Onychomycosis, or more simply, fungus, is an insidious disease that occurs on fingernails, more commonly than toenails.Initially, the nail itself becomes "sick," and then the periungual tissue becomes subject to pathogenic effects.Later (without proper treatment) they "move into" adjacent nails and continue to progress.If you have onychomycosis (pictured below), start treatment immediately, as seemingly harmless blackening of the nail plate can lead to catastrophic complications.
Do you think your yellow, thinning, and sagging toe decks are due to a recent blow or injury?Don’t you pay attention to the changes and hope “they will go away on their own”?Don’t be so careless, the early stages of fungus may have already begun to appear on your nails!
Fungal infection, what exactly is it?
Anyone can get a fungal infection on their nails, regardless of social status, gender or age.This microorganism "lives" everywhere (soil, moisture, humid environments).The easiest way to "catch" the fungus is in a public institution, such as a bathroom, gym shower, or swimming pool.Spores multiply well in moist environments, "looking for" a host.Once on the person's feet, microorganisms penetrate the skin through imperfect areas and begin to colonize.
The incubation period after the pathogen enters the legs is quite long, up to 2-4 weeks, so it is difficult to detect any violations immediately.After an incubation period, the fungus penetrates deeper into the nail, affecting not only the regrowing nail plate but also the matrix on which it grows.
"It works" follows.It attaches to nails, skin or hair, grows within cells, and destroys keratin, the main substance in which cells are rebuilt.
Understanding Nail Onychomycosis: Early Photos
When fungal spores first begin to colonize the nail plate, you may notice that the nail plate darkens and changes color to something close to yellow or dark brown.Most often, the first "victim" is a nail in the big toe.
As it penetrates deeper into the thickness of the board, "dirty" spots and stains will appear.The plate itself thickens, begins to darken, and the subungual bed becomes keratinized.Boards become loose, chipped and delaminate.
In addition to external apologies, itching and discomfort may also occur.The cavity between the nail and the nail bed enlarges, providing a favorable environment for fungi to multiply.An unpleasant odor occurs.
How Toenail Fungus Develops: Stages of Development (With Photos)
If, based on the description above, you determine that you have toenail fungus, photos of the stages of development will help you "calculate" the current form of infection.
- White or superficial form.In this case, microspores of the fungus colonize the surface of the nail.It initially looks like white spots.Over time, they will increase in size, the board itself will become rough and brittle, and when scratched, the board will fall off.
- Distal-lateral form.The color of the plate turns yellow, the fungus develops on one side: on one side (in the photo) - lateral lesions; from above - distally.As it progresses, gross damage can be observed from above and from the sides.
- Distal lateral hyperkeratosis.It is characterized by the presence of cavities harboring microorganisms.This leads to hyperkeratosis - thickening of the nail plate itself and cornification of the nail bed.
- Distal-lateral form, in which the entire plate is susceptible to fungal infection.In medicine, the term "nail dystrophy" is often used for diagnosis.
- Proximal subungual morphology.With this fungal infection, the periungual tissue is affected first.It turns red, changes shape, and the cuticle begins to separate.This is followed by the process of nail dystrophy, in which irregularities in the nail plate appear in the form of grooves.If treatment is not started promptly, the nail may fall off completely.
- A form of complete dystrophy with an irreversible process, in which the nail plate is uneven, has an unpleasant odor, completely changes color, loses its integrity and falls off into pieces.
Symptoms of nail plate damage caused by various fungi with photos
Onychomycosis can be caused by different types of fungi.Let's consider in detail what onychomycosis looks like and the symptoms that appear during its development.
- Moldy.It is considered a non-penetrating species and therefore easy to treat.The main symptom of this lesion is a change in the color of the nail plate.It is green, brown or black.Maybe it's the appearance of spots and dots.
- yeast.This species belongs to the genus Candida.By becoming parasitic, it thins the nail plate.Under the influence of spore development, nails may take on a yellowish tint and begin to lag behind the nail bed.If you don't get the necessary treatment, you may notice the metal plates turning brown and starting to peel.Not only can the nail itself be affected by yeast, but the adjacent skin can also become thickened and swollen.
- Dermatophytes.Another variety that appears with grayish-yellow stripes or spots.Over time, without proper treatment, the edges of the nail begin to peel away from the bed, exposing the under nail.
Which doctor should I seek help from?
Without proper treatment, fungal infections can "migrate" from the nail plate to the skin of the feet.It causes the following phenomena:
- itching;
- Inflammation between fingers;
- eczema;
- crack
It hurts when I walk.A dermatologist can help you solve the problem, and the sooner you contact him, the sooner you can say goodbye to onychomycosis.Only an expert can best choose a treatment, formulate a treatment plan and monitor treatment dynamics.Self-treatment of toenail fungus may not always be correct or effective.
How to Treat Onychomycosis
As we've discovered, there are many types of fungi that can affect toenails.Therefore, medications purchased in pharmacies may not always have the desired effect, since the therapeutic effect is intended only for the topical treatment of one type of onychomycosis, while for other types of onychomycosis the active substance will be useless.By visiting your doctor, you will determine what medication is needed for your specific situation.
Based on the test results, dermatologists typically prescribe the following treatments:
- Drugs intended for oral administration;
- Topical medications.
The latter option is more common, as most registered cases of fungal infections are treated in the initial stages.In advanced cases, oral therapy is inevitable.
"Grandma's recipe" can be used as an auxiliary method to treat onychomycosis.But the main focus should be on traditional medicine, because many times patients already reach the advanced stages of the fungus because they prefer traditional medicine and the advice of "neighbors" at the beginning of the disease.
Modern beauty offers special medicinal varnishes, but their effects are not scientifically proven.Please note that you should not cover painful nails with decorative varnish, as this will only worsen the nail condition.
Prevent onychomycosis
By taking simple precautions, you can avoid “exposure” to fungal infections.Preventive measures include:
- Wear dry, comfortable footwear and socks made of natural materials;
- Do not walk barefoot in public places (saunas, baths, swimming pools);
- Wear only your own shoes, including when visiting public places;
- Get a pedicure yourself or at a "trusted" salon where the tools are properly prepared.
When you notice the early stages of onychomycosis on your nails, do not self-medicate but seek the help of a specialist.