Onychomycosis: types and causes?

Fungal diseases have a separate but very common representative - toenail fungus; this area of the body is often susceptible to fungal infections. Frequently, children are diagnosed with fungal leg infections; adults suffer from the condition just as often. About 27% of the European population suffers from onychomycosis.Professional diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis is performed at clinics such as Prima Derm, where doctors, podiatrists and laboratory tests will help determine the stage of the disease, its type and the type of localized lesions. Onychomycosis is a serious condition that can have serious consequences and undoubtedly requires treatment.

Types of onychomycosis (onychomycosis)

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to diagnose the type of fungus affecting the nails, then develop a treatment plan and take measures. In order to become more familiar with this less pleasant disease, you need to consider all types of onychomycosis; for this we will divide them into types according to location and location, as well as more familiar types according to medical classifications.

• Distally, the free edge of the nail is damaged. May be a result of or caused by onycholysis;
• Laterally, when the lateral part of the nail is affected causing subsequent inconvenience. May be accompanied by ingrown toenails;
• near end. The back of the nail is affected. And the deeper the lesion is from the edge, the more difficult it is to treat and repair the nail;
• All of them. The word here speaks for itself. The entire nail and its surrounding cuticle tissue can be affected.

There are also several types of onychomycosis on the legs, and the disease is classified based on symptoms and the appearance of the fungus.

Normal nutritional onychomycosis

This is one of the initial stages of minor nail damage, but there are clear signs of fungal infection.

• Itching in the fingernail area;
• change nail color;
• Spots and streaks may be among the symptoms.

Treatment options are topical and medical treatments that preserve 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 type

The damage to the nails is more extensive here. Existing nails can be restored, but it will take longer. It is at this stage that the disease starts to really bother people and patients become interested in what onychomycosis is.

• Not only does the nail color change, it also becomes dull;
• The luster disappears;
• May become thickened and deformed; these changes are more common in adults;
• The destruction process of the deck began.

Mechanical removal of some of the affected areas is more likely. Pharmacological intervention is already mandatory, and the use of topical and course treatments will be prescribed by doctors.

nail stripper

Or also called atrophic. From the name, it is obvious that partial or complete atrophy of the toenail occurs. This is what onychomycosis looks like in its final stages of development, when treatment is more lengthy and results don’t show up quickly.Unfortunately, after losing a nail, recovery takes a long time and can be very painful. Comprehensive treatment with immunomodulatory therapy is necessary at this stage.In order to determine the type of onychomycosis and its stage of development, it is recommended to undergo tests and consult a podiatrist. Professional diagnostic methods will help you choose the correct treatment algorithm and necessary therapeutic and cosmetic measures.

Causes of fungus on toenails

It is difficult to list all the causes of onychomycosis, but we can list the most common conditions that lead to this disease. The main causes of onychomycosis are direct infection and low immunity of the carrier.

• Tight footwear and insufficient ventilation can lead to the growth of pathogens. To treat nail fungus, the first step is to change your shoes to more suitable shoes;
• Manicure. Decorative varnishes and gels are applied to the nail layer; incorrect application can lead to peeling of the coating and the growth of fungi and other bacteria under the gel;
• Unfavorable working conditions, living conditions and constant exposure to greenhouse atmosphere, extremely poor hygiene;
• Hormonal imbalances and disruption of the thyroid and adrenal glands;
• Take antibiotics. The attending physician should take this into consideration and immediately prescribe antifungal and antimicrobial therapy;
• Low immunity and immune diseases, one of the first signs of weakened immunity is fungus;
• Have had a serious illness in the past. Low immunity, weak body, and no resistance to fungi;
• Stress and psychological problems and disorders, which can also significantly reduce immunity;
• Mechanical damage to the nail or trauma that destroys the integrity of the nail plate.

The following are the main causes of onychomycosis. This unpleasant infection can be avoided if you pay proper attention to personal hygiene and caution. Also avoid going to public places without special shoes, including: spas and salons, swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms in public places, and public showers.