Everyone knows that doctors have a narrow specialization: someone is a high-class surgeon or orthopedist, and someone can provide qualified therapeutic or psychiatric care. And it seems that everything is clear: an ear or throat hurts - we make an appointment with an otolaryngologist, a toothache worries - we go to the dentist. And with what complaints do they come to the mycologist?
Who is this?
A mycologist is a specialist of a rather narrow profile who deals with the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of diseases resulting from fungal infections of the skin, hair, nails and other systems and organs.
The main task of this doctor is to identify the causes of the disease, prescribe treatment (almost always treatment is carried out with medicinal methods) and prevent the recurrence of the disease (the so-called relapse of the disease).
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 to differentiate fungal infections from other diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.
Mycology is…
If a mycologist specializes in the treatment of fungal infections, then the science of mycology, respectively, deals 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, diseases caused by them), mycogenic allergies.
It is the study of the negative, painful side of mushrooms that helps to identify and prevent the occurrence of many of these infections and diseases.
A bit of history
The foundations of mycology were laid down in ancient times. It is believed that the first mention of mushrooms belongs to the philosopher Aristotle.
Mycology as a science of mushrooms was widely spread in the Renaissance. It was during these times that scientists discovered and described in their scientific works more than 20 different types of them.
In Russia, the scientific study of mushrooms began on the basis of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences in 1724.
Later, namely in 1940, the famous biologist 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 until the middle of the 19th century. During this period, the study and identification of new types of mushrooms, their description took place.
The second period lasted from the middle to the end of XIXcentury. It was during this period that the first works on parasitic fungi appeared, and the study of their ontogeny and life cycles began.
The third period (sometimes called the latest) was characterized by the introduction of the latest methods for studying the functions and living conditions of these microorganisms.
Where to start?
Consultation of a mycologist is the first step on the way to treatment. The consultation begins with the fact that the specialist examines the affected area of the skin, hair, nails or mucous membranes. The mycologist also conducts a detailed survey of the patient, during which he finds out the time and circumstances of the onset of the disease.
It is also important that this specialist will definitely ask questions about the presence of pets in the patient's house (frequent carriers of fungal infections), and also find out the causes of infection.
The causes of infection can be completely different: in addition to animals, the disease can be "picked up" from other people (often from family members), as well as become infected through household items.
If necessary, a mycologist may insist on examining all family members, pets.
Treatment procedures
The doctor starts treatment after a thorough examination and a final diagnosis. In some cases, an appointment with a mycologist begins with a mandatory blood test (biochemistry).
As a rule, treatment is carried out by prescribing appropriate ointments, tablets, injections. Sometimes droppers and physiotherapy are prescribed.
Besides this, in the arsenal of this specialist there are such methods of treatment as:
- physiotherapy treatment, including the use of liquid nitrogen, laser and ultraviolet light;
- hardware treatment and surgical removal (applicable for fungal infections of the nail);
- vitamin therapy;
- mechanical removal of fungal parasites through the use of exfoliating preparations.
In almost all cases, the mycologist turns to laboratory research methods.
When to see a doctor?
It is known that any disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, it is worth contacting the indicated specialist at the initial stages of the manifestation of a fungal disease.
Signs that "some kind of parasite has wound up" on the human body, as a rule, is the appearance of redness, itching, burning, slight peeling or flaking of the skin.
It is worth remembering that delaying 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 another). In this case, in addition to painful sensations, a person acquires a rather unpleasant appearance of the affected areas of the body.
Diseases
The list of fungal diseases that require qualified help from a mycologist is quite large. Such infections include: dermatitis, candidiasis, actinomycosis, fungal pneumonia, increased sweating, mucormycosis, lichen, etc.
All these diseases have obvioussigns by the appearance of which a person can easily understand that a fungus has appeared in his body.
Even such a common and seemingly harmless symptom as dandruff is a reason to see a mycologist.
Where to look and what to treat?
Where does the mycologist see? These specialists are available in all major city clinics. In addition, doctors of this speci alty are available in almost all private clinics.
After the question of which clinic the mycologist sees is resolved, the appointment is made and treatment is prescribed, it is worth learning more about the diagnosis.
Onychomycosis is a dermatophyte fungus infection of the nail. Quite often, this disease is confused with changes in the nail plate resulting from mechanical stress (for example, a change in color and shape as a result of a bruise).
Mucormycosis - damage to the nose and brain by 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 is a disease provoked by the ingestion of radiant fungi into the human body. As a rule, the face, neck and jaw are affected.
Fungal pneumonia is a lesion of lung tissue.
Candidiasis is 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 diseases that are most often encountered by a mycologist.
Prevention
It is also important to follow the advice of a mycologist regarding the prevention of fungal infections.
The main preventive measures are as follows:
- observance of hygiene rules;
- proper nutrition;
- taking vitamins (especially in the autumn-spring period);
- exclusion of contact with stray animals;
- minimal contact with the allergen (for people prone to allergies);
- do not wear someone else's shoes on bare feet, do not walk barefoot in public places (saunas, swimming pools, fitting rooms), do not use other people's combs, brushes, tweezers, cosmetics.
Following simple rules will help reduce the likelihood of a fungal infection.
It is worth remembering that untimely access to a specialist and self-treatment increase the likelihood of complications of the disease and lead to its relapse.
Looking for a doctor
When a disease occurs, the most important step is to find not just a doctor, but a qualified and experienced specialist. So how do you find a good mycologist?
Quite often, the right specialist can be found thanks to the reviews of friends and relatives. However, not everyone is willing to advertise that they have 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 reviewsand recommendations for almost all specialists.
There is another proven method. He appeared relatively recently, but has already managed to establish himself on the positive side. On the Internet, there are certain online services for the search and selection of qualified specialists. These services allow you to find a really good doctor in a particular region or city.
For example, a person enters "Doctor-mycologist Voronezh" into the search bar, after which the system offers a complete 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 wish, you can find the line "mycologist reviews" and view all the messages left by patients about the work of a particular specialist.
Summing up
Thus, mycology is a science (section of biology) that studies fungi. Accordingly, a mycologist is a narrow specialist 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 as a result of a fungus entering the human body.
To determine the nature of the disease, the mycologist allows a thorough examination of the patient and the delivery of a number of tests (among whichblood test, scraping from the affected area of the skin).
In addition, the specified specialist will always help not only to identify the cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment, but also to develop a course of preventive measures aimed at preventing the onset of a fungal infection.
Sign up with a mycologist if there are signs such as dandruff, redness of the skin, itching, burning, peeling or partial peeling of the skin, as well as a change in the color and structure of the nail plate.
