The first signs of nail fungus on the toes. The first symptoms of toenail fungus

According to statistics, almost half of all visits to dermatologists, in one way or another, are related to fungal diseases. You can get infected when visiting the swimming pool, sauna, visiting the beach or walking around in your host's slippers. Learn everything about how to recognize toenail fungus without scraping or using other diagnostic methods - symptoms of onychomycosis in the early and chronic stages of the disease.

What is toenail fungus?

Yeast mushrooms

They are in second place in the frequency of foot mycoses. This disease is provoked by two types of pathogens of the genus Candida:

• White Candida (Candida albicans) - most often occurs on the fingers, as a complication of existing onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes.
• Parapsilosis (Candida parapsilosis) - affects the nail plate from the edge. The initial symptoms are characterized by the appearance of black spots on the fingertips, which gradually increase in size. Candida parapsilosis often destroys the nail plate completely.

mould

This type of fungal infection is not very common - only three patients who sought help from a dermatologist experienced it. There are several types of mold pathogens:

• Scopulariopsis - often infects previously injured big toes.
• Aspergillus or black mold - infection with onychomycosis is only possible for people with reduced immunity. The main symptom of this disease is the deformation of the nail plate and the appearance of normotrophic black spots.
• Fusarium - this onychomycosis is very rare, because the pathogen lives on agricultural crops. Infection of a person is possible only if there is an open wound, abrasion or crack on the leg.

Dermatophytes

Priority among the causative agents of onychomycosis is occupied by dermatophytes, where the feet most often affect:

• Red Trichophyton (Trichophyton rubrum) - develops on the lateral and distal surfaces. The main symptoms in the early stages of development are yellow spots or white stripes. Without specific treatment, fungal spores can spread throughout the body and cause severe skin lesions.
• Mentagrophytes (Trichophyton mentagrophytes) - cracks appear in the interdigital space, severe pain when moving. Without proper therapy, it spreads to the nail; Fungus can mainly affect the thumb and little finger.
• Epidermophyton floccosum - in the early stages it affects the skin of the fingers. Toe nail fungus manifests itself in the form of peeling feet, accompanied by itching and increased sweating of the fingers. Without treatment, epidermophyton leads to atrophy.

What does toenail fungus look like?

Today in medicine two classifications of onychomycosis are used: the first - according to the type of pathological changes, and the second - depending on the location. Based on the type of fungal infection, all types are divided into four subtypes: marginal, normotrophic, hypertrophic and atrophic. According to the form of localization, there are several more types of diseases:

• distal - when only the edges suffer from fungus;
• side - the pathological process begins near the skin ridge;
• proximal - changes affecting the lower part;
• white superficial onychomycosis - white spots or stripes appear.

Regional onychomycosis

This is the early stage of the fungus, which is very difficult to identify on your own. This type of mycosis is accompanied by changes in the edge of the nail plate, which is visualized by the appearance of narrow gray stripes. Over time, the symptoms of toenail fungus increase: the color begins to fade, fragility appears, while the thickness of the plate remains the same. Sometimes gray-yellow spots may appear.

Normotropic

This type of onychomycosis manifests itself in a decrease in gloss, but with preservation of the thickness of the hard part of the finger. The main symptoms of the normotrophic type are:

• increased fragility;
• loss of luster;
• the appearance of white or gray-yellow spots on the entire surface of the nail;
• the bed is visually divided into sectors;
• Gray mucus gradually starts to come out from under the nail.

Hypertrophic

This one has one specific symptom - the formation of atrophy along the edges. Hypertrophy leads to thickening of the nail plate and the appearance of atypical patterns. Patients often complain of pain, especially when walking, which only disappears after taking painkillers. Hypertrophic mycosis has three stages:

• Volume - large wounds that affect the thickness of the nail plate.
• Lateral - appears on the side.
• Distal - the infection is localized under the free part of the bed.

White surface shape

This type of fungal infection is characterized by the appearance of a small focus of infection in the center or on the edge of the nail, white or almost white. This type of onychomycosis only appears on the feet. Due to the fact that the spores only affect the upper part of the finger, the plate itself is rarely deformed, but the upper layer and the epidermis suffer from the fungus. If left untreated, the hard part becomes loose and rough. As a rule, superficial onychomycosis is caused by dermatophytes.

Onycholytic

Accompanied by the detachment of part of the plate from the soft nail bed. Affected nails become dull with gray spots and gradually lose their shine. As a rule, this type of fungus manifests itself as a complication of hypertrophic or normotrophic mycosis. In the absence of proper treatment, areas covered with hyperkeratosis may appear at the site of the lesion.

Candidal onychomycosis

Often combined with damage to healthy periungual tissue. Pathology usually occurs on the 3rd or 4th finger or toe. Candidal mycosis is characterized by the following symptoms:

• lack of skin at the nail growth line;
• fragility and collapse of plate edges;
• the appearance of transverse stripes at the base of the bed;
• skin ridge inflammation;
• brownish brown color on the nail plate;
• soft tissue pain.

Proximal deformation

One of the rarest forms of onychomycosis. The disease often begins to develop from soft tissue, gradually moving to healthy nails. Fungal growth starts from the middle of the nail. Without treatment, the plate changes color, begins to crumble and peel off. The causative agents of proximal deformity are: red trichophyton and mentagrophytes.

Atrophic

This unpleasant form of the disease is characterized by a change from the usual color to gray-brown. In this case, the symptoms appear gradually: first, the plate loses its luster and becomes dull, then the nail is destroyed, and a loose accumulation of small pieces of skin appears in the place of the bed. The pathological process starts from the outside, eventually covering the growth zone and skin folds.

Types and stages of fungal infection

Symptoms of fungal infection depend on the form of the disease and its severity. The first signs of pathology may not be observed, but already at an average level the plate looks deformed, becomes thick, and the structure is heterogeneous. Such signs should not be ignored, because the next stage is dystrophy, the nail may collapse completely, the inflammatory process begins in the periungual ridge, and a secondary infection occurs.

The main form of the disease:

1. Lateral onychomycosis is the most common type of fungus. The first signs of fungus appear on the free edge of the nail in the form of small yellowish spots. As the disease progresses, the plate thickens, deep cracks may form on it, and discomfort occurs when walking. This form of fungal pathology is difficult to treat.
2. Superficial white onychomycosis - pathogenic microorganisms affect only the top layer of the nail. The plate does not thicken, but over time it becomes loose and resembles chalk in structure. Treatment is not difficult, and improvement in well-being occurs quickly.
3. Subungual onychomycosis is a rare form of pathology. Symptoms of the fungus appear in the form of thickening of the skin in the area of the nail fold, the nail becomes completely white and opaque.

There are several diseases that show symptoms similar to fungal infections - psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus. Changes in the nail structure occur after an injury or bruise. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after a thorough diagnosis.

How to identify toenail fungus - common symptoms

Depending on the stage of the disease, complete atrophy and partial hypertrophy are distinguished, and the two concepts are interrelated, but not synonymous. Atrophic type refers to impaired growth, thinning and complete destruction of the nail plate - this is the stage of total damage. Often, when advanced stages are detected, patients complain to dermatologists not only about changes in structure, but also about severe pain.

Hypertrophic toenail fungus - symptoms:

• acquire a yellow color along the edge of the plate or whitish inclusions appear near the growth zone;
• defects - waves, tubercles, and other irregularities appear;
• the cushion becomes red, peels and swells as the infection progresses;
• start peeling, stay away from bed;
• Small cracks and sometimes blisters appear between the fingers.

Itching and burning

Often the disease manifests itself on the legs in the form of severe itching. This feeling begins to bother the patient from the first day after infection. If fungal spores attack the plate, itching is felt around the affected area, while the skin becomes limp, dry and flaky, and irritation appears. If the infection starts from the soft tissue, the fingers themselves itch. When the skin is scratched vigorously, itching is followed by a burning sensation. As a rule, these symptoms occur with foot lesions, less often with hand onychomycosis.

Loss of natural color

This is the next symptom of onychomycosis, which replaces or complements itching. In this case, the color will depend on the type of pathogen that has settled in the human body:

Once inside the finger, fungal spores begin to multiply actively and gradually cover the entire space, slowly leading to complete deformation and destruction of its hard part. The plate thickens or, on the contrary, becomes very thin, begins to crumble, and an unnatural yellowish and whitish layer becomes noticeable. In the early stages of infection, the structure of the nail plate changes - it becomes lumpy or covered with stripes, and the shade of the plate becomes cloudy.

Doctors distinguish three main stages of fungal infection:

1. The color turns yellow and grooves appear. When you try to cut the edges, the ends start to collapse. Sometimes an unpleasant smell may appear.
2. Fingers completely change color, become dull and cloudy, and strange inclusions appear. Yellowness begins to darken, black stripes appear, and green areas may appear. Cutting the affected nail becomes very difficult.
3. The whole nail has changed - it has become thicker, it is impossible to trim the edges without softening.

Pain in the nail area

Discomfort with nail fungus is not a typical concept for every patient. Some patients may not experience such symptoms at all, especially if the disease is detected at an early stage. With an advanced form of fungal infection, it is easy to recognize the pathology: the fingers lose their original appearance, begin to peel and peel. At this stage, some patients may feel pain under the nails or in the fingers.

Painful sensations with toe mycosis can occur for several reasons:

1. Due to the fact that the affected area becomes thicker, loses its original appearance, and becomes deformed. In this case, even the most worn shoes cause significant discomfort when walking. As a result, pain can bother you not only while walking, but also after taking off your shoes.
2. As the spores spread, the fungus captures more new territory. When it gets into the soft tissue of the nail, the infection often affects the nerve endings, causing pain, paroxysmal or throbbing pain. If symptoms arise for this reason, discomfort may occur even at rest.
3. One of the signs of athlete's foot is the appearance of small cracks and blisters between the toes. The skin may become very red and inflamed, and the fingers may become swollen. Because the area between the toes in closed shoes sweats a lot, such wounds on the feet heal very slowly and are always painful.

How does toenail fungus start?

Loss and discoloration, uneven appearance, thinning or thickening of the plate, delamination - these are the first signs of toenail fungus that fit the general description. However, with careful self-diagnosis of this disease, it can also be classified. Ex:

• Infection with dermatophytes starts from the free edge of the plate. The appearance of the fungus is indicated by small yellow spots and a collapsed surface.
• Yeast-like fungi are characterized by a proximal form - when the infection begins at the base. The main symptoms of candidiasis type onychomycosis are inflammation of the periungual folds, separation of the cuticle, pain when pressing.
• The mold turns the fingers green, brown or black. Mold infections appear as spots, small dots or longitudinal plates.

The first signs that you have toenail fungus are symptoms that appear on the adjacent soft tissue. The skin of the feet loses its natural color, becomes red or yellow, becomes thin and easily injured. As a rule, this is where the fungal process begins. Over time, this disease can cause serious inconvenience - causing the appearance of deep cracks, itching, and blisters with fluid.

Symptoms of fungal nail infection

In the early stages of infection, toenail fungus is almost invisible and does not cause any difficulties (see photo). Then the characteristic symptoms of a fungal infection appear:

• the surface of the nail plate on the toe acquires an unpleasant cloudy color;
• the nail plate begins to peel, separating from the nail bed;
• diseased nails lose their original shape, thicken and acquire an unkempt appearance;
• cracks gradually form between the toes; the person begins to feel pain in the damaged nail area;
• the skin on the toes begins to peel;
• Itchy skin appears between the toes.

Nail fungus must be treated, preferably at an early stage. In this case, you can only survive with external preparations: ointments, varnishes and folk remedies. In more advanced forms, you need to take antifungal tablets, in which case you will not be able to quickly get rid of the fungus on your feet.

What is dangerous about untreated onychomycosis?

In addition to the unpleasant external manifestations of the disease, fungi are pathogenic microbes that cause harm to the entire human body:

• Nail fungus that is not treated in time opens the door to other infections.
• In addition, fungus can act as an allergen, and eventually trigger hypersensitivity to nail fungus as an allergen.
• Onychomycosis complicates the course of many diseases, for example, diabetes.
• In severe cases, with a background of long illness or reduced immunity, fungal infection can cause deep mycosis - fungal penetration into internal organs through the blood.

To avoid complications, you need to immediately start treatment if you see the first signs of fungal nail infection.

How to get rid of toenail fungus?

Medicines used to treat nails affected by fungus are presented in two groups.

1. The first group is the means of local influence. This group includes medicinal varnishes and peeling patches, ointments and creams, and gels. Most of the drugs for external use are only effective in the early stages of the disease.
2. The second group consists of systemic antimycotic drugs that are taken orally. Usually these are capsules or tablets that have an inhibitory effect on the fungus. They block the spread of mycosis and have a long-lasting effect, which significantly reduces the likelihood of a relapse of the disease.

But given that the drugs used to treat onychomycosis are very toxic and often cause side effects, and the clinical picture of fungal infection of the skin and nail plate of the toes is always individual, it is best to give an answer to the question of how to cure the fungus onexperienced expert feet.

Laser therapy

If the advanced form of the fungus cannot be treated with drugs, you can use laser therapy.

1. Laser treatment of fungus is considered one of the most effective ways to get rid of this disease.
2. Under the influence of the beam, the fungal cells die instantly.
3. The laser beam does not harm nearby tissue.
4. Advanced forms of the fungus can be cured in just four laser therapy procedures.

Having decided to undergo laser treatment, it is also important to take all the necessary pills and vitamins at the same time.

Drug therapy for onychomycosis

Experts prescribe treatment in the early stages of nail fungus after taking into account certain factors:

• Plate change level;
• The stage of hyperkeratosis;
• Area of damage;
• Clinical forms of pathology.

At the beginning of the development of the disease, dermatologists prescribe local drugs. These include ointments, varnishes, solutions, creams with antimycotic (antifungal) properties. It is recommended to apply it after treating infected nails. The action of the preparation increases the access of the drug to the inside of the plate, thereby accelerating the therapy of the fungus.

To soften nails, you can use a paste containing urea or salicylic acid:

1. Using a nail file, carefully process the nail plate;
2. Apply an antifungal agent;
3. Cover the nail with a bandage;
4. Remove it after a day;
5. Apply an antifungal medication prescribed by a dermatologist.

Specialists most often only prescribe drugs for external use.

Attention!

Systemic antifungal agents are not used for onychomycosis in the early stages of development.

Treating nail fungus at home

In the early stages of the disease, you can try to use proven folk remedies at home.

1. Apple cider vinegar. Simply soak your feet 1-2 times a day in a 1: 1 mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water for about 15-20 minutes. After soaking, let your toenails dry completely (you can use a hair dryer). And in about two weeks you will see that the fungus is gone, and a beautiful new one will grow in place of the old damaged nail.
2. Tea tree oil should be applied to the skin and nails affected by the fungus three times a day. One dose is from 4 to 10 drops of the product. This treatment should be continued for at least two weeks, or longer, to ensure that the infection does not return to you. This oil should not be used by children or pregnant women.
3. Freshly picked celandine is passed through a meat grinder, and the juice is squeezed out of the resulting pulp (this is done through 3-4 layers of gauze). It should yield about 200 ml. juiceIt is combined with 200 ml. 70% alcohol and leave for 24 hours. The prepared juice is used to lubricate the affected nails, but the treatment is carried out only after steaming the feet for 10 minutes and drying them completely. The course of treatment is 10-12 days, 3-4 treatments per day.
4. Another way to eliminate nail fungus is to treat it at home with iodine. It's very simple. For three weeks, the nail plate is coated with iodine every day. In this case, the damaged nail tip is always removed.
5. Kombucha will also help fight fungus. For this treatment, a compress is made: wrap a plate of kombucha in cellophane and wrap a bandage around your feet, then put on socks. In the morning, you need to wash your feet with warm water, carefully remove the dead area and lubricate it with iodine. Side effects include quite severe pain, but you can achieve the desired results faster.

If folk remedies do not give the desired result, you should contact a specialist to prescribe complex therapy.

Infection with pathogenic fungi occurs through contact, as well as through poor hygiene. Onychomycosis (fungus of the nail plate) is most often contracted through the use of shared shoes in everyday life, in the gym and other places with high humidity and temperature. The early stage of toenail fungus has certain signs. Knowing them, it is possible to avoid the pathological transition to another stage of development.

All folk remedies can be used only after consultation with a dermatologist. Many of them can cause allergic reactions. It is easier to cure onychomycosis by combining alternative medicine with drugs.

In the early stages, toenail fungus appears as barely visible grooves or white spots. Often a person only finds out that he has a fungal infection when visiting a dermatologist. This is explained by the fact that it is almost impossible to recognize the disease itself during this period. If therapy is started on time, the disease is quickly cured.

Fungus (onychomycosis) is not only a dermatological disease; in the advanced form, many internal systems and organs are affected. To stop the pathology immediately, you need to know the symptoms and treatment methods. How does the disease manifest itself at different stages? Which medicine is most effective?

You can get yeast infection at home if someone in your household has it; everyone uses the same pedicure or manicure kit. But in public places the risk of infection is higher - fungi live in baths, swimming pools and showers in fitness centers.

What diseases can trigger a fungal infection:

• flat feet, congenital or acquired foot deformities;
• poor blood circulation in the lower legs;
• increased sweating of the feet;
• corns, excessively rough skin on the feet;
• frequent injuries to the nail plate;
• weak immunity, any chronic disease, diabetes.

Fungus on the feet often develops among lovers of tight shoes and people who ignore the rules of personal hygiene. Infections often occur in beauty salons where instruments are not properly processed. This disease can be provoked by taking contraceptive pills and antibacterial drugs.

Preventive measures

To avoid this disease, it is necessary:

• Avoid direct contact with fungal carriers.
• Follow the rules of personal hygiene, wash your hands after visiting public places.
• After washing, thoroughly wipe the area between your fingers, as fungus likes a warm, moist environment.
• Do not use other people's shoes and household items.
• Wear socks made of natural fabrics.
• Wear shoes in public pools, bathhouses or saunas.
• Use personal manicure accessories.

Prediction

The prognosis for timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of nail fungus is good. Against the background of concomitant chronic diseases, the prognosis worsens.

Treatment for advanced nail fungus is long-term. Relapse occurs in 40-70% of cases.