The proportion of diseases with foot mycosis is about 15-18% of the total population.Among nail pathologies, onychomycosis - fungal infection - accounts for 30%.The main cause of this disease is infection with various types of dermatophytes.
Depending on the type of fungal infection, onychomycosis on the feet has different symptoms and first signs.The cause of this disease is influenced by many factors.Treatment depends on the complexity of the course, the patient's age, general health and includes medical and traditional methods.
Characteristics of the Disease
Toenail fungus, or as it is also called, onychomycosis, belongs to a group of fungal diseases.The causative agents are dermatophytes (accounting for about 80-95% of all cases), and sometimes molds and fungi such as yeast.
Fingernail damage can be caused by:
- Trichophyton Rubrum.
- T. interdigitale.
- Trichophyton anthropophilic.
- Mold fungi.
Mold affects the toenails of people aged 50-70 years.Nail mycosis may occur as a result of a mixture of fungi.
There are several forms of onychomycosis:
- Normotrophic (with preservation of the normal configuration of the nail).
- Hypertrophic (subungual hyperkeratosis contributes to the thickening of the nail plate over the entire surface).
- Atrophic (destruction of the nail plate occurs).
When affected by onycholysis, the plate is separated from the nail bed.
According to the localization of the process, nail fungus on the bottom of the foot is classified into distal (excess of the nail), lateral (lateral side), distal-lateral form, proximal (posterior cushion is affected), total (the entire nail is infected) and superficial.
Sign
Symptoms of onychomycosis depend on the type of pathogen.Healthy human nails have a smooth surface and are pink in color and appear shiny.In most cases, the fungus spreads to the nail plate from infected skin on the same finger.
The first signs of onychomycosis:
- change in color and shape of the nail plate;
- surface contaminates, roughness, removal;
- plate thickening or thinning.
When the disease occurs, one nail is affected, or the infection spreads to a nearby one.Possible manifestations: Skin itching, peeling near the nail plate.
Symptoms of toenail fungus, depending on the pathogen, are shown in the table:
| Stimulus | Manifestation | Uniqueness |
| T. Rubrum | Yellow spots, longitudinal stripes along the lateral edges of the nail plate | In children it is indicated by the roughness of the surface |
| T. interdigitale | Place, a yellow stripe in the thickness of the middle part.Deform the plate.Free edge thickening | The shape of the wound is normotrophic |
| Trichophyton anthropophilic | Stripes and spots of gray color on the side and on the distal edge.Plate thickening, groove appearance, fragility | With favus, the disease begins with the appearance of yellow spots in the thickness of the nail plate, which gradually spread to the entire plane.Toenails are affected during the prolonged course of the disease |
| Mold | This wound is superficial.Possible Nail Plate Colors: Yellow, greenish, blue, brown, black |
Manifestations of onychomycosis, depending on the form of damage to the nail plate:
| Name | Symptoms | Dye |
| Normotrophic | Shape and shine are preserved.The nail plate is thickened at the corners | Distal edge yellow, surface dull |
| Hypertrophic | Subungual hyperkeratosis growth.Thicken the entire plane, lose shine.Transverse stripes, deformed plates.On the free edge there is loosening of the surface.Some patients experience pain while walking | The initial stage is characterized by a yellowish color that turns to dirty gray |
| Atrophic | Significant plate deformation and destruction;partial exposure of the nail bed;Loose layers, crumbling horny masses | Boring, color - dirty gray or yellowish |
| According to the type of onycholysis | Thinning of the plate, separation from the bed, loss of shine | Dull appearance, yellow, gray with dirty color.At the base of the nail color is preserved |
A patient may experience multiple forms of toenail fungus.
Reason
The main source of infection is dermatophytes.
Infection with onychomycosis on the feet may:
- at home through household items (bath mats, washcloths, towels, slippers, socks);
- when wearing tight shoes for a long time (especially made of synthetic materials);
- In the sauna, bath house, swimming pool, shower, gym.
Pathogenic scales from patients with foot mycosis fall on the floor, gratings, stools, and objects.High humidity promotes the development and proliferation of fungal infections.
The cause of nail fungus depends on its type and how it penetrates the nail plate.Infection with trichophyton rubrum occurs from the affected skin of the feet.The superficial white fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes appears as a result of softening the nail plate, which has been in a humid environment for a long time.Tissue damage starts from above, changes on the surface are characterized by the formation of white lesions.
Other causes of this disease include:
- the use of non-sterile instruments when performing a pedicure;
- tendency to excessive sweating of the feet;
- decreased immunity;
- nail injury;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- blood supply is affected to the lower part of the leg.
Toenail fungus can be diagnosed in people taking corticosteroids, antibiotics, or immunosuppressive therapy for a long time.
Treatment
When choosing a therapy method, one should take into account the type of lesion, the degree of spread of the disease, the safety of the method, the general condition of the patient, and cost.
Treatment of toenail fungus is carried out using local therapy, folk remedies, and systemic drugs.
Local therapy
Treatment is indicated for patients with distal, lateral and distal-lateral forms of onychomycosis.CONDITIONS: No more than 50% of the plate area is affected, the matrix and not all of the nail plate is affected.
The most effective topical medications are in the form of ointments, creams, and solutions.
If a single nail is affected, it is recommended to soften the plate at home with any preparation with a keralytic effect, remove the infected area, and then use a cream or solution.Along with nail plate treatment, smooth skin therapy is carried out.
Systemic treatment
Used when local therapy is ineffective, various nail lesions.
Drugs of choice include:
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole.
- Griseofulvin.
- Terbinafine.
The course of treatment will be more effective if the stratum corneum and the affected area are removed first.This procedure will also reduce the overall treatment time.
Traditional method
When the disease is mild and in the early stages, it makes sense to use folk remedies.
Use:
- bath (herbs, salt, soda, vinegar, potassium permanganate);
- lubricate nail plate with tincture of propolis, birch tar, iodine;
- Compresses and pastes made from a mixture of onions, soda, and garlic.
Home remedies are available and treatment is cheap.
Features of therapy depend on age
Treatment of onychomycosis on the feet is different in adults and children.If one of the family members has a disease, or fungal manifestations are detected in children from school or kindergarten, a regular examination of the child's feet should be done.
Treatment in childhood requires the use of safe products as prescribed by the doctor.An important stage of therapy is to observe hygiene and conduct antifungal treatment of shoes.
When treating adults, strict adherence to the instructions for using medications is required, taking into account contraindications and possible side effects.