Onychomycosis or, more simply, fungus is an insidious disease that progresses on the nails, more often than on the toenails.Initially, the nail itself “gets sick”, then the periungual tissues are exposed to pathogenic effects.Then (in the absence of suitable treatment), they “head” towards neighboring nails and continue to progress.If you suffer from onychomycosis of the nails (photos below), start treatment immediately, since seemingly harmless darkening of the nail plate can lead to disastrous complications.
Do you think the cause of the yellowing, thinning and loosening 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 initial stage of fungus may already be growing on your nails!
What is a fungal infection?
Anyone can “catch” fungus on their nails, regardless of social status, gender or age category.This type of microorganism “lives” everywhere (soil, humidity, humid environment).The easiest way to “catch” the fungus is in public establishments, such as public baths, a gym shower, or a swimming pool.The spores reproduce well in a humid environment, “searching” for their host.Once on human feet, microorganisms enter the skin through imperfect areas where they begin to parasitize.
The incubation period after the arrival of the pathogen on the legs is quite long and amounts to 2-4 weeks, so it is quite difficult to immediately notice any violations.After surviving the incubation period, the fungus penetrates into the deeper layers of the nail, affecting not only the regrown nail plate, but also the matrix from which it grows.
“It works” as follows.Attaching to nails, skin or hair, it develops inside cells, destroying the main substance necessary for their reconstruction: keratin.
Recognizing nail onychomycosis: photos of the initial stage
When fungal spores are just beginning to parasitize the nail plate, you may notice dulling and a color change closer to yellow or dull brown.In most cases, the first “victim” is the big toenail.
With deeper penetration into the thickness of the plaque, “dirty” spots and spots appear.The plaque itself thickens, begins to darken, and the subungual bed becomes keratinized.The plate comes loose, crumbles and delaminates.
In addition to external excuses, itching and discomfort appear.The cavity between the nail and the bed enlarges, providing a favorable environment for increased proliferation of fungi.An unpleasant odor occurs.
How does toenail fungus develop: stages of development with photos
If, based on the above description, you have determined that you have toenail fungus, the stages of development with a photo will help you “calculate” the current form of the infection.
- White or superficial form.In this case, the microspores of the fungus parasitize the surface of the nail.At first it looks like white spots.Over time, their size increases, the plaque itself becomes rough, crumbly and, when scraped off, falls into plaques.
- Distal-lateral form.The plaque turns yellow, the fungus develops on one of the sides: on the side (in the photo) - a lateral lesion;from above – distal.In case of 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 thickens and the nail bed keratinizes.
- Distal-lateral form, in which the entire plaque is susceptible to fungal infections.In medicine, the term nail dystrophy is often used for diagnosis.
- Proximal subungual form.With such a fungal infection, the periungual tissue is the first to suffer.It turns red, changes shape and the cuticle begins to separate.Then there is a process of nail dystrophy, in which irregularities in the 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, exudes an unpleasant odor, completely changes color, loses its integrity and falls apart.
Symptoms of damage to nail plates by various fungi with photos
Nail onychomycosis can be caused by different types of fungi.Let's take a closer look at what toenail fungus looks like and what symptoms appear during its development.
- Moldy.It is considered a non-penetrating species, making it easy to treat.The main symptoms of such a lesion are a change in the shade of the nail plate.It takes on a greenish, brown or black tint.Perhaps the appearance of spots and dots.
- Yeast.This variety belongs to the genus Candida.By parasitizing, it refines the nail plate.Under the influence of spore development, the nail may acquire a yellowish tint and begin to lag behind the bed.If you do not carry out the necessary treatment, you may notice that the plaque turns brown and begins to peel off.Not only the nail itself suffers from the effects of yeast, but also the adjacent skin, which thickens and swells.
- Dermatophyte.Another variety in which stripes or spots of gray-yellow tint appear.Over time, without proper treatment, the edge of the nail begins to pull away from the bed, exposing the hyponychium.
Which doctor should I go to for help?
Without proper treatment, the fungal infection “migrates” from the nail plates to the skin of the feet.This causes 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 means, define a treatment regimen and monitor the dynamics of therapy.Self-treatment of toenail fungus is not always correct or effective.
How to treat onychomycosis
As we already understood, there are many types of fungi that affect toenails.Therefore, a drug purchased in a pharmacy may not always have the desired effect, since the therapeutic effect will be aimed at localizing only one of the types of onychomycosis, and for other types the active substance will simply remain useless.By consulting a doctor, you will know for sure which medications are needed in a particular case.
Based on the test results, the dermatologist usually prescribes the following treatment:
- medicines intended to be administered orally;
- topical medications.
The latter option is more often used, since most recorded cases of fungal infection are treated in the early stages.In advanced situations, oral therapy cannot be avoided.
“Grandma's recipes” can be used as an aid in the treatment of onychomycosis.But the main emphasis should be placed on traditional medicine, because quite often patients arrive with an advanced stage of the fungus due to the fact that at the beginning of the disease they preferred traditional medicine and advice from “neighbors”.
Modern cosmetology offers special medicinal varnishes, but their effect is not scientifically supported.Please note that you should not cover sore nails with decorative varnish, as this will only aggravate their condition.
Onychomycosis prevention
By following simple preventive measures, you can avoid “acquainting” with fungal infections.Prevention measures include:
- wear dry, comfortable shoes and socks made from natural materials;
- do not walk barefoot in public places (saunas, baths, swimming pools);
- use only your own shoes, including when visiting public places;
- do a pedicure yourself or in “trusted” salons, where the tools undergo proper processing.
Having noticed the initial stage of onychomycosis on the nails, do not self-medicate, but seek help from specialists.