There is a separate but very common representative of mycosis, toenail fungus; This area of the human body is often susceptible to a fungal infection. Very often, a child is diagnosed with a fungal infection on the leg, and adults suffer from this disease just as often. About 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 help to determine the stage of the disease, 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 affects the nails, and then prescribe therapy and take measures. To get to know this not very pleasant disease better, 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 the more well-known according to medical classification.
- Distally, damage to the free edge of the nail. Possibly as a result of or a cause of onycholysis;
- Lateral, when the lateral part of the nail is affected and discomfort occurs. May be associated with an ingrown toenail;
- Proximal. The back of the nail is affected. And the deeper the lesion is from the edge, the more difficult it is to treat and restore the nail;
- In total. Here the word itself speaks for itself. The entire nail with adjacent cuticle tissue is affected.
There are also different types of onychomycosis on the legs. The disease is divided according to symptoms and the appearance of the fungus.
Normotrophic onychomycosis
One of the early stages of mild nail damage, but with clear signs of fungal infection.
- Presence of itching in 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, preserving the integrity of the nail plate and nail shape as much as possible. Prevention also includes strengthening the immune system, fresh air, good nutrition and breaking bad habits.
Hypertrophic
Here the damage to the nail is greater. And the existing nail can be restored, but over a longer period of time. At this stage the disease really begins to bother and the patient becomes interested in what onychomycosis is.
- Not only does the color of the nail change, it also becomes dull;
- The shine is lost;
- Thickening and deformation are likely; such changes occur more often in adults;
- The process of destruction of the nail plate begins.
Mechanical removal of some affected areas is more likely. Drug intervention is already mandatory and the use of both local and course treatment is prescribed by a doctor.
Onycholytic
Or as it is also called atrophic. Judging by the name, it is clear that there is partial or complete atrophy of the nail on the toes. This is how nail onychomycosis manifests itself in the final stage of development, when the treatment has already taken a long time and the result is not visible so quickly.
Unfortunately, recovery from nail loss takes a long time and the procedure is extremely painful. At this stage, the disease requires comprehensive treatment with immunomodulatory therapy.
To determine the type of onychomycosis and its stage of development, it is recommended to undergo tests and visit a podiatrist. A professional diagnostic approach 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 fungus, but we can make 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 inadequate ventilation promote the development of the pathogen. And treatment of nail fungus begins with changing shoes for more 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 a greenhouse atmosphere with minimal hygiene;
- Hormonal imbalance and disruption of the thyroid and adrenal glands;
- Taking antibiotics. The attending physician should take this point into account and, in addition to antibacterial drug therapy, immediately prescribe antifungal drugs;
- Weakened immunity and immune disorders; one of the first signs of reduced immunity is fungi;
- Serious illnesses in the past. Low immunity and a weakened body are not resistant to fungi at all;
- Stress and psychological problems and disorders also significantly reduce immunity;
- Mechanical damage to the nail or trauma that compromises the integrity of the nail plate.
Here are the main causes of toenail fungus. By maintaining personal hygiene and caution, you can avoid this unpleasant infection. Also avoid entering public places without special shoes. These include: spa salons, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places, as well as public showers.