Onychomycosis or, more simply, the fungus is an insidious disease that progresses in the nails, more often than in the toenails.Initially, the nail itself “gets sick”, then the periungual tissues are exposed to pathogenic effects.Then (in the absence of adequate treatment) they “direct themselves” to neighboring nails, continuing to progress.If you have onychomycosis of the nails (photos below), start treatment immediately, as a seemingly harmless darkening of the nail plate can lead to disastrous complications.
Do you think the cause of the yellowing, thinness and looseness of the nail was a recent blow or injury?Do you not pay attention to changes in the hope that “they will go away by themselves”?Don't be so careless, the initial stage of the fungus may already be developing on your nails!
Fungal infection, what is it?
Anyone can “get” nail fungus, regardless of social status, gender or age group.This type of microorganism “lives” everywhere (soil, humidity, humid environment).The easiest way to “catch” the fungus is in public institutions, such as locker rooms, gym showers or swimming pools.Spores reproduce well in a humid environment, “looking” for their host.Once on human feet, microorganisms penetrate the skin through imperfect areas, where they begin to parasitize.
The incubation period after the pathogen gets to the legs is quite long and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks, so it is very difficult to immediately notice any violations.After surviving the incubation period, the fungus penetrates the deeper layers of the nail, affecting not only the regenerated nail plate but also the matrix from which it grows.
It “works” in the following way.Attaching itself to the nails, skin or hair, it grows inside cells, destroying the main substance for their reconstruction - keratin.
Recognizing Nail Onychomycosis: Early Stage Photos
When fungal spores begin to parasitize the nail plate, you may notice dullness and a color change closer to yellow or dull brown.In most cases, the first “victim” is the big toe nail.
With deeper penetration into the thickness of the plate, “dirty” spots and stains appear.The plate itself thickens, begins to darken, and the subungual bed becomes keratinized.The plate loosens, crumbles and delaminates.
In addition to external excuses, itching and discomfort appear.The cavity between the nail and the bed increases, serving as a favorable environment for increased fungal proliferation.An unpleasant odor occurs.
How nail fungus develops: stages of development with photos
If, based on the description above, you determined that you have nail fungus, the stages of development with a photo will help you “calculate” the current form of infection.
- White or superficial form.In this case, the microspores of the fungus parasitize the surface of the nail.Initially they look like white spots.Over time, they increase in size, the plaque itself becomes rough, friable and, when scraped, falls off in plaques.
- Distal-lateral shape.The plaque turns yellow, the fungus develops on one side: on the side (in the photo) - a lateral lesion;from above – distal.With 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 becomes thickened and the nail bed becomes keratinized.
- 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 this fungal infection, the periungual tissue is the first to suffer.It turns red, changes shape and the cuticle begins to separate.Subsequently, a process of nail dystrophy occurs, in which irregularities appear on the plate in the form of grooves.If treatment is not started on time, the nail may fall off completely.
- Total dystrophic form with irreversible processes, in which the nail plate is irregular, has an unpleasant odor, completely changes color, loses its integrity and falls into pieces.
Symptoms of damage to the nail plates by various fungi with photos
Nail onychomycosis can be caused by different types of fungi.Let's consider in detail what nail fungus looks like and the symptoms that appear during its development.
- Musty.It is considered a non-penetrating species and is easy to treat.The main symptoms of this injury are a change in the tone of the nail plate.It takes on a greenish, brown or black hue.Perhaps the appearance of spots and spots.
- Yeast.This variety belongs to the genus Candida.When parasitizing, it thins 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 therapy, you may notice how the plaque turns brown and begins to peel off.Not only the nail itself suffers the effects of the fungus, but also the adjacent skin, which thickens and swells.
- Dermatophyte.Another variety in which stripes or spots of a grayish-yellow hue appear.Over time, without adequate treatment, the edge of the nail begins to detach from the bed, exposing the hyponychium.
Which doctor should I see for help?
Without adequate treatment, the fungal infection “migrates” from the nail plates to the skin of the feet.Causes the appearance of:
- itch;
- 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 can “say goodbye” to onychomycosis.Only a specialist will be able to better select the means, outline a treatment regimen and monitor the dynamics of therapy.Self-treatment of nail fungus is not always correct or effective.
How to treat onychomycosis
As we have already discovered, there are some types of fungi that affect toenails.Therefore, a medicine purchased at 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 visiting 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 therapy:
- medicines intended for oral administration;
- topical medications.
The latter option is used more often, 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 on traditional medicine, as patients often arrive with an advanced stage of the fungus due to the fact that at the beginning of the disease they prefer traditional medicine and the advice of “neighbors”.
Modern cosmetology offers special medicinal varnishes, but their effect is not scientifically proven.Please note that you should not cover painful nails with decorative varnish, as this will only worsen their condition.
Prevention of onychomycosis
By following simple preventive measures, you can avoid “knowing” yeast 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);
- wear only your own shoes, including when visiting public places;
- do the pedicure yourself or in “trusted” salons, where the tools undergo appropriate treatment.
When you notice the initial stage of onychomycosis in the nails, do not self-medicate, but seek help from specialists.