Onychomycosis is a pathology that is accompanied by damage to the nail plate. Most often, such an ailment develops when a fungus penetrates into the nail or the skin around it - dermatophyte. Anyone can become infected with it, but the risk of developing the disease increases with a weakened immune system. Mostly such a fungus affects the toenails, and there is an unpleasant smell from under the nails.

Experts identify some reasons that can provoke the appearance of a fungus under the toenail:

• not carrying out elementary hygiene procedures for foot care;
• disruption of the immune system and, as a result, the body is not able to resist fungal bacteria;
• cuts, corns, wounds and abrasions on the legs;
• taking antibiotics and other potent drugs for a long time;
• increased sweating in the legs.

In addition, the risk of fungus under the toenails increases when wearing low-quality socks of their synthetic fabrics. Sweaty feet, in which there are problems with blood circulation, become an ideal environment for the reproduction of the fungus.

Onychomycosis is especially susceptible to people who prefer active water recreation. Those patients who suffer from diseases such as diabetes mellitus or psoriasis also fall into the risk group.

Infection with a fungus occurs completely imperceptibly, and a person notices the appearance of characteristic symptoms after some time. The first symptoms of pathology can be observed only when the disease already captures most of the nail platinum. First of all, the nail begins to change its color only in a small area. Depending on the type of infection that caused the development of the pathology, the color of the nail plate can be white, yellow, brown or gray.

Gradually, as the disease progresses, the patient begins to notice a change in the structure of the nail, that is, it begins to thicken. With further active spread of the fungus, the nail begins to exfoliate, its edges become uneven, and the surface loses its natural shine.

In the event that a person begins to clean his affected toenail, then a rather unpleasant odor emanates. Peeling of the skin and severe itching of the legs or hands is considered another characteristic sign of such a pathology as onychomycosis. In addition, a cavity forms between the nail and the skin, and the tips of the affected fingers begin to hurt badly. In the event that the disease goes into a neglected form, then the nail plate may completely fall off. In some cases, nail fungus can go in a latent form and worsen in the absence of effective therapy.

Treatment of pathology

Only a specialist can confirm the fact that the identified disease of the toenails is onychomycosis. It is imperative that you seek medical attention if you experience a sudden onset of foot odor, and especially if there has been no such problem in the past.

With a sharp smell from under the toenails, tests are prescribed and the patient's clinical picture is studied. Based on the results obtained, the specialist selects drugs whose action is aimed at combating the fungus.

In the event that the nail plate is not severely affected, then external methods of therapy can be used. To eliminate the disease, the use of various ointments is prescribed, thanks to which it is possible to soften the nails. In addition, the use of scrapers to clean the nail plate is shown, and the entire course of treatment lasts 2-3 weeks.

It is possible to accelerate the growth of a healthy nail with the help of ointments such as Terbinafine and Intraconazole. Thanks to their use, rather slowly but surely, it is possible to get rid of the affected tissue and return a healthy nail. When using such medicines, it is necessary to ensure that the feet are always clean and dry, and not to provoke reproduction and re-infection of the fungus.

During treatment, you can use antifungal varnishes along with manicure. The most effective among them are varnishes such as Cyclopirox and Loceryl. Before starting the use of any drug in the treatment of fungus under the toenails, you should carefully study the attached instructions, since some of them can cause a number of side effects.

With the transition of onychomycosis to an advanced stage and the defeat of most of the nail plate, it will not be possible to manage with external means alone. In such a situation, a longer and more complex treatment will be required with the systematic use of special tablets, with the help of which it is possible to bring the necessary substances into the blood. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the degree of the disease and the recommendations of the specialist.

It should be remembered that the fungus is quite tenacious and if the full course of treatment is not carried out, it can return again. It is imperative to take into account such a property of it and not be irresponsible to the prescribed therapy.

The smell from under the nails on the hands and feet can be eliminated with the help of traditional medicine:

Folk remedies are popular because they have no contraindications to their use and do not cause the development of side effects. An unpleasant smell from under the toenails is often detected in patients and the fungus is considered the main cause of the development of such a pathology. When the first symptoms of the pathology appear, it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible and start medical treatment.