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 the area of the skin. The affected area is unattractive and perceived as a serious aesthetic problem that can cause many complex. In addition, the disease progresses, the body suffers from the toxins that the fungal microflora secretes in the course of his life. Therefore, it is necessary to learn how to identify nail fungus at an early stage.
Nail fungus at an early stage of the sources of infection
Nail fungus in the initial stages has practically asymptomatic, that is their main danger. Fungal spores are always present in the environment, and are able to survive in the soil from the surface up to sub-zero temperatures. But especially favorable warm and humid microclimate in which they multiply at an incredible speed.
Extension of the infection of a fungal infection in 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 to walk barefoot, to wear other people's Slippers, of common use towel or simply clinging to the rail in the public transport.
The infection is just taking root in the body in the case when your defenses are weakened, and the skin lesions (abrasions, cracks, blisters). Lovers of bath procedures that you should know that the most dangerous are the wooden benches, plants and other household items made of this natural material. The fact that the wood has a structure that is porous and even thorough disinfection is not able to completely remove the mycelium of the fungus.
The main reasons for the infection
That the fungus could penetrate into the body and begin their destructive activities, but needs a little bit of conditions. It is known that the fungal infection affects more elderly people and patients with a reduced immunity. In addition, in order to contribute to infection following predisposing factors:
- 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 and detergents or chemicals, making the skin of the fingers becomes dry and easily damaged.
- Wearing synthetic and tight uncomfortable shoes made of synthetic materials. This type of clothing and shoes do not allow the skin to breathe, causes excessive sweating and creating a warm and humid environment favourable for the spread of fungi.
- Disorders in the endocrine system and immune system;
- Chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, metabolic diseases, pathology of the digestive tract, venous insufficiency).
- The realization of certain drugs (antibiotics, hormonal agents and medications cytotoxic).
- Professional factor. Fungal infections often affect the representatives of the professions related to customer service (hairdressers, therapists, massage, cash, the employees of the baths and saunas).
- Climatic features of the area. The greatest risk are the residents of the areas with a hot climate and high humidity, as it is perfect conditions for reproduction of pathogens.
- Age factor. More often for nail fungus is diagnosed in people of advanced age and this is due to the fact that with age, the slowing of growth of the nail plate and the deterioration of their supply of nutrients.
Numerous studies and inexorable statistics show that each lived 10 years of life increase the risk of infection of the fungal infection in 2 times.
The mechanism of infection
When the fungal spores penetrate the skin through the affected area begins the development of the infection. After contact with fungal spores on the skin passes a certain period of incubation, which lasts a long time. This time is necessary for the fungus to start multiplying. The fungus takes root, where there is a nutrient medium under the plate of the nail and in the skin of the feet. Today there are about 50 varieties of fungus, can lead to the defeat of the nail plate, but the main share still accounts of the group dermatomitsety.
The pathological process in onychomycosis localized and not in the nails, and under the plate of the nail bed. As the penetration of the fungus into the tissues develops subungual hyperkeratosis, which contributes to the separation of the nail plate and its slow destruction.
In order to determine the onset of the disease, you need to know how it works in the first stage of nail fungus. Because without correct and effective treatment of onychomycosis, the disease will always progress and can accompany the person throughout life.
The symptoms of the initial stages of onychomycosis
Nail fungus is caused by fungi parasites, which starts to destroy healthy tissues after only a few days after the infection. To solve this unpleasant situation, if only to take appropriate action. Otherwise, it will be a progressive destruction and the separation of the nail plate, which can lead to the total loss of the nail and other unpleasant complications.
As a consequence of the illness of the machine, the nail is going to look very specifically, that you can see in the photo of 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, the symptoms can be different, but there are some signs which are common to all varieties:
- itching of the lesions – especially these feelings interfere with the performance of the usual daily chores;
- between the fingers of the hands and feet redness and irritation of the skin;
- clouding of the nail plate, the disappearance of a healthy glow;
- between the nail bed and a gap;
- change the color of the nail, which is of pale pink on a yellowish-grey, brown and even black shadow;
- the appearance of cracks in the skin of the fingers of the hands or of the feet;
- exfoliation of the nail plate;
- increased fragility of the nail, which then begins to crumble and collapse;
- the unpleasant smell.
Particularly rapid first phase will take place in the case that the person prefers to wear tight and uncomfortable shoes made of thick synthetic material, impermeable to air and prevent ventilation. This contributes to excessive sweating and creating a warm and humid environment favourable for the development of the fungus.
Most often, nail fungus affects the feet, although sometimes it can be seen in the hands. In the first place, in the structure of the nail is made up of several yellowish cavities, which look like stains. Then, the nail plate on the hands becomes thicker and darkens. A patient will notice that it is difficult to cut the nails with the nail Polish, scissors, and process them with a nail file or special clamps.
Treatment of nail fungus in the initial phase in the feet and hands
No need to attempt to cure the nail fungus. There are already several types of fungi and not all the drugs are equally effective, can be independent buy in a pharmacy of the drug in this case will be useless. Therefore, it is necessary to remember that, in any phase of the disease without medical intervention of professionals can not do.
After having defined the initial stage of nail fungus in the feet or hands, you must immediately start treatment. The scheme of optimal treatment and the necessary drugs select a dermatologist based on the results of the tests.
There are 2 ways of treatment of nail fungus:
- antifungal topical application;
- medicines for oral administration.
Modern antifungal topical medications well help in the treatment of the disease, which are used for external treatment of the affected nails.
The means for the removal of the affected nail
Your doctor may prescribe medications. Should handle the nails once a day. Before applying a new layer of therapeutic agent, foot of steam in hot water, and the top layer of the nail brushes nail file. These drugs are an excellent alternative to surgical intervention, as they allow in short terms to remove the machine Polish.
Drops of nail fungus. They contain substances with antiseptic and antifungal action (essential oils, waxes, acid), and urea to help dissolve the infected nail plate.
And then close the nail with a bandage and leave it in a certain time interval (from 1 to 4 days). Then, the procedure is repeated in the same order as long as the affected nail is completely clear.
External funds of the fungus in the initial phase
In the comprehensive treatment of onychomycosis specialist will include external funds of fungal.
External funds are used according to the instructions. The standard scheme of treatment consists in the application of drugs to the affected nails 1-2 times a day. Some antifungals are lucky enough to apply only 1 time per week. Reliable way to prevent the spread of the infection and contribute to the destruction of the fungus.
Treatment of nail fungus in the initial phase of folk ways
For the best effect, in addition to the main course of treatment prescribed by the attending doctor, you can use folk remedies.
- Well-proven cleaning the nail plate with iodine. It is necessary 2 times a day, apply iodine to the nails and the skin around it to allow it to kill the active spores of the fungus and disinfect the affected area. Since iodine is drying the nails after a week of course need to take a break for a few days.
- The garlic has powerful properties, disinfectant, and rapidly destroys the pathogens, so it is often used for the treatment of onychomycosis. You need to take a clove of garlic, peel and grate. The resulting slurry should be applied on the affected area and wrap with a bandage. Out of the mixture of the night and in the morning remove. To carry out the procedure until his condition improved.
- Juice of celandine will also help to eliminate the fungus from the nail. You need to take a stalk from a plant and break it. In place of the rejected produce dense yellowish juice milky. Fresh juice is smeared on the affected areas of the nails. But before applying this method, you should do a test for allergies, to avoid negative consequences.
- The onion will help to cope with the pests of fungi such as the yeasts. It is necessary to peel the onion of the shell, RUB it into the grid and the resulting mass is mixed with a tablespoon of honey. To support this mixture on the nail plate only a few hours a day and after a couple of days to a noticeable improvement.
- In order to mitigate the state of the nails with fungi to help you bath with the addition of soda. For the solution preparation, it is necessary to take 1 tablespoon. spoon of soda in 2.5 l of water and add liquid soap. Take a bath is necessary every day for 15 minutes.
Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus are effective enough, but is better combine it with medication prescribed by your doctor. This combination therapy will allow to cope with the infection in a short period of time, to restore nails healthy appearance and restore its structure.
Treatment of onychomycosis is considered complete in the case when affected by a fungal infection of the nail plate is completely replaced by the healthy. It is a long process, however, the therapy must pass the final, you can't interrupt. To confirm the absence of fungal microflora have laboratory tests that make twice two weeks after the end of treatment and after one month.
Only in the case that the results of time to be negative, we can assume that there was complete 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 to observe strictly the rules of hygiene and the use of agents antifungals (varnishes, creams, ointments) as a preventive measure.
When traditional remedies do not help in the treatment of fungi in the initial stage, you can use the drugs on a natural basis.
Prevention
The main methods of prevention of nail fungus of the hands:
- for personal hygiene. The hands should be washed thoroughly after the visit to the public transport, shopping, etc.
- the use of trays for hands – it improves the immunity local;
- drawing on 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 prevent the occurrence of nail fungus, please follow the following steps:
- wear only dry shoes;
- use socks made of natural materials that provide good air quality and heat;
- in the areas of swimming pool, sauna, SPA, etc. use only for its shoes;
- do not use other people's sets for a pedicure.
It is not necessary to paint the affected nail color lacquered, as this more of them will be the damage and the slow recovery.
Effective and well chosen treatment regime that is not all. Thoroughly disinfect all surfaces with which contact sick – bed linen, clothes, shoes, floor, etc. the Person who suffers from onychomycosis, will be more susceptible to this disease.