Onychomycosis or nail fungus is one of the most common and insidious disease that must be treated, not to provoke complications. This disease affects the nail plate on the hands or feet, and then the surrounding area of the skin. The affected area is unsightly and perceived as a serious aesthetic problem that can cause many complexes. In addition, the disease progresses, the body will suffer from the toxins that the fungal microflora secretes in the course of their life. It is therefore necessary to learn how to identify nail fungus at an early stage.
The nail fungus at the initial stage the source of infection
Nail fungus in the initial stages has practically asymptomatic, this is his main danger. Fungal spores are always present in the environment, they are able to survive on the soil surface even at sub-zero temperatures. But especially favorable warm and humid microclimate in which they multiply at an incredible rate.
Tract infection a fungal infection a lot. Danger lurks everywhere, since all that is needed for reproduction of the fungus is microscopic flakes of skin and nail that is distributing a person with onychomycosis. It is enough just to walk barefoot, to wear other people's Slippers, to use a common towel or just hold onto the handrail on public transport.
The infection is just taking root in the body in the case when its defenses are weakened, and the skin is damaged (abrasions, cracks, blisters). Lovers of bath procedures you should know that the most dangerous are the wooden benches, floors and other household things from this natural material. The fact that wood has a porous structure and even thorough disinfection is not able to completely remove the mycelium of the fungus.
The reasons leading to infection
That the fungus could penetrate into the body and begin their destructive activities, but needs some conditions. It is known that fungal infection affects more elderly people and patients with reduced immunity. In addition, can lead to infection following predisposing factors:
- Violation of rules of personal hygiene.
- Skin lesions (abrasions, scrapes, scratches), through which the spores can easily penetrate into the body.
- Continuous contact with water or chemical detergents, causing the skin on the fingers becomes dry and easily damaged.
- Wearing synthetic and tight uncomfortable shoes made of synthetic materials. Such clothes and shoes are not allow the skin to breathe, causes excessive sweating and creating a warm and moist environment favorable for propagation of fungi.
- Disorders in the endocrine and immune systems;
- Chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, pathology of the digestive tract, venous insufficiency).
- Taking certain medicines (antibiotics, hormonal agents and cytotoxic drugs).
- Professional factor. Fungal infections often affect the representatives of professions related to customer service (hairdressers, massage therapists, cashiers, employees of the baths and saunas).
- Climatic features of the area. Those at greatest risk are residents of areas with a hot climate and high humidity, as it is perfect conditions for reproduction of pathogens.
- Age factor. Most often fungal nail is diagnosed in people of advanced age and this is due to the fact that with age, slowing the growth of the nail plate and deteriorating its supply of nutrients.
Numerous studies and relentless statistics testifies that every lived 10 years of life increase the risk of Contracting the fungal infection in 2 times.
The mechanism of infection
Once the fungus spores penetrate the skin through the affected area begins the development of infection. After contact with spores of the fungus into the skin passes a certain incubation period, which lasts very long. This time is necessary for the fungus to start multiplying. The fungus takes root where there is a breeding ground under the plate of the nail and on the skin of the feet. Today there are about 50 varieties of fungus, can lead to the defeat of the nail plate, but the main share still accounts for the group dermatomitsety.
The pathological process of localized onychomycosis the nails, and under his plate in the nail bed. As the penetration of the fungus into tissues develops subungual hyperkeratosis, promotes the separation of the nail plate and its slow destruction.
In order to determine the onset of the disease, you need to know, how does the initial stage of nail fungus. Because without correct and effective treatment of onychomycosis, the disease will always progress and can accompany the person throughout life.
The symptoms of the initial stages of onychomycosis
Nail fungus is caused by fungi parasites, which begins to destroy healthy tissue within a few days after infection. To fix this trouble, if only to take timely measures. Otherwise it will be a gradual destruction and separation of the nail plate, which can lead to complete loss of the nail and other unpleasant complications.
As a result of disease the affected nail will look quite specific that you can see in the photo the initial stage of nail fungus. It thickens, changes color and shape over time, it can be cut with conventional nail scissors.
Depending on the type of fungus symptoms may be different, but there are some signs which are common to all varieties:
- itching of the lesions – especially such feelings interfere with the performance of the usual daily chores;
- between the fingers of the hands and feet redness and irritation of the skin;
- clouding of the nail plate, disappearance of a healthy glow;
- between nail bed and a gap;
- change the color of the nail, which is of pale pink on a yellowish-grey, brown and even black shade;
- the appearance of cracks on the skin of the fingers or toes;
- detachment of the nail plate;
- brittle nails, which then begins to crumble and collapse;
- the unpleasant smell.
Especially fast initial stage will take place in the case if the person prefers to wear tight and uncomfortable shoes made of durable synthetic material that is breathable and prevents ventilation. This contributes to excessive sweating and creating a warm and moist environment favorable for the development of the fungus.
Most often, nail fungus affects the feet, although sometimes it can be seen on the hands. First, in the structure of the nail is formed of several yellowish cavities, which look like spots and stains. Then the nail plate on the hands becomes thicker and darkens. A sick person says that it becomes difficult to trim the nails with regular nail scissors, and to handle them with a saw or special tweezers.
Treatment of nail fungus at the initial stage on the feet and hands
No need to attempt to cure the nail fungus. Since there are several types of fungus and not all drugs are equally effective, can be independently purchased at a pharmacy for the drug in this case will be useless. Therefore it is necessary to remember that at any stage of the disease without medical intervention of professionals can not do.
After having defined the initial stage of nail fungus on the feet or hands, you need to immediately start treatment. The optimal scheme of treatment and the necessary drugs will select a dermatologist based on the results of the tests.
There are 2 ways to treat nail fungus:
- antifungal agents for topical use;
- medicines for oral administration.
Modern topical antifungal medicines well help in the treatment of the disease, they are used for external treatment of the affected nails.
The means for removal of the affected nail
Your doctor may prescribe medications. They should handle the nails once a day. Before applying a new layer of the medicine, foot steam out in hot water, and the top layer of the nail with a nail file brushes. These drugs are an excellent alternative to surgical intervention, because they allow in short terms to remove the affected nail.
Drops from nail fungus. They contain substances with antiseptic and antifungal action (essential oils, waxes, acid), and urea, helps dissolve the infected nail plate.
Then close the nail with a bandage and leave it for some time (1 to 4 days). Then the procedure is repeated in the same order as long as the affected nail is completely clear.
External funds from the fungus at the initial stage
In the integrated treatment of onychomycosis specialist will include external funds from the fungus.
External funds are used according to the instructions. The standard scheme of treatment involves the application of drugs to the affected nail 1-2 times a day. Some antifungal lucky enough to apply only 1 time per week. They reliably prevent the spread of infection and contribute to the destruction of the fungus.
Treatment of nail fungus at the initial stage folk ways
For the best effect, in addition to the main course of treatment prescribed by the doctor, you can use folk remedies.
- Well proven cleaning the nail plate with iodine. It is necessary 2 times a day apply iodine to the nail and the skin around it to allow to kill the active spores of the fungus and disinfect the affected area. Since iodine is drying the nails after a week of course need to take a break for a few days.
- Garlic has powerful disinfectant properties and quickly destroys pathogens, so it is often used for the treatment of onychomycosis. You need to take a clove of garlic, peel and grate on a grater. The resulting slurry is applied on the affected area and wrap with a bandage. Leave the mixture overnight and in the morning to remove. To perform the procedure until her condition improved.
- Juice of celandine will also help to remove the fungus from nails. You need to take a stalk of a plant and break it. In place of the scrapped produce dense yellowish milky juice. Fresh juice is smeared on the affected areas of the nails. But before applying this method, you must test yourself for allergies, to avoid negative consequences.
- The onion will help to cope with a fungus such as yeast. Need onions clear of a peel, grate it on grater and the resulting mass is mixed with a spoon of honey. Enough to hold this mixture on the nail plate only a few hours a day and a few days to be noticeable improvement.
- To alleviate the condition of nails with fungus to help bath with the addition of soda. For solution preparation it is necessary to take 1 tbsp. spoon of soda in 2.5 l of water and add liquid soap. To take bath is necessary every day for 15 minutes.
Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus are effective enough, but it is better to be combined with medication prescribed by your doctor. This combination therapy will allow to cope with the infection in a short time, to restore nails healthy appearance and restore their structure.
Treatment of onychomycosis is considered complete in the case when affected by fungal infection of the nail plate is completely replaced by healthy. It's a long process, however, the therapy needs to be passed to the end, you cannot interrupt it. To confirm the absence of fungal microflora have laboratory tests that make twice two weeks after the end of treatment and after a month.
Only in the case when the results both times to be negative, we can assume that there was complete recovery. But in this case, can not be complacent, to prevent possible recurrence of the disease and to exclude re-infection, it is necessary to strictly observe the rules of hygiene and the use of antifungal agents (nail Polish, creams, ointments) as a preventive measure.
When traditional remedies do not help in the treatment of fungus at the initial stage, you can use the drugs on a natural basis.
Prevention
The main methods of prevention of nail fungus on hands is:
- personal hygiene. Hands should be washed thoroughly after the trip to public transport, shopping, etc.
- the use of trays for hands – will improve the local immunity;
- drawing on the skin prevention cream antifungal effect;
- to perform a nail not more than 1 time in 6 months;
- use only personal manicure instruments.
In order to avoid the appearance of fungus toenails, you need to follow the following steps:
- wear only dry shoes;
- use socks made of natural materials that provide good air and heat;
- in public areas – pool, sauna, SPA, etc. use only for its shoes;
- do not use other people's sets for a pedicure.
It is not necessary to paint the affected nails colored lacquer, as this more of them will damage and slow recovery.
Effective and properly chosen treatment regimen that is not all. Thoroughly disinfect all surfaces with which contact sick – bed linen, clothes, shoes, floor, etc. the Person who suffered from onychomycosis, will be more prone to this disease.