The initial stage of nail fungus is a pathology characterized by loss of healthy shine, brittleness, changes in the 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 re-development of the pathology.
Insidious onychomycosis
One of the most common infectious diseases is onychomycosis, also known as nail fungus.The pathology is not only common, but also very insidious, which is why it requires careful treatment.Onychomycosis belongs to the category of infectious diseases.Without medical help, it will become chronic with serious consequences.The disease does not appear just like that, everything depends on the hygiene habits of the person and the characteristics of the profession.People of different age groups are affected by the disease.Most often, the fungus affects the foot and the nail of the big toe.The nail plates of the hands are less affected.It happens that the infection gets on the hands when hygienic standards are not observed during a manicure or from infected feet.Cases of "family" infection through common use of hygiene products are common.!Hand fungus is not only a medical problem, but also an aesthetic problem.As the pathology progresses, the patient develops complexes.
Pathogens
trihofitii, fungi of the genus Candida are the main causes of infectious pathology.In rare cases, these are mold fungi.According to statistics, about 20 types of trichophytes 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, the spores of trichophytes 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 the antibodies that have begun to fight them.!Parasites penetrate 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 the parasites.Fungi on the fingers and toes are almost invisible at the beginning of the infection.For the activity and reproduction of microorganisms, a favorable microclimate is warmth and moisture.Therefore, it is not surprising that the infection occurs in public places (saunas, water parks, swimming pools, gyms, transport, stations).The carrier of the infection leaves behind microscopic scales of skin and nails on everything it touches (railings, shower cabins, sauna benches, towels, shoes, flooring, sports equipment).Abandoned spores quickly find a new victim and habitat for active growth and reproduction.First to attack parasites are people who have: low immunity;a body weakened by disease;the psycho-emotional background is disturbed;injuries to the skin, nail plates;problems with compliance with hygiene rules.Lovers of wooden baths are also at risk of infection.Wood has a porous structure and is impossible to disinfect completely.Fungal spores are considered permanent inhabitants of baths, saunas made of natural materials or places where there are household items made of wood.!Sources of infection are warm places with high humidity, hygiene items, bedding, improperly processed manicure tools, and sometimes dishes!
Clinical forms of 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 noticed, which increase in size and spread over time.Hypertrophic form.The infection affects the nail bed and plate.The nail is covered with cavities and tubercles.Fingers and toes suffer.The nail plate separates from the bed.A whitish tint appears.Interesting!The disease tends to manifest symptoms in several 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 a change in the shape and color of the plate (causes of yellowing of the toenails).What does the disease look like in the first stages?At the very beginning, the fungus affects gradually, progressing and spreading over the entire area.Depending on the location, the following types of pathology are distinguished:
- Distal view.The upper part of the nail is affected.
- Side view.The infection develops laterally, close to the skin.
- Proximal view.The plate surface is dirty.
- Proximal view.A 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 dark yellow, and later turns to gray.Changes in the structure occur, bumps and tubercles begin to appear.Later, streaks in the longitudinal direction, spots and blurring appear.There is thickening, tenderness and brittleness 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 pathology.
Parasites on hands.Primary symptoms:
- loss of luster, dullness
- white spots on 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 falls apart
- black streaks on nails
- changes in the skin near the site of the lesion, it swells, reddens, peels
.View of nails affected by onychomycosis in the photo.The symptoms of foot and hand fungus have many similarities.
Fungus on the toes
Microorganisms on the feet, symptoms:
- the plate is partially covered with yellow, blurred spots
- the color is matte, the shine disappears
- thickening and scaling are noted
- the skin peels off between the toes;slight itching between the fingers
- feet emit an unpleasant odor
Treatment of the first stage of the development of the pathology is an important decision, since the peculiarity of onychomycosis is its rapid progression.Untimely treatment will lead to deformation of the nail plate and accumulation of toxic toxins released by parasites.Once in the blood, toxins poison the body, disrupt the functioning of vital organs and disrupt the metabolic process.
Infection control methods
How to treat onychomycosis?Treatment begins with a visit to the doctor, who prescribes a procedure for LBC culture (scraping from the lesions) and other tests.A diagnostic examination will help determine the type of fungal infection and the patient's sensitivity to medications.Treatment in the initial stage requires complete dedication of the patient.Since the road to full recovery is long, you will need to be patient.To avoid a chronic form, it is important to follow all the recommendations of your doctor.
The following is used as a complex treatment:
- preparations that moisturize, nourish tissues, restore metabolic processes - creams, ointments, gels
- means to prevent the development and spread of infection - solutions, drops;advanced infections are treated with tablets and injections
At the beginning of the disease, treatment with non-steroidal and steroidal drugs (lacquers, ointments) is prescribed.They will prevent further activity, the spread of parasites, strengthen the immune system and start regeneration processes.
External drugs:
- Antifungal drugs – used against candida and yeast-like fungi.
- allylamine agents are active exclusively against fungi.
- Cream (the main component is snake oil).
- Gels.
- varnish.
To slow down the fermentation of the mycelium, drugs are prescribed in tablets that have a fungicidal effect.
List of tablets:
- Capsules are a fast-acting drug 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 immediately using the extract of Chinese herbs 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 naftifine hydrochloride, acts quickly, absorbs into the skin and creates long-lasting protection.The film created by the drops prevents microorganisms from penetrating into the deeper layers of the dermis.
In the initial stage of the disease, treatment with folk remedies is used.Apple cider vinegar, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, strong tea infusion, celandine oil, hot spray, salicylic acid 35% work well against parasites.Before using drugs or traditional medicine, it is important to consult your doctor.
Prevention
After treatment of the infection, preventive measures are necessary.
Recommendations:
- do not use other people's shoes or hygiene items;
- only comfortable shoes made of natural materials;
- clean socks, change daily;
- compliance with hygiene rules;
- nail care with absolutely clean tools;
- strengthening the immune system, taking 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.That is why 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.