prevent the development and proliferation of infection - solutions, drops;advanced infections are treated with tablets and injections
At the beginning of the disease, treatment with non-steroidal and steroid drugs (paints, ointments) is prescribed.They will prevent further activity, the proliferation of parasites, strengthen the immune system and start regeneration processes.
External medicines:
- Antifungal drugs – used against candida and yeast-like fungi.
- allylamine agents are active exclusively against fungi.
- Cream (the main component is snake oil).
- Gel.
- Paint.
To slow down the fermentation of the mycelium, drugs in tablets that have a fungicidal effect are prescribed.
List of tablets:
- Capsules are a fast-acting medicine that does not require treatment with additional drugs.At the same time, varnishes or gels are used to restore the appearance of the nail plate.
- Antifungal Kit with Chinese Herbs: The medicine works instantly using Chinese herbal extract and synthetic compounds included in the medicine.
- Capsules – activates the body's defenses, normalizes the state of the microflora.
- Drops: thanks to the main component naftifin hydrochloride, it acts quickly, being absorbed by the skin and creating long-lasting protection.The film created by the drops prevents microorganisms from penetrating the deeper layers of the dermis.
At the initial stage of the disease, treatment with folk remedies is used.Apple cider vinegar, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, strong tea infusion, celandine oil, pepper spray, 35% salicylic acid work well against parasites.Before using drugs or traditional medicines, it is important to consult your doctor.
Prevention
After treatment of the infection, preventive measures are necessary.
Recommendations:
- do not use someone else's shoes or hygiene items;
- only comfortable shoes, made from natural materials;
- clean socks, changed every day;
- compliance with hygiene standards;
- nail care with absolutely clean tools;
- strengthen the immune system, take vitamins.
Conclusion
Mycosis is a disease from which no one is immune.Both a person with reduced immunity and a completely healthy person can become infected.Therefore, it is very important to surround yourself with cleanliness, take care of your health and maintain hygiene.Of course, such measures cannot guarantee one hundred percent safety, but they will minimize the likelihood of infection by pathogenic microorganisms.