Nail fungus on the finger

Synonyms

Onychomycosis fingers, dermatophytosis fingers

definition

The term “nail fungus” refers to the infection of the nail substance with a rapidly growing fungus. The infection can occur on the fingers as well as on the toes.

introduction

Fungal diseases in general and nail fungus on the fingernail in particular are a common phenomenon. On average, it can be assumed that every second person will suffer at least one fungal infection in their lifetime.

A fungal nail infection on the finger can be caused by various types of thread and fungus. Above all, a colonization of the nail plate with fungi of the genus "Trichophyton rubrum“Is one of the most common triggers of nail fungus on the finger. In addition, yeast or mold can lead to the development of nail fungus on the finger.

Read more on the topic Rash on finger

The pathogens responsible for the development of nail fungus on the finger mostly attach themselves to a substance called keratin. This keratin is mainly found on the surface of the skin, hair and nails. Since almost the entire body surface can serve as a point of attack, fungal infections are not uncommon. In addition, moist and warm body regions are the ideal habitat for fungi. The fungi that cause fungal infections therefore prefer to settle in the area of ​​the toes, the spaces between the fingers, the groin and the armpits.

A fungal nail infection on the finger typically only shows up some time after the attack. In some cases, the fungal colonization of the nail plate persists without any visible symptoms. Noticeable signs often only appear when large parts of the fingernail are infected with nail fungus. The typical symptoms of nail fungus on the finger include:

• whitish-yellow discoloration of the nail bed
• Thickening of the nail plate
• dull nails
• brittle nails

Although nail fungus on the finger in most cases is caused by a fungal infection of the skin surface, the causative pathogens can also settle directly on the nail plate.

The pathogens that cause nail fungus on the finger are usually transmitted by means of smear or contact infection. The transmission can take place from person to person as well as via shared objects. Public swimming pools, saunas, fitness studios, showers or changing rooms in particular are contaminated with various fungal spores and are therefore the main places of infection.

Furthermore, it can be observed that especially people who suffer from diabetes mellitus and / or circulatory disorders often develop nail fungus on their fingers.

causes

Nail fungus on the finger can be caused by an infection with spores from various fungal strains. In most cases, the responsible fungal spores are transmitted directly from person to person. In principle, however, is also one Transmission between animals and humans is possible. Since the fungal spores that cause nail fungus on the finger are very resistant, they can last for persist for several weeks on the skin or nail surface. During this entire period, the fungal spores are considered to be highly contagious. First of all, the fact that the nail fungus on the finger often only leads to visible symptoms in an advanced stage, makes a transfer particularly easy.

In addition, fungal spores, which can lead to nail fungus on the finger, can often be found on bath mats, slatted frames, floor coverings, towels and other surfaces. For this reason, people who often find themselves in public swimming pools, saunas, fitness studios, showers or changing rooms hold up particularly at risk Developing nail fungus on the finger.

In this context, however, it must be noted that not everyone is equally vulnerable for nail fungus is on the finger. Especially people who increased sweating can one Risk group be assigned. Diabetes mellitus and circulatory disorders in the area of ​​the fingers are not direct causes for the development of nail fungus, but they are favorable factors. Also a general one immunodeficiency and various Medication, the the immune system suppress, can promote the development of nail fungus on the finger. Age is also a decisive risk factor for the development of nail fungus on the finger.

Symptoms

The symptoms typical of nail fungus on the finger are mainly based on the Extent of disease and the underlying Mushroom genus. In addition, in the case of nail fungus on the finger, it must be noted that the signs often only at an advanced stage appear. For this reason, the causative pathogen can multiply over a long period of time before it is recognized as such and treated.

As soon as the Nail plate completely colonized by fungal spores however, its appearance is changing rapidly. In most cases, those for nail fungus show up on the finger typical symptoms first at the free edge the nail plate.

Only if infected with Yeast or mold symptoms begin in the middle of the nail plate or in the area of ​​the nail wall. Immediately after infection, the fungi invade in the horny layer of the nail and feed on its main component, keratin. Because of this, form small, air-filled cavities within the nail plate. In the course of this, the nail plate loses its stability and appears softened.

Only in the course of the nail fungus infection on the finger does the fungus spread further and cause a change in the entire nail plate. In the area of ​​the fingernail there are pronounced Deformation and discoloration. The finger infected by nail fungus appears discolored white or yellow. With pronounced infections it can also develop punctiform, reddish-brown discoloration come to the nail plate. Furthermore, it can become strong in the course of the fungal infection Thickening of the nail substance come. Many of the affected patients also show inflammatory processes in the area of ​​the nail bed and / or the surrounding skin areas.

Pain from a nail fungus

Although the changes in the nail plate that are typical for nail fungus on the finger can be very pronounced, the pathogens cause in most cases no pain. Does a fungal nail infection develop Pain, it can be assumed that the mushroom already spread on the nail bed have. For this reason, pain that occurs on the finger in connection with nail fungus should always be clarified by a specialist become. In these cases a laborious oral treatment be initiated.

In the further course it can become due to the nail fungus on the finger brittle nails and the chipping of entire layers of nails. The other symptoms typical of a nail fungus on the finger depend on the type of disease.

In general, one differentiates between five forms this fungal infection. While the so-called "Distolateral subungual onychomycosis“(This shape makes approximately 90 percent of all nail fungi from) especially to the Toenails occurs, show "subungual onychomycoses“Often also on the finger. In this form of nail fungus on the finger, the causative pathogens spread from the skin of the nail wall to the nail root and plate. In a so-called "dystrophic onychomycosis“The symptoms already show up at the newly formed nail substance. In this form of nail fungus on the finger, both the Structure as well as the actual function of the nail substance is restricted. In severe forms, the infected nail can be completely destroyed. It also includes irregular structures in the area of ​​the nail plate or green-brownish discoloration one of the most frequently observed fungal nail infections on the finger.

diagnosis

Even a medical layperson can recognize an advanced nail fungus infection on the finger as such. Once in the area of ​​the nail plate Discoloration occur, it should be considered whether it is a nail fungus.

Nail fungus on the finger is generally one relatively harmless disease, there is still one very high risk of infection. The clinical diagnosis of suspected nail fungus on the finger is a so-called Eye diagnosis. This means that the disease can be identified as such by inspecting the affected finger without aids. In order for the attending physician to be able to reliably determine the causative pathogen, a microscopic examination. In this examination method, tiny parts of the horn of the affected nail must be removed and viewed under a microscope. The determination of the exact species of fungus, on the other hand, takes some time, since a corresponding cell culture must be established.

therapy

The treatment of nail fungus on the finger can be done in several ways. The most suitable therapy depends mainly on the causative agent and the extent the infection. Regardless of the type of nail fungus treatment, affected individuals should pay great attention to it hygiene lay. In the case of nail fungus on the finger, the Hands are washed and disinfected at regular intervals. Otherwise, there is a risk that the nail fungus will spread to other areas.

When the nail fungus no more than two thirds of the fingernail, the treatment can be over externally applicable medicinal products take place (so-called topical therapy). In the topical treatment of nail fungus on the finger, a special Ointment or varnish be applied to the affected areas. These ointments contain active ingredients that affect the growth of the fungus and effectively kill the fungal spores. It can also be more special more antifungal (more effective against fungi) nail polish be applied. If the nail fungus on the finger has already spread over a large part of the nail plate, it usually needs a systemic treatment be initiated. This is a nail fungus therapy in which the medicine orally in the form of Tablets must be taken. With the help of systemic treatment, the nail fungus on the finger disappears within three to six months Completely.

Home remedies for nail fungus

Most of the medicines used to treat nail fungus on the finger are only against a prescription in the pharmacy available. The cost of such drugs can be very high. For this reason, many of the affected patients swear by the use of simple home remedies. The most commonly used home remedies for nail fungus on the finger are:

Tea tree and lavender oil: Tea tree or lavender oil are particularly suitable for the effective treatment of fungal nail infections on the finger. Both substances develop their effect through one strong antifungal (fungicidal) Effect. Neither when using tea tree nor when using lavender oil has to deal with relevant undesirable Side effects be expected. The application Both oils as a home remedy for nail fungus on the finger usually lasts just a few minutes. In order to treat the nail fungus on the finger quickly and effectively, this home remedy should be applied over a period of at least a week respectively. If, despite regular application of the oil, there is no improvement within 2 weeks, a doctor must be consulted.

Apple Cider Vinegar: In addition, apple cider vinegar is one of the most popular home remedies for treating nail fungus on the finger. Apple cider vinegar should be used even before use diluted with ordinary tap water (dilution ratio 1: 1). Then a clean cloth or piece of cloth can be soaked in the apple cider vinegar-water solution and applied to the nail fungus. If used regularly, apple cider vinegar deprives the fungus that is responsible for the infection from its necessary habitat for reproduction. The first successes this home remedy can already after a few days to be watched.

Initial stage of nail fungus

Can recognize nail fungus on the finger in the early stages difficult be. The reason for this is the fact that in many cases it is in the early stages no or only very weak symptoms demonstrate.

One can recognize nail fungus on the finger by the fact that they are noticeable white or yellowish deposits form in the area of ​​the nail plate. However, these may not be visible in the early stages. Often times it just comes to the onset of the disease subtle changes in the nail structure. Conspicuous deposits and / or damage to the nail plate can often only be recognized at an advanced stage of the disease.

How contagious is a nail fungus?

The nail fungus on the finger is one highly contagious disease. The transmission of the causative fungal spores occurs mainly at the beginning of the infection. The reason for this is the fact that in the early stages often none of the typical symptoms appear. It is precisely for this reason that nail fungus on the finger is so contagious.

There one humid and warm environment the Spread and the growth of the fungal spores stimulates, a fungal nail infection on the finger is particularly contagious, especially in public bathing facilities, saunas and sports cities. In addition, nail fungus is considered highly contagious for people who suffer from a suppressed immune system. Diabetes patients also have a significantly higher risk of becoming infected with nail fungus.

Read more detailed information on this topic at: How contagious is a nail fungus?