Onychomycosis, or fungal disease of the nails and tissues of the hands and feet, is a common infectious disease. This is because yeast destroys the nail plate and causes dermatitis. In medicine, these diseases are called nail fungus or mental illness. The standard misconception is that only people who don't keep their hands and feet clean can get thrush. Usually, nail fungus affects people who have to stay in shoes for a long time due to occupation or other circumstances.
Symptom
The classification of the disease depends on the type of infection and the localization of its spread.
- Normotrophic onychomycosis is manifested by small changes in the structure of the nail plate in the form of yellow spots and stripes along the nail. It is the least noticeable and usually does not cause any discomfort. The main concern is the appearance of the nails, which in the early stages one tries to hide with the help of cosmetics.
- Hypertrophic nail fungus causes an increase in the volume of the nail plate. With this disease, the person may experience pain when the finger is pressed in. This creates inconvenience when walking in shoes.
- Superficial white fungus is distinguished by roughness on the nail surface and unpleasant white spots.
A mycologist who specializes in fungal diseases can determine the cause and prescribe the correct treatment.
Mushrooms
Symptoms of a fungal infection are similar, but your doctor will choose your treatment depending on the type of fungus causing the infection.
- Dermatophyte is the most common fungus that causes violations on the nail plate and surrounding tissue. Usually choose the thumb, little finger and the skin between the fingers. Easily cured with early diagnosis
- Candida begins in the skin between the fingers and travels to the fingernails.
- The molds Fusarium and Alternaria are rare and are mainly found in immunocompromised individuals
The reason for appearing
The main cause of infection is a violation of sanitary standards. But even a person who carefully monitors the cleanliness of his hands, feet and everything can become infected in common areas.
- Contact with the carrier of the fungus and his things. This could be a bath or sauna visit, the use of individual foreign accessories, or poorly crafted manicure items.
- The feet sweat a lot, creating a favorable environment for the fungus to spread.
- The use of tight and poorly ventilated shoes made of artificial materials contributes to the creation of high humidity, which promotes the development of the disease.
- A weakened immune system is not able to fight off infections.
- Treatment with antibiotics leads to a weakening of the immune system and the breakdown of the body's own microflora.
- Long-term use of antibacterial agents destroys beneficial bacteria along with pathogenic bacteria
- Vascular diseases of the extremities reduce resistance and create conditions for fungi to disrupt the integrity of the skin to develop disease.
- Manifestations of diabetes in the form of skin disorders are a good environment for fungal colonies to grow.
- Wounds in the skin and cracks in the nails will help the fungus settle down and start working.
- Going to nail salons can expose you to fungal infections if you don't follow hygiene standards for handling equipment.
Still young
During childhood, fungal infections are less common. This is due to the characteristics of the organism. As you know, children's feet are objects that do not sweat a lot. However, going to swimming pools and gyms can lead to infections for children. Weakened immunity from colds also contributes to this. In the older age and adolescence, when the child's body changes hormones rapidly, the child is also at risk of fungal infections. To protect against infection, it is necessary to monitor the cleanliness of shoes and promptly wash them with antiseptic compounds.
One of the causes of fungal infections in children may be due to a lack of vitamins in the child's body. It is desirable to fill the deficiency with the help of proper nutrition and complex vitamin therapy. Your doctor's consultation will help you choose the quality ingredients of vitamin supplements for children.
Development process
Favorable conditions are necessary for the development of fungal infections. Wet shoes due to sweat and a neutral or slightly acidic environment create a comfortable breeding ground for fungi.
Nail discomfort, itching, and pain around the nail indicates an infection. If left untreated, after a while, the fungus will completely destroy the nail and invade the soft tissues of the fingers and feet. In the advanced stages of the disease, there may be qualitative changes in the form of blisters filled with turbid, foul-smelling fluid.
Complications
A common disease of the outer surface of the nail may not cause inconvenience. In some cases, the condition can persist for many years. People who carry the fungus do not get it themselves, but can pass it on to others.
The consequences of fungal infections mainly affect the nails and surrounding tissues, but later on, they can have negative consequences for the health of the entire body.
Fungal growths cause pain in the feet and make it difficult to wear shoes. Nails change shape and can grow into the tissues of the finger, causing unbearable pain when walking.
The weakening of the immune system, caused by the toxins that the fungus secretes during its life, leads to the frequent occurrence of colds and inflammatory processes in the body.
Allergic reactions caused by fungal products lead to a number of respiratory system side diseases and liver and kidney diseases.
Infections that have settled in the body can cause conjunctivitis and rhinitis of various causes. Skin itching, redness and irritation can affect not only the initial localization of the fungal areas, but also the skin of the body and head. This also affects the condition of the hair and skin on the face. May be part of the cause of dandruff.
The constant itching and discomfort caused by the illness is a fairly common reason to visit a neurologist and psychotherapist.
The advanced form of the disease can lead to nail loss and bone deformity.
Prevent
To avoid infection, it is necessary to carefully observe hygiene standards not only when visiting public places, but also in private places.
It is forbidden:
- Use common toiletries. Every family member should have nail clippers, pedicure wipes, soap and more.
- You cannot use someone else's shoes. Through the sharing of slippers in the family, the disease can be easily spread.
- Wash the sick person's clothes with others. It must be remembered that not all detergents and laundry compounds can kill the fungus. This infection is very tenacious. The patient's clothing items need to be treated with special solutions. This is especially true for shoes. It must be thoroughly washed inside and the lining changed frequently.