Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is contagious
a fungal disease that affects fingernails and toenails and is easily transmitted to others.Mainly, the causative agents are fungi of the genus Trichophyton, Epidermophyton or Microsporum.For growth and reproduction, fungal colonies use the protein keratin, which is one of the components of nails, hair and the upper layer of the skin (epidermis).
Onychomycosis is easily transmitted both through direct contact with an infected person or animal, and through other transmission factors, for example, through contact with the patient's personal belongings or any objects that have interacted in some way with the carrier of the infection.It occurs more often in older people or in adults with weakened immune systems.
Although nail fungus itself is not life-threatening, it “disrupts” a person's immune system, the body becomes more vulnerable to other diseases and, in the absence of adequate treatment, can provoke irreparable complications, which is why nail fungus treatment should be taken very seriously.
Causes of nail fungus
A warm, constantly moist environment is the ideal condition for fungal colonies.The risk of infection increases in places where the sanitary and epidemiological regime is not observed.You can “catch” onychomycosis in public places or through common objects.
Fungi are natural inhabitants of the skin and mucous membranes;the immune system constantly encounters them and, in a healthy state, can easily face them.But some factors cause a decrease in the body's defenses, thus activating the fungal invasion.Among them:
- suffered serious illnesses;
- circulatory problems (e.g. due to tight shoes);
- constant exposure to a hot and humid environment (for example, with hyperhidrosis or wet shoes);
- hormonal imbalances;
- venous thrombosis, systemic vascular diseases;
- nail injuries;
- take antibacterial medications;
- stress, etc.
Patients with systemic diseases are especially susceptible to mycoses: diabetes, psoriasis and immunodeficiency conditions.
The likelihood of developing onychomycosis is much higher in people who suffer from skin fungus.Ringworm of the skin is accompanied by severe itching, and constant scratching causes nail infection and spread of the infection.
Types of nail fungus
Onychomycosis refers to superficial mycoses – fungal invasions that affect the skin and mucous membranes.If the immune system is significantly weakened, deep mycoses may occur - fungal infections of internal organs.
There are many types of nail fungus, but they all fall into one of three categories:
- Normotrophic onychomycosis - the nail may change color, become covered with light spots or stripes, but the shape and structure of the nail plate do not change.
- Hypertrophic - the nail becomes noticeably yellowish, thickens, deforms, the shine of the nail is lost and it begins to crumble on the sides.
- Onycholytic (atrophic) - affected nails become thin, brittle and gradually detach from the nail bed.
Signs of fungal damage to the nail plate
There are a large number of types of fungi, so the symptoms of the disease can manifest themselves in different ways:
- light dots or stripes appear;
- the color of the nail becomes earthy gray, yellow or light brown, the pink tone becomes discolored;
- the nail thickens, deforms, cracks and, in advanced cases, peels;
- pain in the affected nail area, especially when wearing shoes.
Nails affected by onychomycosis can cause an unpleasant odor and severe pain when walking.Advanced fungal infections can cause allergic reactions and create a favorable “platform” for the development of other infectious diseases.
Development stages
The fungus can enter through the free (distal) edge of the nail, through the lateral folds on the sides, or through damaged areas of the nail.First, the infection attaches itself to the edges of the nail and as the colony grows, it spreads throughout the nail.The fungus is able to penetrate the epithelial tissue under the nail plate through microcracks and wounds in the nail.
Typically, the big toes are the first to suffer from fungus.The first manifestations of onychomycosis are the appearance of light spots on the nails.The color of the nail plate changes - the pink tint inherent in healthy nails disappears.The nail plate becomes earthy gray, yellowish or whitish and loses transparency.The edge of the nail begins to crack and become thinner.
If the mushrooms have set and the mycelium has been created, the deformation of the nail begins gradually.Having penetrated the nail plate, mycosis slowly spreads to the hard shell of the nail and then to the adjacent tissues.Air cavities appear and delamination begins.Some try to cut the entire affected area - this will not give the expected result, as the infection has already penetrated into the deepest layers.Sometimes disturbances occur in the process of formation of nail tissue - the nails will grow poorly and new, already deformed areas will appear.
Then the nail begins to deteriorate, pain may appear and an unpleasant odor may appear.The next stage of the infectious process is the transfer of the fungus to neighboring nails and adjacent areas of skin.
The longer you ignore the fungus problem, the stronger it “takes root” in the body and the more difficult it will be to cure it later.Therefore, if the color of the nail, its structure or shape has changed, you should immediately consult a dermatologist or mycologist.
Diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis
Onychomycosis does not go away on its own.Treatment of onychomycosis with “folk methods” or the use of “random” antimycotics, as a rule, is not effective.Even though this has a short-term effect, over time the untreated disease reappears.To get rid of onychomycosis, a systematic approach and the participation of a doctor are required.
To confirm the diagnosis, a nail scraping is usually prescribed - a microscopic examination for the presence of pathogenic fungi, and then a culture is performed to determine the specific pathogen.Based on the test results, the doctor will be able to choose the optimal course of treatment.
The course of treatment for onychomycosis can last from 2 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the disease.The result will be visible later, in a few months, when the nail recovers.
Antimycotic agents are preparations of local (cream, spray, ointment, gel) and complex (injections, tablets) action.In addition to the use of medications, during fungus treatment it is necessary to disinfect shoes, gloves, floors and bathrooms, towels and bedding.
In extremely advanced cases, the nail is so destroyed that the only effective treatment is its removal.But surgery is only used if other methods of treating onychomycosis fail and there is a danger of further spreading the infection.
Nail fungus prevention
The organism does not form specific (targeted) immunity against the fungus, therefore, even after successful treatment of onychomycosis, if hygiene rules are not followed, there is a risk of re-infection.
To avoid contracting onychomycosis, it is important:
- follow personal hygiene rules;
- do not use other people's personal belongings or clothing;
- wash your feet (or at least your feet) daily with cold water and soap;
- so that socks or stockings are always clean and dry;if you are prone to excessive sweating, treat your feet with special preparations;
- don't let your nails grow long, but also don't cut them too short so that they are level with the tips of your toes;
- periodically disinfect your nails with an antiseptic;
- Clean regularly and avoid excessive moisture and moisture.
In case of nail injuries, it is important to immediately treat the wound with antiseptics and consult a doctor for immediate treatment of the wound, as it can serve as a “gateway” for a fungal infection.