Fungal nail infection

Fungal infection, which is localized on the nails in humans - quite a frequent phenomenon. Even in the early stages of the disease, this pathology is difficult to treat. It is much easier to prevent fungal infection or onychomycosis, knowing some features of the development of the disease and its course.

What is a nail fungus attack?

The fungal infection that occurs on the nails is in most cases caused by microorganisms of various species. These are moldy mushrooms, the causative agent of the epidermophyte of the feet, the causative agent of rubrophytic, Candida.

All fungi that lead to the development of onychomycosis are very stable and it is very difficult to get rid of them. The fungus itself is built into the nail and fixed there and despite the treatment, it continues to live and multiply in the structure of the nail.

Fungal nail infection is a disease that is easily transmitted from person to person. You can get infected with this ailment through contaminated shoes( if you wear someone else's shoes), in the pool, sauna, gyms, etc. Also, the fungus can develop on the nails using the same personal hygiene products( bast, towel, manicure accessories).

Who is more prone to fungal nail damage?

This disease of the nails often occurs in people of middle and old age. You can connect such a factor with the fact that the older a person, the more slowly the nail plates grow, the blood circulation and local immunity in the body decrease.

Onychomycosis is spread in males 2.5 times more often than in women. But more often women seek help.

Also exposed to fungal nail lesions are people working in enterprises where there are harmful working conditions. They are miners, personnel of nuclear power plants, workers in the metallurgical industry, etc. The risk group also includes people working in medical institutions( orthopedists, masseurs), athletes, servicemen, bath workers.

Those who have concomitant diseases are also more prone to fungal nail disease. This varicose veins, diabetes, Raynaud's syndrome, lymphostasis - diseases associated with poor blood circulation. This is a deformation of the feet, wearing dentures. This is a violation of the immune system( AIDS, primary and secondary immunodeficiencies).

Residents of megacities are more prone to fungal lesions. This is due to the fact that people spend a lot of time in dense shoes in the city, creating all the necessary conditions for the formation and development of fungus( high temperature, humidity).

What are the symptoms of fungal nail disease?

Symptoms of fungal involvement depend on the pathogen. In case of a fungus caused by trichophytosis, the edge of the nail is first affected, yellow stripes and spots appear. Further, the fingernail loses transparency and shine, it becomes thicker. After a certain time, the nail begins to crumble. With fungus caused by rubromycosis, the nails thicken, twist, resembling something "claws".This lesion of the nails can occur in isolation, and can also be combined with mycosis of the feet.

What is the treatment for this disease?

Treatment is quite long. Treatment includes general therapy and local treatment. Local treatment consists in removing the affected nail surgically, or using special lysing patches that dissolve the nail. If the affected area is small, it is recommended that the affected nail be ground with a nail every day, after treatment with lacquers and fungicidal liquids.

In general, antifungal agents are prescribed for systemic action. This is itcronazole, griseofulvin, ketoconazole. If there is a major disease, then treat it. In some cases, vascular drugs are prescribed, to improve microcirculation and nourishment of nails - this speeds up their growth. One of the conditions for the successful treatment of nails is the prolonged use of anitmicotics( until a healthy nail grows).

It is best not to treat, but to comply with measures to prevent fungal attack. This is hygiene compliance;Wearing only his shoes;Use of personal hygiene products( loofah, towel, manicure items).It is also necessary to wash your shoes often, especially after visiting the sauna, swimming pool, training with detergents.

This nail damage is a very insidious disease. If a fungus develops on the nails, immediately it is necessary to take measures to eliminate it, until it is completely localized throughout the nail area.