In medicine, the fungus of the nails is officially called onychomycosis.It is a fungal disease that affects nail plates on the fingers or legs.According to the WHO, it is a fairly common disease.It occurs in around 27% of people and on the legs, pathology is diagnosed twice more often than on the hands.The problem of the fungus of the nails is very delicate, because the unpleasant type of affected plates means that the patient feels uncomfortable and hides them from others.
Symptoms and signs of nail fungus
Onchomycosis is very easy to recognize, because its signs on the nails cannot be ignored.At the beginning, the nail plates become dull and rough, lose their brilliant shine.Then, instead of the pink, the nail acquires dirty yellow, whitish or gray.Then other characteristic symptoms of the fungus appear:
- an increase in the thickness of the plate;
- defects in the form of scratches, turns, irregularities and waves;
- Relaxing and creaking crews on the plate;
- An unpleasant smell of nails.
As a result, the nail is completely destroyed and even exfoliated, exposing the bed under the nail.The skin next to the plates becomes red and causes serious itching.
Causes
The main reason for the development of fungal infections is to enter the body or inside the human body.As a rule, they are Mikrosporum, Metridium and Epidermofiton.These are mushrooms causing particularly often onychomycosis.
When he enters the body, these fungi are located on keratinized derivatives of the skin, that is to say nails and hair.This is due to the nutrition of the parasites for which they use the keratin of fibrillar proteins, which is available in nails and hair.
Infection ways
The risk of obtaining a fungus in a fungus in public places with high humidity is particularly high.They are saunas, swimming pools, gymnasiums, public baths, etc.The most common infection modes:
- Direct contact with an infected person.Here, the fungus falls from its habitat on healthy areas, thus causing an infection;
- Household paths.In this case, the infection occurs when using the patient's personal things: shoes, personal hygiene items, etc.
Risk factors
The incidence of onychomycosis increases 60 years.Currently, the probability of developing such an infection is 60%, which is explained by a slowdown in metabolism, especially in the distal (distant) areas of the body, which are only fingers and legs.
Other risk factors for the development of nail mushrooms include:
- diabetes mellitus;
- varicose veins;
- nails and adjacent tissue injuries;
- HIV and other immunodeficiency states;
- long -term contribution of antibiotics;
- weaken immunity;
- Vascular and skin diseases, dermatitis, gluteal erythema;
- altered the blood supply of the members;
- Insufficient hygiene.
Complications
With a simple course, the disease causes traditional symptoms for the fungus, causing a person to severe discomfort.But without treatment, onychomycosis can cause complications.Most often, they appear in the addition of a bacterial infection.
Sometimes onychomycosis is very acute with the advent of bubbles, ulcers and crying areas on the skin next to the nail.In serious cases, the disease acquires a generalized form.This means that the nail fungus applies to internal organs and systems, then the patient will need emergency hospitalization.
When to consult a doctor
Many of those who have encountered onychomycosis know that the disease develops slowly and is treated with incredible work.This is why it is very important to consult a doctor when the first signs of the disease appear.The treatment of nail onychomycosis is engaged in a dermatologist.The specialist will provide competent assistance and lead you to a full recovery.
Preparation for a visit to a doctor
Before taking a dermatologist, it is important not to treat the affected areas of the nails, that is to say do not use drugs, including iodine and green.It is also necessary to exclude the use of mushroom creams and ointments.It is worth taking all the previously past tests, including other diseases.Affected nails cannot be cut for 3 to 4 days before consultation.
Nail fungus diagnosis
First of all, the patient is directed to microscopy, which allows you to identify the presence of the pathogen.In the future, it is necessary to determine your variety in order to choose the correct treatment of nail fungi on the legs.The most modern and common methods to diagnose onychomycosis are practiced:
- Bacteriological sowing.To do this, a biological sample of affected tissues is placed in an artificial nutrient environment, where the pathogen is cultivated to determine its type;
- The polymerase chain reaction method (PCR) to detect the DNA of the pathogen in the sample withdrawn from the affected tissues.
Treatment
At the start of the disease, as a rule, local therapy is prescribed, which consists in using creams and ointments with antifungal effects.
Antiseptic solutions are also used as external products from nail mushrooms.In addition to the effective tools of nail onychomycosis, antihistamines and desensitizing drugs are prescribed, which relieves swelling, inflammation and sensitivity.
If the nail is completely affected by the fungus and the drug treatment does not give positive results, the plate is subject to surgical withdrawal.In addition, with a total form of onychomycosis, antifungal drugs are prescribed inside in the form of tablets, which have a systemic effect on the body.
Home processing products
Before using funds for home treatment, you should consult a doctor.By resolution, you can use the following recipes:
- iodine.Before using the leg, it is necessary to steam, rinse with domestic soap, then remove the affected areas from the nail plates.Then treat the nails and skin between your fingers with iodine, with them in a bath with a soda solution for 20 to 30 minutes and dry carefully;
- vinegar.For 3 liters of water, take 1 tablespoon.Apple cider vinegar and add a little potassium permanganate.Keep your legs in the bath for 20-30 minutes, then dry well;
- Hydrogen peroxide.Steam carefully steamed from the legs, remove the affected areas from nail plates.Put them on the humidified cotton wheels with hydrogen peroxide, wrap with a bandage and leave me half an hour.
Myths and dangerous delusions in the treatment of nail fungi
One of the most important and most dangerous myths is that the fungus of the nails is not considered a serious disease.In fact, onychomycosis, progression, can lead to serious consequences for deformation and a complete rejection of the nails of the nail bed.
In addition, an infected person is a danger for beings dear daily, because, being next to him, he also risks getting sick.This is why it is important to know how to cure nail mushrooms in time.
Prevention
To avoid the development of onychomycosis, it is necessary to exclude the negative effect on the body of risk factors:
- Treat system diseases over time;
- Do not wear someone else's shoes;
- in the pool and the sauna to walk in shales;
- Change socks daily and follow personal hygiene rules;
- Do not wear wet shoes - Ply it completely;
- Exclude direct contact with potential mushroom supports.