What is flesh-eating bacteria? What are the causes and risk factors of necrotizing fasciitis? What are the symptoms and how is it diagnosed? How is flesh-eating bacteria treated and what are the possible complications?

Understanding Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria)

Necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as “flesh-eating bacteria,” is a rare but extremely serious infection that affects the skin, soft tissues, and underlying muscle. It is caused by various types of bacteria that can rapidly destroy the body’s soft tissues, leading to severe illness and potential death if not treated promptly.

Causes and Risk Factors of Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Necrotizing fasciitis is commonly caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, the same type that causes strep throat. However, other bacteria such as staphylococcus can also lead to this infection. The bacteria typically enter the body through surgical wounds, puncture wounds, burns, minor cuts, insect bites, or abrasions.

Certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis, including alcohol abuse, cancer, chickenpox, cirrhosis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, lung disease, peripheral vascular disease, steroid use, and intravenous drug use.

Symptoms of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infection

The early symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis usually appear within the first 24 hours of infection and can resemble the flu or a minor skin infection. These include serious pain, inflammation, fever, nausea, and a combination of the following:

• Increasing pain in the area of a minor cut, abrasion, or other skin opening
• Pain that is worse than expected for the appearance of the wound
• Redness and warmth around the wound, though symptoms can begin at other areas of the body
• Flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, fever, dizziness, weakness, and malaise
• Intense thirst due to dehydration

More advanced symptoms, which can occur within 3-4 days, include swelling, a purplish rash, large blisters filled with dark, foul-smelling fluid, and tissue death (gangrene). Critical symptoms like severe drop in blood pressure, toxic shock, and unconsciousness can occur within 4-5 days of infection.

Diagnosing Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infection

If a doctor suspects necrotizing fasciitis, the patient will likely be admitted to the hospital for immediate testing and treatment. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests to check for high levels of white blood cells
• Tissue biopsy to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection
• CT scan to detect fluid, pus, and gas bubbles under the skin

Household members and other close contacts of a necrotizing fasciitis patient should also be tested if they develop symptoms of infection.

Treatment for Flesh-Eating Bacteria

The treatment for necrotizing fasciitis typically includes:

1. Intravenous antibiotic therapy to fight the bacterial infection
2. Surgery to remove any damaged or dead tissue and stop the spread of infection
3. Medications to raise blood pressure and support vital functions
4. Amputation of affected limbs in some severe cases
5. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to preserve healthy tissue
6. Cardiac monitoring and breathing support as needed

Prompt and aggressive treatment is crucial, as necrotizing fasciitis can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if not addressed immediately.

Complications and Prevention of Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Necrotizing fasciitis can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly, including tissue death, sepsis, toxic shock, and organ failure. In severe cases, amputation of affected limbs may be necessary.

To prevent necrotizing fasciitis, it’s important to properly care for any cuts, wounds, or skin injuries to avoid bacterial infection. Seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms of a potentially serious skin infection is also crucial.

Prognosis and Outlook for Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but extremely serious condition, with an estimated 25-30% mortality rate in the United States. However, with prompt and aggressive treatment, many patients can recover, especially if the infection is caught and treated early. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving the chances of survival and reducing the risk of complications.

Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by Matt McMillen

• What Is Flesh-Eating Bacteria (Necrotizing Fasciitis)?
• Flesh-Eating Bacteria Causes and Risk Factors
• Flesh-Eating Bacteria Symptoms
• Flesh-Eating Bacteria Diagnosis
• Flesh-Eating Bacteria Treatment
• Flesh-Eating Bacteria Complications
• Flesh-Eating Bacteria Prevention
• Flesh-Eating Bacteria Outlook
• More

Flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) is a rare infection of the skin and tissues below it. It can be deadly if not treated quickly.

Necrotizing fasciitis spreads quickly and aggressively in an infected person. It causes tissue death at the infection site and beyond.

Every year, between 600 and 700 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. About 25% to 30% of those cases result in death. It rarely happens in children..

Necrotizing fasciitis is commonly caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. That’s the same type of bacteria that causes strep throat. But, several types of bacteria, such as staphylococcus and others, have also been linked to the disease.

Necrotizing fasciitis happens when these types of bacteria infect the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue below the skin.

Flesh-eating bacteria transmission

The bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis can enter the body through:

• Surgical wounds
• Puncture wounds or other injury
• Burns
• Minor cuts
• Insect bites
• Abrasions

In some cases, it is unknown how the infection began. Once it takes hold, the infection rapidly destroys muscle, skin, and fat tissue.

Having a weakened immune system and certain diseases may make you more likely to get flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis). Health conditions that may raise your risk include:

• Alcohol abuse
• Cancer
• Chickenpox (in childhood)
• Cirrhosis
• Diabetes
• Heart disease affecting the heart valves
• Chronic kidney disease
• Lung disease, including tuberculosis
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Steroid use
• Use of injectable or IV drugs

The early symptoms of an infection with flesh-eating bacteria usually appear within the first 24 hours of infection. Symptoms are similar to other conditions like the flu or a less serious skin infection. The early symptoms are also similar to common post-surgical complaints, such as:

• Serious pain
• Inflammation
• Fever
• Nausea

Symptoms often include a combination of the following:

• Increasing pain in the general area of a minor cut, abrasion, or other skin opening.
• Pain that is worse than would be expected from the appearance of the cut or abrasion.
• Redness and warmth around the wound, though symptoms can begin at other areas of the body.
• Flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, fever, dizziness, weakness, and general malaise.
• Intense thirst due to dehydration.

More advanced symptoms happen around the painful infection site within 3 to 4 days of infection. They include:

• Swelling, possibly along with a purplish rash
• Large, violet-colored marks that turn into blisters filled with dark, foul-smelling fluid
• Discoloration, peeling, and flakiness as tissue death (gangrene) happens

Critical symptoms, which often occur within 4 to 5 days of infection, include:

• A severe drop in blood pressure
• Toxic shock
• Unconsciousness

Flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) affects the body quickly, making early diagnosis important to survival.

The doctor will examine you and review your symptoms. Having flesh-eating bacteria is a medical emergency, and if a doctor suspects you may have it, you’ll likely be admitted to a hospital and get tested there.

Tests to diagnosis flesh-eating bacteria (necrotizing fasciitis) include:

Blood tests. People with flesh-eating bacteria have high levels of white blood cells.

Tissue biopsy. You may need exploratory surgery to remove some of the tissue from the infected area. The tissue is sent to a lab to identify the particular bacteria that’s causing the infection. But you’ll be given some medicine to treat the infection before test results are back.

CT scan. A CT scan can show your doctor where fluid and pus are collecting in the body. It also shows the presence of gas bubbles under the skin, which helps confirm the diagnosis.

Household members and others who have had close contact with someone with necrotizing fasciitis should be tested for the disease if they have symptoms of an infection.

Patients infected with flesh-eating bacteria will undergo several types of treatment. The extent of treatment depends on the stage of the disease when treatment is started. The treatment includes:

• Intravenous antibiotic therapy.
• Surgery to remove damaged or dead tissue in order to stop the spread of infection.
• Medications to raise blood pressure.
• Amputations of affected limbs, in some cases.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be recommended to preserve healthy tissue.
• Cardiac monitoring and breathing aids.
• Blood transfusions.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin. This supports the body’s ability to fight infection.

Serious complications are common and may include:

• Sepsis
• Shock
• Organ failure
• Loss of an arm or leg due to amputation
• Severe scarring
• Death

Washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is one of the best steps you can take to prevent flesh-eating bacteria and other skin infections.

• You can also prevent skin infections by taking these steps:
• Always clean cuts and open wounds with soap and water.
• After cleaning, cover an oozing, draining, or open wound with a clean, dry bandage.
• Get treated by a doctor if you have a serious or deep wound, such as a puncture or gunshot.
• Don’t go swimming or use a hot tub if you have an open wound or skin infection.

There’s no vaccine available to prevent flesh-eating bacteria infection.

Early diagnosis and rapid, aggressive treatment are critical when it comes to fighting this rare skin infection. Many people need more than one procedure to remove damaged, infected tissue. If you have red, swollen skin and it’s not going away, make an appointment with your doctor.

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Skin Fungal Infections in Cats

What Are Skin Fungal Infections in Cats?

This type of skin infection is caused by fungi, which are parasitic, spore-producing organisms that are widespread in the environment. Fungal spores are very hardy and can remain in the environment for years. Cats pick up these spores from direct contact with an infected animal or directly in the environment, mostly through the soil.

Fungal infections can cause a variety of issues from skin infections to respiratory diseases. When the infective spores from the fungus contact the skin or nails of the cat, it can replicate.

Most healthy, adult animals have strong immune systems to fight off fungal infections, but stress, illness, and a weak immune system can predispose cats to getting fungal infections. Fungal infections take advantage of this weakness and invade the skin’s normally protective barrier. Skin fungal infections are more common in warm and humid conditions.

Many fungal infections are zoonotic, which means they can also infect humans. It is important to contact your health provider if your pet has been diagnosed or is suspected of having a fungal disease.

Types of Skin Fungal Infections in Cats

Dermatophytosis is the most common skin fungal infection in cats. These fungal infections are commonly called “ringworm.” Ringworm is not caused by a worm as the name implies, but by a fungus. A classic ringworm lesion involves a slowly expanding ring-like pattern of hair loss and scale, although this isn’t always the case. Some cats may have ringworm with no skin conditions or in other patterns of hair loss and scale.

Cats are usually infected with the fungus Microsporum canis, but other fungi include Microsporum gypseum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. When infected, some cats may be asymptomatic carriers of ringworm and exhibit very few clinical signs, yet they are still capable of spreading the infection.

Other less-common fungal infections that infect the skin of cats include:

• Cryptococcosis: A fungal disease that may cause respiratory, nervous system, ocular (eye), and skin lesions. It is transmitted through the soil and in bird droppings, particularly from pigeons.

• Coccidioidomycosis: Also known as “valley fever” or “desert fever” it can be found in dry and semi-arid regions. Infections commonly occur after dust storms, heavy rain, construction, or earthquakes. This fungal infection typically causes systemic disease, but skin lesions include non-healing masses, hair loss, and draining wounds.

• Blastomycosis: This zoonotic fungal infection primarily causes respiratory and neurologic disease in cats, most notably pneumonia. Blastomyces can also look like skin masses and abscesses in cats. This disease is usually restricted to certain states around the Ohio River basin, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

• Candidiasis: A fungal organism that is naturally found on the skin of a cat. Infections occur most commonly in association with immunosuppression.

• Malassezia yeast: A natural inhabitant of the skin that may cause overgrowth, especially in the skin and ears. Secondary to allergies, dermatological and endocrine conditions, it has been associated with some cancers in cats. Rex cats are predisposed to Malassezia infections.

• Cutaneous sporotrichosis: A zoonotic fungal disease that creates nodules (lumps) under the skin and draining wounds. A draining wound is an injury that penetrates the skin and usually the immediate tissue underneath, often forming tunnel-like lesions. It may be swollen, red, or infected and exude a discharge of blood or pus.

  
  

  • Male outdoor cats are most often infected due to increased roaming and exposure to contaminated thorns, splinters, dirt, and soil. It is also transmitted through fights with other cats. Sporotrichosis can also become systemic and affect the liver, lungs, and bone.

• Rhinosporidiosis: Typically, a disease of the nasal membranes, it can also infect a cat’s skin causing nodules or polyps with a stalk or stem.

• Phaeohyphomycosis: This is a group of fungal infections that cause skin masses and draining wounds around the paws, ears, and face. Occasionally, it can invade the nervous system.

• Mycetomas: An infection that causes skin or abdominal tissue swelling, a mycetoma will often produce a discharge that displays pigmented granules. These fungi are opportunistic and often infect cats after traumatic injuries, or through wounds from surgery.

Symptoms of Skin Fungal Infections in Cats

Fungal infections may be superficial, causing hair loss, redness, scaling, crusting, increased pigmentation, and pustules (bulging patch of skin). Infected hair follicles may be removed easily, but more severe fungal infections create under the skin nodules, draining tracts, and abscesses. Secondary bacterial infections are also common.

Many fungal infections are capable of invading the body causing a systemic disease that most commonly affects the lungs and the nervous system. Non-dermatologic clinical signs include:

Causes of Skin Fungal Infections in Cats

Both pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungus is found commonly in the environment. The pathogenic, or disease-causing species, are usually found in soil, but can be spread through contaminated materials and other animals. Cats can get fungal infections through direct exposure, typically through the skin with a broken barrier, as well as breathing in or ingesting spores.

Fungi are opportunistic and take advantage of a host’s weakened immune system, wounds, and concurrent infections. Bacterial infections and fungal infections are often diagnosed together, although it can be difficult to figure out which came first.

While indoor cats can get fungal infections, outdoor, roaming cats have a higher exposure to fungal elements. Some cats may be asymptomatic carriers and show no symptoms, yet they can spread the disease to other animals and humans.

Longhaired cat breeds such as Persians and Himalayans may have a predisposition to skin fungal infections.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Skin Fungal Infections in Cats

Based on lifestyle and clinical signs of hair loss, crusting, and scaling, veterinarians may suspect a fungal skin infection. They may use a variety of tests to diagnose fungal infections as well as other common diseases (such as bacterial or parasitic infections) that show up similarly.

• Deep skin scrapes and cytology: While fungal structures are not commonly found during this process, skin scrapes and cytology are used to diagnose concurrent bacterial infections and mite infestations. Yeast infections also are commonly diagnosed with cytology.

• Wood’s lamp examination: Some types of fungal species will fluoresce bright green under this lamp, most commonly M. canis. However, it is possible to have false positives and false negatives, so the Wood’s lamp should only be used as a screening tool.

• Trichogram: In this test, a hair follicle and scale from the edge of a lesion is evaluated under a microscope for evidence of fungal structures.

• Dermatophyte culture: This is the gold standard of testing and involves taking samples of skin lesions and allowing them to develop on a growth medium for two to three weeks. Any growth is recorded and analyzed for species identification.

• Biopsy: Biopsy (removal of tissue for examination) may be best used in non-healing wounds and masses that are surgically removed.

• PCR: Some laboratories can run these tests to identify fungal DNA.

Treatment of Skin Fungal Infections in Cats

Surgical removal of nodules, draining tracts, and abscesses may be the preferred treatment method in some types of infection. All surgical lesions should be biopsied for a definitive diagnosis.

All concurrent illnesses—such as bacterial infections, allergies, parasitic infestations, or diseases causing immunosuppression—should be tested and treated as necessary.

Skin lesions involving scales, crusts, and hair loss are most often treated with oral anti-fungal medications such as Itraconazole, Terbinafine, and Fluconazole. Not all antifungals are safe in cats, so it is important to only use medications prescribed by your veterinarian. These drugs are typically given long term (over months) and require treatment for three to four weeks after resolution. Clinical resolution involves not only the disappearance of clinical signs, but also two negative fungal cultures.

Other animals in the house may also be treated to prevent asymptomatic carrier status.

Recurrences are common, and cleaning contaminated materials within the house is crucial. Bedding should be washed daily and areas difficult to decontaminate (such as carpet) should be avoided. Pet parents may wish to discard non-washable items, such as cat trees or toys, as they may be a continuous source of re-infection.

Topical antifungal therapy, such as lime sulfur dip or shampoos containing miconazole, are effective at eliminating spores on the hair coat and decreasing the spread of disease. Topical therapy is typically recommended throughout the entire treatment process.

Recovery and Management of Skin Fungal Infections in Cats

Overall, the prognosis for skin fungal infections is good to excellent. Pet parents should expect multiple re-check exams with the veterinarian throughout treatment. Cats are not considered cured until clinical signs are resolved and they have two negative fungal cultures. After this, treatment should continue for another month.

Causes of immunosuppression should be evaluated, including steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and diseases such as cancer.

Most cats recover fully from fungal infections with time and treatment. Consistent treatment and thorough environmental decontamination are important for success. Relapses are common, so patience and commitment to a cure are vital for pet parents working with their veterinarians.

Skin Fungal Infections in Cats FAQs

What does a skin fungal infection look like on a cat?

Most often, cats with skin fungal infections have hair loss, dryness, scaling, crusts, redness, and increased pigmentation.

Can you catch fungal infections from cats?

Yes, the most common form of fungal infection in cats is transmissible to humans.

Can cat fungus go away on its own?

While healthy, immune-competent cats may be able to resolve a fungal infection on their own, they may become asymptomatic carriers and continue spreading the disease. It is important to talk to your veterinarian if you think your cat had or has a fungal disease.

How do cats get fungal infections?

Most fungal infections are spread from contaminated soil, materials, or other cats.

References

1. Etienne Côté, Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the Dog and the Cat. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2017.

2. Tilley LP, Smith FWK. The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline. 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.

3. Taboada, Joseph. Merck Veterinary Manual. Fungal Infections in Cats. August 2018

4. Moriello, Karen. Merck Veterinary Manual. Dermatophytosis in Dogs and Cats. August 2020.

5. Merchant, Sandra. Merck Veterinary Manual. Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) in Cats. October 2020.

6. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Dermatophytosis (Zoonotic) (Feline).

7. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Blastomycosis (Feline).

8. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Sporotrichosis (Zoonotic) (Feline).

9. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Phaeohyphomycosis (Feline).

10. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Candidiasis (Feline).

11. Brooks, Wendy. Veterinary Partner. Ringworm in Dogs and Cats. January 2001.

12. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Mycetoma, Eumycotic (Feline).

13. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Coccidioidomycosis (Zoonotic) (Feline).

Featured Image: iStock. com/ablokhin

WRITTEN BY

Lauren Jones, VMD

Veterinarian

Dr. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, after receiving her bachelor’s degree…

Fungus on the feet, how to treat, methods of treatment symptoms and signs

How to treat the disease?

The sooner a person seeks help, the sooner therapy will pass. The doctor determines how to treat the fungus on the legs after receiving the results of a diagnostic examination. Experts offer to fight the disease with medication. The patient is prescribed antifungal drugs, which:

• stop the development of pathogens;
• destroy fungi;
• have an anti-inflammatory effect;
• relieve unpleasant symptoms.

These agents are available as an ointment, gel, spray, tablet, or oral suspension. With a fungus on the toenails, special varnishes or patches can be used, which also have an antifungal effect. The specialist selects medicines for the patient on a strictly individual basis, since many of them have a number of contraindications. Certain medications are prohibited for:

• pregnant;
• breastfeeding mothers;
• children.

Strengthening the immune system is very important for a quick recovery. For this, patients are prescribed to take vitamin-mineral complexes, immunostimulants. In advanced cases, when a secondary infection joins fungal infections, antibiotics are prescribed to patients.

How to cure the fungus on the feet forever?

Many patients complain that some time after the course of therapy the disease returns. The reason for this is not fully cured primary infection. A typical mistake many people make is to stop therapy when there is improvement. It is very important to continue to apply the drug for the entire period prescribed by the doctor. Even if the disease does not appear outwardly, it is not a fact that the entire infection has already been defeated. To prevent re-injury to the legs, you need to:

• Strictly follow the recommendations of the specialist.
• Do not replace drugs with analogues.
• Apply products regularly, without interruption.

During treatment, the patient must wear closed slippers at home. Do not allow other family members to wear them, because the infection can be transmitted through them. It is also forbidden to walk barefoot on the floor when treating a fungus on the legs, use washcloths, pumice stones or other bath accessories shared with other people. Very important during therapy:

• Wash the patient’s clothes separately from others.
• Daily wet cleaning of the house.
• Treat the shoes of the sick person with antifungal agents.

Feet hygiene should also be taken seriously. They need to be washed at least 2 times a day. At the same time, they should be treated with hot water. It is important to change your socks frequently and wear comfortable, non-tight shoes. After the cure, it is imperative to throw away the slippers, towels, washcloths, socks that the person used during the illness.

Prevention

Knowing what causes fungus on the feet, you can easily prevent it. In order not to face this disease, you just need to adhere to the following prevention rules:

• When visiting baths, saunas or swimming pools, use only disposable or personal slippers.
• Do not wear wet or damp footwear.
• If there is a sick person in the house, use only personal bath accessories.

Some diseases also increase the risk of fungus. Therefore, by eliminating them in a timely manner, you can avoid the appearance of the disease. More likely to encounter a fungus in people who suffer from:

• flat feet;
• corns;
• foot hyperhidrosis.

It is important for people to know that under conditions of low temperatures, the fungus persists for a long time. Therefore, freezing is not terrible for him. However, the pathogen dies when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, for prevention purposes, boiling can be used. If the patient’s clothes and shoes are treated in this way, then the fungus in them will die.

Toenail fungus – treatment in Moscow, prices

According to statistics, 25% of adult Russians suffer from fungal diseases that affect the skin of the feet and toenails. At the same time, it was found that men are more susceptible to pathological influence than women.

A problem such as toenail fungus, also known in medicine as onychomycosis or mycosis, is almost impossible to hide from others. This disease is characterized by a rather strong unpleasant odor. Due to the fact that mycosis of the nails is very contagious, it causes psychological discomfort not only to the patient, but also to his environment.

Some people are not serious about the problem, considering it just a cosmetic defect that can be easily eliminated with creams and ointments. However, this opinion is erroneous. Toenail fungus is an infection that requires proper therapy by a competent dermatologist.

Specialists of the medical center “Yuzhny” carry out effective treatment of mycosis with the use of modern effective drugs. Patients of the clinic can count on professional advice and support at all stages of treatment. A dermatologist will not only draw up a competent treatment regimen, but also tell you how to prevent the occurrence of fungal infections in the future.

What is nail onychomycosis?

Mycosis can be described as the defeat of the nail plate by fungi of various types. Most often, some deformer fungi, microsporia, as well as mold and yeast fungi provoke an infectious disease.

There is a key difference between non-dermatophytes and dermatophytes. It lies in the ability of the latter to have a destructive effect on the nail and consume its keratin. Non-dermatophytes are considered a secondary pathology that develops against the background of other pathologies of the nail plates on the legs.

Risk factors for developing toenail fungus include:

1. Mycosis of the skin of the foot.
2. Psoriasis or other cause of nail thinning.
3. Old age.
4. Close contact with persons suffering from toenail fungus.
5. Wearing closed shoes for a long time.
6. Immune deficiency.
7. Diabetes mellitus or peripheral vascular disease.

Photo

In most cases, onychomycosis causes psychological discomfort, because the affected nail does not look aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the pathology is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Many people who are faced with this problem cannot feel like full-fledged members of society, which in some cases can lead to mental disorders. Examples of what fungus-affected nails look like are shown in the photo below.

Nail fungus symptoms and signs

To date, about five dozen different types of fungi have been identified that can affect the human body. The effectiveness of the treatment of mycosis will directly depend on how well the type of infection is determined. The symptomatology of the disease also varies based on what type of fungus it was provoked. If we are talking about a normotrophic fungus, then the following signs should be distinguished:

• discoloration of the nail plate;
• detachment;
• the appearance of stripes and spots.

In the case of the development of atrophic onychomycosis, a gradual destruction of the nail plate is observed. The lesion appears at the end of the nail and begins to spread towards the nail fold. The first sign is a change in the color and condition of the nail, which becomes dull and gray, losing shine.

When the causative agent of onychomycosis is a hypertrophic fungus, the main symptom is a thickening of the nail associated with accelerated growth of skin scales. The thickness of the plate can reach 2 mm. In this case, significant deformation is observed. With this fungal infection, dullness and yellowing of the nail plates also appear. If onychomycosis occurs, treatment in Moscow is available at the Yuzhny medical center.

An immediate visit to a doctor and the start of treatment is required when there are signs indicating a distal (from the side of the free edge) and lateral (lateral surfaces of the nail) lesion. Often they are found in a complex and are characterized by the following symptoms:

1. The appearance of transverse furrows and roughness.
2. Blue-green or even black nail color.

Failure to timely therapy can lead to loss of the nail. Inflammatory processes that affect the nail folds are also possible.

In addition to the symptoms described above, characteristic of a particular type of disease, there are common signs of fungal diseases:

Types of disease

There are three main types of pathology:

1. Normotrophic – characterized by the appearance of spots and stripes, as well as a change in color. The nail does not thin and does not thicken.
2. Onycholytic . The disease leads to atrophy of the part of the nail plate affected by the pathological process and its rejection from the soft tissues.
3. Hypertrophic – flowing against the background of a change in the color of the nail and loss of shine, compaction and deformation. Often there is a partial destruction of the plate along the edges.

Nail fungus varies in location. Based on this symptom, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:

1. Total – when the pathology affects the entire area of ​​the nail.
2. Distal – characterized by damage only from the side of the free edge.
3. Proximal – which is characterized by damage to the posterior ridge.
4. Lateral – with damage to the sides of the nail plate.

Diagnosis of onychomycosis

Diagnostic measures are important not only for identifying the disease, but also for prescribing an adequate therapeutic program that will be effective. They are aimed at determining the type of pathogen of the pathological process. Studies carried out as part of the diagnosis help to accurately determine whether changes in the nail plate are symptoms of a systemic disease, or their provocateur is a failure in metabolic processes.

To date, the following methods for diagnosing mycosis are known:

1. The culture (or culture) is considered to be one of the most effective tools to identify the type of fungus. During the manipulation, the biomaterial taken from the patient is grown in a special environment. This takes approximately one to two weeks.
2. Microscopic examination , which is carried out very quickly. However, the sensitivity of the technique remains at a low level, and requires an experienced specialist. In most cases, a complex of microscopic studies is required in order to accurately determine the type of fungus.
3. PCR test , which is rarely used in modern conditions.

The fact that a wide variety of fungal species lives in the human environment and is normally present on its skin makes it necessary to take material for further research from a highly qualified and experienced specialist. If nail fungus occurs, treatment should begin immediately.

The analysis itself must be carried out in a specialized mycological laboratory with a proven track record. Appeal to inexperienced or unskilled specialists who conduct low-quality diagnostics is fraught with false results, which, in turn, requires re-testing. As a result, the time that could have been devoted to therapy is lost.

Competent diagnostics and effective treatment of nail fungus, the price of which remains affordable for all patients, is guaranteed by the specialists of the Yuzhny Medical Center. The staff of the medical institution is staffed only by qualified doctors and laboratory assistants with extensive experience in identifying and treating fungal pathologies of toenails.

Treatment of nail fungus in Moscow

Therapy of onychomycosis using modern highly effective methods in Moscow is carried out by dermatologists of the Yuzhny Medical Center, who will promptly make a diagnosis and prescribe a course of treatment adequate to the problem. As a result, the patient can quickly get rid of the discomfort associated with the disease and return to a normal lifestyle.

The medical center is equipped with modern equipment aimed at quickly eliminating not only the symptoms of mycosis, but also its pathogens. The high quality of the medical service provided is due to the professionalism and extensive experience of doctors and staff. A nice bonus is the possibility of effective treatment of nail fungus in Moscow inexpensively at the Yuzhny clinic.

Overview of effective remedies

It should be understood that the independent use of antifungal drugs without prior consultation with a doctor can cause unwanted side effects.