Not everyone knows what nail fungus looks like.In this sense, not every patient knows when to consult a doctor.If you notice signs of nail fungus, you should also determine what stage the disease is at and immediately contact a specialist.
Symptoms of the disease
The first symptoms of foot or hand fungus are usually not that noticeable.Most often this is a minor injury to 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 disc 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 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 the plate, the thicker the fingernails or toenails become.
The final stage in this way is the defeat of the entire nail as a whole.Furthermore, the matrix begins to participate in the process - this is where the nail begins to grow.Lamellar dystrophy occurs.
Furthermore, 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.Furthermore, these symptoms can be recognized due to the loose and rough nail plate.It is easily exposed by scraping.However, this form is not found in the hands.It is relevant for the first toe.
Symptoms of the next form of infection - proximal subungual - are lesions of the pad, which turns red.After that, 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 plate.
Anyone is afraid to discover a fungus on themselves, 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 resemble irregular ridges across the entire nail.If the disease is completely neglected, you may completely lose a fingernail or toenail.
The most dangerous fungus is in the total dystrophic form.This is the most advanced disease.The nail (if preserved) is grayish in color and thickened.The main symptom is total or partial destruction of the plaque.
We are fighting the scourge
Before you start treating fungus on your hands and feet, you need to minimize external negative influence.It is advisable to find out the reasons for the appearance of fungus on the hands or feet and eliminate them.Most often there are four reasons:
- Frequent exposure to hot and humid environments.The point is that you need to dry your shoes, especially in mid-season, when they are constantly wet.Socks 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 low immunity.Just walk barefoot on the floor and the infection will 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 the active spores.They can penetrate the cavities between the fingers and toes, remain dormant and then begin to grow markedly.This type of fungus 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 perform an analysis.Most often, a scratch test is performed to check for the presence of fungus on fingernails and toenails.This analysis is carried out in an alkaline environment, where the presence of mycelium is verified under a 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 may have completely different causes.For example, problems with internal organs are also negatively reflected in the nail plates.Then a more extensive analysis will be required, usually 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 culture is grown.Although there are now modern techniques that allow analyzing 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 the fingernails and toenails, but also the skin around them.Most often you can find this type of fungus in a bathroom or gym.
How is nail fungus transmitted, you ask?Everything is quite prosaic.There are general hygiene products, sheets, oilcloths, rugs 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 contagious rate.It is also transmitted through objects used by the patient, 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.This disease can often be found in miners or workers in hot 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 in the feet;It usually doesn't reach your hands.Most of this type of fungus is conditionally pathogenic, therefore it is present in all people without causing disease.However, with reduced immunity, its pathogenicity can be observed.In addition, they can enter the body through dirty hands after sharing objects, as well as through fermented dairy products.
In general, these are the main types of mold you should be careful with in public places.Most of the time, protecting yourself from the disease is quite simple.Only use your personal items.Remember to wear flip flops in the shower or pool and always consult a specialist if you suspect a fungus.Do not try to self-medicate or self-diagnose.Even an experienced doctor needs a laboratory test to be absolutely sure.