A separate but very common representative of mycosis, nail fungus, this area of the human body is often susceptible to fungal infection. Fungal infections of the feet are very often diagnosed in children, and adults suffer from this disease just as often. About 27% of the European population suffers from problems caused by nail fungus.
Professional diagnosis and treatment of nail fungus is carried out in clinics such as Prima Derm, where a doctor, podiatrist and laboratory tests help determine the stage, type and type of local lesion. Onychomycosis is a serious disease with serious consequences, and there is no doubt that treatment is needed.
Types of onychomycosis (nail fungus).
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to diagnose what type of fungus affects the nails, then prescribe therapy and take measures. In order to get to know this not very pleasant disease better, all types of nail fungus must be taken into account, for this we divide them into types depending on the place and location, and according to the medical classification into the more well-known ones.
- Distal, damage to the free edge of the nail. Probably as a result of or caused by onycholysis;
- Lateral, when the lateral part of the nail is affected, with subsequent discomfort. It can be accompanied by an ingrown nail;
- Proximal. The back of the nail is affected. And the deeper the lesion is from the edge, the more difficult it is to treat and restore the nail;
- Complete. Here the word itself speaks for itself. The entire nail is affected with the nearby cuticle tissues.
There are several types of toenail fungus on the feet, and the disease is divided according to the symptoms and the appearance of the fungus.
Normotrophic onychomycosis
One of the initial stages of mild nail damage, but with clear signs of fungal infection.
- presence of itching in the nail area of the fingers;
- Change in nail color;
- Spots and streaks can be one of the symptoms.
The treatment method is local and curative, preserving the integrity of the nail plate and nail shape. Prevention includes stimulation of the immune system, fresh air, proper nutrition and elimination of bad habits.
Hypertrophic
Here the damage to the nail is more extensive. The existing nail can be restored, but over a longer period of time. At this stage, the disease really starts to bother you, and the patient is interested in what is onychomycosis.
- Not only does the color of the nail change, it also becomes dull;
- The glow is lost;
- Thickening and deformation are likely, such changes are more common in adults;
- The process of destroying the nail plate begins.
Mechanical removal of some affected areas is more likely. Medicinal intervention is already mandatory, the use of both local and curative treatment is prescribed by a doctor.
Onycholytic
Or as it is also called atrophic. Based on the name, it is clear that partial or complete atrophy of the nail originates from the toes. This is how nail onychomycosis manifests itself in the last stage of development, when the treatment is longer and the result will not be visible soon.
Unfortunately, recovery from nail loss takes a long time and the procedure is extremely painful. At this stage, the disease should be comprehensively treated using immunomodulatory therapy.
To determine the type and stage of development of onychomycosis, it is recommended to carry out tests and consult a podiatrist. A professional approach to diagnosis helps to choose the appropriate treatment algorithm and the necessary therapeutic and aesthetic measures.
Causes of toenail fungus
It is difficult to list all the causes of nail fungus, but we can outline the most common situations that lead to the disease. And the main causes of onychomycosis are direct infection of the carrier and low immunity.
- Wearing tight shoes and insufficient ventilation cause the pathogen to develop. And nail fungus treatment begins with changing shoes to more suitable ones;
- Manicure. Decorative varnishes and gels are applied to the nail layer; improper application leads to peeling of the coating and the formation of fungi and other bacteria under the gel;
- Unfavorable working conditions, living conditions and constant exposure to a greenhouse atmosphere with minimal hygiene;
- Hormonal imbalance and thyroid and adrenal gland dysfunction;
- Taking antibiotics. The attending physician must take this point into account and immediately prescribe antifungal agents along with antibacterial drug therapy;
- Low immunity and immune diseases, one of the first signs of reduced immunity are fungi;
- Previous serious illnesses. Low immunity and a weakened body are not at all resistant to fungi;
- Stress and psychological problems and disorders, this also significantly reduces immunity;
- Mechanical damage to the nail or trauma that violates the integrity of the nail plate.
Here are the main causes of nail fungus. If you follow proper personal hygiene and precautions, you can avoid this unpleasant infection. Also avoid going into public places without special shoes, including: spa salons, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places, and public showers.