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 foot, adults suffer from this disease just as often. 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, 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 treatment, it is necessary to diagnose what kind of fungus affects the nails and then prescribe therapy and take measures. To get better acquainted with this not very pleasant disease, you should consider all types of nail fungus, for this purpose we will divide them into types depending on the location and localization, as well as the more familiar ones according to the medical classification.
- Distal, damage to the free edge of the nail. Probably as a consequence of or causing onycholysis;
- Lateral, when the lateral part of the nail is affected with subsequent discomfort. It may accompany an ingrown toenail;
- Proximal. The back of the nail is affected. And the deeper the lesion from the edge, the more difficult the treatment and restoration of the nail;
- Total. Here the word itself speaks for itself. The entire nail with the nearby tissues of the cuticle is affected.
There are also several types of onychomycosis on the legs, 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 fungal infection.
- Presence of itching in the area of the fingernails;
- Change in nail color;
- Spots and streaks 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 nail. Prevention also includes stimulation of the immune system, fresh air, wholesome nutrition and elimination of harmful habits.
Hypertrophic
Here the damage to the nail is more extensive. And the existing nail can recover, 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.
- The color of the nail not only changes, but 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 both local and course treatment will be prescribed by a doctor.
Onycholytic
Or as it is also called atrophic. Judging by the name, it becomes clear that partial or complete atrophy of the toenail occurs. 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, 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 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 diagnostics 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 leading to this disease. And the main causes of onychomycosis are direct infection from the carrier and low immunity.
- Wearing tight shoes and insufficient ventilation cause the development of the pathogen. And the treatment of toenail fungus begins with changing shoes to more suitable ones;
- Manicure. Decorative varnishes and gels are applied to the layer of your nail, 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 greenhouse conditions, with minimal hygiene;
- Hormonal imbalance and disturbances in the work of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands;
- Taking antibiotics. The attending physician must 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 reduced immunity is fungus;
- Past serious illnesses. Low immunity and a weakened organism 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 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, this includes: spas, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places, as well as public showers.