How to determine the fungus of the nails and distinguish it from an injury without visiting a doctor

Nail fungus

Nail funguseitherOnicolysis- A common problem that is in many people. It refers to nail plate diseases and can cause serious problems if it is not detected and is not treated in time. At the same time, nail injury can imitate the symptoms of the fungus and cause confusion in diagnosis.

ButAsthe sameDistinguishNail fungusofinjuries? The main signs of fungal damage to the nail are a change of color, texture and shape of the nail plate. The fungus often leads to the appearance of a yellow, brown or green tone in the affected nail. In addition, the nail can become thicker or more fragile. It is important to keep in mind that the fungus generally affects several nails on the legs or hands at the same time, and can also be extended to the areas of the neighboring skin.

Allende,injuryThe nail can lead to a change in its appearance, but generally only a nail is surprising, which was subject to impact or pressure. For example, if you had a nail injury as a result of the fall of a heavy object, the nail can change color, become undulating or have cracks. It is important to pay attention to the fact that when the injuries in the nail, there are usually no signs of damage to other nails or skin.

The main characteristics and diagnostic methods

It can be difficult to distinguish the fungus from the nails of the lesion, since the growth and appearance of the nail can be signs of fungal infection and injury. However, there are several basic characteristics that can help determine the causes of the problem.

Nail onicolysis

One of the main signs of the nail fungus is onicolysis, that is, peeling the nail plate of the nail. In the case of the lesion, such exfoliation may not be, and the nail can be damaged or have cracks that differ from the changes caused by the fungus.

Changes in the appearance of the nail

The fungus of the nail can cause changes in the appearance of the nail, such as color change, boiling, peeling or deformation. In case of injury, nail plate can maintain its natural color and shape, but it can be damaged or traces of injuries.

For a more precise diagnosis and determine the cause of the problem, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or mycologist, a fungal infections specialist. The doctor can examine the nail, take a smear for analysis or perform other procedures necessary to determine the presence of a fungal infection or injury.

In a nutshell:

It may be difficult to distinguish a nail fungus from an injury, but signs such as onicolysis and changes in the appearance of the nail can help determine the causes of the problem. For a more precise diagnosis, you must consult a dermatologist or mycologist.

How to distinguish a nail fungus from an injury:

Nail fungus:

  • In the fungus of the nail, there is a change in the color and structure of the nail plate, basically, the nails in the legs are affected by this disease.
  • The symptoms of the fungus of the nail include thick, third, yellowish or whitish nails, a change in the shape of the nail and the presence of white or yellow spots.
  • The nail fungus occurs due to fungal infection, which can penetrate under the nail plate through damaged skin or nail plate.

Nail injury:

  • A nail injury may occur due to an accident or mechanical effect on the nail.
  • The distinctive signs of nail injury include a bruise, bruises under the nail, peel the skin of the skin and a change in the shape of the nail.
  • A nail lesion can cause onicolysis (to eliminate the nail from your bed) or other changes that are not characteristic of the nail fungus.

Determining the cause of the change in the nail plate on the legs can be difficult, so it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or pediatrician to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

How to determine nail fungus:

The fungus of the nail petal is often confused with a foot injury. For adequate diagnosis, it is necessary to take into account several basic characteristics that will help distinguish between the fungus from the lesion.

Onycholysis legs: What is it?

Onicolysis is a local detachment of the nail plate of the nail bed. At the same time, nails often acquire a convex shape and take yellow, orange or brown dye. Such changes are the first sign of the presence of a fungus.

The difference between fungus and foot injury:

  • The fungus of the nails generally affects one or more nails in the leg, while the lesion can affect only one nail.
  • The fungus is characterized by thickening and stratification of the nail plate, while with injuries the nail can be curved or break.
  • The nail petal fungus is often accompanied by itching, burning or pain, unlike injuries, which generally cause pain and edema.

If you have a suspicion of the presence of a nail fungus, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or mycologist to perform a professional diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Diagnostic nail mushroom methods:

If the fungus of the nail is suspected, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis to determine the correct treatment. There are several methods that can help, unlike the fungus of the nails of other problems, for example, injuries or onquolysis.

Visual inspection

One of the first steps in the diagnosis of nail fungus is a visual exam. The doctor analyzes the structure and color of the nail, evaluates its condition and external signs. The fungal infections of the nails are often accompanied by a color change (for example, with a bitter or greenish dye), stratification, thickening of the nail plate, the appearance of white spots and combs on the surface of the nail. Separate symptoms can also indicate other problems, so a visual examination can be insufficient to determine the diagnosis.

Microscopy

If a visual exam is not enough to determine the presence of a fungus, the doctor can take a sample of the nail and examine it using microscopy. The microscopy method allows you to detect fungal elements (GIF or disputes), which can indicate the presence of a fungal infection. This method is quite fast and simple, although its results may not always be quite precise and reliable.

The most precise and reliable methods of diagnosis of the nail fungus may include planting in a medium of PCR nutrients or diagnoses (polymerase chain reaction), which allow it to determine the exact type of fungus and establish its sensitivity to several medications. However, these methods, as a rule, require more time and financial resources.

How to distinguish the fungus from the nails of onicolysis

Onicolysis is a condition of the nail in which there is a detachment of the bed of the nail nail. Visually, onicolysis can be very similar to nail fungus, but the causes and treatment of these conditions are different.

The main difference between the fungus of the nail and the onicolysis are the causes of development. The nail fungus is caused by an infection with a fungus, which is sitting under the nail plate and begins to destroy it. Onicolysis is the result of a nail injury, such as the traumatic detachment of the bed of the nail plate.

Another way to distinguish the fungus from the nails of onicolysis is the analysis of symptoms. With the fungus of the nail, there is a change in the color of the nail (it often becomes yellowish or greenish), the thickness and texture of the nail plate change, the nail can become fragile and fragile. With onicolysis, problems with a nail are usually limited only by the exfoliation of the box, without changes in the color or structure of the nail plate.

If you have a suspicion of a nail fungus or an onicolysis, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. He will examine the nails, maybe he will take a stain for a later analysis. Using microscopy or sowing in a means of nutrients, the doctor may determine whether it has fungal damage to the nails or problems with onicolysis.

In any case, it is necessary to pay attention to the condition of their nails and the first suspicions of the fungus of the nails or the onicolysis, do not leave the trip to the doctor. Only a qualified specialist can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment.