The nail plate, unaffected by any diseases, has a smooth, shiny surface.When nail fungus appears, the initial stage is characterized by the fact that the plate gradually becomes matte, and the skin of the fingers and toes peels and itches.
First symptoms
Changes in the color and structure of the nail 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 indicating the disease appear on the skin near the nails.Obvious signs of the initial stage of the fungus are peeling, burning 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 neighboring areas, blisters and sores will appear.Without treatment, the symptoms will not disappear, and if appropriate therapy is not started immediately, after some time the fungus will cover larger areas.
Signs of fungus are as follows:
- change in nail structure,
- thickening of areas of the epidermis,
- 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.Outwardly, the skin may look completely healthy, but at the same time there are microscopic damages.Such cracks occur due to wearing uncomfortable shoes that are narrower than necessary.Microcracks can also be caused by sand getting 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 possibility of infection.In order not to get infected with the fungus or to heal 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 feet, as it is much more delicate than the nail plate.The infection spreads quickly and, entering through microcracks in the fingers, covers neighboring areas.The initial stage of nail fungus is characterized by itching and discomfort.In the first days after the 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 noticeable with the naked eye.
Nail fungus is a highly contagious disease.Microorganisms live in moist environments and infection often occurs in public places.As soon as the carrier appears in the bath or sauna, all subsequent visitors risk contracting the infection.The disease is contagious even in its earliest stages, when the carrier himself does not yet realize that he is sick.Care must be taken not only in baths and saunas, but also at home if any family member has suspicious symptoms.Shared towels, slippers, manicure accessories and even a poorly cleaned bathtub can cause infection.
Itching, poorly healing cracks on the legs and peeling skin are signs that indicate 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 incorrectly selected therapy can provoke the progression of the growth of the fungus, after which a secondary infection can occur and allergies can develop.
In order to get a correct diagnosis, the specialist examines the nail and, if fungus is suspected, makes a scraping.The resulting material is sent for microscopic examination.This is usually enough to make a correct diagnosis, but in some cases a culture test may be necessary.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 antimycotic varnishes and ointments for the skin.