There is a special 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 fungal foot infection is diagnosed in a child; adults suffer from this disease just as often. About 27% of the European population experience problems due to onychomycosis.
Diagnosis and professional treatment of nail fungus is carried out in clinics such as Prima Derm, where the doctor, podiatrist and laboratory tests will help determine the stage of the disease, its type and the type of local lesion. 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 what kind of fungus affects the nails and then prescribe therapy and take measures. To get to know more about this not very pleasant disease, you should consider all types of nail fungus; to do this, we will divide them into types depending on location and location, as well as the most popular ones according to medical classification.
- Distal, damage to the free edge of the nail. Perhaps as a result of onycholysis or its cause;
- Lateral, when the lateral part of the nail is affected with subsequent disturbances. It can accompany an ingrown toenail;
- 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;
- Total. Here the word itself speaks for itself. The entire nail with the surrounding cuticle tissue is affected.
There are also several types of onychomycosis on the feet, the disease is divided according to the symptoms and what the fungus looks like.
Normotrophic onychomycosis
One of the initial stages of mild nail damage, but with clear signs of a fungal infection.
- The presence of itching in the area of the fingernails;
- Change in nail color;
- Spots and lines can be one of the symptoms.
The treatment method is local and medicinal, with possible preservation of the integrity of the nail plate and the shape of the nails. Prevention also includes stimulating 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 that the disease begins to really bother, and the patient is interested in what is onychomycosis.
- Not only does the color of the nail change, but it also becomes dull;
- The luster 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. Drug intervention is now mandatory and the use of local treatment and the course will be prescribed by a doctor.
Onycholithic
Or as it is also called atrophic. Judging by the name, it is clear that partial or complete atrophy of the nail from the toes occurs. This is how nail onychomycosis is manifested 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 should be treated comprehensively with the use of immunomodulating 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 describe a list of the most common situations that lead to this disease. And the main causes of onychomycosis are direct infection from the carrier and low immunity.
- Wearing tight shoes and insufficient ventilation causes the development of the pathogen. And nail treatment for fungus begins with changing shoes to more suitable ones;
- Manicure. Varnish and decorative gel are applied to the layer of your nail; incorrect application leads to the skin of the garment 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 disruption of the thyroid gland and adrenal gland;
- Taking antibiotics. The attending physician should take this point into account and immediately prescribe antifungal drugs along with antibacterial drug therapy;
- Low immunity and immunological diseases, one of the first signs of decreased immunity are fungi;
- Serious illnesses of the past. 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 nails or trauma that affects the integrity of the nail plate.
Here are the main causes of nail fungus. If you properly observe personal hygiene and care, you can avoid this unpleasant infection. Also avoid going to public places without special shoes, these include: spas, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places, as well as public showers.