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 nail plates and cause skin inflammation. In medicine, these diseases are called onychomycosis or paronychia. The standard misconception is the claim that only people who don't keep their hands and feet clean can get sick with a fungus. In most cases, 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 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. 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 plate of the nail. With this disease, a person may experience pain when pressing on a finger. This creates inconvenience when walking in shoes.
- Superficial white fungus is distinguished by roughness on the surface of the nail plates and unpleasant whitish spots.
A mycologist specializing 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 nail plates and surrounding tissues. Usually, he chooses the thumb, the little finger, and the skin between the fingers. Easily cured with early diagnosis
- Candida begins its action on the skin between the fingers and moves to the nail.
- Fusarium and Alternaria fungi are rare and found mainly in immunosuppressed people
Reasons for the appearance
The main cause of infection is a violation of sanitary standards. But even a person who carefully supervises the cleanliness of hands, feet and things can get infected in common areas.
- Contact with the carrier of the fungus and his things. This may be a visit to a bath or sauna, the use of individual foreign accessories or poorly processed manicure items.
- Excessive sweating of the feet creates a favorable environment for the spread of the fungus.
- Wearing tight, poorly ventilated shoes made of artificial materials contributes to the creation of high humidity, helps the development of the disease.
- A weakened immune system cannot fight infections.
- Antibiotic treatment leads to a weakening of the immune system and the breakdown of the body's own microflora.
- A long period of taking antibacterial agents that destroy beneficial bacteria along with disease-causing ones.
- Diseases of the vessels of the extremities reduce resistance and allow the fungus to alter 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.
- Wounds on the skin and cracks in the nails help the fungus settle and begin its work.
- Visiting nail salons can lead to the appearance of fungal infections if the sanitary standard for processing 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 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 old age and adolescence, when rapid hormonal changes occur in the child's body, there is also a risk of getting a fungal infection. To protect against infection, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of shoes and timely wash them 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 deficiency with the help of proper nutrition and complex vitamin therapy. A doctor's consultation will help you choose the quality composition of vitamin supplements for your child.
Development process
Favorable conditions are necessary for the development of a fungal infection. Shoes damp with sweat and a neutral or slightly acidic environment create comfort for the reproduction of the fungus.
Unsightly nail appearance, itching, and pain around the nail indicate an early infection. If you do not do the treatment, then after some time the fungus will completely destroy the nail plate, reaching the soft tissues of the fingers and feet. At the advanced stage of the development of the disease, there may be qualitative changes in the form of blisters filled with cloudy fluid with a strong unpleasant odor.
complications
A disease that is common on the outer surface of the nail plate may not cause inconvenience. In some cases, this condition can last for years. The carrier of the fungus does not suffer himself, but can transmit the infection to others.
The consequences of infection with a fungus mainly affect the nails and the tissues around them, but in the future they can lead to 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. The nails change shape and can grow into the tissues of the fingers, causing excruciating pain when walking.
The deterioration of the immune system, caused by the toxins released by the fungus during its life, leads to the frequent appearance 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 secondary 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. Itchy skin, red spots and irritation can affect not only the places of initial localization of fungal colonies, but also the skin on the body and head. This also affects the condition of the hair and skin of the face. It may be part of the cause of dandruff.
Constant itching and discomfort caused by the disease are quite a common reason for visiting a neurologist and psychotherapist.
The advanced form of the disease can lead to loss of the nail and deformation of the bones and joints.
Prevention
In order to avoid infection, it is necessary to carefully observe the rules of hygiene not only when visiting public, but also personal places.
Is prohibited:
- Use common hygiene items. Each member of the family should have their own nail clippers, foot towel, soap, and more.
- You can't wear someone else's shoes. Through shared sneakers in the family, the infection can easily spread.
- Wash the sick person's things with everyone else. It must be remembered that not all detergents and washing compounds can destroy the fungus. This infection is very tenacious. Clothes of a sick person must be treated with special solutions. This is especially true for shoes. It should be thoroughly rinsed inside and the insoles changed frequently.