There is a separate but very common representative of ringworm, nail fungus; It is this area of the human body that is often susceptible to fungal infection. Often a fungal infection on the leg is diagnosed in a child; adults suffer from this disease just as often. Around 27% of the European population has 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 what stage the disease is at, 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 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 most familiar ones according to medical classification.
- Distal, damage to the free edge of the nail. Possibly as a consequence of onycholysis or as a cause of it;
- Lateral, when the lateral part of the nail is affected with subsequent discomfort. It can accompany an ingrown toenail;
- Proximal. The back of the nail is affected. And the deeper the edge injury, the more difficult it is to treat and restore the nail;
- Total. Here the word itself speaks for itself. The entire nail with nearby cuticular 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 fungal infection.
- Presence of itching in the nail region of the fingers;
- 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, clean air, good nutrition and elimination of 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 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; 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. Drug intervention is already mandatory and the use of local and course treatment will be prescribed by the doctor.
Onycholytic
Or as it is also called atrophic. Judging by the name, it is clear that partial or complete atrophy of the toenails occurs. This is how nail onychomycosis manifests itself in the last phase of development, when treatment already takes longer and the result will not be visible anytime 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 correct 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 make 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 provokes the development of the pathogen. And the treatment of nail fungus begins with changing your shoes for more suitable ones;
- Manicure. Decorative varnishes and gels are applied to the nail layer, improper 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 disturbance 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 immunological 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 significantly reduces immunity;
- Mechanical damage to the nail or trauma that violates 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 footwear, such as: spa salons, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places, as well as public showers.