- also known as onychomycosis - is a "fungal infection (caused by fungi) of the nails. Onychomycosis can affect both fingernails and toenails (although they affect the latter more frequently), they can involve one or more nails at the same time and manifest and evolve in a more or less severe manner. The fungi that can give rise to mycosis of the nails belong to the following groups: Detachment of the lamina from the nail bed. and debris deriving from the same pathogenic fungi. Such buildups can lead to detachment (onycholysis) of the nail bed. Proximal subungual onychomycosis: the fungal infection is localized in the proximal area of the nail. Onychomycosis of this type often indicates problems with the immune system. Superficial white onychomycosis: In this type of onychomycosis, the infection manifests itself with well-defined white spots (leukonychia). Total onychomycosis: in this case, the entire nail plate is affected by the infection and is dystrophic, thickened and friable. Usually, total onychomycosis is the consequence of one of the aforementioned types of nail fungus, in particular if not adequately treated or neglected. Endonyx onychomycosis: this type of infection is mainly caused by Trichophyton soudanense and by Trichophyton violaceum. It is characterized by the invasion of the lamina but not of the nail bed. The nail appears whitish, opaque but not brittle on the surface.
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- Dermatophytes (genera Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton);
- Yeasts (Candida albicans);
- Molds.
Onychomycosis is a nail disease that tends to occur more frequently in adults and elderly subjects.
To avoid the spread of nail fungus it is essential to start the most suitable treatment quickly, therefore, it is clear how important it is to recognize its appearance quickly. In this regard, it is good to specify and remember that nail fungus is not a defect or aesthetic disorder, but a real pathology that must be treated as such.
of the organism.
The contagion and spread of the infection can be favored by various factors and conditions, such as:
- Contact with a contaminated floor or surface;
- The hot-humid environment (for example, closed or too tight shoes);
- The use of common areas such as swimming pools, gyms, changing rooms, spas, etc. in which you can come into contact - directly or indirectly - with other people suffering from onychomycosis or other fungal infections (for example, tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot);
- Poor foot hygiene.
Other possible risk factors involved in the onset of nail fungus consist of:
- Problems with the immune system
- Drug-based therapies capable of suppressing or otherwise decreasing the activity of the immune system;
- Presence of particular pathologies (for example, contact dermatitis, diabetes, psoriasis, etc.);
- Presence of chronic nail dystrophies (such as hallux valgus, circulatory failure, hyperhidrosis, etc.).
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