Everyone knows that doctors have a narrow specialization: someone is a high-class surgeon or orthopedist, and someone can provide qualified therapeutic or psychiatric care. And it seems that everything is clear: an ear or throat hurts - we make an appointment with the otolaryngologist, a toothache disturbs - we go to the dentist. And with what complaints do they come to the mycologist?
Who is it?
Mycologist is a specialist with a rather narrow profile, which is engaged in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of diseases that arise as a result of fungal infections of the skin, hair, nails and other systems and organs.
The main task of this doctor is to identify the causes of the disease, prescribe treatment (almost always the treatment is carried out with medicinal methods) and prevent the recurrence of the disease (the so-called relapse of the disease).
As a rule, in the process of training, the future mycologist receives a wider specialization - a dermatologist. The presence of this specialization helps the doctor to differentiate fungal infections from other diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.
Mycology is ...
If a mycologist specializes in the treatment of fungal infections, then the science of mycology, respectively, is engaged in the study of fungi. In the framework of this science, the distribution of fungi in nature, their structure and morphology, properties (genetic and biochemical), as well as their practical application, are studied.
A special role is also given to studying the harm of these microorganisms, which for humans and animals is expressed in the appearance of mycoses (that is, diseases caused by them), mycogenic allergies.
It is the study of the negative, painful side of fungi that helps to identify and prevent the appearance of many such infections and diseases.
A bit of history
The foundations of mycology were laid back in ancient times. It is believed that the first mention of mushrooms belongs to the philosopher Aristotle.
Mycology as the science of mushrooms was widespread in the Renaissance. It was at these times that scientists discovered and described in their scientific works more than 20 different types of them.
In Russia, the scientific study of mushrooms began at the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences in 1724.
Later, namely in 1940, the famous biologist L.I. Kursanov in his scientific work classified the periods of development and formation of the above science. In his opinion, the first period of the formation and development of mycology lasted from antiquity until the middle of the XIX century. During this period, the study and identification of new species of fungi, their description.
The second period lasted from the middle to the end of the 19th century. It was during this period that the first work on parasitic fungi appeared; the study of their ontogenesis and life cycles began.
The third period (sometimes called the newest) was characterized by the introduction of the latest methods for studying the functions and living conditions of these microorganisms.
Where to begin?
Consultation with a mycologist is the first step on the way to treatment. Consultation begins with the fact that the specialist examines the affected area of the skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes. Mycologist also conducts a detailed survey of the patient, during which he finds out the time and circumstances of the onset of the disease.
It is also important that this specialist will certainly ask questions regarding the presence of pets in the patient’s house (frequent carriers of fungal infections), as well as find out the causes of infection.
The causes of infection can be completely different: in addition to animals, the disease can be "picked up" from other people (often from family members), as well as become infected through household items.
If necessary, the mycologist may insist on an examination of all family members, pets.
Healing procedures
The doctor begins treatment after a thorough examination and final diagnosis. In some cases, the reception of a mycologist begins with a mandatory blood test (biochemistry).
As a rule, treatment is carried out by prescribing appropriate ointments, tablets, injections. Sometimes droppers and physiotherapy are prescribed.
In addition, in the arsenal of this specialist there are such treatment methods as:
- physiotherapeutic treatment, including the use of liquid nitrogen, a laser and ultraviolet radiation;
- hardware processing and surgical removal (applicable for fungal infections of the nail);
- vitamin therapy;
- mechanical removal of fungal parasites by using exfoliating preparations.
In almost all cases, the mycologist turns to laboratory research methods.
When to see a doctor?
It is known that any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, referring to the specified specialist is at the initial stages of the manifestation of a fungal disease.
Signs that “some kind of parasite is wound up" on the human body, as a rule, is the appearance of redness, itching, burning, slight peeling or flaking of the skin.
It is worth remembering that delaying a visit to a doctor in most cases leads to the fact that the fungus moves to neighboring areas of the skin (for example, from one nail to another). In this case, in addition to painful sensations, a person acquires a rather unpleasant appearance of the affected areas of the body.
Disease
The list of fungal diseases, which require qualified help of a mycologist, is quite large. Such infections include: dermatitis, candidiasis, actinomycosis, fungal pneumonia, sweating, mucormycosis, lichen, and so on.
All these diseases have obvious signs, by the appearance of which a person can easily understand that a fungus has appeared in his body.
Even such a common and at first glance innocuous symptom as dandruff is an occasion to contact a mycologist.
Where to look and what to treat?
Where does the mycologist take? These specialists are available in all major city hospitals. In addition, doctors in this specialty are available in almost all private clinics.
After the question of which clinic the doctor-mycologist accepts has been resolved, the reception has been completed and treatment has been prescribed, it is worthwhile to learn more about the diagnosis.
Onychomycosis is a lesion of the nail with a dermatophyte fungus. Quite often, this disease is confused with changes in the nail plate resulting from mechanical stress (for example, a change in color and shape as a result of a bruise).
Mucormycosis is a lesion of the nose and brain by mold. This disease is not so common and is perhaps one of the most dangerous fungal infections. In some cases, mucormycosis can be fatal.
Actinomycosis is a disease provoked by the ingestion of radiant fungi into the human body. As a rule, the face, neck and jaw are affected.
Fungal pneumonia is a lesion of the lung tissue.
Candidiasis is a disease that occurs on the mucous membranes of the mouth, in the intestines, on the genitals, nails.
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that affects the bronchi and lungs.
Here is a list of diseases that mycologist most often encounters.
Prevention
It is also important to follow the advice of a mycologist regarding the prevention of fungal infections.
The main preventive measures are as follows:
- compliance with hygiene rules;
- proper nutrition;
- intake of vitamins (especially in the autumn-spring period);
- exclusion of contact with stray animals;
- minimal contact with the allergen (for people prone to allergies);
- Do not wear other people's shoes on your bare foot, do not walk barefoot in public places (saunas, pools, dressing shops), do not use other people's combs, brushes, tweezers, cosmetics.
Following simple rules will help reduce the likelihood of a fungal infection.
It is worth remembering that untimely contact with a specialist and self-medication increase the likelihood of a complication of the disease and lead to its relapse.
We are looking for a doctor
When a disease occurs, the most important step is not just to find a doctor, but a qualified and experienced specialist. So, how to find a good mycologist?
Quite often, it turns out to find the right specialist thanks to the reviews of friends and relatives. However, not everyone will want to advertise the presence of certain fungal infections.
Therefore, there is a second way: finding a doctor through the World Wide Web. On the Internet you can find a huge number of reviews and recommendations for almost all experts.
There is another proven method. He appeared relatively recently, but has already managed to establish himself on the positive side. On the Internet, there are certain online services for the search and selection of qualified specialists. These services allow you to find a really good doctor in a particular region or city.
For example, a person enters the search box “Mycologist-Voronezh”, after which the system offers a complete list of doctors in the specified city with a rating (which is formed from the length of service, patient reviews).
These services are absolutely free and anonymous. In addition, if you wish, you can find the line "doctor-mycologist reviews" and view all messages left by patients about the work of a particular specialist.
Summarizing
Thus, mycology is a science (a branch of biology) that studies mushrooms. Accordingly, a mycologist is a narrow-profile specialist specializing in the treatment of diseases caused by the appearance of a fungal infection in the human body.
The specified doctor treats fungal diseases of nails, hair, skin and other mucous membranes. The main difference between a dermatologist and a mycologist is that the latter treats only those diseases that arose due to the ingestion of a fungus in the human body.
A thorough examination of the patient and the passage of a number of tests (including a blood test, scraping from the affected area of the skin) allows the mycologist to determine the nature of the disease.
In addition, this specialist will always help not only to identify the cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment, but also to develop a course of preventive measures aimed at preventing the appearance of fungal infection.
Signing up with a mycologist is worthwhile when signs such as dandruff, redness of the skin, itching, burning, peeling or partial flaking of the skin appear, as well as a change in the color and structure of the nail plate.