Mycologist: what heals and how to get to the reception?

Everyone knows that doctors have a narrow specialization: someone is a high-grade surgeon or orthopedist, and someone can provide qualified therapeutic or psychiatric help. And it seems that everything is clear: it hurts the ear or throat - we write to the reception to the otolaryngologist, the toothache is troubling - we go to the dentist. And with what complaints do they come to the doctor-mycologist?

Who is it?

Mycologist is a specialist of a rather narrow profile that deals with diagnostics, as well as the subsequent treatment of diseases that have arisen as a result of fungal damage to the skin, hair, nails and other systems and organs.

The main task of this doctor is to identify the causes of the disease, the appointment of treatment (almost always the treatment is medicated) and prevent the recurrence of the disease (so-called disease recurrence).

As a rule, in the process of training, the future mycologist receives a broader specialization - a dermatologist. The presence of this specialization helps the doctor differentiate fungal infections from other diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.

Mycology is ...

If the mycologist specializes in the treatment of fungal infections, the science of mycology, respectively, is concerned with the study of fungi. Within the framework of this science, the distribution of fungi in nature, their structure and morphology, properties (genetic and biochemical), as well as their application in practice, are investigated.

A special role is also given to the study of the harm of these microorganisms, which for humans and animals is expressed in the appearance of mycoses (that is, the diseases they cause), mycogenic allergies.

It is the study of the negative, painful side of fungi that helps to identify and prevent the appearance of many such infections and diseases.

A bit of history

Fundamentals of mycology were laid back in ancient times. It is believed that the first mention of mushrooms belongs to the philosopher Aristotle.

Mycology was widely spread as a science of mushrooms in the Renaissance. It was at these times that scientists discovered and described in their scientific works more than 20 different species.

In Russia, scientific research on fungi began on the basis of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences in 1724.

Later, namely in 1940, the famous biologist scientist L. I. Kursanov in his scientific work classified the periods of development and formation of the above science. In his opinion, the first period of the formation and development of mycology lasted from antiquity and until the middle of the XIX century. During this period, the study and identification of new species of fungi, their description took place.

The second period lasted from the middle to the end of the XIX century. It was during this period that the first works on parasitic fungi appeared, the study of their ontogeny and life cycles began.

The third period (sometimes called the newest one) was characterized by the introduction of the newest methods of studying functions, the conditions of vital activity of these microorganisms.

Where to begin?

Consultation with a mycologist is the first step on the path to treatment. Consultation begins with the fact that the expert examines the affected area of the skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes. Also, the doctor-mycologist conducts a detailed questioning of the patient, during which he determines the time and circumstances of the onset of the disease.

Important is the fact that this specialist will necessarily ask questions about the presence of pets (frequent carriers of fungal infections) in the patient's house, and also find out the causes of infection.

Causes of infection can be completely different: in addition to animals, the disease can be "picked up" from other people (often from family members), and also get infected through household items.

If necessary, the mycologist can insist on inspection of all family members, pets.

Healing procedures

To the treatment the doctor proceeds after a careful examination and the setting of the final diagnosis. In some cases, the reception of a mycologist begins with a mandatory blood test (biochemistry).

As a rule, treatment is carried out by prescribing appropriate ointments, tablets, and injections. Sometimes prescribed droppers and fizioprotsedury.

In addition, in the arsenal of this specialist there are such methods of treatment as:

- Physiotherapeutic treatment, including the use of liquid nitrogen, laser and ultraviolet radiation;

- hardware treatment and surgical removal (applicable for fungal infections of the nail);

- vitamin therapy;

- mechanical removal of fungal parasites by using exfoliating drugs.

Practically in all cases the mycologist refers to laboratory methods of research.

When to see a doctor?

It is known that any disease is easier to prevent than treat. Therefore, the referral to this specialist is at the initial stages of the manifestation of a fungal disease.

Signs of a "parasite" wound on the human body are usually the appearance of redness, itching, burning, small peeling or flaking of the skin.

It is worth remembering that tightening with a visit to the doctor in most cases leads to the fact that the fungus moves to neighboring areas of the skin (for example, from one nail to the other). In this case, in addition to painful sensations, a person acquires and quite unpleasant appearance of the affected parts of the body.

Diseases

The list of fungal diseases, in which the qualified help of a mycologist is required, is great enough. Such infections include: dermatitis, candidiasis, actinomycosis, fungal pneumonia, increased sweating, mukormikozy, lichen and others.

All these diseases have obvious signs, by the appearance of which a person can easily understand that a fungus appeared in his body.

Even such a common and seemingly innocuous symptom, like dandruff, is a reason to call a doctor-mycologist.

Where to look and what to treat?

Where does mycologist go? These specialists are available in all major polyclinics of cities. In addition, doctors of this specialty are available in almost all private clinics.

After the question of which clinic the mycologist receives is resolved, the admission is made and the treatment is prescribed, it is worthwhile to learn more about the diagnosis made.

Onychomycosis is a nail fungus-dermatophyte lesion. Quite often, this disease is confused with changes in the nail plate caused by mechanical effects (for example, discoloration and shape as a result of injury).

Mucormycosis - defeat of the nose and brain with mold fungi. This disease is not so common and is, perhaps, one of the most dangerous fungal infections. In some cases, mucormycosis can be fatal.

Actinomycosis - a disease caused by the ingress of radiant fungi into the human body. As a rule, the face, neck and jaw are affected.

Fungal pneumonia is a lesion of the lung tissue.

Candidiasis - a disease that occurs on the mucous membranes of the mouth, in the intestines, on the genitals, nails.

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that affects the bronchi and lungs.

Here is a list of the diseases most often encountered by a mycologist.

Prevention

It is also important to observe the advice of a doctor-mycologist, concerning the prevention of fungal infections.

The main preventive measures are as follows:

- compliance with hygiene rules;

- proper nutrition;

- intake of vitamins (especially in the autumn-spring period);

- the exclusion of contact with stray animals;

- minimal contact with the allergen (for people prone to allergies);

- Do not wear someone else's shoes on a bare foot, do not walk barefoot in public places (saunas, swimming pools, dressing shops), do not use other people's hairbrushes, brushes, tweezers, cosmetics.

Observance of simple rules will help reduce the likelihood of fungal infection.

It is worth remembering that untimely access to a specialist and self-treatment increase the likelihood of complication of the disease and lead to its relapse.

Looking for a doctor

When a disease occurs, the most important step is to search not just a doctor, but a qualified and experienced specialist. So, how to find a good mycologist?

Quite often the right specialist can be found thanks to the feedback of friends and relatives. However, not everyone will want to advertise the presence of certain fungal infections.

Therefore, there is a second way: the search for a doctor through the World Wide Web. On the Internet, you can find a huge number of reviews and recommendations for almost all professionals.

There is one more proven method. He appeared relatively recently, but already managed to prove himself on the positive side. On the Internet there are certain online services for finding and selecting qualified specialists. These services allow you to find a really good doctor in a particular region or city.

For example, a person enters into the search bar "Mycologist Voronezh", after which the system offers a full list of doctors in the specified city with a rating (which is formed from work experience, patient reviews).

These services are absolutely free and anonymous. In addition, if you want, you can find the line "doctor-mycologist reviews" and see all the messages left by patients about the work of a particular specialist.

Summarizing

Thus, mycology is a science (a branch of biology) that deals with the study of fungi. Accordingly, the mycologist is a specialist in a narrow profile specializing in the treatment of diseases caused by the appearance of a fungal infection in the human body.

This doctor treats fungal diseases of nails, hair, skin and other mucous membranes. The main difference between a dermatologist and a mycologist is that the latter treats only those diseases that have arisen because of the ingress of the fungus into the human body.

Determine the nature of the disease doctor-mycologist allows a thorough examination of the patient and the delivery of a number of tests (including a blood test, scraping from the affected area of the skin).

In addition, this specialist will always help not only to identify the cause of the disease and to appoint the right treatment, but also to develop a course of preventive measures aimed at preventing the occurrence of fungal infection.

To register with a doctor-mycologist is necessary at occurrence of such signs as dandruff, redness of the skin, itching, burning, peeling or partial exfoliation of the skin, as well as changes in the color and structure of the nail plate.