Onychomycosis or nail fungus is contagious
a fungal disease that affects fingernails and toenails and can easily be spread to others.The pathogens are usually fungi of the genera 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 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 belongings or objects that have interacted in some way with the carrier of infection.It is more common in older people or in adults with weakened immune systems.
Although nail fungus in itself is not life-threatening, it "harasses" a person's immune system, the body becomes more susceptible to other diseases and, without proper treatment, can lead to irreparable complications, which is why the treatment of nail fungus must be taken very seriously.
Causes of nail fungus
A warm and constantly moist environment is optimal conditions for fungal colonies.In places where sanitary and epidemiological regulations are not observed, the risk of infection is increased.You can “catch” onychomycosis in public places or through common objects.
Fungi are natural inhabitants of the skin and mucous membranes;The immune system encounters them all the time and can easily cope with them when healthy.However, some factors lead to a weakening of the body's defenses and thereby activate fungal invasion.Among them:
- suffered serious illnesses;
- Circulatory problems (e.g. due to shoes that are too tight);
- constant exposure to a warm, moist environment (e.g. in hyperhidrosis or wet shoes);
- hormonal imbalances;
- venous thrombosis, systemic vascular diseases;
- nail injuries;
- taking antibacterial drugs;
- stress etc.
Patients with systemic diseases are particularly susceptible to mycoses: diabetes, psoriasis and immunodeficiency states.
The likelihood of developing onychomycosis is significantly higher in people who suffer from skin fungus.Mycosis of the skin is accompanied by severe itching, and constant scratching leads to nail infection and the spread of the infection.
Types of nail fungus
Onychomycosis refers to superficial mycoses - fungal infections that affect the skin and mucous membranes.If the immune system is significantly weakened, deep mycoses can occur - 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 and become covered with light spots or stripes, but the shape and structure of the nail plate does not change.
- Hypertrophic – the nail noticeably turns yellow, thickens, deforms, the shine of the nail is lost and begins to collapse on the sides.
- Onycholytic (atrophic) – affected nails become thin, brittle and gradually separate 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 shade changes color;
- the nail thickens, deforms, cracks and peels in advanced cases;
- Pain in the area of the affected nail, 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.
Stages of development
The fungus can invade through the free (distal) edge of the nail, the lateral folds on the sides, or through damaged areas of the nail.Initially, the infection is fixed on the edges of the nail and spreads to the entire nail as the colony grows.The fungus can penetrate into the epithelial tissue under the nail plate through microcracks and wounds on the nail.
Usually the big toes are the first to be affected by fungus.The first signs of onychomycosis are the appearance of light spots on the nails.The color of the nail plate changes - the pink shade of healthy nails disappears.The nail plate becomes earthy-gray, yellowish or whitish and loses transparency.The edge of the nail begins to crack and becomes thinner.
When fungal fixation and mycelium formation have occurred, deformation of the nail gradually begins.After penetrating the nail plate, the mycosis slowly spreads to the hard nail shell and then to the adjacent tissues.Air pockets form and delamination begins.Some try to cut off the entire affected area - this does not give the expected result, since the infection has already penetrated into the deeper layers.Sometimes there are disruptions in the process of nail tissue formation - the nails grow poorly and new areas appear already deformed.
Next, the nail begins to deteriorate, pain may appear and an unpleasant odor may be perceived.The next stage of the infection process is the transfer of the fungus to neighboring nails and adjacent skin areas.
The longer you ignore the problem of the fungus, the more it “takes root” in the body and the more difficult it is 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 does not go away on its own.Treatment of onychomycosis with “folk methods” or the use of antifungal drugs “at random” is usually not effective.Although this has a short-term effect, over time the disease will recur if left untreated.To get rid of onychomycosis, a systematic approach and the involvement of a doctor is required.
To confirm the diagnosis, a nail scraping is usually prescribed - a microscopic examination for the presence of pathogenic fungi, then a culture is created to determine the specific pathogen.Based on the test results, the doctor can 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 more months, as the nail recovers.
Antifungal drugs are preparations of both local (cream, spray, ointment, gel) and complex action (injections, tablets).In addition to the use of medications, when treating fungus, it is necessary to disinfect shoes, gloves, floors and bathrooms, towels and bed linen.
In extremely advanced cases, the nail is so badly damaged that the only effective treatment is its removal.However, surgery is resorted to only when other methods of treating onychomycosis have failed and there is a risk of further spread of the infection.
Prevention of nail fungus
The body does not form specific (targeted) immunity to the fungus, therefore, even after successful treatment of onychomycosis, there is a risk of re-infection if hygiene rules are not followed.
To avoid infection with onychomycosis, it is important:
- follow the rules of personal hygiene;
- Do not use other people's personal items or clothing.
- Wash your feet (or at least your feet) daily with cold 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 so they stay level with the balls of your toes.
- Disinfect nails regularly with an antiseptic.
- Clean regularly and avoid moisture and excessive humidity.
In case of nail injuries, it is important to immediately treat the wound with antiseptics and consult a doctor to treat the wound promptly, as it can serve as a “gateway” for a fungal infection.