The nail plate, 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.
At the initial stage, the nail plate may remain the same while 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 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 adjacent areas, blisters and sores will appear.Without treatment, the symptoms will not disappear, and if appropriate therapy is not started immediately, then after some period the fungus will cover larger areas.
The 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.Nail fungus spores 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 have microscopic damage.Such cracks occur due to wearing uncomfortable shoes that are tighter than necessary.Microcracks can also be caused by sand getting between your fingers.
Fungal 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 become infected with the fungus or to cure it faster, you should give up smoking and alcohol, and also have your internal organs diagnosed, eliminating the possibility of inflammatory processes.
Treatment and diagnosis
First of all, nail fungus affects the skin of the fingers and feet, since 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 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 to 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 a carrier appears in a bathhouse or sauna, all subsequent visitors risk contracting the infection.The disease is contagious even in its very initial stage, when the carrier himself does not yet realize that he is sick.Increased caution should be exercised 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, poorly healing cracks in the feet and flaking of the skin are signs indicating a fungal infection.At the initial stage, mycosis is treated much faster than after the appearance of more serious symptoms.
In no case should you self-medicate, since incorrectly selected therapy can provoke progression of fungal growth, and then a secondary infection may occur and allergies may develop.
To obtain a correct diagnosis, a specialist examines the nail and, if a 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 required.This allows you to get the most accurate picture of the disease, determine the type of bacteria and choose the right drug.At the initial stage, gentle treatment methods are used: special antimycotic varnishes and ointments for the skin.