Nail fungus – types, causes, treatment, prevention [EXPLAINED]

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Toenail fungus is a lesion of the nail plate caused by fungi. The microbes responsible for the appearance of onychomycosis thrive best in a warm and humid environment, therefore the occurrence of onychomycosis of the feet rather than of the hands is more common. Infection is favored by improper personal hygiene, poorly chosen footwear, the use of cosmetic tools of an infected person, and non-compliance with basic hygiene rules in sports facilities.

Nail fungus – definition

Onychomycosis is a lesion of the nail plate caused by fungi. Mycosis develops best in a warm and humid environment, so we can encounter athlete’s foot more often. The disease can affect one nail plate or spread to others.

Mycosis usually affects the first and fifth toes. This ailment likes to come back, so after the treatment is finished, you should follow all the recommendations of your dermatologist and take care of your personal hygiene very carefully.

Nail fungus – types

Onychomycosis is not always one type of infection. Considering the type of fungus that affects the nail plate and the severity and location of lesions and ailments, doctors can distinguish five types of onychomycosis:

1. distal and lateral subungual mycosis – the most common form of onychomycosis. The infection continues to develop, the so-called on the free edge of the nail and / or on the lateral side and spreads medially. The mycosis goes to the nail bed and then leads to keratosis, stand-off and a yellowish-brown color change;
2. proximal subungual mycosis – this infection develops mainly on the fingernails. The fungal infection develops from the proximal part of the plate, i.e. the periungual shaft and the epidermal labrum, the so-called cuticles, i.e. in the place where there is a whitish stain on the nail;
3. superficial mycosis – mycosis develops on the surface of the plate and does not penetrate deeply into its interior. In connection with infection, powdery white lesions appear on the plaque, therefore infection in this form is also referred to as white superficial mycosis. Recently, this name has not been used as often as the spots on the nail can also be black;
4. intra-platelet mycosis – this form of mycosis is quite rare. The infection first develops directly in the plate from the free edge. The mycosis does not cover the placenta, so that keratosis does not appear. This form of mycosis is characterized by lamellar exfoliation of the plaque;
5. dystrophic mycosis – this mycosis appears at a very advanced stage of infection, when the disease affects the entire nail.

Check: Who lives in the shoe? – how not to get infected with mycosis!

Nail fungus – causes

Over 21% of the population suffer from onychomycosis. Mycosis is very often caused by athlete’s foot, which is sometimes neglected. The patient can feel itchy or burning feetwhich we often treat as a consequence of bad cosmetics or simply dry skin.

These symptoms should not be taken lightly. In the case of its treatment, preparations available at a pharmacy without a prescription are very helpful. The onychomycosis is most often caused by saunas, swimming pools, baths, also wearing used / someone else’s shoes or socks adversely affects our feet.

Nail fungus – risk factors

The development of onychomycosis is influenced by various diseases, including:

1. obesity,
2. diabetes,
3. anemia,
4. gastrointestinal disorders,
5. immune system disorders,
6. hormonal disorders,
7. circulatory system disorders,
8. long treatment with antibiotics,
9. use of steroids,
10. chemotherapy.

Nail fungus likes: warmth, humidity, covered shoes and plastic socks. The disease most often occurs on a damaged nail plate – a cut, too short nails. Women should be careful with acrylic nails and varnishes. Antifungal preparations can be used preventively.

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Nail fungus – symptoms

Onychomycosis develops quite slowly, so often patients do not notice the first symptoms of the disease because they are very subtle and easy to miss. This is especially true of women who paint their nails. Symptoms of mycosis may appear on one or several nails, but most often it affects the first and last (fifth) toenails. It is worth knowing that if the changes affect all nails, it may be a symptom of another disease, such as psoriasis.

In this case, order the EPTA PSO Psoriasis Intensive Nail Conditioner, which you can buy separately or in the Set with 30% urea for body and nail care with EPTA PSO 30 psoriasis.

To the most important symptoms of onychomycosis belong:

1. white, yellow, brown and even black discoloration;
2. thickening of the nail, with its simultaneous brittleness and brittleness;
3. corrugation of the nail;
4. deformation;
5. separation or even detachment of the nail completely from the bed;
6. unpleasant smell of lesions;
7. developing simultaneously inflammation of the nail foldsthat is the skin around the nail. It manifests itself as redness, warmth and pain at the site of the lesions.

In the case of advanced mycosis there may be pain in the toenails of fungus. It should also be remembered that the symptoms of mycosis mentioned above may also indicate other diseases, so most often doctors decide to undergo tests to confirm the diagnosis. The above symptoms may also indicate:

1. nutritional deficiencies;
2. lichen planus;
3. dermatitis;
4. psoriasis;
5. tumor development;
6. bacterial infections.

Remember that various symptoms associated with mycosis may also be associated with the use of certain medications or mechanical damage to the nail (impact, incorrectly performed cosmetic procedures). Therefore, the basis is a thorough medical history.

Onychomycosis – diagnosis

Spots appear on the nail affected by mycosis. The nail is first white, then yellow, until it turns brown. The mycosis causes that the so far beautiful plate begins to flake and delaminate, it becomes thick enough that it is difficult to trim it. Patients complain of an unpleasant foot odor as a result of fungal deposits under the nail.

The doctor we go to, after seeing the foot, immediately recognizes the fungal condition, although it is necessary to perform a mycological examination. Of course, it happens that the diagnosis is ambiguous, which results in laboratory tests. The nail samples are taken and analyzed under the microscope. Attention especially for women: before collecting the material for testing, do not paint the nails or apply creams on the feet.

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Nail fungus – treatment

Nail fungus requires appropriate therapy. If the patient does not start treatment, he or she puts others at risk as it is spreading the disease. Therefore, it is worth consulting any disturbing symptoms with a dermatologist.

Choice methods of treating mycosis and treatment time It depends on many factors. Belong to them:

1. the degree of advancement of changes;
2. emergence of possible side effects as a result of the treatment used;
3. interactions of the agents used with other drugs;
4. the type of fungus that caused the infection.

Typically, treatment for ringworm begins with prescription topical medications. These are therefore various nail polishes against mycosis, creams and lotions to be used on lesions. Initially, a person infected with ringworm can try to heal at home with over-the-counter medications. For example, use MYCOfast Anti-fungal nail fungus that inhibits and fights fungus from the very first application.

However, it should be remembered that if the disease also affects more than one nail or the changes are very extensive and advanced, a visit to the doctor is necessary. It happens then that the doctor starts the treatment with preparations available at the pharmacy on prescription. If the mycosis is very advanced, systemic treatment, i.e. oral treatment, is introduced.

A laser or a laser can also be used to treat mycosis photodynamic therapy. This therapy is based on the use of photosensitizing drugs and light to destroy the fungi causing the fungal infection. If all treatments have failed, the onychomycosis infected nail may need to be removed.

The result of the mycological examination has the greatest influence on the choice of the treatment method. However, you have to wait 3-4 weeks for the result. A dermatologist recommends constant use drugs with fungicidal and fungistatic properties. During treatment, proper hygiene and nail care are essential. Often, drugs used to treat onychomycosis are in the form of nail polishes to facilitate the application of the preparation on the plate.

Manufacturers of medicated varnishes attach special disposable files to prepare the nail plate for application of the drug. Treatment of onychomycosis is long-lasting, often lasting from several to several months (depending on the severity of the disease – often the entire period of full growth of a healthy nail plate must pass).

The fungi attacking the nail plate can attack the surrounding tissues, so the lack of hygiene during the treatment of onychomycosis may result in mycosis of the skin, hands or feet.

Nail fungus – pulse therapy

Your doctor may choose to administer medications by mouth with a variety of regimens. Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend taking them once a day, once a week or in the so-called pulses. This is what pulse therapy is.

Pulse therapy is one way of treating onychomycosis. It is characterized by the oral application of the drug, which ONLY goes to the infected area. It is recommended to take the preparation for 7 days, then take a 3-week break and use it again for another week.

Although the therapy lasts three months, the preparation accumulated in the nails has a further effect for up to 9 months. It is a very convenient form of treatment, and its greatest advantage is that it allows you to avoid surgery. After about a year, we can see the full effect of the treatment.

As a supplement to any treatment measures, it is recommended to polish the nail every 2-4 weeks. Not always used medications easily penetrate the nail, so the more we remove the thickened plate, the more effective the treatment.

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Nail fungus – how long does treatment take?

Treatment of onychomycosis usually takes quite a long time and requires patience on the part of the patient. The healing process usually takes from several weeks to several months. If a completely new healthy nail grows on the finger, the treatment is considered successful.

After the end of pharmacological treatment, remember to disinfect or, preferably, change socks and shoes. Special preparations for this can be obtained from pharmacies without a prescription. If we skip this stage, there is a high risk that the disease will come back, which unfortunately often happens. Therefore, after the mycosis has completely healed, it is so important to follow the rules of hygiene to avoid re-infection.

Nail fungus – recommendations after treatment

People who have problems with onychomycosisshould:

1. choose loose and airy footwear;
2. always wear flip-flops in swimming pools and in changing rooms;
3. wear socks if their feet sweat excessively in covered shoes and change them frequently;
4. gently wash your feet and avoid strongly de-acidifying soaps.

Onychomycosis – is the treatment painful?

Today, onychomycosis is a completely curable disease. Until recently, nails infected with mycosis were surgically removed, but today it is no longer practiced. This form of treatment was very painful and could damage the nail matrix.

Today, onychomycosis is treated with prescription oral medications and various preparations in the form of creams, ointments and over-the-counter mycosis varnishes. Such treatment is not painful. These drugs work by blocking the synthesis of ergosterol, which is the main component of the fungal cell membrane.

In addition, please note that on mileage and effective treatment of onychomycosis circulation in the lower extremities has a huge impact. It is determined, among others, by about the growth rate of the nail plate. This problem mainly affects the elderly, but problems with slow-growing nails also affect, for example, young people with diabetes. Treatment of onychomycosis is then supported with drugs to improve the blood supply to the limbs.

Read absolutely: Medicines for onychomycosis – how to choose the best?

Nail fungus – complications

Onychomycosis is often the cause of various pain ailments, so it is sometimes difficult to ignore infections. Keep in mind that in the elderly and diabetics, onychomycosis can lead to inflammation of the connective tissue and even foot ulceration.

Treatment of onychomycosis it is not easy or short-term, and the disease may recur. Treatment is so difficult because the nails do not have blood vessels, making it difficult for medications to access them. Another difficulty is the slow growth of the nail plate, so the full effect of the treatment is visible only after a few months. As a result, many patients give up treatment, or it is difficult for them to be systematic.

Onychomycosis – over-the-counter medications

There are cases where they can prove effective home remedies against mycosis. However, this applies to quite small superficial changes on one nail. Such lesions can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, i.e. creams, ointments or antifungal medicated varnishes, which will not only fight infection, but also take care of the affected plaque and the closest skin.

When treating onychomycosis, it is very important to regularly shorten and file the diseased nail. It is best to use disposable files for this purpose. As a result, the drugs better penetrate the diseased nail plate. It is also easier to control the spread of the infection and the disease will not spread to the next nails.

Due to the fact that onychomycosis is resistant to the treatment of keratinized structures, it is resistant to some home treatments, such as nail scrubbing or soaking in soap suds, which can even aggravate the disease and its symptoms. Keep in mind that mushrooms like moisture. Proper care is very important, but it is not worth soaking your feet in warm water for a long time. Therefore, if you notice any disturbing symptoms, it is best to see a doctor immediately.

Read absolutely: Facts and myths about athlete’s foot

Nail fungus – prevention

As mentioned above, onychomycosis is a condition that likes to come back. However, there is a way that can help minimize the risk of reinfection.

After treating onychomycosis, it is worth knowing and implementing a few simple rules that will allow us to avoid recurrence of the disease:

1. it is forbidden to walk barefoot in various sports centers, such as a swimming pool or a locker room;
2. using the services of reliable and proven pedicure and manicure salons – a prerequisite is the use of sterilized tools or disposable tools. It is worth checking whether you can bring your tools in a given salon. If you are performing various treatments at home, equipment must be replaced after treatment to avoid contamination;
3. short cutting the nails without cutting the cuticles;
4. after washing your hands, always clean your nails thoroughly;
5. after bathing thoroughly dry your feetalso focusing on the spaces between the fingers. Wear gloves when cleaning, change socks if feet get sweaty;
6. take care of the safety of nails on the legs and hands as well as the skin of the feet and hands; do not bite your nails;
7. choose the right footwear;
8. always use your toiletries (scissors, files, pumice, etc.);
9. if we are active, we often use antifungal preparations, e.g. powder or spray.

Let’s remember that shoes worn when treating onychomycosis best to throw away. They are a source of reinfection and can lead to relapse. However, if we cannot afford it, the spores of the fungi must be destroyed. To do this, you can try the following methods:

1. you should put the shoes into the foil bag together with 10% formalin solution. Then it should be tightly closed and left in a dry and warm place. After 2 days, shoes should be aired;
2. dissolve 1 tablet in a glass of water. quinoxyzol, put a cloth / gauze / cotton soaked in the solution beforehand into each shoe. Put each shoe in a separate foil bag and seal it tightly. After the day has elapsed, take out your shoes and air them out in the same way as in the case of formalin.

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3. Toenails – the most common problems

Nail fungus – contagious

A person suffering from onychomycosis can become a source of infection for others as well as for themselves. Today, mycosis is a completely curable disease, and in addition, several different methods of treatment can be used. According to some people, it is a waste of money and time, because the disease is not very bothersome. However, please note that untreated mycosis spreads to larger and larger areas of the skin and it becomes more and more annoying.

Most importantly, people who do not get treatment spread the infection to others. This is especially true for people who like and often use swimming pools or paddling pools. The source of the problem is also trying on shoes or borrowing shoes.

Fungi develop most quickly in warm and humid environments, which is why infections are most common in such places. Most often, infections occur in the summer, when we often use swimming pools and swimming pools. When the fungus adheres to the skin of our feet, footwear becomes the best place for its development.

Nail fungus – restoration of the plate

Toenail mycosis often causes damage to the nail plate or causes the toenail to be completely removed. Today it can be recreated through the use of specific reconstructive and prosthetic methods.

These treatments are usually performed by podiatrists, i.e. foot health specialists. Thanks to them, nails that are too short or heavily damaged do not get irritated in shoes and socks. Such treatments prevent the development of inflammation and swelling, and are also part of the prevention of disease recurrence.

Commonly used methods of nail reconstruction and making dentures is the use of:

1. gel mass;
2. acrylic mass;
3. silicone mass;
4. silk;
5. specialized varnishes.

The selected mass is applied to the healed nail. After it dries, a piece of non-woven material of the appropriate size is glued. These activities are repeated several times until the tile is of the desired thickness. Such a denture does not lead to deformation of the nail shaft, and a healthy plate grows faster and, what is very important, does not grow.

However, it should be noted that these are not methods of treating onychomycosis and, importantly, they can be performed only after the treatment is completed. These preparations contain antifungal substances, but their task is prophylaxis of onychomycosis recurrencesnot treating it.

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