Onychomycosis or nail fungus is one of the most common and insidious disease that must be treated, not to cause complications. This disease affects the nail plate on the hands or feet, and then in the nearby area of the skin. The affected area is unattractive and is considered as a serious esthetic problem that can cause a lot of 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.
Nail fungus at an early stage — sources of infection
Nail fungus in the initial phase is virtually 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 yeast infection very. Danger lurks everywhere, because all that is necessary for the spread of the fungus is microscopic flakes of skin and nails, that is the distribution of 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 skin injuries (abrasions, cracks, blisters). Fans of the bath procedures you should know that the most dangerous are the wooden benches, floors and other household items made of this natural material. The fact that wood has a porous structure and even complete 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 yeast infection affects more elderly people and patients with reduced immunity. In addition, to contribute to infection the following factors that are:
- Violation of the rules of personal hygiene.
- Skin lesions (abrasions, scrapes, scratches), through which the spores can easily penetrate in the body.
- Continuous contact with water or chemicals and detergents, causing the skin of 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, causing excessive sweating and creating a warm and moist environment favorable for propagation of fungi.
- Disorders in the endocrine and immune systems;
- Chronic disease (diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, pathology of the digestive tract, venous insufficiency).
- Taking certain medications (antibiotics, hormonal agents and cytotoxic drugs).
- Professional factor. Fungal infections often affect the representatives of the professions that are related to customer services (hairdressers, massage therapists, cashiers, employees of spas and saunas).
- Climate characteristics of the area. Those who are at the greatest risk are the residents of the areas with hot climate and high humidity, as it is perfect conditions for reproduction of pathogens.
- Age factor. Most fungal nail is diagnosed with a people of advanced age and this is due to the fact that with age, a slowing down of the growth of the nail plate and the deterioration of the supply of nutrients.
Numerous studies and inexorable statistics show that every lived 10 years of life, increase the risk of Contracting the fungal infection in 2 times.
Mechanism of infection
Once the fungus spores penetrate the skin through the affected area begins the development of the infection. After contact with spores of the fungus into the skin passes a certain period of incubation, which lasts very long. This time is necessary for the fungus to start multiplying. The fungus takes root where there is a lot of nutrient medium under the plate of the nails and skin of the feet. Today there are about 50 species of fungus, can lead to the defeat of the nail plate, but the main share still accounts for the group dermatomitsety.
The pathological process in onychomycosis localized not of the nails, and under his plate in the nail bed. As the penetration of the fungus into the tissues develops subungual hyperkeratosis, which contributes to separation of the nail plate and its slow destruction.
In order to determine the onset of the illness, you need to know, as does the initial stage of nail fungus. Because without correct and effective treatment of the onychomycosis, the disease will always progress and can accompany a person throughout life.
The symptoms of the initial stages of onychomycosis
Nail fungus is caused by fungi and parasites, which begins to destroy healthy tissue, after only a few days after infection. To remedy this unpleasant situation, if only to take timely measures. Otherwise, it will be a gradual destruction and separation of the nail plate, which can lead to the complete loss of the nails and other nasty complications.
As a result of the disease of the affected nail is going to look pretty special as you can see in the photo the initial stage of nail fungus. It thickens, changes color and shape over time, it will be impossible to cut with conventional nail scissors.
Depending on the type of fungus symptoms may be different, but there are some characters that are common to all types:
- itching of the lesions, especially with 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;
- the clouding of the nail plate, disappearance of the healthy glow;
- between the nail and void;
- change the color of the nail, which is pale pink to yellowish-gray, brown and even black shadow;
- the appearance of cracks on the skin of the fingers or toes;
- exfoliation of the nail plate;
- increased instability of the nail, which then begins to crumble and collapse;
- the unpleasant smell.
Especially fast in the initial stage will take place in the case if the person prefers to wear tight and uncomfortable shoes made of thick synthetic material, impervious to air and prevent 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 yellow cavities, which look like spots and stains. Then the nail plate of the hands becomes thicker and darkens. The person will notice that it becomes difficult to cut the nails with a regular nail trimmer, and the process of them using a nail file or special tweezers.
Treatment of nail fungus in the initial stages of the feet and hands
There is no need to make an effort to cure the nail fungus. Since there are several types of fungi and not all medications are equally effective, can be independently purchased at the pharmacy, 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.
Once defined the initial stage of nail fungus on the feet or hands, you need to immediately start with the treatment. The optimal scheme of treatment and the necessary medicines will select a dermatologist based on the results of the tests.
There are 2 ways to treat nail fungus:
- antifungal topical application;
- drugs for oral administration.
Modern topical antifungals and aid in the treatment of the disease, they are used for the external treatment of the affected nails.
Means for removal of the affected nail
Your doctor may prescribe medications. They need to deal with the nails once a day. Before applying a new layer of therapeutic agent, foot steam out in hot water, and on the top layer of the nail brushes nail file. These remedies are a great alternative to surgical intervention, because they allow the short-term to remove the affected nails.
Drops of the nail fungus. They contain substances with antiseptic and antifungal action (essential oils, waxes, acid), and urea to help dissolve the infected nail plate.
Then close the nail with a bandage and leave it at a certain time (from 1 to 4 days). Then the procedure is repeated in the same order, until the affected nail is completely clear.
External assets of the fungi in the initial stage
In the integrated treatment of onychomycosis specialist will include external funding from the fungus.
External funds are used in accordance with the guidelines. The standard schemes of treatment involves the application of medication to the affected nail 1-2 times a day. Some antifungal lucky enough to apply only 1 time per week. They certainly prevent the spread of infection and to contribute to the destruction of the fungus.
Treatment of nail fungus in the initial stage folk ways
For the best effect, in addition to the main course of treatment prescribed by the attending physician, you can use folk remedies.
- A well proven cleaning of the nail plate with iodine. It is necessary 2 times a day, apply iodine to the nails and the skin around it to allow them to kill the active spores of the fungus and disinfect the affected area. Since iodine is drying the nails after one 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. As a result of the slurry should be applied on the affected area and wrap with a bandage. Leave the mixture in the course of the night and in the morning to remove. To perform the procedure until her condition improved.
- The juice of celandine, also, will help to remove the fungus from the nails. You need to take stalk of the plant and break. In place of the scrapped produce dense yellowish milky juice. A fresh juice is smeared on the affected areas of the nail. But, before the application of this method, you have to test for allergies, to avoid the negative consequences.
- The onion will help to cope with fungi such as yeast. It is necessary to peel the onion from the husk, RUB the grate and the resulting mass is mixed with a tablespoon of honey. Enough to hold this mixture on the nail plate only a few hours of the day and after a few days, to be noticeable improvement.
- To alleviate the situation of the nails with fungus to help bath with the addition of soda. For solution preparation it is necessary to take 1 tbsp. teaspoonful 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 sufficiently effective, but it is better to combine with the medications prescribed by your doctor. This combination therapy will allow you to cope with the infection in a short time, to restore the nails a healthy appearance and restore their structure.
Treatment of onychomycosis is considered complete in the case when affected by a fungal infection of the nail plate is completely replaced with healthy. It is a long process, however, the therapy should be adopted until the end, you can interrupt it. To confirm the absence of fungal microflora are lab tests that make two times two weeks after the end of treatment and after one month.
Only in the case when the results both times to be negative, we can assume that there was a full recovery. But, in this case, can not be complacent, to prevent the possible recurrence of the disease and to exclude re-infection, it is necessary strictly to observe the rules of hygiene and the use of antifungal agents (lacquers, creams, ointments) as a preventive measure.
When traditional remedies do not help in treating the fungus at the initial stage, you can use the drugs on a natural basis.
Prevention
The main methods for the prevention of nail fungus on the hands:
- 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;
- a drawing of the skin prevention cream antifungal effect;
- to perform a nail not more than 1 time in 6 months;
- use only personal manicure set.
In order to avoid the appearance of nail fungus, you need to follow the following steps:
- wear only dry shoes;
- use socks made from natural materials that provide good air and heat;
- in the public areas – pool, sauna, SPA, etc. use only for their shoes;
- do not use other people's sets for a pedicure.
It is not necessary to paint the affected nails the color of the bow, because this more of them will damage and slow recovery.
Effective and properly selected treatment mode, which is not for all. Thoroughly disinfect all surfaces with which contact sick – bed linen, clothes, shoes, floor, etc. The person who suffered from onychomycosis, will be more susceptible to this disease.