The yellow toenails ( onychomycosis ) is a disease caused by a highly contagious fungus that can also be transmitted by the mere contact between the hand of a healthy person and a hit by the fungus.
Responsible fungi usually live and proliferate in humid and warm environments and our body’s immune system is normally able to repel fungal attacks.
The fungus tends to affect the nail both of the hands and feet (in particular the big toe), although the latter are most attacked by the same fungus, and this happens for various reasons: the environmentof the feet is particularly favorable for the proliferation (dark and humid) moreover the circulation of the feet is significantly lower than that of the hands and for this reason the immune system response tends to be slow and less effective.
Warning: we must not confuse nail fungus with another term – mycosis fungoides – which instead indicates a rare form of cancer , in particular cutaneous T-cell lymphoma . It initially manifests with skin lesions in the form of flat plaques , located in areas not affected by the sun: on the buttocks , in the lower part of the trunk , on thethighs , or on the breasts .
Consult the centers that have declared to be specialized in Mycosis:
Centers specialized in Mycosis
How is mycosis recognized?
We notice the onset of a mycosis because the nail loses , starting from the edge towards the center, its natural color slowly becoming white or dark yellow, or black, or brown, in some rare cases greenish. The color assumed by the nail depends on the fungus and the reaction of our body. The surface then becomes brittle and uneven, first thickening and then starting to crumble at the sides. Other symptoms of onychomycosis are the deformation of the nail , the presence of an opaque and raised lamina and an inflammation with redness of the surrounding tissues.
In severe cases, if the mycosis persists for long periods without being treated, it can even lead to the loss of the nail itself , but usually the person notices it and applying the right creams eliminates the problem in time.
However, it is a highly contagious condition , and it could recur if it is not treated properly and correctly. It is better to act as soon as possible also because the regeneration times of a nail are very long, from 9 to 12 months in the case of toenails.
On some occasions, especially when the mycosis reaches a very advanced stage, the nail tends to be more sensitive and therefore to create that annoying sensation of pain in the foot or hand.
Although it almost always affects the adult population, and especially the elderly , nail fungus can also affect children and pregnant women . The morphology of onychomycosis in the child is the same as that of the adult. In this case, it is good to contact your pediatrician (and your doctor if you are pregnant) before taking any initiatives, first of all to be really sure that this is the case.
Consult the centers that have declared to be specialized in Pediatrics:
Centers specialized in Pediatrics
How to cure nail fungus (and “natural remedies” to avoid)
Mycosis does not give serious consequences , except in particular situations, if it is not effectively eliminated. For example when a person has a more serious disease that affects and weakens the immune system, as in the case of diabetes : in this circumstance the mycosis attacks the nail more quickly , and could also cause other diseases that affect vital organs, creating in this way complications that are difficult to deal with. Toenail fungus often affects HIV patients , who are immunocompromised .
There are many false beliefs about more or less “natural” remediesdo it yourself that should eliminate mycosis : alleged benefits of bicarbonate , vinegar , garlic , aloe , lemon , grapefruit , and sodium hypochlorite (based on Amuchina, Bleach, Varechina). In reality, since it is a fungus , that is a living and replicating pathogen, the only quick and effective solution is to go to the pharmacy and buy an antifungal (antifungal) , in the form of a cream to be applied.. If onychomycosis is diagnosed and attacked shortly after its onset with special antifungal creams, in most cases a 7-10 day treatment is sufficient . Of course, there are very mild cases, where the doctor can decide for non-treatment and for autonomous remission, and which therefore apparently seem to benefit from the “grandmother’s remedies”, but when the disease is clearly visible, it is an evaluation what the specialist has to do .
However, the right antifungal must be used , depending on the fungus in question. The diagnosis takes place during a dermatological examination, through direct microscopic observation and culture examination, taking fragments of the nail.
Even the best drug for nail fungus may be ineffective if, before purchase, a brief analysis of the pathology is not carried out . It should in fact be emphasized that each mycosis develops in a different way. Therefore, the use of lotions and nail polishes bought in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription could be ineffective.
In addition to the antifungal cream, the doctor may prescribe oral treatment , especially when those with this disorder are in pain and at the same time have other ailments such as diabetes . Finally, if the mycosis of hands and feet should instead present itself in an advanced stage, then havealso damaged the skin tissues , the doctor may first suggest drug therapy and then opt for surgery so that it is possible to remove the fungus and intervene on the nail in order to completely avoid complications that could arise.
Preventing mycoses
As with various other types of problems, even for nail fungus it is possible to adopt a series of behaviors that are able to prevent the spread and formation of fungi :
- Pay attention to hygiene : nails must be short, but not too short, but especially completely clean;
- Avoid using tight socks and shoes (which prevent perspiration);
- Change tights and socks at least once a day , especially during the hot period of the year. The sweat is indeed a factor that allows the fungus to grow more easily: In addition, you must take off your sneakers after practicing physical activity because the fungus grows at higher speeds in wet environments, hot and devoid of light ;
- Avoid tearing the skin near the nail: this is because a possible infection would allow the fungus to attack the nails themselves more easily, thus leading a person to have to bear the negative consequences deriving from the presence of this fungus;
- Avoid walking barefoot in places like the swimming pool , as there may be people suffering from the disorder and thus infecting healthy nails;
- Avoid exchanging clothing , such as socks and shoes, or towels with people you do not know or who suffer from this disorder.
Questions and answers
WHAT TO USE FOR TOENAIL FUNGUS?
There are many false beliefs about more or less “natural” do-it-yourself remedies that should eliminate mycosis: alleged benefits of baking soda, vinegar, garlic, aloe, lemon, grapefruit, and sodium hypochlorite (at the base of Amuchina, Bleach, Varechina). In reality, since it is a fungus, that is, a living and replicating pathogen, the only quick and effective solution is to go to the pharmacy and buy an antifungal (antifungal), in the form of a cream to apply. Of course, there are very mild cases, where the doctor can decide for non-treatment and for autonomous remission, and which therefore apparently seem to benefit from the “grandmother’s remedies”, but when the disease is clearly visible, it is an evaluation what the specialist has to do.
HOW TO TELL IF THE NAIL HAS A FUNGUS?
We notice the onset of a mycosis because the nail loses, starting from the edge towards the center, its natural color slowly becoming white or dark yellow, or black, or brown, or in some rare cases greenish. The color assumed by the nail depends on the fungus and the reaction of our body. The surface then becomes brittle and uneven, first becoming thicker and then starting to crumble at the sides. Other symptoms of onychomycosis are the deformation of the nail, the presence of a dull and raised plate and inflammation with redness of the surrounding tissues.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL FROM A FUNGUS?
If onychomycosis is diagnosed and attacked shortly after its onset with special antifungal creams, in most cases a 7-10 day treatment is sufficient.
HOW TO PREVENT NAIL FUNGUS?
First of all, paying attention to hygiene: the nails must be short, but not too short, but especially completely clean. Avoid using tight socks and shoes (which prevent perspiration). Remember to change tights and socks at least once a day, especially during the hot period of the year; avoid tearing the cuticles near the nail. It is good to avoid walking barefoot in places like the swimming pool, and exchanging clothes with people you don’t know.
Nail mycosis is a disease deriving from a highly contagious fungus that can be transmitted even with the simple contact between the hand of a healthy person and one affected by mycosis.
