Not everyone knows what toenail fungus looks like.In this regard, not every sick person understands when to see a doctor.If you notice signs of nail fungus, you must also 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 that noticeable.Most often this 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 due to 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.
Further, the fungus of the hands or feet is complemented by hyperkeratosis located under the nails.This name implies the phenomenon when the nail begins to react to the presence of a fungus by keratinizing the bed itself.The deeper the fungus penetrates into the plate, the more the fingernails or toenails thicken.
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.
Further, the symptoms of the fungus intensify.The damage to the nail begins with small white spots.Over time, the types of these spots become more diverse and extensive.Additionally, such symptoms can be recognized due to the loose, rough nail plate.It is easily exposed by scraping.However, this form 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 cushion, which turns red.After this, the tissues that are 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 plate.
Any person is afraid to discover a fungus in themselves, because it is dangerous, because the next stage is degenerative changes in the nail plate.The first symptoms of this form are unevenness.They are easy to recognize; 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 in color, as well as thickening.The main symptom is complete or partial destruction of the plate.
We are fighting the scourge
Before you start treating fungus on your hands and feet, you need to minimize the negative influence from the outside.It is advisable to find the reasons why the fungus of the hands or feet appeared and eliminate them.Most often there are four reasons:
- Frequent exposure to warm and humid environments.The point is that it is necessary to dry shoes, especially during the demi-season period, when they constantly get wet.Tights and socks should be chosen only from natural materials that will not create problems with heat and air exchange.
- Often the causes of hand and foot fungus 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 advisable not to repeat the procedure more than once every six months.
- Any analysis will show that the most contagious fungus is active spores.They can penetrate into the hollows between the fingers and toes, remaining dormant, and then begin to grow sharply.This type of fungus is found in public places.
Even if you notice the first symptoms of fungus, which are described above, you should not start self-medication.You need to go to a specialist who will take an analysis.Most often, a scraping test is performed to check the fingernails and toenails for the presence of fungus.This analysis is carried out in an alkaline environment, where the presence of mycelium is checked under a microscope.
Only after 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 fungus at all and may have completely different causes.For example, problems with internal organs are also reflected negatively on the nail plates.Then a more extensive analysis will be required, most often including 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.Although there are now modern techniques that make it possible to analyze the DNA of the fungus to determine the cause of its formation.
Frequent species
Among all the fungi of the hands and feet, there are three most popular types.The first of them is epidermophytosis.We are talking about a fungal disease that affects not only the fingernails and toenails, but also the skin around them.Most often you can find this type of fungus in a bathhouse or gym.
How is nail fungus transmitted, you ask?Everything is quite prosaic.These are general hygiene products, linen, 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.
Trichophytosis 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.
Most often, young men are at risk, but the percentage is even higher among the adult population.Often this disease can be found in miners or workers in hot-type workshops.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, therefore, they are present in every person without causing disease.However, with reduced immunity, their pathogenicity can be observed.In addition, they can enter the body from unwashed hands after shared objects, as well as through fermented milk products.
In general, these are the main types of fungi 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 the showers or swimming pool, and always visit a specialist if you suspect a fungus.Do not attempt to self-medicate or self-diagnose.Even an experienced doctor needs a laboratory test to be completely sure.