There is a separate but very common representative of mycosis - toenail fungus; It is this area of the human body that is often susceptible to fungal infection. Very often, a child is diagnosed with a fungal infection of the leg; Adults suffer from this disease with the same frequency. About 27% of the European population experiences problems due to onychomycosis.
Professional diagnosis and treatment of nail fungus is carried out in clinics such as Prima Derm, where a doctor, a podiatrist and laboratory tests will help determine what stage the disease is, its type and the type of local lesion. Onychomycosis is a serious disease that has serious consequences and there is no doubt about the need for treatment.
Types of onychomycosis (nail fungus)
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to diagnose what type of fungus is affecting the nails and then prescribe therapy and take measures. To become more familiar with this not very pleasant disease, it is necessary to consider all types of nail fungus, for this we will divide them into types depending on their location and location, as well as the most familiar ones according to medical classification.
- Distal, damage to the free edge of the nail. Possibly as a consequence of or causing onycholysis;
- Lateral, when the lateral part of the nail is affected with the consequent discomfort. It can accompany an ingrown toenail;
- Proximal. The back of the nail is affected. And the deeper the injury from the edge, the more difficult it will be to treat and restore the nail;
- Total. Here the word itself speaks for itself. The entire nail with nearby cuticle tissues is affected.
There are also several types of onychomycosis on the legs, the disease is divided according to the symptoms and 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 fingernail area;
- Nail color change;
- Spots and streaks can be one of the symptoms.
The treatment method is local and medicinal, with the possible preservation of the integrity of the nail plate and the shape of the nail. Prevention also includes boosting the immune system, fresh air, good nutrition, and eliminating bad habits.
hypertrophic
Here the damage to the nail is more extensive. And the existing nail can be restored, but for a longer period. It is at this stage when the disease begins to bother a lot and the patient becomes interested in knowing what onychomycosis is.
- Not only does the color of the nail change, but it also becomes opaque;
- The shine is lost;
- Thickening and deformation are likely to occur; These changes are more common in adults;
- The process of destruction of the nail plate begins.
Mechanical removal of some affected areas is more likely. Pharmacological intervention is already mandatory and the doctor will prescribe the use of a local and course treatment.
onycholytic
Or as it is also called atrophic. Judging by the name, it is clear that partial or complete atrophy of the fingernail occurs. This is how nail onychomycosis manifests itself in the last stage of development, when the treatment is already longer and the result will not be visible soon.
Unfortunately, after losing a nail, recovery takes a long time and the procedure is extremely painful. At this stage, the disease must be treated comprehensively through the use of immunomodulatory therapy.
To determine the type of onychomycosis and its stage of development, it is recommended to undergo tests and consult a podiatrist. A professional approach to diagnosis will help you 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 a list of the most common situations that lead to this disease. And the main causes of onychomycosis are direct infection of the carrier and low immunity.
- Wearing tight shoes and insufficient ventilation provoke the development of the pathogen. And the treatment of nails against fungus begins with changing your shoes for more suitable ones;
- Manicure. Decorative varnishes and gels are applied to the nail layer; incorrect application causes peeling of the coating and the development 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 alteration of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;
- Taking antibiotics. The treating doctor should take this point into account and immediately prescribe antifungal drugs along with antibacterial drug therapy;
- Low immunity and immune diseases, one of the first signs of lowered immunity is fungus;
- Past serious illnesses. Low immunity and a weakened body are not at all resistant to fungi;
- Stress and psychological problems and disorders also significantly reduce immunity;
- Mechanical damage to the nail or trauma that violates the integrity of the nail plate.
These are the main causes of toenail fungus. By properly observing personal hygiene and caution, you can avoid this unpleasant infection. Also avoid going to public places without special footwear, these include: spa salons, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places, as well as public showers.