Probably every person knows what a fungus is, since many suffer from this problem, which arises for a variety of reasons. Fungal diseases can affect different parts of the body, in particular:
- nails;
- skin
- some internal organs.
Many of them are always inside the human body, on the mucous membranes or skin and become pathogenic only under certain conditions.
Fungal diseases
A fungus, the photo of which helps to determine the feature of the disease, can occur on different parts of the body. Fungal lesions are a group of various infections that, without proper therapy, are constantly progressing. Despite the fact that they do not lead to a decrease in the quality of life, nevertheless they cause a certain discomfort.
Doctors distinguish several types of fungal lesions, depending on their location, type of microorganism and degree of damage. It is also important to understand how the types of fungi differ, the photo can clearly demonstrate this. Given the characteristic signs, it is possible to diagnose the disease in a timely manner and conduct adequate therapy.
Types of fungal diseases
It is important to know not only what a fungus is, but also what kind of fungus it is, since the feature of the treatment of the disease largely depends on it. To determine the type of fungal infection, it is important to consider factors such as the depth of tissue damage, as well as the location. Depending on this, there are such types as:
- dermatophytosis;
- keratomycosis;
- mycosis;
- candidiasis.
Each of these species has a different area of localization, as well as a particular course of the disease, which is why it is important to diagnose the disease in a timely manner, as well as conduct competent therapy.
Dermatophytosis
Dermatophytosis is characterized by the fact that there is a lesion of the deeper layers of the skin, as well as nails and hair. The pathological process is accompanied by inflammation. The most common forms of fungus are:
- mycosis;
- microscope;
- trichophytosis.
Trichophytosis infection with fungi occurs as a result of contact with an infected person or his things. In addition, infection can occur from animals. This disease can occur in several different forms, namely:
- superficial;
- infiltrative;
- suppurative.
The surface type is characterized by the fact that pinkish or red spots form on the skin, which after a while begin to peel off, become covered with crusts. Spots can form around the mouth, nose, and eyes.
The infiltrative form is an inflammatory process, as well as the presence of swelling.
The suppurative form is one of the most severe, since red spots with pus are formed on the skin, and crusts form when dried. Since the areas are open, there is a chance of a bacterial infection.
Microsporia is characterized by the fact that the infection comes from animals. Often, children suffer from the disease. Symptoms are almost the same as with trichophytosis, but the spots are slightly smaller in size. The disease affects the scalp, as well as the nails.
Mycosis implies damage to smooth skin, and infection occurs through a household route from a sick person or in contact with his things. The penetration of infection contribute to abrasions and cracks. In some cases, mycosis can spread to the face and head. Often, nail plates are involved in the pathological process. They begin to change their shape and color, become more dense or, conversely, brittle. Treatment of nail fungus is quite complex and lengthy, since the nail plate should be completely updated.
Keratomycosis
Keratomycosis is a lesion of the upper layers of the skin and hair. These include nodular trichosporia and lichen. Multi-colored lichen occurs when the skin is affected by pathogenic fungi, which in a normal state does not belong to pathogens. Symptoms are characterized by the formation of pinkish spots on the skin, and then they gradually turn brown, after which they lose their color and become clearly visible only on dark skin.
Nodular trichosporia is rare. This disease is characterized by the fact that there is a lesion of the scalp. Around the hair, a lesion of white or black is formed. The hair itself does not break off, and the disease proceeds in a chronic stage.
Candidiasis
When candidiasis is diagnosed, many are interested in what a fungus is and how it manifests itself. This disease affects the internal organs, skin and mucous membranes. The causes of candidiasis can be external and internal. Internal causes include diabetes and disorders of the endocrine system, a decrease in the immune system, as well as prolonged use of antibacterial agents.
External causes include prolonged contact with the source of infection, as well as neglect of personal hygiene rules. Symptoms can be very different, in particular, the disease manifests itself in the form of dryness, burning, and also inflammation of the mucosa. Proper treatment of the fungus is required, as it causes significant discomfort.
Mycosis
What is a foot fungus, how does it arise, what types and features of treatment are there - you must definitely know people who are prone to this disease. Fungal lesions are divided into those that form on the skin, as well as nails. The consequence of such a disease may be an ingrown nail.
Fungi can also be on the skin of the legs, affecting the foot and fingers. The first sign is the presence of severe itching of the foot. Then small flakes and cracks in the surface of the skin begin to form, which becomes very dry. Over time, the cracks become deeper, up to the formation of non-healing wounds. In this case, the nail plates change color, acquire a grayish tint and thicken. Subsequently, they crumble, become brittle and can grow into the skin.
Pulmonary mycosis
Deep mycoses are a rare, but quite dangerous disease. They are accompanied by damage to the mucous membranes, internal organs, as well as subcutaneous tissues. Mycosis of the lung tissue is found mainly in people with poor immunity. The disease is very difficult and often ends in the death of the patient.
If the fungus affects a person with normal immunity, then the disease is asymptomatic, in a chronic form and without complications. Fungal infection occurs against the background of other existing lung diseases. In addition, there may be allergic mycoses of the lungs that occur when inhaling dust infected with fungi.
For adequate treatment, timely diagnosis is very important, therefore, if absolutely any problems with the lungs occur, you must definitely undergo an examination. Therapy should be systemic, medication and carried out in a hospital.
The degree of damage to the nail
The treatment of fungus on the legs largely depends on the degree of damage, and this factor is taken into account primarily in the diagnosis. According to current clinical guidelines, several forms of fungal infection are distinguished. The distal form is characterized by the fact that infection of the final part of the nail occurs, as well as its gradual separation.
The proximal form indicates a deterioration in the immune system. It is often found in people with diabetes, tuberculosis, and malignant neoplasms. In this type of disease, infection begins with the part of the nail that is closer to the metatarsus.
The superficial type of the disease is very rare and can be triggered by various pathogens. It manifests itself in the form of a change in the color of the nail plate, as well as its gradual destruction. After a while, the nail begins to crumble and exfoliate.
Dystrophic total type of disease refers to the very last stage of damage to the nail plate. This type of ailment is characterized by the complete destruction of the nail plate.
When the first symptoms of damage appear, you need to contact a qualified doctor who will conduct an examination and prescribe competent treatment. The remedy for the fungus on the legs or hands should be selected depending on the degree and characteristics of the lesion.
Causes of fungus
Having decided, I am treating nail fungus and other fungal diseases, you must initially determine the cause of their occurrence. Given the prevalence of this pathological process, many believe that it is very simple to get infected, but this is not entirely true. For a fungus to appear, certain conditions for its subsequent development are required. These include:
- a strong decrease in immunity;
- wet shoes and socks;
- excessive vulnerability of the skin and nails;
- excessive or insufficient hygiene;
- taking certain antibacterial drugs.
Knowing the main causes of such a disease, it is enough to simply follow certain rules that will help prevent the danger of infection. Poor shoes, in which the feet often preet and sweat, are considered a beneficial environment for the development of fungal diseases. However, even quality shoes that can be rented are dangerous for fungal infections.
In addition, the fungus can be in the shower, bath, pool for a long time, if it is not removed with special disinfectants. But on the beach, it is almost impossible to become infected with a fungus, since hot sand and salt water quickly neutralize it.
Symptoms of fungal diseases
It is possible to cure nail fungus quickly and fairly effectively, however, it is initially important to determine its type by symptomatic manifestations. Keratomycosis is localized on the surface of the scalp and skin. This type of infection is the least dangerous, as it provokes the occurrence of diseases, the symptoms of which do not provoke inflammation of the skin and itching. Often, a similar pathological process is characterized by a change in the color of the skin, the appearance of white spots. Basically, such diseases are found in adults. In children, they form in the presence of diabetes.
Yeast-type parasites provoke the occurrence of itching and redness of the skin. Often, pathogens affect the armpits and groin. Symptoms are growing rapidly, expressed as redness of the affected area, so it is important to carry out treatment as soon as possible. When young children become infected, white spots form on the mucous membranes, in particular in the oral cavity.
Dermatophytosis occurs due to the penetration of dangerous pathogens into the body. Often, a fungal infection affects the deep layers of the skin and provokes diseases such as:
- microsporia;
- trichophytosis;
- epidermophytosis.
Among the main symptoms, the presence of inflammatory processes can be distinguished. In the initial stages, white and red spots are formed on the skin, which cause itching and severe flaking. With the subsequent course of the disease, small blisters form on the skin, which eventually begin to burst, and fluid is released from them. Such symptoms are observed in children and adults, so it is important to carry out preventive measures.
Deep mycoses provoke a very severe reaction of the body, however, they are quite rare. It is very difficult to treat such a disease, and various kinds of complications may arise in the form of a viral disease. Affection of the skin with fungi occurs fairly quickly, but antifungal drugs help very well, but slowly. After the treatment, certain rules must be followed to prevent relapse. Having discovered the symptoms of a fungal disease, you need to urgently consult a dermatologist to diagnose and conduct therapy.
Methods of treatment
Many patients say: I treat nail fungus on my own. However, it is absolutely impossible to do this, since you can greatly harm your body. Fungal diseases of the skin and nails can be very different and are provoked by various pathogens. Although the therapy of all types of the disease boils down to several directions, in any case, the doctor must conduct a comprehensive diagnosis, select drugs and the peculiarity of their use. For therapy, such tools and techniques are used as:
- antifungal agents;
- drying preparations;
- mycotic antibiotics;
- vitamins and immunomodulatory agents.
In the presence of fungal infection of the skin, special antifungal shampoos are used. Affected nails may be removed surgically. In addition, you can use folk remedies and techniques for therapy and prevention.
The surgical method of therapy is used only with severe damage to the nail and implies the complete
removal of the nail plate. The whole procedure is carried out under local anesthesia and lasts for about 15-20 minutes. For its implementation, hospitalization of the patient is not required, it is performed on an outpatient basis, after which the patient goes home and continues with general therapy.
Medications
To cure the fungus on the toenails at home is quite simple, since there are many different antifungal drugs that can quickly eliminate any symptoms of mycosis. Surgical intervention is very rare, in especially difficult cases. However, before using absolutely any means, you must first pass an examination and consult a doctor.
Depending on the type of fungus, an effective way to eliminate it involves the use of appropriate medications. Fungal lesions of the scalp can be treated by the use of drugs in tablet form, and dermatomycoses can be treated with ointments.
Creams against inflammation, for example, such as "Nystatin" or "Diflucan", are good at helping. They will help eliminate spots, swelling and at the same time do not damage the skin. The ointment from the Lamisil fungus is used, as it helps to eliminate itching and has healing properties. It is necessary to apply this tool in accordance with the instructions several times a day.
In the form of capsules, "Fluconazole" or Amphotericin injection liquid is prescribed. These antimycotic drugs are prescribed if you need to cure a very severe fungal infection, as well as cope with chronic diseases.
A quick recovery occurs in the case of the use of antifungal drugs in large quantities for a short period of time, and then a break is made for a long time. It is worth remembering that all antifungal drugs are very toxic, so they should be taken only strictly as directed by the doctor.
Traditional medicine
Can a fungus be cured on its own? Folk remedies are the safest and quite effective. However, the most positive result can be obtained with this treatment of mild forms of fungal infection. It is worth remembering that by applying only folk methods there is a risk that the disease will not be completely cured, and relapses will occur.
To cope with the fungus of the feet at home, baths from various medicinal herbs will help, which will help eliminate inflammation, heal the skin and have an anti-inflammatory effect. To treat skin fungus , an ointment prepared on the basis of butter and chopped garlic is used. It is applied to the skin, avoiding the mucous membranes, covered with a film and left overnight.
Oregano oil helps to cope well with mycosis of the scalp. It can be added to shampoo when washing your hair. Treatment of nail fungus at home is carried out comprehensively, for which various ointments and infusions are used. Before the procedure, it is necessary to make salt baths, then cleanse the flaky skin, then apply iodine to the entire affected surface and apply a softening cream.
Nail fungus at home can be eliminated with the help of blue clay. This tool must be diluted with water to a pulp state and applied to the affected area. Lock on top with a bandage or bandage.