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 fungi that destroy the nails and cause inflammation of the skin. In medicine, these diseases are called onychomycosis or paronychia. The standard misconception is the claim that only people who do not keep their hands and feet clean can get sick with a fungus. Most often, nail fungus 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 localization 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. It is the least noticeable and often does not cause any 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 lamina of the nail. With this disease, a person can experience pain when pressing a finger. This creates inconvenience when walking in shoes.
- The superficial white fungus is distinguished by roughness on the surface of the nails and unsightly whitish spots.
A mycologist who specializes in fungal diseases can determine the cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment.
Types of mushrooms
Symptoms of infection with a fungal infection are similar, but the doctor selects treatment based on the type of fungus that caused the disease.
- Dermatophyte is the most common fungus that causes violations of the nails and surrounding tissues. Usually he chooses the thumb, little finger and the skin between the fingers. Easily treatable with early diagnosis
- Candida begins its action in the skin between the fingers and moves towards the nail.
- Fusarium and Alternaria molds are rare and are found mainly 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 get infected in common areas.
- Contact with the bearer of the fungus and his belongings. This could be a visit to a bathroom or sauna, the use of single extraneous accessories, or poorly crafted manicure items.
- Excessive foot sweating creates an environment conducive to the spread of the fungus.
- The use of narrow, poorly ventilated shoes made of artificial materials contributes to the creation of high humidity, helps the development of the disease.
- A weakened immune system is unable to fight infections.
- Treatment with antibiotics leads to a weakening of the immune system and decomposition of the body's microflora.
- A long period of taking antibacterial agents that destroy beneficial bacteria along with those that cause disease
- Diseases of the vessels of the extremities 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 disorders are a good environment for the development of fungal colonies.
- The wounds on the skin and cracks in the nails help the fungus to stabilize and start its work.
- Visiting beauty salons can provoke the appearance of fungal infections if the sanitary standard for the processing of instruments is not respected.
In children
In childhood, fungal infections are less common. This is due to the characteristics of the organism. As you know, children's legs are not subject to excessive sweating. However, going to swimming pools and gyms can lead to infections in children. Weakened immunity from colds also contributes to this. In the elderly and adolescents, when rapid hormonal changes occur in the baby's body, there is also a risk of getting a fungal infection. To protect yourself from infections, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of the shoes and wash them in time with antiseptic compounds.
One of the causes of a fungal infection in children may be a lack of vitamins in the body. It is desirable to fill the shortage with the help of proper nutrition and complex vitamin therapy. A medical consultation will help you choose the quality composition of vitamin supplements for your baby.
Development process
Favorable conditions are required for the development of a fungal infection. Sweat-soaked shoes and a neutral or slightly acidic environment create comfort for the fungus to reproduce.
The unsightly appearance of the nails, itching and pain around the nail indicate an incipient infection. If you do not engage in treatment, after a while the fungus will completely destroy the nail plate and reach the soft tissues of the fingers and toes. In the advanced stage of the development of the disease, there may be qualitative changes in the form of blisters filled with a cloudy liquid with a strong unpleasant odor.
Complications
A disease that is common on the outer surface of the nail plate cannot cause inconvenience. In some cases, this condition can last for years. The carrier of the fungus does not suffer alone, but is able to pass the infection on to others.
The consequences of infection with a fungus mainly affect the nails and the tissues surrounding them, but in the future they can cause negative consequences for the health of the whole body.
The growth of fungal colonies causes pain in the legs and leads to difficulty wearing shoes. The nails change shape and can grow into the tissues of the fingers, causing unbearable pain when walking.
The deterioration of the immune system, caused by the toxins that the fungus releases during its life, leads to the frequent occurrence of colds and inflammatory processes in the body.
Allergic reactions caused by the products of the work of the fungus lead to a number of collateral diseases 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. Itching on the skin, red spots and irritation can affect not only the places of the initial localization of fungal colonies, but also the skin of the body and head. This also affects the condition of the hair and skin on the face. It can be part of the cause of dandruff.
Constant itching and discomfort caused by the disease is a fairly common reason to visit a neurologist and psychotherapist.
The advanced form of the disease can lead to nail loss and deformation of the bones and joints.
Prevention
To avoid contagion, it is necessary to strictly observe the hygiene rules not only when visiting public places, but also personal ones.
It is forbidden:
- Use common hygiene items. Each family member should have their own nail scissors, foot towel, soap, and more.
- You can't use someone else's shoes. Through family shared slippers, the infection can spread easily.
- Wash the sick person's things with everyone else. It should be remembered that not all detergents and washing compounds are capable of destroying the fungus. This infection is very persistent. The clothing of a sick person should be treated with special solutions. This is especially true of shoes. It must be thoroughly rinsed inside and often change the insoles.