There is a separate but very common representative of mycosis, toenail fungus; This is the area of the human body that is often exposed to fungal infections. Often, fungal infections of the feet are diagnosed in children; adults suffer from this disease just as often. About 27% of the European population suffers from onychomycosis.
Professional diagnosis and treatment of nail fungus is carried out in clinics such as Prima Derm, where doctors, podiatrists and laboratory tests will help determine the extent of the disease, its type and the type of local lesions. Onychomycosis is a serious disease that leads to serious consequences and there is no doubt about the need for treatment.
Types of onychomycosis (nail fungus)
Before starting the treatment, it is necessary to diagnose the type of fungus that affects the nails and then prescribe therapy and take measures. To become more familiar with this not so pleasant disease, you need to consider all types of nail fungus, to do this, we will divide them into types depending on location and location, as well as more common ones according to medical classification.
- Distal, damage to the free edge of the nail. May result from onycholysis or cause it;
- Lateral, when the side of the nail is affected with subsequent discomfort. May accompany ingrown toenails;
- proximal. The back of the nail is affected. And the deeper the lesion from the edge, the more difficult it is to treat and restore the nail;
- Amount. Here the word itself speaks for itself. The entire nail with adjacent cuticle tissue is affected.
There are also several types of onychomycosis on the feet, this disease is divided according to the symptoms and what the fungus looks like.
Normotrophic onychomycosis
One of the early stages of nail damage is mild, but with clear signs of fungal infection.
- The presence of itching in the area of the fingernails;
- Nail color change;
- Spots and stripes can be one of the symptoms.
Treatment methods are local and medical, with the possibility of preserving the integrity of the nail plate and the shape of the nail. Prevention also includes stimulation of the immune system, fresh air, good nutrition and elimination of bad habits.
Hypertrophic
Here the damage to the nails is more extensive. And existing nails can be restored, but over a longer period of time. At this stage the disease begins to really bother, and the patient is interested in what is onychomycosis.
- Not only does the nail color change, but it also becomes dull;
- The luster is gone;
- Thickening and deformation are more likely, such changes occur more often in adults;
- The process of destroying the nail plate begins.
Mechanical removal of some affected areas is more likely. Drug intervention is mandatory and the use of both local treatment and courses will be prescribed by the doctor.
Onycholytic
Or because it is also called atrophic. Based on the name, it is clear that partial or complete atrophy of the nail from the toe occurs. This is how nail onychomycosis manifests itself in the last stages of development, when the treatment is more protracted, and the results will not be visible soon.
Unfortunately, after nail loss, recovery takes a long time and the procedure is very painful. At this stage, the disease must be treated comprehensively with the use of immunomodulatory therapy.
To determine the type of onychomycosis and the stage of its development, it is recommended to undergo tests and consult a podiatrist. A professional approach to diagnosis will help you choose the right 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 a list of the most common situations that lead to this disease. And the main cause of onychomycosis is direct infection from the carrier and low immunity.
- Wearing tight shoes and insufficient ventilation cause the development of pathogens. And treating nails for fungus begins with changing shoes to more suitable ones;
- Manicure. Decorative varnishes and gels are applied to your nail layer, improper use leads to peeling of the coating and the development of fungi and other bacteria under the gel;
- Poor working conditions, living conditions and constant exposure to greenhouse atmosphere, with minimal cleanliness;
- Hormonal imbalance and disorders of the thyroid gland and adrenal gland;
- Take antibiotics. The attending physician should take this into account and immediately prescribe antifungal drugs along with antibacterial drug therapy;
- Low immunity and immune diseases, one of the first signs of decreased immunity is fungus;
- Past serious illness. Low immunity and a weak body are completely 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 toenail fungus. If you observe personal hygiene correctly and carefully, you can avoid this unpleasant infection. Also avoid going to public places without special shoes, this includes: spa salons, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places, as well as public showers.