How to identify toenail fungus

There are a number of dermatological diseases called fungi. The general name for such an infection is "mycosis". If we are talking about skin diseases of the feet, these are dermatomycosis. If the nail plate is affected, the doctor makes a diagnosis of "onychomycosis". This is one of the most common pathologies in humans.

Dermatologists distinguish several types of fungal infections in humans:

• anthropophilic;
• zooanthropophile;
• candida.

The first cause infections in humans, the second - in humans and animals, and the third - like yeast.

Causes of fungal pathologies

Fungal spores are found in large quantities in the soil, on surfaces and in common areas. We go home on public transport, go to the swing with our children, buy groceries at the supermarket, work with people in the same room and communicate with pets. Why do some people get sick and others don't?

There are groups of the population that are more susceptible to fungal diseases than others. Let's look at them in more detail:

1. People with reduced immunity.When the body is weakened by surgery or a serious illness, it is less resistant to various infections, including fungal ones.
2. Children and the elderly.Both groups are prone to pathologies due to age-related characteristics. A young body is not yet strong enough, and the elderly already have a large number of chronic diseases that weaken the body.
3. People with metabolic diseasescaused by disorders of the thyroid, pancreas, pituitary gland and circulatory and lymphatic systems.
4. Workers in hazardous industries involving high temperatures.In such an environment, conditions are created for the development and spread of foot fungus.
5. Lovers of gyms, saunas, swimming pools.In themselves, these activities are very useful, but non-compliance with basic sanitary and hygienic standards regarding the disinfection of these premises leads to the appearance of a problem such as mold.

Doctors distinguish the following types of fungal diseases of the feet: athlete's foot, trichophytosis and candidiasis. It is believed that men are more often affected by the fungus, although this is a controversial statement. They are less scrupulous about their health, so the disease is advanced.

The main signs of the disease

Visually determining the presence of foot fungus is not difficult at all. If you notice a rash, your leg begins to itch strongly, even painfully, blisters appear that burst, the skin peels and an unpleasant odor appears, then you most likely have a fungal infection.

This can happen if you stepped barefoot on sports equipment, the floor of a fitness club or caught an infection from a pet. After all, there are fungi that are transmitted from animals to their owners. Showering after a shift in a factory can also reward you with this trouble. Using other people's toilet - soap, towels, towels is not only unhygienic, but also dangerous.

The disease can start with the skin and later the nails and the area between the toes are affected. This is a very serious cosmetic defect. Irregularity in the shape of the nail plate. It begins to crumble, change color and may disappear altogether. The nail bed becomes inflamed. This is not just a cosmetic defect, it is a pathology that brings physical suffering. It even becomes painful for a person to walk.

How to identify toenail fungus

To say exactly what kind of dermatomycosis is present, to clarify whether it is really a fungus or callus, erosion or corn, you should visit a dermatologist. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor performs a visual examination and describes the laboratory diagnosis: skin and nail samples are taken. This allows you to clarify which type of fungus has been detected. Only then is the appropriate therapy prescribed. Each type is treated differently.

You can identify the fungus yourself using potassium permanganate. This is done like this: dilute a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Place the limb in a bowl of solution and observe. Good, healthy nails darken, but infected nails remain the same color.

Treatment is usually conservative, at home. It consists of the following mandatory points:

• Taking drugs by mouthto destroy fungal spores carried by blood and lymph.
• Local treatment.The use of ointments, creams, special liquids for the elimination of dermatological manifestations of fungi. The manipulations are performed after the pedicure and cutting of the affected nails.
• Sanitary and hygienic measures.They consist of disinfecting clothes and shoes. This destroys the infection spores.

Fungi are complex, recurring infections, so therapy must be effective. After a certain time, from two weeks to a month, with careful observance of the recommendations, recovery occurs.