There is a separate but very common representative of mycosis, toenail fungus; it is this area on the human body that is often susceptible to fungal infection. Very often, a fungal infection on the leg is diagnosed in a child; adults suffer from this disease just as often. About 27% of the European population experience problems due to onychomycosis.
Professional diagnosis and treatment of nail fungus is carried out in clinics such as Prima Derm, where a doctor, podologist 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 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 is affecting the nails and then prescribe therapy and take measures. To become more familiar with this not very pleasant disease, 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 familiar ones according to medical classification.
- Distal, damage to the free edge of the nail. Possibly as a consequence of onycholysis or causing it;
- Lateral, when the lateral part of the nail is affected with subsequent resulting inconveniences. May accompany 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;
- 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 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.
- Presence of itching of the nail area of the fingers;
- Change in nail color;
- Spots and stripes 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 nail shape. Prevention also includes stimulation of the immune system, fresh 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 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 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 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 nail onychomycosis manifests itself at the last stage of development, when the treatment is already more protracted, 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 podologist. 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 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 causes the development of the pathogen. And treating nails for fungus begins with changing shoes to more suitable ones;
- Manicure. Decorative varnishes and gels are applied to the layer of your nail; improper application leads to peeling of the coating and the development of fungus 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 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 are fungi;
- Past serious illnesses. Low immunity and a weakened body are not at all resistant to fungus;
- Stress and psychological problems and disorders, this also quite 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, these include: spa salons, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, locker rooms in public places, as well as public showers.