The nail plate, which is not affected 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 dull, and the skin on 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 that indicate the disease appear on the skin near the nails.The 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 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 a period of time, the fungus will affect larger areas.
Signs of fungus are as follows:
- change in nail structure,
- thickening of the epidermal area,
- burning sensation,
- cracks in the skin between the fingers,
- fragility of nails.
Anyone who comes in contact with the infection is at risk of contracting the fungus.Fungal spores on the nails 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 may look completely healthy, but at the same time it has microscopic damage.Such cracks are caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes that are narrower than necessary.Microcracks can also be caused by sand getting between your toes.
Yeast infections often affect those who have the following problems:
- excess weight,
- 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 cure it faster, you should give up smoking and alcohol, and diagnose 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, because it is much more sensitive than the nail plate.The infection spreads quickly and, entering through the microcracks on 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 very contagious disease.Microorganisms live in moist environments, and infection often occurs in public places.As soon as the carrier appears in the bathroom or sauna, all subsequent visitors risk becoming infected.The disease is contagious even in its initial stage, when the carrier does not yet realize that he is sick.Increased caution should be exercised not only in bathrooms and saunas, but also at home if a family member has suspicious symptoms.Shared towels, slippers, manicure accessories, and even poorly cleaned tubs can cause infection.
Itching, poorly healing cracks on the feet 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, because wrongly chosen therapy can cause the progression of fungal growth, and then secondary infection and allergies can occur.
For a correct diagnosis, a specialist examines the nail and, if a fungus is suspected, makes a scraping.The obtained material is sent for microscopic examination.This is usually sufficient to make the correct 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 phase, gentle methods of treatment are used: special antimycotic varnishes and ointments for the skin.