Nail fungus or onychomycosis is a common infection that affects the nail plate, nail growth zone and nail bed and is the cause of yellow toenails. The injury seems to be only a cosmetic problem, but if treatment is not started on time, it can lead to changes and destruction of the nail plates, as well as more serious complications.
We tell you what type of infection it is, whether it can be cured and how to tell if there is fungus on your toenails.
What is onychomycosis and the reasons for its occurrence?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection. In most cases, nail fungus is caused by microscopic fungi from the dermatomycete group. In particular it is about:
- Trichophyton rubrum;
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes;
- Epidermophyton floccosum.
Less commonly, an infection can be caused by yeast and mold.
How it enters the body:
Nail infections occur when the pathogen penetrates the nail plate or other nail structures. Typically, fungi attack the nail in one of three ways:
- through the subungual notch - the area where the nail came out of the nail bed and now there is a small gap between it and the fingertip;
- through the dorsal or upper part of the nail plate;
- through the proximal nail fold, which is located at the base of the nail root.
Sources of infection:
The exposure itself occurs through contact with the environment through various objects. For example, through bath mats, washcloths, scissors and other manicure accessories, but also in closed shoes, where moisture and heat create a favorable environment for the development of fungi.
The infection is also transmitted from an infected person. This often happens when someone in the family becomes infected with a fungus and the infection spreads to other family members.
Risk factors:
- Age – the older the person, the higher the risk of developing onychomycosis. The age category over 70 makes up the largest proportion. This is because with increasing age, nail growth slows down and fungi are no longer suppressed as effectively.
- Wear tight, uncomfortable shoes that make your feet sweat profusely.
- Walking without light shoes in public places such as swimming pools, showers and baths.
- Nail injury.
- The presence of skin diseases affecting the nails.
- Presence of diabetes mellitus.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Weakened immunity.
Symptoms of athlete's foot
The main signs of nail fungus can be seen with the naked eye. These include the following nail changes:
- Thickening – this occurs due to keratinization of the nail bed;
- Color change – the color can be different: white, gray, yellow, brown;
- increased fragility and destruction;
- Discoloration – the color becomes dull;
- shape changes;
- purulent discharge under the nail – can occur with an advanced form of onychomycosis;
- unpleasant smell.
The more specific symptoms of toenail fungus depend on the type of infection.
The infection can also affect the fingernails, but such onychomycosis is rare because wearing shoes creates more favorable conditions for infection to develop.
Classification of onychomycosis
Today, two classifications of infections are relevant: by the site of infection and by the principle of development.
Depending on the location, nail fungus can be:
Distal-lateral – the most common form in which the nail separates from the nail bed on the side and front. The nail plate becomes less transparent and takes on a whitish or yellow color. Gradually, the edge of the nail begins to thin and crumble. As the infection progresses, it can reach the matrix, which can lead to nail dystrophy.
Superficial – usually the infection develops only on the surface layer of the nail and most commonly affects the big toe. White spots appear on the nails, as well as white stripes. As the spots develop, they take up most of the nail and turn yellow. The nail feels rough when palpated.
Proximal – a white spot appears in the area of the white arch and the base of the nail, from where it spreads forward. As the infection develops, it grows into the deep layers of the plate, leading to its destruction.
Totally dystrophic – develops as a result of other forms, usually distal. The nail becomes yellowish-gray and thickened. Its surface becomes uneven and may also partially or completely collapse.
According to the principle of development, the fungus can be:
Normotrophic changes relate only to the color of the nail plate; whitish or yellow spots appear on it. Over time, the entire nail may become this color. At the same time, the properties of the nail remain unchanged - it does not lose its shine and does not become thinner.
Hypertrophic – the nail loses its shine, its stratum corneum thickens and deforms. It may be partially destroyed. Patients may experience pain when walking.
Atrophic or onycholytic – at the place where the fungus develops, the nail plate becomes brownish-gray and is also torn off from the nail bed.
Why is nail fungus dangerous?
Nail fungus is often only associated with a cosmetic problem. Changing the appearance of your nails can cause aesthetic discomfort. For some patients, white or yellow nails due to infection can lead to decreased self-esteem and fear of showing off their legs in the pool or on the beach.
But the more the fungus progresses, the more dangerous it becomes, especially for people with diabetes, as it can lead to foot ulcers, burns and other dangerous illnesses. Patients with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of developing bacterial infections and are also at increased risk of an allergic reaction.
When you should contact a specialist and which doctor treats nail fungus
It is recommended to see a specialist at the first symptoms of infection, as although the disease can develop slowly, treatment becomes more difficult and may take longer as it progresses.
What is the name of the doctor who treats nail fungus?
Nail fungus is treated by a mycologist or dermatologist.
Diagnosis of nail fungus
At the appointment, the specialist takes an anamnesis to determine the possible cause of the lesion and conducts a visual examination. To clarify the diagnosis, a microscopic examination of nail abrasions is carried out. With its help you can determine whether the change in the nail is a result of a fungal infection or other diseases are the cause.
Treatment of nail fungus
As part of the therapy, the doctor takes into account the form of the disease, the degree of nail damage, the patient's well-being and age, as well as the speed of nail growth. Based on the information obtained, the following methods can be used:
External treatment
Refers to drug therapy and can be used as the only drug treatment option if the fungus has only affected a third of the nail at the front and sides. Patients are prescribed creams and varnishes with antifungal effects. However, if the nail is severely damaged, external medications may not work.
Drug therapy
If there is significant damage to the nail, patients are prescribed systemic antifungal drugs - antifungal drugs in the form of tablets or solutions that reach the site of infection through the blood.
If one drug is ineffective, the doctor may choose another, since the effectiveness of drugs is individual for each patient and it may take time to choose the most appropriate one.
Medications that stimulate the growth of the nail plates can also be used.
A doctor must be responsible for selecting and prescribing a medication; Self-medication may not produce results and may cause harm to health.
Treatment can be time-consuming and may require antifungal medications for up to 12 months.
surgery
Patients may be recommended surgery – partial or complete removal of the infected nail. During therapy, the nail plate is separated from the nail bed and the finger is covered with a sterile bandage.
Is it acceptable to treat toenail fungus with folk remedies?
On the Internet you can find various folk methods for curing athlete's foot using herbs or homemade solutions. In fact, at most they help to slow down the development of an infection in the initial stages, so the effectiveness of such funds is controversial; it is better to consult a specialist.
Is it possible to completely cure toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is difficult to cure - the therapy itself can take quite a long time, and relapses often occur within 2-3 years after taking systemic antifungal drugs. However, if all recommendations are followed and regular examinations by a doctor, there is a higher probability that the infection will no longer bother the patient in the future.
Prevention of toenail fungus
Recommendations before or during treatment of onychomycosis:
- Follow the rules of personal hygiene - wash your feet regularly and, if infected, wash your hands after touching the nail. You should also change your socks regularly. If your feet sweat frequently, you should change your socks several times a day if possible.
- Trim your nails regularly - after the procedure, it is recommended to smooth the edges with a nail file and lightly file thicker areas. Nail scissors or clippers must be disinfected after every haircut.
- Wear slippers when going to the swimming pool, bathhouse or similar public places. Dry skin after contact with water.
- Avoid uncomfortable shoes that make your feet sweat a lot.
- Disinfect shoes regularly with special sprays or solutions until the end of therapy.
- If the disease is confirmed, it is also important to ensure that the infection has not been passed on to other family members.
Recommendations after treatment:
- Remove shoes worn during treatment.
- Lead a healthy and active lifestyle to strengthen your immune system.
- If symptoms occur after treatment, contact your doctor again.
forecast
If you see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear, you can carry out treatment faster, avoid complications and, in most cases, completely cure the disease.