The nail plate, not affected by diseases, has a smooth and shiny surface.When nail fungus appears, the initial stage is characterized by the plaque gradually becoming opaque, and the skin on the fingers and toes peeling and itching.
First symptoms
Changes in the color and texture 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 scaling, 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 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, after a certain period the fungus will cover larger areas.
Signs of the fungus are as follows:
- change in the structure of the nail,
- thickening of areas of the epidermis,
- burning sensation,
- cracks in the skin between the fingers,
- fragility of the 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 lesions, the infection can enter the body through microcracks on the feet.Externally, the skin can look completely healthy, but at the same time have microscopic damage.Such cracks occur due to wearing uncomfortable shoes, narrower than necessary.Microcracks can also be caused by sand getting between your toes.
Fungal infections often affect those with the following problems:
- excess weight,
- increased sweating,
- chronic diseases that reduce immunity.
Any factor that influences susceptibility to disease affects the chance of infection.In order not to contract the fungus or to cure it faster, you should stop smoking and drinking alcohol, and also diagnose your internal organs, eliminating the possibility of inflammatory processes.
Treatment and diagnosis
First, 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, penetrating through the microcracks of the fingers, covers nearby areas.The early 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 mycosis is a highly contagious disease.The microorganisms live in humid 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 initial phase, when the carrier himself does not yet realize he is ill.Greater caution should be exercised not only in baths and saunas, but also at home if one of the family members shows suspicious symptoms.Shared towels, slippers, manicure accessories and even a poorly cleaned bathtub can cause infections.
Itching, cracked feet that heal poorly, and peeling skin are signs of a fungal infection.In the initial stage, mycosis is treated much more quickly than when more serious symptoms appear.
In no case should you self-medicate, since incorrectly selected therapy can provoke the progression of fungal growth, then a secondary infection may occur and allergies may develop.
To obtain a correct diagnosis, the specialist examines the nail and, if the presence of a fungus is suspected, carries out 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 drug.At the initial stage, gentle treatment methods are used: special antifungal varnishes and skin ointments.