The nail plate, unaffected by any disease, has a smooth, shiny surface.When nail fungus appears, the initial stage is characterized by the fact that the plaque gradually becomes dull, and the skin on the fingers and toes peels and itches.
The first symptoms
Changes in the color and structure of the nails are not the only symptoms of fungus.
In the initial stage, the nail plate may remain the same while the infection has already occurred.
The main symptoms that indicate the disease appear on the skin near the nails.Visible signs of the initial stage of fungus are skin, burning sensation and itching.The skin in the interdigital folds is much more delicate than on the feet, so these areas are more susceptible to the disease.
If you do not pay attention to the first signs of nail fungus, the disease will begin to progress.The infection will affect the adjacent areas, blisters and sores will appear.Without treatment, the symptoms will not disappear, and if the correct therapy is not started immediately, then after a period the fungus will cover larger areas.
Signs of fungus are as follows:
- change in nail structure,
- thickening of epidermal areas,
- burning sensation,
- cracks in the skin between the fingers,
- fragility of nails.
Anyone who comes into contact with the infection is at risk of contracting the fungus.Spores of nail fungus penetrate the skin through open wounds, but even if there are no visible injuries, the infection can enter the body through microcracks on the feet.From the outside, the skin can look completely healthy, but at the same time have microscopic damage.Such cracks occur due to wearing uncomfortable shoes that are tighter than they should be.Microcracks can also be caused by getting sand between your toes.
Fungal infections often affect those who have the following problems:
- overweight,
- increased sweating,
- chronic diseases that reduce immunity.
Any factor that affects susceptibility to disease affects the likelihood of infection.In order not to get infected with the fungus or to cure it faster, you should give up smoking and alcohol, as well as make a diagnosis of the internal organs, eliminating the possibility of inflammatory processes.
Treatment and diagnosis
First of all, nail fungus affects the skin of the fingers and toes, as it is much more delicate than the nail plate.The infection spreads quickly and, entering through microcracks in the fingers, covers the neighboring areas.The initial stage of nail fungus is characterized by itching and discomfort.In the first days after infection, the skin and nails may not have external changes, and only if the disease is not diagnosed in time and treatment is not started, the pathological process will become visible to the naked eye.
Nail fungus is a highly contagious disease.Microorganisms live in moist environments, and infection often occurs in public places.Once a carrier appears in a bath or sauna, all subsequent visitors are at risk of contracting the infection.The disease is contagious even in the initial stage, when the carrier himself does not yet understand that he is sick.Extra care should be taken not only in baths and saunas, but also at home if one of the family members has suspicious symptoms.Shared towels, slippers, manicure accessories and even a poorly cleaned bathtub can cause infection.
Itching, non-healing cracks on the feet and peeling skin are signs of a fungal infection.In the initial stage, mycosis is treated much faster than after the appearance of more serious symptoms.
In no case should you self-medicate, as wrongly chosen therapy can provoke the progression of fungal growth, and then a secondary infection can occur and allergies can develop.
To get an accurate diagnosis, a specialist examines the nail and, if a fungus is suspected, makes an itch.The resulting material is sent for microscopic examination.This is usually enough to make an accurate diagnosis, but in some cases a culture test may be required.This allows you to get the most accurate picture of the disease, determine the type of bacteria and choose the right medicine.In the initial stage, gentle treatment methods are used: special antifungal varnishes and ointments for the skin.