Nail fungus or fungal disease of the nails and tissues of the hands and feet is a common infectious disease. It is caused by yeast, which destroys nail plates and causes inflammation of the skin. In medicine, these diseases are called onychomycosis or paronychia. The common misconception is that only people who do not keep their hands and feet clean can get the fungus. Nail fungus most often affects those who have to stay in shoes for a long time due to their profession or other circumstances.
Symptoms
The classification of the disease depends on the type of infection and the location of its spread.
- Normotrophic onychomycosis is manifested by small changes in the structure of the nail plate in the form of yellowish spots and stripes along the nail. This is the least noticeable and often does not cause discomfort. The main concern is the appearance of the nail, which in the initial stages people try to hide with the help of cosmetics.
- Hypertrophic onychomycosis causes an increase in the volume of the horny plate of the nail. With this disease, a person may experience pain when pressing a finger. This creates inconvenience when walking with shoes.
- The superficial white fungus is characterized by roughness on the surface of the nail plates and unpleasant whitish spots.
A mycologist, a specialist in fungal diseases, can determine the cause of the disease and prescribe the right treatment.
Types of fungi
The symptoms of a fungal infection are similar, but the doctor chooses the treatment depending on the type of fungus that caused the disease.
- Dermatophyte is the most common fungus that causes damage to nail plates and surrounding tissues. He usually chooses the thumb, little finger and the skin between the fingers. It is easily treated with an early diagnosis
- Candida begins its action in the skin between the fingers and moves to the nail.
- Fusarium and alternaria are rare and occur mostly in immunocompromised people
Reasons for the appearance
The main cause of infection is a violation of sanitary standards. But even a person who carefully monitors the cleanliness of hands, feet and things can become infected in the common areas.
- Contact with the fungus carrier and his belongings. This can be a visit to the bath or sauna, the use of individual foreign accessories or poorly treated manicure items.
- Excessive sweating of the feet creates a favorable environment for the spread of the fungus.
- The use of tight and poorly ventilated shoes made of artificial materials contributes to the creation of high humidity, promotes the development of the disease.
- A weakened immune system is unable to fight the infection.
- Treatment with antibiotics leads to a weakening of the immune system and the breakdown of the body's own microflora.
- Long period of intake of antibacterial agents that destroy beneficial bacteria along with pathogens
- Diseases of the vessels of the limbs reduce resistance and allow the fungus to disrupt the integrity of the skin for the development of the disease.
- Manifestations of diabetes mellitus in the form of skin diseases are a good environment for the development of fungal colonies.
- Wounds on the skin and cracks on the nails help the fungus to settle and start working.
- Visiting nail salons can provoke the appearance of fungal infections if the sanitary standard for treatment tools is not observed.
In children
In childhood, fungal infections are less common. This is due to the characteristics of the organism. As you know, children's feet are not subject to excessive sweating. However, going to swimming pools and gyms can lead to infection in children. The weakened immunity from colds also contributes to this. In old age and adolescence, when rapid hormonal changes occur in the child's body, there is also a risk of contracting a fungal infection. To prevent infection, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of shoes and wash them in time with antiseptic compounds.
One of the causes of fungal infection in children may be a lack of vitamins in the body. It is desirable to fill the gap with proper nutrition and complex vitamin therapy. Consultation with a doctor will help you choose the quality composition of vitamin supplements for your child.
Development process
Favorable conditions are needed for the development of fungal infection. Wet shoes from sweat and a neutral or slightly acidic environment create comfort for the reproduction of the fungus.
The unpleasant appearance of the nails, itching and pain around the nail indicate a beginning infection. If you do not join the treatment, after a while the fungus will completely destroy the nail plate and will reach the soft tissues of the toes and feet. At an advanced stage of the disease there may be qualitative changes in the form of blisters filled with turbid fluid with a strong unpleasant odor.
Complications
A disease that is common on the outer surface of the nail plate may not cause discomfort. In some cases, this condition can last for years. The carrier of the fungus does not suffer alone, but is able to transmit the infection to others.
The consequences of a fungal infection mainly affect the nails and the tissues around them, but in the future they can have negative consequences for the health of the whole body.
The growth of fungal colonies causes pain in the legs and makes it difficult to wear shoes. Nails change shape and can grow into the tissues of the fingers, causing excruciating pain when walking.
Deterioration of the immune system caused by toxins released by the fungus during its life leads to frequent colds and inflammatory processes in the body.
Allergic reactions caused by the products of the fungus lead to a number of side effects of the respiratory system and diseases of the liver and kidneys.
An infection that has settled in the body can cause conjunctivitis, rhinitis of various etiologies. Itchy skin, red spots and irritation can affect not only the sites of the initial location of fungal colonies, but also go to the skin of the body and head. This also affects the condition of the hair and facial skin. It may be part of the cause of dandruff.
Persistent itching and discomfort caused by the disease is a fairly common reason for visiting a neurologist and psychotherapist.
The advanced form of the disease can lead to nail loss and deformity of bones and joints.
Prevention
In order to avoid infection, it is necessary to carefully observe hygiene standards not only when visiting public places, but also in private ones.
Forbidden:
- Use general hygiene products. Each member of the family should have their own nail scissors, foot towel, soap and more.
- You cannot use other people's shoes. Through common slippers in the family, the infection can easily spread.
- Wash the patient's belongings with everyone else. It should be remembered that not all detergents and detergents are able to destroy fungi. This infection is very persistent. The clothes of a sick person should be treated with special solutions. This is especially true for shoes. The inside should be rinsed thoroughly and the insoles changed frequently.