Not everyone knows what toenail fungus looks like.In this regard, not every sick person understands when to see a doctor.In addition, if you notice signs of nail fungus, you need to determine what stage the disease is at and then immediately contact a specialist.
Symptoms of the disease
The first symptoms of a fungus on the feet or hands are usually not that noticeable.Most often this is a small lesion on the nail.The side edges of the plate and the free edge begin to turn yellowish.The presence of the disease can also be recognized by the lack of transparency of the nail at the base.
Sometimes you can see a gap between the record and the bed itself. The reasons for its formation are the accumulation of fungal pathogens, as well as a number of other microbes.These types of lesions are called distal-lateral fungal form.
In addition, the fungus on the hands or feet is complemented by hyperkeratosis under the nails.This name implies the phenomenon that the nail begins to respond to the presence of a fungus by keratinizing the nail bed itself.The deeper the fungus penetrates into the nail plate, the more the fingernails and toenails thicken.
The final stage of this form is the destruction of the entire nail as a whole.In addition, the matrix begins to be involved in the process - this is where the nail begins to grow.Lamellar dystrophy occurs.
In addition, the symptoms of the fungus intensify.Damage to the nail begins with small white spots.Over time, the types of these spots become more diverse and extensive.In addition, such symptoms can be recognized by the loose, rough nail plate.It can be easily revealed by scraping.However, this shape is not found on the hands.It is relevant for the first toe.
Symptoms of the next form of infection - proximal subungual - are lesions of the pad that turn red.The tissue around the fingernails and toenails then begins to swell and become shiny, whereupon the shape changes.The result is the separation of the cuticle from the plate.
Every person is afraid of discovering a fungus in himself because it is dangerous, because the next stage is degenerative changes in the nail plate.The first symptoms of this form are bumps.They are easy to spot;They resemble uneven grooves throughout the nail.If the disease is completely neglected, you may completely lose a nail on your hands or feet.
The most dangerous fungus is in the total dystrophic form.This is the most advanced disease.The nail (if it is preserved) appears gray and thickens.The main symptom is complete or partial destruction of the plate.
We fight the Scourge
Before you start treating fungus on your hands and feet, you need to minimize the negative influence from outside.It is advisable to find the reasons for the appearance of the fungus on the hands or feet and eliminate them.Most often there are four reasons:
- Frequent contact with warm and humid environments.The point is that it is necessary to dry shoes, especially in mid-season when they constantly get wet.Tights and socks should be chosen only from natural materials that do not cause problems with heat and air exchange.
- Hand and foot fungus are often caused by weak immunity.It is enough to walk barefoot on the floor for the infection to stick to you.
- Frequent nail extensions are also one of the most common causes of onychomycosis.It is recommended to repeat the procedure no more than once every six months.
- Any analysis will show that the most contagious fungus is active spores.They can invade the cavities between fingers and toes, rest there and then grow profusely.This type of mushroom is found in public places.
Even if you notice the initial fungal symptoms described above, you should not start self-medicating.You need to go to a specialist who will conduct an analysis.Most commonly, a scratch test is performed to check the fingernails and toenails for the presence of fungus.This analysis is carried out in an alkaline environment, checking the presence of mycelium under a microscope.
Only when the test shows a positive result can treatment begin.The fact is that the first signs of fungus on the hands and feet may not be a fungus at all and may have completely different causes.For example, problems with internal organs are also negatively reflected on the nail plates.A more comprehensive analysis is then required, which usually also includes a biochemical blood test.
To determine the causes of the fungus, doctors recommend analyzing the etiology of the microorganism.This analysis is carried out within three weeks during which the corresponding crop is grown.However, there are now modern techniques that make it possible to analyze the DNA of the fungus in order to determine the cause of its formation.
Common species
Among all the mushrooms of the hands and feet, there are three most popular types.The first of these is epidermophytosis.It is a fungal disease that affects not only the fingernails and toenails, but also the skin around them.Most often, this type of mushroom can be found in a bathhouse or gym.
How is nail fungus transmitted?Everything is pretty prosaic.These include general hygiene items, laundry, oilcloths, mats and other sports equipment and even thermometers.Most often, this type of fungus appears on the legs of men.It occurs less frequently on the hands due to the lack of excessive sweating.
Trichophytosis of the feet is also very common.This is because the disease has a high degree of contagiousness.Transmission also occurs through objects used by a sick person, including sports equipment.It is extremely rare for children to be affected by this type of fungus.
Young men are most often at risk, but the proportion is even higher in the adult population.This disease often occurs in miners or workers in hot factories.In Europe, this disease is often given the “title” “athlete’s foot”.This type of fungus does not occur on the hands.
The third most common variant is candidiasis.It is also found on the feet;it usually does not reach the hands.Most of these types of fungi are conditionally pathogenic and therefore occur in every person without causing disease.However, with reduced immunity, their pathogenicity can be observed.In addition, they can enter the body through unwashed hands after shared objects, as well as through fermented milk products.
In general, these are the main types of mushrooms to be wary of in public places.Most of the time it is quite easy to protect yourself from the disease.Use only your personal items.Remember to wear slippers when showering or in the swimming pool and always consult a specialist if you suspect fungus.Do not attempt to self-medicate or self-diagnose.Even an experienced doctor needs a lab test to be sure.