Onychomycosis or nail fungus is contagious
a fungal disease that affects the fingernails and toenails and is easily transmitted to other people.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 top layer of the skin (epidermis).
Onychomycosis is easily transmitted both by direct contact with an infected person or animal and by other transmission factors, for example, by contact with the patient's personal belongings or any object that has somehow interacted with the carrier of the infection.It occurs most 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, can lead to irreparable complications, so the treatment of nail fungus should be taken very seriously.
Causes of nail fungus.
A warm and constantly humid environment are optimal conditions for fungal colonies.The risk of infection increases in places where the sanitary and epidemiological regime is not observed.Onychomycosis can be “contracted” in public places or through common objects.
Fungi are natural inhabitants of the skin and mucous membranes;the immune system constantly faces them and, in a healthy state, can easily cope with them.But some factors cause a decrease in the body's defenses, thus activating the fungal invasion.Among them:
- suffered serious illnesses;
- circulatory problems (for example, due to tight shoes);
- constant exposure to a hot, humid environment (for example, with hyperhidrosis or wet shoes);
- hormonal imbalances;
- venous thrombosis, systemic vascular diseases;
- nail injuries;
- taking 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.Skin mycosis 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 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 becomes noticeably yellow, thickens, deformed, the shine of the nail is lost and begins to collapse to 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 spots or streaks appear;
- the color of the nail becomes earthy gray, yellow or light brown, the pink tint fades;
- the nail thickens, becomes deformed, cracks and, in advanced cases, falls off;
- 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, the lateral folds on the sides, or through damaged areas of the nail.First, the infection settles on the edges of the nail and, as the colony grows, it spreads to the entire nail.The fungus can penetrate the epithelial tissue under the nail plate through microcracks and wounds in 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 thin.
If the fixation of the fungus and the creation of mycelium has occurred, the deformation of the nail gradually begins.Penetrating the nail plate, the mycosis slowly spreads to the hard layer of the nail, and then to the adjacent tissues.Air cavities appear and delamination begins.Some try to cut out 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: the nails will grow poorly and new, already deformed areas will appear.
In addition, 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 skin areas.
The more the fungal problem is ignored, the stronger it will “take root” in the body and the more difficult it will be to cure later.Therefore, if the color of the nail, its structure or shape has changed, you should immediately go to 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" antifungal drugs, as a rule, is not effective.Even if this produces a short-term effect, over time the untreated disease reappears.To get rid of onychomycosis, a systematic approach and the involvement of a doctor are needed.
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, a few more months, when the nail recovers.
Antifungal agents are preparations of both local (cream, spray, ointment, gel) and complex (injections, tablets) action.In addition to the use of medications, during fungal treatment it is necessary to disinfect shoes, gloves, floors and bathrooms, towels and bedding.
In extremely advanced cases, the nail is destroyed to such an extent that the only effective treatment is its removal.But surgery is only resorted to 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 a specific (targeted) immunity against the fungus, so even after successful treatment of onychomycosis, if hygiene rules are not followed, there is a risk of reinfection.
To avoid contracting onychomycosis, it is important to:
- 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 with cold water and soap;
- so that socks or tights 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 long, but do not cut them too short so that they are at the height of the tips of your toes;
- periodically disinfect nails with an antiseptic;
- Clean periodically and avoid moisture and excess moisture.
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, as it can serve as a "gateway" for a fungal infection.