Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is contagious
a fungal disease that affects the fingernails and toenails and is easily transmitted to others.Mostly, 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 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 somehow interacted 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 “harasses” a person’s immune system, the body becomes more vulnerable to other diseases, and in the absence of adequate treatment it can provoke irreparable complications, so treatment of nail fungus must be taken very seriously.
Causes of nail fungus
A warm and constantly humid environment is optimal conditions for fungal colonies.The risk of infection is increased 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 encounters them constantly and, in a healthy state, can easily cope with them.But some factors cause a decrease in the body’s defenses, thereby activating fungal invasion.Among them:
- suffered serious illnesses;
- circulatory problems (for example, due to tight shoes);
- constant exposure to a warm, humid environment (for example, with hyperhidrosis or wet shoes);
- hormonal imbalances;
- vein thrombosis, systemic vascular diseases;
- nail injuries;
- taking antibacterial drugs;
- stress, etc.
Patients with systemic diseases are especially susceptible to mycosis: diabetes, psoriasis, and immunodeficiency conditions.
The likelihood of developing onychomycosis is much higher in people suffering from skin fungus.Mycosis of the skin is accompanied by severe itching, and constant scratching causes nail infection and the spread of 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 can develop - 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 does not change.
- Hypertrophic - the nail noticeably turns yellow, thickens, deforms, the shine of the nail is lost, and begins to collapse on the sides.
- Onycholytic (atrophic) - affected nails become thin, brittle and gradually peel off from the nail bed.
Signs of fungus damage to the nail plate
There are a huge number of types of fungus, so the symptoms of the disease can manifest themselves in different ways:
- light spots or stripes appear;
- the color of the nail becomes earthy gray, yellow or light brown, the pink tint is discolored;
- the nail thickens, deforms, cracks and, in advanced cases, peels off;
- pain in the area of the affected nail, especially while 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.
Stages of development
The fungus can enter through the free (distal) edge of the nail, the lateral folds on the sides, or through damaged areas of the nail.First, the infection is fixed on the edges of the nail and as the colony grows, it spreads to the entire nail.The fungus is able to penetrate the epithelial tissue under the nail plate through microcracks and wounds on the nail.
Usually, 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 fixation of mushrooms and the creation of mycelium has occurred, deformation of the nail gradually begins.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 off the entire affected area - this will not give the expected result, since the infection has already penetrated into the deeper layers.Sometimes disturbances occur in the process of formation of nail tissue - nails will grow poorly, and new areas will appear already deformed.
Next, the nail begins to deteriorate, pain may appear and an unpleasant odor may be felt.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 problem of fungus, the stronger it “takes root” in the body and the more difficult it is to cure it later.Therefore, if the color of the nail, its structure or shape has changed, you should immediately see a dermatologist or mycologist.
Diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis
Onychomycosis will not go away on its own.Treatment of onychomycosis with “folk methods” or the use of antimycotic drugs “at random”, as a rule, are not effective.Even if this brings a short-term effect, then over time the untreated disease recurs.To get rid of onychomycosis, you need a systematic approach and the participation of a doctor.
To confirm the diagnosis, a nail scraping is usually prescribed - a microscopic examination for the presence of pathogenic fungi, 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 take from 2 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the disease.The result will be visible later, in a few more months, when the nail recovers.
Antimycotic agents are preparations of both local (cream, spray, ointment, gel) and complex action (injections, tablets).In addition to the use of medications, during the treatment of fungus it is necessary to disinfect shoes, gloves, floors and bathrooms, towels and bed linen.
In extremely advanced cases, the nail is destroyed to such an extent that the only effective treatment is its removal.But surgery is resorted to only if other methods of treating onychomycosis have failed and there is a danger of further spread of the infection.
Prevention of nail fungus
The body 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 catching onychomycosis, it is important:
- follow the rules of personal hygiene;
- do not use other people's personal belongings or clothing;
- wash your feet (or at least your feet) daily in cool 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;
- do not allow your nails to grow, but also do not cut them too short so that they remain even with the pads of your toes;
- periodically disinfect nails with an antiseptic;
- Clean regularly and avoid dampness and excessive humidity.
In case of nail injuries, it is important to immediately treat the wound with antiseptics and consult a doctor for prompt treatment of the wound, since it can serve as a “gateway” for a fungal infection.