Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is contagious
a fungal disease that affects 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 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 effects or with any objects that have in some way interacted with the carrier of the infection.It occurs more often in older people or 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 proper treatment it can cause irreparable complications, so the treatment of nail fungus must be taken very seriously.
Causes of nail fungus
A warm and constantly humid environment is the optimal condition for fungal colonies.The risk of infection increases in places where the sanitary and epidemiological regime is not respected.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 deal with them.But some factors cause a decrease in the body's defenses, thus activating the invasion of fungi.Among these:
- suffered from 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;
- take antibacterial drugs;
- stress, etc.
Patients with systemic diseases are particularly susceptible to mycosis: diabetes, psoriasis and immunodeficiency conditions.
The probability of developing onychomycosis is much higher in people who suffer from fungus on the skin.Mycosis of the skin is accompanied by severe itching, and constant scratching causes infection of the nails and the 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 the internal organs.
There are many types of nail fungus, but they all fall into one of three categories:
- Normotrophic onychomycosis: the nail can change color, become covered with bright spots or stripes, but the shape and structure of the nail plate do not change.
- Hypertrophic - the nail becomes noticeably yellow, thickens, deforms, the shine of the nail is lost and it begins to collapse 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 numerous types of fungi, so the symptoms of the disease can manifest themselves in different ways:
- bright spots or streaks appear;
- the color of the nail becomes earth gray, yellow or light brown, the pink tint fades;
- the nail thickens, becomes deformed, cracks and, in advanced cases, comes off;
- pain in the affected nail area, 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.
Development phases
The fungus can enter through the free (distal) edge of the nail, 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 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 bright spots on the nails.The color of the nail plate changes: the pink tint characteristic of healthy nails disappears.The nail plate becomes earth gray, yellowish or whitish and loses transparency.The edge of the nail begins to crack and thin.
If fungal fixation and the creation of mycelium have occurred, deformation of the nail gradually begins.After penetrating the nail plate, the mycosis slowly spreads to the hard shell of the nail and then to adjacent tissues.Air cavities appear and delamination begins.Some try to cut the entire affected area - this will not give the expected result, since the infection has already penetrated into the deeper layers.Sometimes disorders occur in the process of formation of nail tissue: nails will grow poorly, and new areas will already appear deformed.
Subsequently, 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 nearby nails and adjacent areas of the skin.
The longer you ignore the fungal 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 will 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.Although this has a short-term effect, over time the untreated disease returns.To get rid of onychomycosis, a systematic approach and the participation of a doctor is needed.
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 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 has recovered.
Antifungal agents are prepared with both local (cream, spray, ointment, gel) and complex (injections, tablets) action.In addition to the use of medications, during the treatment of the 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 successfully treating onychomycosis, if hygiene rules are not followed, there is a risk of reinfection.
To avoid contracting onychomycosis, it is important:
- follow the rules of personal hygiene;
- do not use other people's personal objects or clothing;
- wash your feet (or at least your feet) every day with fresh water and soap;
- so that socks or stockings are always clean and dry;if you tend to sweat excessively, treat your feet with special preparations;
- don't let your nails grow, but don't cut them too short either so that they remain at the level of your toes;
- periodically disinfect your nails with an antiseptic;
- Clean regularly and avoid excessive humidity and humidity.
In case of nail injury, it is important to immediately treat the wound with antiseptics and consult a doctor for timely treatment of the wound, as it can serve as a “gateway” for a fungal infection.