Onychomycosis or, more simply, fungus is an insidious disease that occurs more often on the fingernails than on the toenails.First, the nail itself becomes “sick,” then the periungual tissues are exposed to pathogenic effects.They then “migrate” to the neighboring nails (without appropriate treatment) and continue to progress.If you suffer from onychomycosis of the nails (photos below), start treatment immediately, as seemingly harmless darkening of the nail plate can lead to catastrophic complications.
Do you think the cause of the yellowing, thinness and looseness of the toenail plate was a recent blow or injury?Do you not pay attention to changes in the hope that “they will go away on their own”?Don't be so careless, the early stages of fungus may already be developing on your nails!
Fungal infection, what is it?
Anyone can “infect” a fungus on their nails, regardless of social status, gender or age group.This type of microorganism “lives” everywhere (soil, moisture, humid environment).The easiest way to “catch” the fungus is in public facilities such as a bathhouse, gym shower or swimming pool.Spores reproduce well in a moist environment and “search” for their host.Once microorganisms are on human feet, they penetrate the skin through imperfect areas and begin to parasitize there.
The incubation period after the pathogen penetrates the legs is quite long and lasts 2-4 weeks, so it is quite difficult to notice violations immediately.After the incubation period is over, the fungus penetrates into the deeper layers of the nail and attacks not only the regrown nail plate, but also the matrix from which it grows.
“It works” as follows.It sticks to nails, skin or hair, grows into the cells and destroys the main substance for their reconstruction - keratin.
Recognizing onychomycosis of the nails: photos of the initial stage
When fungal spores are just beginning to affect the nail plate, you may notice dulling and a color change that is more yellow or dull brown.In most cases, the first “victim” is the nail on the big toe.
When deeper penetration into the thickness of the board occurs, “dirty” spots and stains appear.The plate itself becomes thicker, begins to darken, and the subungual bed becomes keratinized.The board becomes loose, crumbles and delaminates.
In addition to the external discomfort, itching and discomfort occur.The cavity between the nail and the nail bed increases and serves as a favorable environment for the increased reproduction of fungi.An unpleasant smell is created.
How does toenail fungus develop: stages of development with photos
If you have determined from the description above that you are suffering from toenail fungus, you can “calculate” the present form of infection based on the development stages with a photo.
- White or superficial form.In this case, microspores of the fungus parasitize on the surface of the nail.At first it looks like white spots.Over time they increase in size, the plate itself becomes rough, brittle and falls off in pieces when scraped.
- Distal-lateral form.The plate turns yellow, the fungus develops on one of the sides: on the side (in the photo) - a lateral lesion;from above – distal.During intensive development, total damage can be observed both from above and from the side.
- Distal-lateral with hyperkeratosis.It is characterized by the presence of a cavity in which microorganisms parasitize.This leads to hyperkeratosis - when the nail plate itself becomes thicker and the nail bed becomes keratinized.
- Distal-lateral form in which the entire plate is susceptible to fungal infection.In medicine, the term nail dystrophy is often used for diagnosis.
- Proximal subungual form.In such a fungal infection, the periungual tissue is initially affected.It turns red, changes shape and the cuticle begins to peel off.Nail dystrophy then occurs, in which irregularities in the nail plate appear in the form of grooves.If treatment is not started on time, the nail may fall off completely.
- A total dystrophic form with irreversible processes, in which the nail plate is uneven, has an unpleasant odor, completely changes its color, loses its integrity and falls off into pieces.
Symptoms of damage to the nail plates by various fungi with photos
Onychomycosis of the nails can be caused by various types of fungi.Let's consider in detail what a toenail fungus looks like and what symptoms appear during its development.
- Moldy.Because it is a non-invasive species, it is easy to treat.The main symptoms of such a lesion are a change in the color of the nail plate.It takes on a greenish, brown or black hue.Perhaps the appearance of spots and dots.
- Yeast.This variety belongs to the genus Candida.By parasitizing it thins the nail plate.Under the influence of spore development, the nail can acquire a yellowish color and lag behind the nail bed.If you do not carry out the necessary therapy, you may notice that the plate turns brown and begins to peel off.Not only does the nail itself suffer from the effects of the yeast, but also the surrounding skin, which thickens and swells.
- Dermatophyte.Another variety in which stripes or spots of a gray-yellow hue appear.Over time, without proper treatment, the edge of the nail begins to separate from the nail bed, exposing the hyponychium.
Which doctor should I contact for help?
Without appropriate treatment, the fungal infection “moves” from the nail plates to the skin of the feet.It provokes the appearance of:
- Itching;
- Inflammation between the fingers;
- Eczema;
- cracks
It hurts when walking.A dermatologist can help you solve the problem, and the sooner you contact him, the sooner you will “say goodbye” to onychomycosis.Only a specialist can best select the means, design a treatment regimen and monitor the dynamics of therapy.Self-treatment of toenail fungus may not always be correct or effective.
How to treat onychomycosis?
As we have already found out, there are a number of types of fungi that affect toenails.Therefore, a drug purchased in a pharmacy may not always have the desired effect, since the therapeutic effect is aimed only at localizing one of the types of onychomycosis, and the active ingredient simply remains useless for other types.By visiting a doctor, you will know for sure which medications are needed in each individual case.
Based on the test results, the dermatologist usually prescribes the following therapy:
- medications for oral administration;
- topical medications.
The latter option is resorted to more often, since most registered cases of fungal infections are treated in the initial stages.In advanced situations, oral therapy cannot be avoided.
“Grandma's recipes” can be used as an aid in the treatment of onychomycosis.However, the emphasis should be on traditional medicine, since patients often suffer from an advanced stage of the fungus, since at the beginning of the disease they preferred traditional medicine and the advice of “neighbors”.
Modern cosmetics offers special medical varnishes, but their effect has not been scientifically proven.Please note that you should not cover sore nails with decorative varnish, as this will only worsen the condition.
Prevention of onychomycosis
By following simple preventive measures, you can avoid “acquaintance” with fungal infections.Prevention measures include:
- Wear dry, comfortable shoes and socks made from natural materials.
- Do not go barefoot in public places (saunas, baths, swimming pools).
- Use only your own shoes, even when visiting public places.
- Do a pedicure yourself or in “trusted” salons where the tools undergo appropriate treatment.
If you notice the initial stage of onychomycosis on the nails, do not self-medicate, but seek help from specialists.