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Fungus under the fingernail treatment. How to cure a fungus on the hands with an operative method. Signs of infection with fungi of the genus Trichophyton

What it is? Fungus of nails on the hands, scientifically, onychomycosis is an infectious disease that occurs when the skin and nails are infected with fungal microflora (see photo). About 50 types of fungi are known to cause the disease.

Fungal nail infection is the most common dermatological disease. It is believed that the true number of infected is 10-20% of the total population of the Earth, although only 2-14% have been diagnosed.

Especially often the disease develops in persons of the older age group, in whom a physiological decrease in the body's resistance is observed.

In Russia, up to 15 million people suffer from onychomycosis. More often they are amazed and. Infection of fingernails is less common and can occur both as a primary disease, for example, when an infection is introduced during a manicure, and secondarily, when the fungus spreads from infected toenails.

This option is most often observed in the elderly, due to untimely treatment of foot fungus. Very common "family" infection with the fungus, it is observed in 88% of cases.

The high prevalence of onychomycosis among members of one family is associated with non-compliance with hygiene measures, for example, the use of 1 towel, washcloth, etc. for the whole family. Normally, each family member should have personal hygiene products.

The cause and culprit of hand onychomycosis are:

  • yeast fungi of the genus Candida (in most cases);
  • dermatophytes - anthropophilic trichophytons.

Symptoms of nail fungus on the hands, photo

nail fungus on the hands, photo - the initial stage can be manifested by weakening of the nails

Any type of nail fungus on the hands has 3 main symptoms:

  1. Discoloration of the nail plate;
  2. Thickening of the nail plate;
  3. Destruction of the nail in the form of erosion of the contours and other manifestations.

Changes in nails can start from the edge of the nail plate, or from its base. It depends on the type of microorganism that caused the disease, i.e. whether we are talking about candidal or dermatophytic infection.

Fungus under the nails on the hands is observed in the proximal subungual form, which is caused by fungi of the genus Candida albicans (Candida albicans). This form affects mainly women and usually affects the right hand, which is associated with its functional purpose.

The proximal form of nail fungus on the hands at the initial stage is characterized by the fact that the pathological process begins from the root, the base of the nail.

In response to the penetration of the pathogen in the posterior or lateral nail fold, inflammation occurs - paronychia. In this case, the nail roller swells, thickens, and redness appears. Scales of a gray-silvery color appear along the edge. When palpating, the roller is painful, and when you press on it, a drop of pus may appear.

  • However, purulent exudate is not specific for fungal infection. It appears only when a bacterial pyogenic microflora is attached against the background of a local weakening of immunity.

When the process passes to the nail, deformations appear in the crescent region. Then its color changes: white or yellow spots are formed in the thickness of the nail at the root. Onycholysis gradually develops - the nail lags behind its bed and loses its transparency, so it can fall off on its own.

What does nail fungus look like when affected by dermatophytes? When infected with anthropophilic trichophytos, nail damage is observed, as a rule, in combination with damage to the scalp, as well as smooth skin. More often, the damage to the nails begins on the hands, later the toenails may change.

Changes in the nail begin at the edge of the plate and from its sides with the appearance of stripes or gray spots, thickening of the nail plate, and the appearance of grooves on it. Also, a whitish spot may form in the center of the nail, which, when enlarged, occupies the entire plate. Nails fade, over time they begin to deform and crumble.

Thus, it is possible to avoid the negative consequences associated with fungal nail infection. However, for this it is necessary to seek medical help in a timely manner, i.e. before complications develop.

From this position, the appearance of whitish spots and stripes on the nail plates are the signs when you need to visit a doctor (dermatologist or trichophytologist).

Before starting therapy, a detailed examination of the patient is carried out using additional diagnostic techniques. If they detect nail fungus on their hands, treatment is started with topical preparations.

This type of therapy is acceptable when there is a limited lesion of single nails, with a superficial and initial form. A limited lesion is determined if no more than 3 nails are involved in the pathological process, and each nail plate has no more than 50% damage to its surface. In other cases, systemic therapy is also indicated.

Topical treatment uses an approach in which the affected nail is softened and removed, followed by the application of an antifungal agent, or medicated varnishes are used.

  • Cleaning and treatment with the Mikospor kit.

The kit includes an ointment containing the antifungal drug bifonazole and urea. These drugs help soften the nail plate.

The ointment is applied to the affected nail, covered with a plaster and left for 24 hours. Then, after lowering your hands in warm water for 10 minutes, use a special scraper included in the kit to clean the softened part of the nail.

After that, the ointment is again applied and the nail is covered with a plaster. This procedure is carried out daily until the infected plate is completely removed - the nail should not flake off from the bed, and the nail bed should become smooth.

This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. Further treatment of nail fungus on the hands consists in the daily application of a cream or solution of Mikospor for 2-3 weeks.

Also, after removing the affected part of the nail, it is possible to apply a solution of amorolfine (contains ciplopirox), creams, ointments or sprays: Exoderil, Thermikon, Terbinafine, Lamisil, Nizoral.

This information is for reference only, so it is imperative to consult a doctor. Only a specialist can select the most optimal drug, taking into account the spectrum of antifungal action and the pharmacological sensitivity of these microorganisms.

  • Healing varnishes are applied according to the scheme until the healthy nail grows back completely, but not more than six months.

Before the first application, remove as much of the affected nail as possible with scissors or nail clippers. This will be a mechanical way to get rid of pathogenic fungi.

You need to clean the nail plate from the previous layers of varnish no more than once a week, using any nail polish remover. This is due to the fact that the active components of medicinal varnishes exert their effect within 1 week. They are then inactivated, so reapplication is required.

Most often, varnishes such as Batrafen, Lotseril, Mikoderil, Demicten are used. They are sold through the pharmacy chain over the counter. As the only treatment for onychomycosis, this method has conflicting data regarding the effectiveness and the associated percentage of cure (9-50%). Therefore, a combination therapy is required.

If the fungus on the hands does not respond to local treatment or has caused it to spread from the feet, and there are significant changes in the nail, a full-fledged complex treatment is necessary, in which local therapy is supplemented by taking an antimycotic drug inside, i.e. local therapy is combined with systemic.

Most effective are drugs of the following groups:

  • Introconazole (Orungal). It is used for any type of onychomycosis. It is prescribed in the "pulse therapy" mode: in case of a disease of the hands - 2 times a day for 1 week, a break of 3 weeks, the cycle is repeated 1 time;
  • (Diflucan), effective in onychomycosis caused by yeast. In case of damage to the nails on the hands, it is prescribed once a week for 6 weeks;
  • Terbinafine (Lamisil, Exifin). Mostly they are effective and are used for dermatophytosis. Prescribed for fingernail fungus 1 time per day for 6 weeks.

Rotating its circles, the specialist compares the form of the lesion (taking into account the symptoms), the length of the pathological process and the degree of existing hyperkeratosis in combination with the patient's age.

As a result, it receives a certain value in points, which was previously deduced by researchers empirically using mathematical formulas. KYOTOS is a universal system for accepting therapeutic treatment for onychomycosis.

It should be noted that antimycotic drugs are toxic and contraindicated in diseases of the kidneys, liver, as well as in pregnant women. Therefore, they should be appointed only after an accurate diagnosis and assessment of the circumstances "for" and "against".

It is difficult, and often impossible, to cure nail fungus on the hands using exclusively folk remedies. However, they can be used in combination with pharmacological drugs, as well as when there are contraindications to taking antimycotics.

The algorithm for treating the fungus with folk remedies is the same as in traditional therapy: first you need to remove the affected part of the nail, and then apply the remedy.

Some folk remedies that can be used for fingernail fungus are given in this list:

  • Hydrogen peroxide - applied to a small part of a cotton pad, the size of a nail, applied to the lesion and fixed. The exposure time is 10-15 minutes. The procedure is carried out once a day for 1-3 months. Peroxide, as an active oxidant, has a detrimental effect on mycelium and fungal spores;
  • Acetic acid - first, they make medicinal baths, diluting 9% vinegar with water in a ratio of 1: 8, immerse the nails in the solution for 5 minutes. Baths are made once every two days, the course is 7 baths. Then the following mixture is applied: 70% vinegar (1 tsp), sunflower oil (1 tsp), 1 chicken egg and dimephthalate (1 tsp). After application, the nails are wrapped in cling film and put on gloves, leave for several hours. The course consists of 4 procedures;
  • Propolis - mix 1 tsp. with 100 ml of ethyl alcohol, applied to pre-steamed and processed nails and as much as possible under the nail plate in the places of destruction, wrapped up, left for several hours. Course 3 procedures;
  • Tar soap - cover the affected nail and the roller with this soap, then immerse your hands in salt, wrap your fingers with foil and put on gloves or mittens, leave overnight. You can use this remedy until it is completely cured;
  • Coffee - in strong coffee, cooled to room temperature, put the fingers on the hands for 5 minutes. Such a bath removes itching well and makes the skin smooth. After the procedure, the application of an antifungal cream gives a good effect.

Ideally, folk remedies should be seen as an adjunct to conventional therapies. They help to enhance the effect of antifungal drugs and achieve a speedy cure and eradication (destruction) of fungi.

Prevention of fungal infections of the hands

To prevent fungal infection of the nail plates on the hands and feet, certain preventive rules should be followed. They are quite simple and effective if done regularly.

These include:

  1. Moderate hand hygiene, to preserve the protective lipid layer of the skin, which provides natural antifungal protection;
  2. Monitoring the condition of nails with frequent visits to nail salons. As a preventive measure, after a manicure, you can treat your nails with an antimycotic cream. However, it is often not worth getting carried away with it, tk. it disrupts the natural protective layer. It is better to visit a proven nail salon, where due attention is paid to the measures for processing tools;
  3. Prevention of family infection consists in the timely detection and treatment of fungus, especially foot fungus in the elderly, as well as the use of individual towels, nail scissors and other personal hygiene products;
  4. Re-infection is prevented by treating the patient's gloves, disinfecting nail files, washcloths, and towels. The latter should be washed at high temperatures and ironed if possible.

Many people consider fungal infections a non-serious disease that does not even need to be treated. This is a very dangerous delusion. If the disease is started, then it can cause significant discomfort. Fungus of nails on the hands is especially unpleasant, since the fingers are always in sight, and the sight of the nail plates affected by the fungus frightens others.

One of the most common dermatological diseases is fungal infections. They can affect the skin and nails. In the latter case, the disease is called onychomycosis. Most often, nail fungus affects the toes, but sometimes the fungal infection also occurs on the hands. Moreover, in women, fingernail fungus is more common than in the stronger sex.

Causes

Fungal infection is one of the most common. Spores of pathogens in the environment are widespread, but contact with a fungal infection does not mean that the disease will necessarily develop.

Sources of infection

You can catch a fungal disease almost anywhere. A person's hands are open almost all the time and during the day they come into contact with many objects, so the risk of contact with the pathogen is very high. The most common sources of infection:

  • Contact with a sick person. Especially at risk are people who have onychomycosis from someone at home. The fact is that the infection can be transmitted not only through direct contact, but also when using common items - towels, manicure accessories, etc.


  • You can get infected in public places. Most often, infection occurs in saunas, gyms, swimming pools, since there is the most favorable environment for the growth of fungi. Another source of the spread of infection is poorly sterilized manicure tools.
  • The source of infection can be the person himself. If he has onychomycosis on his toes, then the likelihood that fungus will appear on his hands is very high.

Provoking factors

Contact with a fungal infection does not always end with the development of the disease. The main reasons and provoking factors:

  • frequent stress;
  • improperly composed diet, a large amount of sweets in the diet;
  • chronic diseases - diabetes mellitus, endocrine pathologies, etc.;
  • poor hygiene;
  • decreased immunity;
  • a long course of antibiotics;


  • taking oral contraceptives;
  • long-term wearing of false nails, in the space between the nail plate and the artificial nail ideal conditions are created for the reproduction of a fungal infection.

At-risk groups

Certain groups of people are at risk of developing fingernail fungus. It:

  • people who often visit gyms, swimming pools, baths;
  • patients suffering from hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the palms);
  • workers who, by the nature of their profession, often come into contact with water;
  • housewives who neglect the use of gloves while doing housework;
  • elderly people.


Signs

It is very important to know how nail fungus begins in order to notice the problem in time. If you start treatment when the first signs of the fungus appear, then it will be possible to cope with the disease much faster. Description of the main symptoms of nail fungus on the hands at the initial stage:

  • loss of gloss;
  • the appearance of mild grooves;
  • the formation of small spots.

If the nail fungus on the hands has not been cured at the initial stage, then the disease will progress. At this stage, the following symptoms may appear:

  • loss of the natural color of the nail plate;
  • loss of gloss and transparency;
  • the appearance of the first signs of deformation.

At an advanced stage, the following symptoms appear:


  • delamination of the plate;
  • change in the shape of the nail;
  • thickening of the nail;
  • departure of the nail from the nail bed.

In addition, signs of nail fungus at an advanced stage are complemented by symptoms such as:

  • the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
  • inflammation of the skin around the nail;
  • itching and pain.

Types and stages

Different types of fungi can cause destruction of the nail plate. The following types of the disease are distinguished:

  • Onychomycosis. This variety is the most common. It is characterized by a long course and gradual development. Infection occurs through contact with a sick person or when using objects common with a sick person.


  • Sporotrichosis. The disease is most often diagnosed in children and people working with animals. The causative agent of this disease is the fungus sporotrichum. The disease develops acutely, at first the nails are affected, and then the skin and subcutaneous tissue are involved in the process.
  • Onycholysis. A characteristic feature of this type of disease is the complete detachment of the nail plates from the nail bed. The disease develops rapidly and is extremely contagious. A hand with affected nails looks very unattractive, so patients are ashamed of the manifestations of diseases and try to hide their hands.
  • Candidamycosis. Fungi of the genus Candida are conditionally pathogenic microorganisms that are almost always present on the skin of healthy people. But with a decrease in immunity, fungi begin to develop rapidly, which leads to the development of the disease. The manifestations of this disease on the nails of the hands progress very quickly. First, the color of the plate changes, then nearby tissues are involved in the process, the nail roller becomes inflamed.

There are several forms of the course of the fungal infection of the nail, these are:

  • Normotrophic. This form is more common than others. The disease develops gently and gradually. First, spots and grooves appear, then the color of the plate changes, and then dystrophic processes begin, that is, the plate becomes thinner and becomes very fragile.


  • Hypertrophic. With this form, physical discomfort is added to aesthetic problems, that is, pain and burning sensation appear. In addition, the nail crumbles heavily and sharp particles of the plate can injure the delicate skin in the subungual space.
  • Atrophic. At the beginning of the process, a thinning of the plate is noted, the nails become uneven and extremely brittle. In the later stages, inflammatory processes in nearby tissues join.

Depending on the location of the lesion focus, the following forms are distinguished:

  • Distal. The first signs of damage are noted in the corners of the plates at the outer edge of the nail.
  • Proximal. In this case, the inflammatory process begins at the base of the nail.
  • Superficial. This form develops when affected by mold fungi, the lesion focus is not in the depth of the plate, but on its surface.

Advice! Most often, there are signs of nail fungus on the thumb or little finger. If the infection is left untreated, the disease will gradually spread to all other fingers.


Diagnostics

It is impossible to independently diagnose only by the appearance of the nails. Therefore, if you notice any changes in the appearance of the nail, it is worth contacting a specialist. , which will be able to confirm whether there may be a fungus on the nails or it is some other disease.

Advice! Similar signs can be observed in psoriasis of the nails, lichen planus, Reiter's syndrome and a number of other dermatological diseases. The analysis will confirm or deny the diagnosis.

An analysis for nail fungus is carried out by taking material (scraping from a diseased nail). The material is planted on nutrient media, so that it will be possible to identify the type of pathogen, as well as its sensitivity to various types of antifungal drugs.


Treatment

After the diagnosis is made, the specialist chooses a therapy regimen. The patient should know that it is not easy to cure the nail fungus on the hands, it will take a lot of time and a lot of patience to carry out the treatment procedures every day.

Advice! It is possible to cure the beginning onychomycosis in 2-3 months, but if the disease is started, then the treatment will take at least a year. Moreover, this disease is prone to relapse, therefore, after the cure, it will be necessary to periodically apply preventive measures.

Approximate treatment regimen

The tactics of therapy are chosen individually, depending on the stage of the disease, as well as on the general state of health and other individual factors. An example scheme might include:


  • systemic and local action;

Advice! If treatment is started at a very early stage, then the use of general antifungal agents (tablets taken orally) is not advisable. At this stage, it is sufficient to use only external agents.

  • taking medications aimed at improving capillary blood circulation, it is necessary to improve tissue nutrition;
  • the use of funds for general strengthening of the body;
  • mandatory disinfection of personal belongings (manicure tools, towels, etc.) to exclude secondary infection;
  • subsequent prevention of relapse by.


Additionally, procedures can be prescribed to clean and remove the affected part of the nail. For this, a hardware manicure is prescribed either.

Advice! If desired, you can additionally use the methods of traditional medicine. When these methods are combined with the use of modern drugs, better results are achieved.

Choice of drugs

Only a specialist can prescribe medicines for nail fungus on the hands, since the causative agents of the disease can be different, therefore, the choice of drugs is carried out taking into account this condition. For systemic and local therapy, as a rule, two groups of drugs are used:

  • Azoles. These are synthetic antimycotics, derivatives of triazole and imidazle. These are the most popular drugs prescribed for nail fungus.
  • ... This group is less effective, but it has fewer contraindications.


  • Allylamines. This group of antimycotics, which effectively destroy the fungus, especially when applied externally.
  • Other types of drugs - ciclopirox, griseofulvin, etc.

Correct application

Whatever drugs the doctor prescribes, they must be used correctly. External products should only be applied to a previously prepared nail. This requires:

  • for hands to soften the nail plates;
  • cut nails shortly, trying to remove the affected parts of the nail as much as possible (with the distal form of onychomycosis);
  • process the affected nail with a file, removing the top layer of horny cells;
  • wipe the nail with an antiseptic solution (alcohol);
  • apply medication - or.


Then they should be taken strictly according to the prescribed scheme. Most often, with a fungus, pulse therapy is prescribed.

Advice! Pulse therapy is a regimen of taking drugs in short courses with breaks in between.

Folk remedies

In addition to antifungal agents prescribed by a dermatologist. It is especially recommended to use baths for nails, this procedure is carried out before applying external agents. Add to the baths:

Use medicated varnishes for prophylactic purposes.

Fungus under the fingernails is an unpleasant dermatological disease that can be transmitted from person to person or acquired under certain conditions. You can catch this infection in many public places: in the pool, gym, sauna or steam bath.

How to identify nail fungus

The fungus affects the nails and the skin around them. Most often, it is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • discoloration of the nail from dark gray to greenish;
  • delamination of nails, increased fragility;
  • thickening of the nail;
  • lag of the nail from the bed.

Note! Symptoms like these may be the result of trauma to the nail, rather than a fungal infection. As a result of some injuries, there is even a loss of the nail plate. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms.

Often, the shape of the nail plate, its color, skin texture change under the influence of household chemicals, household chores, and lack of cosmetic care.

The causes of the fungus and how it is transmitted

The fungus lives where there are good conditions for its reproduction. It should be a nutritious moist environment, with a slight clarification, temperatures up to 75 degrees with an alkaline PH value. Human skin is an ideal habitat for fungi, so it is very easy to get infected with it. Areas of increased risk of nail fungus infection are:

  • reservoirs open for general bathing;
  • swimming pools;
  • gyms;
  • saunas;
  • baths;
  • hotels.


In these places, human skin is steamed, small particles of it are separated from the body and deposited on furniture, floor, handrails, interaction with which leads to infection.

The fungus can also be transmitted in the home. If there is a person with a fungus in the family, then the infection can be transmitted through shared towels, bed linen. There are cases when the disease was transmitted through handrails in the subway or simulators in fitness clubs.

Attention! The fungus under the nails develops very slowly. The first symptoms may not be noticed. Only constant nail care and monitoring of the condition of the skin and cutie will allow you to determine the presence of an infection in time.

There are frequent cases of fungus in lovers of artificial nails. High humidity and temperature are formed under them, favorable for the growth of fungal bacteria. It is not recommended to wear false nails for more than three months.

There are three types of fungal infections that affect the nail plates on the hands:

  • a normotrophic infection does not change the shape, size, or thickness of the nail. Its main feature is dark spots and stripes on its surface;
  • onycholytic infection is accompanied by detachment of the nail plate, looseness of the skin under it, discoloration;
  • hypertrophic fungal infection affects the edges of the nails, accompanied by pain.


Each type of fungal infection can cause about ten different diseases. A dermatologist will help to establish the diagnosis accurately based on research on the fungus under the nails.

Methods for treating fungus under the fingernails

The effectiveness of the treatment of fungus under the nails depends on the timeliness of medical intervention. The sooner the patient see a doctor, the sooner he will get rid of this disease. Microscopic analysis of a nail particle allows you to determine the type of fungus, its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. There are several techniques that are used during the treatment of a fungal infection.

  1. Systemic therapeutic therapy. It consists in the systematic intake of pharmacological drugs: tablets and capsules, which are prescribed by a doctor based on a complete diagnosis of the infection.
  2. Using methods of external treatment. If several nails are affected by the fungus, special ointments and gels are prescribed that stop the development of the infection.

Attention! There is no quick fix for a fungus. Treating an infection is a lengthy process. The assurances of pharmaceutical companies that any gel or ointment will get rid of the fungus in a few applications are false.

  1. An integrated approach that includes the combination of internal medication with the use of ointments. This therapy is used in the later stages of the infection.
  2. The use of traditional medicine. Treatment with folk remedies is permissible in the early stages of the development of a fungal infection. Some doctors note that making nourishing baths and lotions is useful in combination with traditional drug therapy.

In severe forms of fungal infection, the nail plate is surgically removed. Rarely, antibiotics are given when the infection is accompanied by a bacterial complication.

During the early stages of infection, the affected nails need special care. It is necessary to periodically remove the affected skin and nail with special manicure tools. In difficult cases, this can be done in any beauty parlor.

The key to successful treatment of nail fungus on the hands is a thorough examination of the infection that has struck.

Note! Fungus infection cannot be determined by the appearance of the skin and nails. This only indicates its presence. Fungus can represent many dermatological diseases.

Fungal infection most often affects organisms with weak immune systems. The lower the weaker human immune mechanisms, the harder it is to cure the disease. Treatment of the infection must necessarily be directed to the general strengthening of the body.

The use of traditional medicine is permissible only in cases of the onset of the disease, when several nails are slightly affected. Then to stop the development of a fungal infection will help nail baths, which are based on the following components:

  • Apple vinegar;
  • lemon juice;
  • a solution of honey and mint;
  • thyme oil;
  • soda and soap;
  • aloe juice.

These components are mixed in equal proportions with water and kept in the hands for 15-20 minutes. There are no laboratory studies that would confirm the effectiveness of such methods, but many years of experience and practice prove their effectiveness.


Attention! Self-medication can cause the development of other diseases! Often the fungus indicates psoriasis, dermatitis, neurodermatitis. Hundreds of people have tried unsuccessfully for years to cure nail fungus simply because they are treating the wrong disease.

If the fungus has infected a significant part of the nails, it is better to consult a specialist and undergo all the necessary research than to treat the infection at home.

Prevention of fungus under the nails

To protect yourself from the risk of contracting a fungal infection, you need to know about preventive measures, avoid high-risk situations, and follow a few tips:

  • at home and in public places, it is always necessary to follow the rules of personal hygiene: wear your own hand towel, detergents;
  • in fitness clubs and gyms to exercise with gloves;
  • wash hands thoroughly after using public transport;
  • carry with you a gel disinfectant, which, during a long stay on the street, treat the skin of your hands;
  • observe hand skin care: use moisturizing hand creams, periodically do nail baths;
  • in beauty salons, make sure that the manicure is done with a clean and disinfected instrument.

Careful adherence to all preventive recommendations will save nails from being damaged by a fungal infection.

The insidiousness is that clinical symptoms do not appear immediately and this significantly complicates and prolongs the treatment process. And the signs of the onset of a nascent infection are few who will take seriously for the symptoms of the disease. And the fungus at this time penetrates under the nails.

The initial stage of onychomycosis is much more susceptible to rapid successful healing with timely therapeutic action. It is possible to recognize the initial stage of the disease by the following signs:

  • Burning;
  • Excessive sweating or dry hands;
  • Thickening of the nail;
  • Formation of white, painful cracks in the palms;
  • Peeling of the periungual areas.

If these symptoms occur, consult a dermatologist to deny or confirm the diagnosis. With the development in the body, the number of symptoms increases significantly and their manifestation depends on the type of mycosis.





Mycosis of the nails of the hands is classified into types:

Based on the prevailing pathological changes:

  • Atrophic onychomycosis;
  • Normotrophic onychomycosis;
  • Hypertrophic onychomycosis;

Based on localization:

  • Regional (distal) onychomycosis;
  • Proximal deforming onychomycosis;
  • White superficial onychomycosis;
  • Lutteral onychomycosis;
  • Total onychomycosis.

Symptoms of different types of disease:

  • With atrophic onychomycosis of the hands, delamination and thinning of the nail plate is observed, its separation from the nail bed, and partial destruction of the nail.
  • The normotrophic form of the fungus is characterized by a change in the color of the nail plate to a yellowish or white color, clouding is the opacity of the nail plate.
  • With hypertrophic mycosis, the nail begins to thicken, acquires a yellow tint, loses its shine, flakes off.

Symptoms of mycosis, depending on the location of the penetration of fungi into the nail:

  • Lateteral (lateral nail damage) and distal (free edge) onychomycosis, they are also often combined, are the most common forms. They are accompanied by fragility of nails, the appearance of white, yellow and gray stripes or spots, and loss of shine.
  • The proximal deforming localization of the fungus is manifested by deformation of the nail plate in wavy stripes, inflammation of the skin folds, and brittle nails.
  • The white superficial form looks like white foci on the nail plate, covering different parts of it or the entire nail completely.
  • Total onychomycosis develops against the background of distal, proximal and lateral onchomycosis, it is, as it were, their final stage, since the entire surface of the nail plate is affected. Symptoms are: dullness, brittleness, delamination, changes in the shape and color of nails in a shade of gray, white or yellow.

These symptoms cause a lot of inconvenience and discomfort in everyday life. If you pay attention to the prevention of the disease, this unpleasant ailment can be avoided.






Preventive measures:

  • Thorough hand washing after coming from the street;
  • Washing hands with soap after contact with animals;
  • Disinfection of manicure instruments;
  • Avoiding direct contact with a person with mycosis;
  • Increased immunity;
  • Supportive care of chronic diseases;
  • Use for hands with anti-fungal effect;
  • Wipe your hands dry after washing;
  • Use of personal hygiene products;
  • Disinfection of any wound to avoid fungal infection.

20-07-2016

11 973

Verified information

This article is based on scientific evidence written by experts and reviewed by experts. Our team of licensed dietitians and beauticians strives to be objective, impartial, honest and present both sides of an argument.

- a very common phenomenon. In medicine it is called. It is very difficult to recognize it at the initial stages of development, but it is quite possible if you pay more attention to your health and your feelings. So what does fungus look like under the nail? And can you cure it yourself? Let's talk about it.

Onychomycosis is an infectious disease that spreads from one person to another. It affects the soft tissues under the nail plate. The fungus multiplies gradually, so it is very difficult to identify it immediately. When it reaches its peak, then the nail plate itself is already drawn into the process, and it is at this moment that a person, as a rule, notices that something is wrong with his nail.

The following:

  • the shape of the nail plate changes (it can be concave inward, like a spoon, or vice versa, become convex, resembling a small mound);
  • the thickness of the nail changes (if normally the nail on the hand has a thickness of 0.5 mm, then when it is affected by a fungus it thickens up to 1-1.5 mm, or vice versa, it becomes much thicker, like a film);
  • the appearance of the nail plate changes (normally it should be smooth and even, and its surface becomes rough, longitudinal lines and cracks may appear on it);
  • the color of the nail changes (normally it should be pale pink, with infection, white or yellow spots appear on it, which eventually darken and acquire a dirty gray tint).

If at this stage you do not start under the nails, then all the above symptoms become more intense and over time the nail plate begins to crumble and move away from the nail bed. In this case, you can observe an unpleasant odor, severe burning and itching.

How is toenail fungus treated?

Only a doctor, after examining and taking the necessary tests, will be able to give an exact answer on how to treat the fungus under the nail. Since here it is necessary to take into account several factors - the type of the causative agent of the infection (there are 300 types of fungi that can infect nails, each of which has its own characteristics and threshold of resistance to certain drugs) and the degree of damage to the nail plate.

At the initial stages of the development of the fungus under the nail, treatment can be carried out with special varnishes or drops, which are used to treat the nail plates. Their active components penetrate very deeply, thus reaching the source of infection. Only treatment with such means should take place until a healthy nail grows back.

When there is already a deformation of the nail plate and its destruction, this means that the fungus has penetrated very deeply and treatment with varnishes and drops alone will not give positive results. It requires both external and oral administration of drugs. In this case, the treatment lasts for about six months.

But again, only a doctor should prescribe all these. After all, only he will be able to find a really effective remedy that will not only mask the symptoms of infection, but also treat it.

It is possible, but only on condition that they are combined with drug treatment. Moreover, they must also be used for a long time. You should not stop treatment at the stage of disappearance of the main symptoms of infection. It must be continued exactly until a healthy nail grows back.

The following:

  • onion compresses;
  • garlic compresses;
  • kombucha compresses;
  • celandine.

Onion compress and garlic compress are made in the same way. You need to take ½ onion or a couple of cloves of garlic and chop until mushy (to increase efficiency, you can immediately use onion and garlic in a 1: 1 ratio).

Then you need to thoroughly wash your feet or hands with soap (it is better to use a household soap), wipe dry with a clean towel. On the affected nail, you should carefully apply garlic or onion gruel, wrap it with plastic on top and fix everything with a bandage. This compress should be left on for at least 10 hours. Then it needs to be replaced with a new one.

Kombucha is also considered to be very effective in fighting fungal infections. It is also applied to the affected nail, wrapped in plastic and a bandage. Such a compress is made every day at night. Take it off in the morning.

Celandine is another versatile remedy that is used not only to treat fungus, but also warts. But this remedy has one big drawback - it can be used only in summer, since fresh grass is needed to treat the fungus. The stem is broken, and the juice, which as a result begins to flow from it, is smeared on the nail.

But here you should be careful not to allow celandine juice to get on the skin, as irritation or even burns may appear. This remedy is used several times a day, while before each application of juice to the affected nail, it is imperative to wash the affected limbs with laundry soap and steam them in a soda bath (1 tbsp of soda for 1 liter of warm water).

There are a lot of ways, like with a fungus under the nails. But it is worth noting that they all do not give the same result as the use of modern drugs. Therefore, if you want to get rid of the infection as soon as possible and return your marigolds to a healthy appearance, you should not self-medicate. It is best to seek medical attention right away.

Video on the treatment of nail fungus