The problem of fungal nail infection is quite common today. The very advanced reproduction of the fungus in the thickness of the nail plates and in the soft tissues surrounding the nail is fraught with complete loss of the nail without the possibility of even partial recovery. That is why if you suddenly find changes in their structure or color that are not characteristic of the usual type of nails, be sure to contact specialists for treatment. They will help determine the presence of a fungal infection and, if necessary, distinguish it from nail bruises, from the manifestation of systemic diseases of the body.
Causes of toenail fungus
Compliance with the usual rules of hygiene and vigilance against infection is the basis for the prevention of fungal infection. Failure to observe these vital aspects leads to disease. Most often, fungi get into the skin and nail plates when you wear someone else's shoes, take bath procedures in public places such as baths, swimming pools, saunas, rarely or do not wash your feet at all, do not fight ingrown nails. and cracks in the rough skin of the feet.
If the condition and disinfection of pedicure tools is poor, it is also possible to get infected with fungi, although this is fraught with more dangerous infections and infections, such as hepatitis B and C.
All these reasons lead to the fact that it is easier for fungal microorganisms to populate previously healthy tissues, for this the most favorable conditions are created, which you only worsen.
What do nail fungus look like?
Signs of toenail fungus do not appear at the same time. Before a clear change in the nail plates on the affected fingers in the region of the periungual soft tissue structures, skin cracks of different sizes and depths can be observed in the interdigital areas. Join this feeling of itching, tingling in the affected areas. The skin may begin to peel, redden in varying degrees of severity of these symptoms. The main signs of a fungal infection are changes in the nail plate. It can be thickened or thinned, and a change in the usual color of the nail is also characteristic: white, light yellow, dark yellow, brown, light green, color combinations. The edge of the nail ceases to be uniform, in advanced cases the nail gradually loses its structure, breaks, crumbles. Finally, delamination of the entire plate may occur.
By closely watching your friends, especially those who are already mature and old, you will likely be able to easily identify the symptoms of nail fungus.
How can you tell a bruised nail from a fungus?
First of all, the bruise of the nail is directly related to the fact of a recent injury to the toe. External manifestations of a bruise do not occur immediately, but after 2-3 hours. Before that, the finger swells, it can become red. Further, the blood that has accumulated under the nail plate (and this is due to its exit from the damaged vessels of the nail bed) becomes visible to the naked eye. Its pile first takes on a pinkish-scarlet color, over time it changes to dark red, dark purple and even black. In parallel, the hematoma decreases in size, and at the end of the healing process it may look like a spot. The soft tissues of the finger retain swelling and a bruise may form on them. The severity of the symptoms depends on the force that caused the damage to the finger and nail plate.
Thus, the symptomatology and actions of the patient that precede its appearance, characteristic of the figure of a bruised nail, are fundamentally different from the clinic of a fungal nail infection. The difference is also evident in the mechanism of development of these diseases: they are infected with fungi, further damage to the nails is associated precisely with the activity of microorganisms, a bruise is the result of an injury and a hematoma is formed. to damage finger vessels, no microorganism is involved in the pathogenesis. Also, nail fungus is treated by a dermatovenerologist or dermatologist, while a bruise is closer to the activities of traumatologists and surgeons.
Method for controlling fungal infection with potassium permanganate
Such a quick and easy recipe for diagnosing a fungus can be used at home. The main substance for the determination is potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate), which must be diluted in pure water to achieve its pale purple color. Next, you should put your feet in the colored water and soak them for a few minutes. If your nails really have a fungus, then potassium permanganate will not stain the affected areas (they will be white). The healthy part of the nail plate will turn brown. So you can easily diagnose the disease.
After completing this experiment, do not forget to treat your nails with hydrogen peroxide for disinfection. And be sure to contact a specialist if you find a positive diagnostic result. Now you know how to spot nail fungus at home without much effort.
The diagnosis of nail fungus in the hospital certainly includes other more accurate laboratory methods to get to the bottom of the problem.
We treat nail fungus with medications
As you know, many people prefer to try folk treatment of any disease instead of modern medicine treatment by doctors. It is possible that nail fungus can be treated with folk methods in some cases, but there is no evidence base for this. That is why the main recommendation if you have a fungal infection of the nails is to follow medical prescriptions, follow the treatment with pharmacological preparations.
Depending on how far the disease has gone, the forms of drugs are chosen. Basically, they are divided into means of local (local) and general action. These drugs contain antifungal agents - a special group of pharmacological substances.
In the first stages of fungal infection, it is preferable to use local medicines (ointments, creams, gels). If the fungus has already been able to enter the general circulation, which is the most severe result, or the nail plate has been affected to a significant extent, the treatment is supplemented with general preparations (tablets or infusions of solutions).
The list of antifungal drugs intended for the treatment of fungal infections of the toenails includes: levorin, nystatin, fluconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, amphotericin B, griseofulvin, itraconazole, terbinafine. These are the names of the active substances that form the basis of the treatment. Such funds can be part of various drugs. That is, the last drugs are only the trade names of those substances that are listed first. In order not to make a mistake with the drug, its form of use and its dosage, be sure to consult with specialists and follow their treatment recommendations.
The most common treatment methods include:
- soda baths
- treatment with iodine
- therapy with vinegar or vinegar essence
- treating fungus with laundry soap
Folk methods are effective only in the early stages, along with medications.
Prevention of nail fungus infection
To protect yourself from fungal microorganisms, you do not need to follow any special rules, they are all simple if you include them in your daily routine. To begin with, refuse to wear someone else's shoes, even in the most harmless cases in your opinion. Also make sure to use slippers and individual tiles in bathrooms, saunas, swimming pools.
Constantly take care of your feet, remove germs well with soap, dry the skin. Try to avoid shoes that make your feet sweat. Watch out for the appearance of cracks in the skin of the feet, especially near the nail plates and in the interdigital spaces. Change socks daily and when they are soiled. And if sweating feet is your not-so-pleasant routine, then we advise you to take an interest in special baths, they can really help you.
Fungal infection is a common disease today among the country's population. Many are not even aware of its presence, referring, perhaps, to the symptoms of a bruised nail or banal everyday pollution. But, as you have already seen, fungi cause quite characteristic clinical manifestations. It is enough to take a closer look at their feet and seek medical help for timely treatment, but it is better to deal with the prevention of infection.