Diagnosis | Treatment of nail fungus

Diagnosis

A nail fungus can be detected quickly with simple methods. Above all, the typical symptoms and the appearance of the nail fungus are decisive. If the nail is discolored, changed in shape and consistency and the patient describes an itching, the diagnosis nail fungus is very close.In addition, questions are asked about fungal diseases in the family and existing pre-existing conditions.

In cases of doubt or in order to exclude other suspected diagnoses, further investigations are followed. For this purpose the physician takes a nail sample, which is examined in the laboratory, so that the pathogen can be determined. The decisive factor in the diagnosis is to determine the extent of the nail fungus and to identify a pathogen so that adequate treatment can be initiated.

The symptoms of nail fungus are relatively clear. Initially there is a discoloration of the nail and the surrounding area. As the nail substance decays, the nail becomes softened and white to yellowish in color.

In the course of time, the nail becomes more brittle and shows a scaling, possibly flaking off individual layers. In addition, nail fungus develops in most cases a moderate to sometimes very unpleasant itching. If the nail fungus remains without treatment, further symptoms can be added, because the fungus then grows into deeper layers and in some cases can even scatter into the blood. Then it comes to pain and a general feeling of illness. This situation is very rare, but shows the importance of treatment.

Causes

As already mentioned, anyone can get nail fungus. The pathogens are present almost everywhere, they are more common in swimming pools or in the ground, and pets can also be carriers of the fungal threads. Normally a contact does not cause nail fungus, but sometimes the pathogens can penetrate through the smallest cracks in the skin or at the nail fold.

Then they cause nail fungus by feeding on the horny substance of the nail and on skin components. The affected structures are destroyed. Feet that are exposed to increased moisture and people with certain underlying diseases (diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders, immune deficiency) are also at increased risk of nail fungus.

Depending on the cause, the treatment can take different directions. The treatment of nail fungus is in most cases crowned with success, the prognosis is good. As a rule, the treatment affects fingernails faster than toes.

Duration and course of the disease depends on how soon after the symptoms appear, it is a matter of weeks to months. Without therapy, the nail fungus can spread to neighboring structures, so inflammations of the surrounding skin or deeper tissue are possible. With adequate methods, however, the fungus can be well contained and treated.

Since this is a relatively time-consuming treatment, care must be taken to apply the measures consistently. In a few cases, and especially if the affected persons suffer from other underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus or do not carry out the therapy measures adequately, the treatment of nail fungus may take longer and require further measures. As a rule, however, nail fungus can be treated well.

There are a number of measures and behaviors that reduce the risk of nail fungus. In principle, however, despite extensive prophylaxis, an infection can never be ruled out. In the first place, good hygiene, especially of the toenails with thorough drying, is of utmost importance.

In swimming pools or in the sauna, bath slippers help to prevent an infection with fungal pathogens. Used items such as towels, socks or mats from the bathroom should be washed regularly at high temperatures. Of course you should not share towels, nail files etc.

with people who already suffer from nail fungus. Any underlying diseases that promote the occurrence of nail fungus must be well adjusted and treated. In addition, the right footwear, which offers air to the feet and is not too tight, can prevent nail fungus on the feet.