Not everyone knows what toenail fungus looks like.In this regard, not all sufferers understand when to consult a doctor.If you notice signs of nail fungus, you also need to determine what stage the disease is in and then immediately contact a specialist.
Symptoms of the disease
The first symptoms of fungus on the feet or hands are usually not so noticeable.Most often it is a small lesion of the nail.The side edges of the plate, as well as the free edge, begin to acquire a yellowish color.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 disk and the bed itself.The reasons for its formation are the accumulation of fungal pathogens and a number of other microbes.These types of lesions are called distal-lateral fungal forms.
In addition, the fungus of the hands or feet is complemented by hyperkeratosis located under the nails.This name refers to the phenomenon whereby the nail begins to react to the presence of a fungus by keratinizing the bed itself.The deeper the fungus penetrates the plaque, the thicker the fingernails or toenails become.
The final stage of this form is the defeat of the entire nail as a whole.Also, the matrix begins to be involved in the process - this is the place where the nail begins to grow.Lamellar dystrophy occurs.
Furthermore, the symptoms of the fungus intensify.Nail damage begins with small white spots.Over time, the types of these spots become more diverse and extensive.Also, such symptoms can be recognized due to loose and rough nail plate.It is easily exposed by scraping.However, this form is not found on the hands.It is relevant for the first finger.
Symptoms of the next form of infection - proximal subungual - are lesions of the cushion, which turns red.Subsequently, the tissues located around the fingernails and toenails begin to swell and shine, after which the shape changes.The result will be the separation of the cuticle from the plaque.
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 irregularities.They are easy to recognize;they look like irregular grooves all over the nail.If the disease is completely neglected, you may lose a fingernail or toenail completely.
The most dangerous fungus is in the total dystrophic form.This is the most advanced disease.The nail (if it is preserved) appears gray in color, as well as thickening.The main symptom is complete or partial destruction of the plaque.
We are fighting the scourge
Before starting to treat fungi on the hands and feet, it is necessary to minimize negative influence from the outside.It is advisable to identify the reasons why the fungus on the hands or feet appeared and eliminate them.Most often there are four reasons:
- Frequent exposure to hot, humid environments.The point is that it is necessary to dry your shoes, especially during the demi-season, when they constantly get wet.Tights and stockings should be chosen only from natural materials that do not create problems with heat and air exchange.
- Often the causes of fungus on the hands and feet lie in poor immunity.It is enough to walk barefoot on the floor for the infection to stick to you.
- Frequent nail extensions are also among the most common causes of onychomycosis.It is recommended not to repeat the procedure more than once every six months.
- Any analysis will show that the most contagious fungus is the active spores.They can enter the cavities between fingers and toes, lay dormant, and then begin to grow abruptly.This type of mushroom is found in public places.
Even if you notice the first symptoms of the fungus, described above, you should not start self-medication.You need to go to a specialist who will do an analysis.Most often, a scraping test is performed to check for fungus on fingernails and toenails.This analysis is carried out in an alkaline environment, where the presence of the mycelium is checked under the microscope.
Only after the test shows a positive result can treatment be started.The fact is that the first signs of fungus on the hands and feet may not be fungus at all and could have completely different causes.For example, problems with internal organs are also negatively reflected on the nails.Then a more thorough analysis will be required, which most often 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 culture is grown.Although now there are modern techniques that allow you to analyze the DNA of the fungus to determine the cause of its formation.
Frequent species
Among all hand and foot fungi, there are three most popular types.The first of these is epidermophytosis.We are talking about a fungal disease that affects not only fingernails and toenails, but also the surrounding skin.Most often you can find this type of mushroom in a bathhouse or gym.
How is nail fungus transmitted, you ask?Everything is quite prosaic.These are general hygiene products, linens, oilcloths, mats and other sports equipment and even thermometers.Most often this type of fungus occurs on the legs of men.It appears less frequently on the hands due to the lack of excessive sweating.
Ringworm of the feet is also very common.This is due to the fact that the disease has a high level of contagiousness.It is also transmitted through objects used by a sick person, including sports equipment.It is extremely rare for children to be affected by these types of fungi.
In most cases, young people are at risk, but the percentage is even higher among the adult population.Often this disease can be found in miners or hot-type workshop workers.In Europe, this disease is often given the “title” of “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 this type of fungi are conditionally pathogenic, so they are present in every person without causing disease.However, with reduced immunity, their pathogenicity can be observed.Additionally, they can enter the body from unwashed hands after shared items, as well as through fermented milk products.
In general, these are the main types of mushrooms that you should be wary of in public places.Most often, protecting yourself from the disease is quite simple.Use only your personal items.Remember to wear slippers in showers or swimming pools and always visit a specialist if you suspect fungus.Do not attempt to self-medicate or self-diagnose.Even an experienced doctor needs a laboratory test to be completely sure.