In medicine, nail fungus is officially called onychomycosis.This is a fungal disease that affects the nail plate on the fingers or toes.According to the WHO, this is a very common disease.It occurs at about 27% of people, and in the pathology is diagnosed 2 times more frequently than in the hands.The nail fungus problem is very delicate, as the unpleasant type of plate makes the patient feel uncomfortable and hide it from others.
Symptoms and marks of nails fungus
Onichomycosis is very easy to recognize, as the signs of the nails cannot be ignored.Initially, the nail plate became boring and rough, the shiny shine.Then, instead of pink, the nails get yellow, white or gray.Next, the symptoms of other fungal features appear:
- increased plate thickness;
- defects in the form of strips, bends, deviations and waves;
- Relax and criticize the dishes;
- The unpleasant odor of the nails.
As a result, the nails are completely destroyed and even exfoliating, revealing the bed under the nail.The skin next to the plate becomes red and causes severe itching.
Cause
The main reason for the development of fungal infections is to enter the body or in the human body.As a rule, these are microsporum, metridium and epidermofiton.This is a fungus that causes onychomycosis especially.
When it enters the body, such fungi is localized to the skin keratinized derivatives, namely nails and hair.This is due to the diet of parasites where they use fibrillar protein keratin, which is available in nails and hair.
Manner of infection
The risk of getting infection with fungus in public places with high humidity is very high.These are sauna, swimming pool, gym, public bath, and more.The most common method of infection:
- Direct relationships with infected people.Here the fungus falls from its habitat in healthy areas, causing infection;
- Household route.In this case, the infection occurs when using the patient's personal matters: shoes, personal hygiene items, etc.
Risk factors
The incidence of onychomycosis increased by 60 years.Currently, the probability of developing such an infection is 60%, explained by the moisture of metabolism, especially in the distal (remote) area of the body, which is only the finger and feet.
Other risk factors for nail fungus development include:
- Diabetes mellitus;
- varicose veins;
- Nail injury and adjacent tissue;
- HIV and other countries of immunodeficiency;
- Long antibiotic intake;
- weak immunity;
- vascular and skin disease, dermatitis, diaper rash;
- blood supply to the limbs;
- Insufficient hygiene.
Complication
With uncomplicated courses, the disease causes traditional symptoms to fungi, causing a person to be a severe discomfort.But without treatment, onychomycosis can cause complications.Often, they appear in the addition of bacterial infections.
Sometimes onychomycosis is very acute with the advent of bubbles, ulcers and crying areas on the skin next to the nails.In severe cases, the disease has a common form.This means that nail fungus is used for the internal organs and systems, and then the patient will need admission to an emergency hospital.
When to consult a doctor
Many have found onychomycosis know that the disease develops slowly, and is treated with incredible labor.That is why it is important to consult a doctor when the first signs of the disease appear.Nail onychomycosis treatment is involved in a dermatologist.Experts will provide competent assistance and will take you up to complete recovery.
Preparation for a visit to a doctor
Before taking a dermatologist, it is important not to process the affected nail area, which is not using drugs, including iodine and green.It is also necessary to exclude the use of creams and ointments from fungus.It is necessary to take all the tests taken earlier, including other diseases.The affected nails cannot be cut for 3-4 days before consultation.
Diagnosis of nail fungus
First of all, the patient is directed to microscopy, which allows you to identify the presence of pathogens.In the future, it is necessary to determine the variety to choose the right nail fungus treatment on the feet.The most modern and common methods for diagnosing onychomycosis are practiced:
- Sowing bacteria.For this, the biological sample of the affected tissue is placed in the medium of artificial nutrients, where pathogens are grown to determine its type;
- The polymerase chain reaction method (PCR) to detect pathogenic DNA in samples taken from the affected tissue.
Treatment
In the early stages of the disease, as a rule, local therapy is prescribed, consisting of the use of creams and ointments with antifungal effects.
Antiseptic solutions are also used as an external product from nail fungus.In addition to effective tools of nail onychomycosis, antihistamines and desensitizing medicines are prescribed, which relieves swelling, inflammation and sensitivity.
If the nails are fully affected by the fungus and the drug treatment does not provide a positive result, then the plate is subject to the removal of the surgery.Also, with the form of onychomycosis, antifungal medicines are prescribed in the form of tablets, which have systemic effects on the body.
Home treatment products
Before using funds for home treatment, you should consult your doctor.With its resolution, you can use the following recipe:
- iodine.Before using the feet, it is necessary to steam, rinse with household soap, and then remove the affected area from the nail plate.Next, treat the nails and skin between the fingers and iodine, holding it in the bath with a soda solution for 20-30 minutes and thoroughly dry;
- Vinegar.For 3 liters of water, take 1 tbsp.Apple cider vinegar and add some potassium permanganate.Make sure your feet take a bath for 20-30 minutes, then dry;
- Hydrogen peroxide.As a whole steaming the feet, remove the affected area from the nail plate.Place them cotton wheels moistened with hydrogen peroxide, wrap with a bandage and leave for half an hour.
Myths and delusions are dangerous in the treatment of nail fungus
One of the most important and dangerous myths is that nail fungus is not considered a serious disease.In fact, onychomycosis, advanced, can cause serious consequences until complete deformation and rejection of nails from the nail bed.
In addition, the infected person is a danger to the loved ones every day, because, next to them, they are also at risk of being sick.That's why it's important to know how to cure nail fungus on time.
Prevention
To prevent the development of onychomycosis, it is necessary to exclude the negative effects of the body risk factors:
- Treat system diseases in time;
- Don't wear other people's shoes;
- in the pool and sauna to walk in Shales;
- Change socks daily and follow the rules of personal hygiene;
- Do not wear damp shoes - dry carefully;
- Exclude direct relationships with potential fungal media.