The nail plate, which is not affected by any diseases, has a smooth and 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.
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 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 of the interdigital folds is much more delicate than that of 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 adjacent areas, blisters and sores will appear.Without treatment, the symptoms do not go away, and if appropriate therapy is not started immediately, after a while 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,
- nail fragility.
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 lesions, the infection can enter the body through microcracks in the feet.Outwardly, the skin can look completely healthy, but at the same time have microscopic damage.These cracks occur due to wearing shoes that are uncomfortable and tighter than necessary.Microcracks can also be caused by sand getting between the fingers.
Fungal infections usually affect those who have the following problems:
- overweight,
- increased sweating,
- Chronic diseases that reduce immunity.
Any factor that affects susceptibility to a disease affects the possibility of infection.In order not to become infected with the fungus or to cure it faster, it is advisable to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, and also diagnose your internal organs, eliminating the possibility of inflammatory processes.
Treatment and diagnosis
First of all, nail fungus affects the skin of the hands and feet, since it is much more delicate than the nail plate.The infection spreads quickly and, entering through microfissures in the fingers, spreads to 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 show external changes, and only if the disease is not diagnosed in time and treatment is not started, the pathological process will be noticeable to the naked eye.
Nail fungus is a highly contagious disease.Microorganisms live in humid environments and infection usually occurs in public places.As soon as a carrier appears in a bath or sauna, all subsequent visitors are at risk of contracting the infection.The disease is contagious even in its initial phase, when the carrier himself does not yet realize that he is sick.Extreme caution should be taken not only in baths and saunas, but also at home, if one of the family members presents suspicious symptoms.Sharing towels, slippers, manicure accessories, and even a poorly cleaned bathtub can cause infection.
Itching, poorly healing cracks on the feet, and peeling skin are signs that indicate 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 the 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, performs 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 medication.At the initial stage, gentle treatment methods are used: special antifungal skin varnishes and ointments.