Despite all the achievements of science and progress, the fungus as a disease cannot be eliminated.This is due to its survival and living conditions.The mushroom needs moisture and heat.As long as they exist, the fungus will exist.
Types of nail fungus
Dermatophytes
They affect the body due to decreased immunity.In extremely rare cases - in a person with a high level of immunity.
The source of infection is soil, sometimes people or animals.The basis of the entire colony is the mycelium.It is attached to the nail via processes (hyphae) that grow into the tissue and destroy its structure.
Subspecies of dermatophytes and characteristics of the course of the disease:
- Red Trichophyton.The disease proceeds according to the standard: the tip of the nail becomes infected, followed by progression to the root.The fungus tends to affect multiple toes at the same time.The nail changes shape, thickening and becoming rough.Delamination is observed.The skin around the affected nail also becomes infected: it dries out and peels;
- Trichophyton interdigitalis.The source of the disease is rooms with high levels of humidity.Most often it affects the nails of the big toes.Localized on the surface of the nail and on the skin between the fingers.Whitish spots form on the plates;
- Other types of dermatophytes affect the body against the background of other diseases in 5% of cases.
Yeasts of the Candida genus
They are in fact present on human skin and mucous membranes.It is not necessary to meet a carrier of the disease.It is enough to have a weakened immune system for fungi to occupy the nail plate.
The peculiarity of the course of the disease is that the nail is affected not at the end, but at the base, growing in the direction of growth, since candida does not form mycelium and cannot attach itself to the surface along the edge.
Mold
The causative agents of onychomycosis are more than 40 species.It is difficult to diagnose the damage caused by this type of fungus: the symptoms are not much different from the symptoms of damage caused by dermatophytes.
However, the treatment is fundamentally different.Diagnosis of mold infection can only be made through bacteriological analysis.
The subspecies is capable of releasing hyphae and rapidly destroying the nail.In addition, in conditions of a critical decrease in the patient's immunity, molds are able to penetrate the body and infect organs.
There are 2 additional classifications.
Classification according to the source of the disease:
- vesicular fungi.Mainly the bottom of the foot is affected.Blisters and swelling appear on the skin.This type of fungus is easily associated with a bacterial infection;
- membrane Localized in the area between the little finger and the ring finger - the skin cracks and peels off in large scales.It may be accompanied by a bacterial infection;
- moccasinopods.The disease is localized on the heel or sole of the foot and gradually spreads upward.
Classification according to the form of deformation of the nail layer:
- normotrophic.The nail changes color, but retains its shape.Stripes and/or spots of yellow and white shades appear;
- hypertrophic.The structure and shape of the nail is deformed: the nail becomes thick, begins to crumble and causes pain during movement;
- atrophic.The nail "loses weight".The plate becomes very thin, opaque, and white spots and streaks appear on it.
Toenail fungus: signs of infection
Main visible and tangible symptoms:
- itching of the skin, especially after bathing;
- the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
- peeling of the skin;
- the nail has changed color.As a rule, the entire nail plate acquires a uniform shade.The color depends on the subspecies of the mushroom, but most often it is yellow;
- the surface of the nail becomes rough;
- separation along the tip of the nail.It occupies the entire open length of the nail and gradually deepens;
- white spots under the nail plate;
- dullness;
- many smudges;
- detachment of the entire nail;
- large-scale nail destruction;
- small notches along the entire external surface of the plate;
- the nail plate thickens and the lower layers crumble.
Is it possible to completely cure toenail fungus?It's possible, but not always.A hereditary disease that cannot be changed is a living example of this.It progresses over the years, deforming the shape of the nail.
The fact of a hereditary disease can only be confirmed during a medical examination.
How to effectively cure toenail fungus: drug treatment
To select drugs, it is necessary to accurately diagnose the type of fungus, the stage of the disease and the type of skin.This can only be done by a doctor.
Depending on the test results and the stage of the disease, the doctor will prescribe local drugs - ointments or varnishes, or a complex of local and systemic drugs.
Systemic drugs suppress the pathogen, preventing its reproduction.Local drugs have an effect on the application area, destroying fungi.
Systemic medications put a strain on the liver.You will have to give up everything that complicates the work of the organ: alcohol, fatty foods.This is necessary to avoid doubling the load.
There are special means for removing nails without surgery.
Each drug acts only on a certain type of mycosis.Even the most advanced remedies will not work if they are not “paired” with a mushroom.
How to cure toenail fungus: folk remedies
Vinegar is the most effective method in the initial stages.
Baths: one glass of table vinegar (9%) per water bath.Typically a tub is used in which the feet are placed.Water is poured up to the ankles.Firstly, this ensures the correct concentration of vinegar in the water.
Secondly, the skin is exposed to a chemical burn.Before bathing, you need to trim your nails and remove the top layers of skin with a pumice stone or brush.This will ensure maximum "impregnation".
If there is microdamage on the legs, the procedure will cause pain.Duration – 15 minutes.
Vinegar lotions: Soak a cotton pad in vinegar and apply it to the problem area for 10 to 15 minutes. It is more effective to use after bathing.
Ointment: 2 servings of acetic acid (70%) mixed with glycerin, olive oil and dimethyl phtholate, one serving of each.Apply with a cotton ball for 8 hours every day on clean feet.Wash with laundry soap.
To combat the advanced stage, hydrogen peroxide is used.The feet are steamed in a soda bath (1 teaspoon per 1 liter), then a cotton ball soaked in peroxide is applied to the problem areas, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a bandage.The duration of the compress is 40-60 minutes.
Ammonia.For a glass of water - 1 tbsp.the.alcohol Soak a cotton ball or gauze and apply as a compress overnight.
Boric acid.Before going to bed, the feet are steamed, sprinkled with powder and clean socks are put on.
Baking soda.Add a little water until it forms a paste and apply the mixture to the problem area for 15-20 minutes.
Garlic.Rub the affected area with a cut clove of garlic.The vegetable pulp can be used as a compress.
Iodine.It is enough to thoroughly lubricate the problem area.
How to Cure Toenail Fungus Quickly
Complex treatment will be required, consisting of systemic antifungal drugs and local agents.Medicines are prescribed by a doctor.
It is recommended to combine traditional medicine and medications.
Features of treatment of neglected fungus
First of all, diagnosis and consultation with a doctor.
Complex treatment will be required, which means:
- taking broad-spectrum drugs orally;
- narrow focus directly on the nail;
- strengthen the immune system;
- take medications that support the body while taking essential medications;
- strictly follow the instructions.
Medicine is designed in such a way that when treating a disease, a blow is dealt to a healthy organ.Most often: liver and intestines.You need to be prepared for the consequences and discuss the side effects of medications with your doctor beforehand.Some cause allergies or are inadmissible for some diseases, during pregnancy.
If the stage is critical and nothing helps, the last option remains - complete removal of the nail plate, but this does not always guarantee relief from the disease.
What is the danger of untreated onychomycosis?
The disease can progress to the point where most of the available remedies cease to act on the fungi: the spores penetrate deep into the tissues, and drugs simply will not be able to reach them.
Deformation of the shape of the plaque leads to deep growth into the skin of the nail, even cutting the tissue.
The result is hellish pain and inflammation in the tissues of the toes.Both the nail and the tissue around the nail will begin to rot.
An advanced stage of deformation of the nail plate makes it impossible to wear shoes.Any shoe that squeezes your toes even slightly will cause severe pain.Even just walking around the house barefoot can hurt.
Furthermore:
- general decrease in immunity;
- spread of the fungus in the blood;
- the appearance of dermatitis and eczema;
- inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Prevention
Antifungal prophylaxis is based on the following factors:
- personal hygiene.You need to wash your feet every day with soap.Trim nails in a timely manner, do not tear hangnails and use only personal pedicure tools.If you were to take strangers, sterilize them.Wear clean socks.Do not use used shoes;
- shoe care.Shoes must be dried in a timely manner, thus preventing the formation of conditions favorable for fungal growth.Remove the insoles and dry them separately, dry the shoes themselves with special dryers or untie them completely and place them under the radiator;
- Of course, it is not possible to do without spas and saunas.Give preference to those establishments that have reviews.If possible, ask what and how often the floors are washed.Be sure to use only your own things and especially replaceable rubber slippers;
- To avoid reinfection, throw away the shoes that the patient wore during the illness.If this is not possible sterilize it from the inside;
- if your immune system is weakened or there is microdamage to your feet, try not to walk barefoot and avoid situations where the fungus could attack you.