The proportion of foot mycoses is around 15-18% of the total population.Among nail pathologies, onychomycosis - fungal infections - accounts for 30%.The main cause of the disease is infection with various types of dermatophytes.
Depending on the type of fungal infection, onychomycosis of the legs has different symptoms and initial signs.The causes of the disease are influenced by many factors.Treatment depends on the complexity of the course, the patient's age and general health and includes both medical and traditional methods.
Characteristics of the disease
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, belongs to a group of fungal diseases.The pathogens are dermatophytes (approx. 80-95% of all cases), occasionally also molds and yeast-like fungi.
Damage to toenails can be caused by:
- Trichophyton rubrum.
- T. interdigital.
- Anthropophilic Trichophytons.
- Molds.
Mold affects the toenails of people aged 50-70.Nail mycosis probably occurs as a result of a mixture of fungi.
There are different forms of onychomycosis:
- Normotrophic (maintaining the normal configuration of the nails).
- Hypertrophic (subungual hyperkeratosis contributes to the thickening of the nail plate over the entire surface).
- Atrophic (destruction of the nail plates occurs).
During onycholysis, the plates are separated from the nail bed.
Depending on the localization of the process, nail fungus on the lower extremities is divided into distal (free edge of the nail), lateral (lateral sides), distal-lateral form, proximal (posterior cushion is affected), total (the entire nail is infected) and superficial form.
Sign
The symptoms of onychomycosis depend on the type of pathogen.A healthy human nail has a smooth surface, a pink hue and looks shiny.In most cases, the fungus spreads from infected skin on the corresponding finger to the nail plate.
The first signs of onychomycosis:
- change in the color and shape of the nail plate;
- surface tarnishing, roughness, delamination;
- Thickening or thinning of the plate.
When the disease occurs, one nail is affected or the infection spreads to adjacent nails.Possible manifestations: itching of the skin, peeling near the nail plate.
The symptoms of toenail fungus are listed in the table depending on the pathogen:
| stimulus | Manifestations | Special features |
| T. rubrum | Yellow spots, longitudinal stripes along the side edges of the nail plates | In children it manifests itself as surface roughness |
| T. interdigital | Spots, yellow streaks in the thickness of the central part.Plate deformation.Thickening of the free edge | The shape of the lesion is normotropic |
| Anthropophilic Trichophytons | Streaks and gray spots on the lateral parts and distal edge.Thickening of the plate, appearance of grooves, fragility | With Favus, the disease begins with the appearance of a yellow spot in the thickness of the nail plate, which gradually spreads throughout the entire plane.If the disease lasts longer, the toenails are affected |
| shapes | The lesion is superficial.Possible color of the nail plate: yellow, greenish, blue, brown tones, black |
Manifestations of onychomycosis, depending on the form of nail plate damage:
| name | Symptoms | coloring |
| Normotrophic | Shape and shine are retained.The nail plates thicken at the corners | Yellow distal edge, matt surface |
| Hypertrophic | Growth of subungual hyperkeratosis.Thickening over the entire surface, loss of shine.Transverse stripes, deformed plates.There is a loosening of the surface at the free edge.Some patients experience pain when walking | The initial stage is characterized by a yellowish color that fades to dirty gray |
| Atrophic | Significant deformation and destruction of panels;partial exposure of the nail bed;Layering of loose, crumbling horn masses | Matt, color - dirty gray or yellowish |
| By type of onycholysis | Thinning of the panels, separation from the bed, loss of shine | Dull appearance, yellow, gray with dirty tint.The color remains at the base of the nail |
Different forms of toenail fungus can occur in a patient.
Reasons
The main source of infection is dermatophytes.
Infection with onychomycosis of the feet is likely:
- at home through household items (bathroom mat, washcloth, towel, slippers, socks);
- when wearing tight shoes (especially made of synthetic materials) for a long time;
- in the sauna, in the bathhouse, in the swimming pool, in the shower, in the gym.
Pathogen scales from patients with foot mycoses fall onto the floor, bars, benches and objects.High humidity promotes the development and spread of fungal infections.
The causes of nail fungus depend on its type and the way it invades the nail plate.Infection with Trichophyton rubrum occurs through the affected skin of the feet.The superficial white fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes arises as a result of softening of the nail plate, which has been in a moist environment for a long time.Tissue damage begins from above, a change in the surface is characterized by the formation of white lesions.
Other causes of illness are:
- Using non-sterile instruments when performing a pedicure;
- tendency to excessive sweating of the feet;
- reduced immunity;
- nail injuries;
- diabetes mellitus;
- impaired blood supply to the lower extremities.
Toenail fungus can be diagnosed in people who take corticosteroids, antibiotics, or immunosuppressive therapy for a long time.
Treatment
When choosing a method of therapy, the type of lesion, the degree of spread of the disease, the safety of the method, the general condition of the patient and the cost should be taken into account.
Treatment of toenail fungus involves local therapy, folk remedies and systemic medications.
Local therapy
Treatment is indicated for patients with distal, lateral and distal-lateral forms of onychomycosis.Condition: No more than 50% of the plate area is affected, the matrix and not all toenails are affected.
The most effective topical medications in the form of ointments, creams and solutions.
If individual nails are affected, it is recommended to soften the plates at home with a preparation with a keralytic effect, remove the infected areas and then apply creams or solutions.In addition to treating the nail plates, smooth skin therapy is also carried out.
Systemic treatment
Used when local therapy is ineffective and multiple nail lesions occur.
Medications of choice include:
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole.
- Griseofulvin.
- Terbinafine.
The course of treatment will be more effective if the stratum corneum and affected areas are first removed.The procedure also shortens the overall treatment time.
Traditional methods
If the disease is mild and is in the initial stages, it makes sense to use medicinal folk remedies.
Use:
- baths (herbal, salt, soda, vinegar, potassium permanganate baths);
- Lubrication of nail plates with propolis tincture, birch tar, iodine;
- Compresses and pastes made from a mixture of onions, soda and garlic.
Home remedies are available and treatment is inexpensive.
Features of therapy depending on age
Treatment for onychomycosis of the legs is different for adults and children.If one of the family members is ill or fungal symptoms are detected in children from school or kindergarten, a regular examination of the child's feet should be carried out.
Treatment in childhood requires the use of safe products prescribed by a doctor.An important therapeutic step is compliance with hygiene and antifungal treatment of the shoes.
When treating adults, strict adherence to the instructions for use of the drugs is required, taking into account contraindications and possible side effects.