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 infections. Most often, a child is diagnosed with a fungal infection on the leg; adults suffer from this disease just as often. Around 27% of the European population suffers from 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 in, 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 treatment, it is necessary to diagnose what type of fungus affects the nails, then prescribe therapy and take measures. To learn more about this unpleasant disease, it is necessary to consider all types of nail fungus; to do this we will divide them into types according to site and location, as well as the more familiar ones according to medical classification.
- Distal, damage to the free edge of the nail. Perhaps as a consequence of onycholysis or as a cause of it;
- Lateral, when the lateral part of the nail is affected resulting in discomfort. May 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 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 early stages of mild nail damage, but with clear signs of a fungal infection.
- Presence of itching of 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 medicinal, with the possible preservation of the integrity of the nail plate and the shape of the nail. 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 over a longer period. It is at this stage that the disease begins to really bother and the patient is interested in what onychomycosis is.
- 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 destruction of the nail plate begins.
Mechanical removal of some affected areas is more likely. Pharmacological intervention is already mandatory, and the use of both local and course treatment will be prescribed by a doctor.
Onycholytic
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 onychomycosis of the nails manifests itself in the last stage of development, when the treatment is already more prolonged 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 with 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 right treatment algorithm and the necessary therapeutic and aesthetic measures.
Causes of fungus on toenails
It is difficult to list all the causes of nail mycosis, 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 by the carrier and low immunity.
- Wearing tight shoes and insufficient ventilation causes the development of the pathogen. And the treatment of nails against fungus begins with changing shoes with the most suitable ones;
- Manicure. Decorative varnishes and gels are applied to the nail layer; incorrect application leads to peeling of the coating and the development of fungi and other bacteria under the gel;
- Unfavorable working conditions, living conditions and constant exposure to the greenhouse atmosphere, with minimal hygiene;
- Hormonal imbalance and disruption of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;
- Taking antibiotics. The attending physician 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 decreased immunity is fungi;
- Past serious illnesses. Low immunity and a weakened body are not at all resistant to fungi;
- Stress and psychological problems and disorders, this also reduces immunity quite significantly;
- 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 properly observe personal hygiene and caution, you can avoid this unpleasant infection. Also avoid going to public places without special shoes, including: spa salons, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places and public showers.