Modern medicine considers mycotic (or fungal) skin lesions a real scourge of mankind. These diseases make up the lion’s share of the diseases that dermatologists face daily. Indeed, of all dermatological diseases, it is mycotic infections that account for from 37 to 42% of all cases of nail and skin lesions.
Fungal infections bring a lot of trouble. And the point is not so much in the unaesthetic visual effects with which they are accompanied (with mycosis, the skin acquires an unnatural color, pronounced spots, peeling, various formations appear on it), but in the mass of unpleasant sensations that a sick person has to endure. Constant itching, peeling, general malaise, and after this complete poisoning of the body entails the vital activity of fungal microorganisms.
Many factors contribute to the development of mycotic diseases. Sometimes the situation is exacerbated by the doctors themselves, often prescribing immunosuppressive, antibacterial, cytostatic drugs, hormones. Under the influence of advertising, the population uncontrollably acquires and uses antifungal medications, which subsequently form the resistance of infection pathogens to them. In addition, the use of hygiene and cosmetic skin care products with a pronounced antibacterial effect, which leads to a violation of the normal biological state of the skin, has become very fashionable and widespread in everyday life.
Today, science knows more than 1.5 million species of fungi, of which just over 500 species are considered dangerous to humans. In our region, dozens of potentially dangerous fungi are common, among them the main causative agents of the disease are dermatomycetes, yeast and mold.
Mycotic infections are perceived differently by the skin at different ages. At certain periods of life, relapses, the development of a tendency to the chronic course of the disease, and immunity to treatment are possible. Often infections cause significant negative changes in a person’s appearance, which reduces his legal capacity, worsens his mental state, and contributes to the development of depression.
Fungal diseases affect about 10% of the population, and according to some reports – 2-3 times more. The incidence over the past 10 years has more than doubled. Many people who become infected with a nail fungus avoid treatment and do not go to the doctor.
The appearance of nails undoubtedly indicates the state of the body. Healthy nails should be shiny, smooth and pink. With a fungal infection, they become dull, whitish, dirty gray or yellow, exfoliate and crumble, thickenings and deformations of the nail plates appear. Other symptoms of fungal infection: thickening, brittleness, change in shape, curvature, transverse striation, “corroded” edge of the nail, crumbling nail plates, thinning and separation of the nail from the nail bed, coracoid shape of the nail.
Most often, a fungal infection begins with the appearance of cracks between the toes and on the sole. And only then the nails themselves are affected. Changing the appearance of the nail plates can be caused by other reasons: trophic disturbance, bacterial rather than fungal infections, eczema.
Most fungal infections are not accompanied by pain. But there is a kind of special yeast-like fungi that cause inflammation of the tissues around the nail and aching itchy pain.
False nails create ideal conditions for the prosperity of a fungal infection. Nails need breathing. When building, the nails covered with a thick layer of special glue are “clogged”.
Family predisposition is a significant factor, but not the only one. Often, infection occurs in common areas: in bathhouses and showers, gyms and locker rooms, in pools and on beaches. Wherever there is a moist, warm environment, fungi live long and feel comfortable.