The nail plate, not affected by any disease, 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.
The first symptom
Changes in nail color and structure are not the only symptoms of fungus.
In the early stages, the nail plate may remain the same while the infection has occurred.
The main symptoms that indicate the disease appear on the skin near the nails.The obvious signs in the early stages of the fungus are peeling, burning and itching.The skin in the interdigital folds is much more delicate than on the feet, so this area is more susceptible to this disease.
If you do not pay attention to the first signs of nail fungus, the disease will begin to develop.The infection will affect the adjacent area, blisters and sores will appear.Without treatment, the symptoms will not go away, and if appropriate therapy is not started immediately, then after some time the fungus will cover a larger area.
Signs of fungus are as follows:
- changes in nail structure,
- thickening of the epidermal area,
- burning sensation,
- cracks in the skin between the fingers,
- brittle nails.
Anyone who comes in 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 is no visible injury, the infection can enter the body through micro-cracks on the feet.Externally, the skin may appear completely healthy, but at the same time suffer from 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 with the following problems:
- overweight,
- increased sweating,
- chronic diseases that reduce immunity.
Any factor that affects susceptibility to disease affects the likelihood of infection.In order not to be infected with fungus or to heal it faster, you should stop smoking and alcohol, and also have your internal organs diagnosed, eliminating the possibility of an inflammatory process.
Treatment and diagnosis
First of all, nail fungus affects the skin of the fingers and toes, because it is much more delicate than the nail plate.The infection spreads quickly and, entering through micro-cracks in the finger, 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 experience 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 moist environments, and infections often occur in public places.Once a carrier appears in a bathhouse or sauna, all subsequent visitors are at risk of infection.The disease is contagious even in its early stages, when the carrier himself is not yet aware that he is ill.More caution should be exercised not only in the bathroom and sauna, but also at home if one of the family members has suspicious symptoms.Shared towels, slippers, manicure accessories and even poorly cleaned bathtubs can cause infection.
Itching, poorly healing cracks in the legs and peeling skin are signs of a fungal infection.In the early stages, mycosis is treated faster than after the appearance of more serious symptoms.
You should never self-medicate, because incorrectly selected therapy can trigger the development of fungal growth, and then secondary infections may occur and allergies may develop.
To get the 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 early stages, gentle treatment methods are used: special antimycotic varnishes and ointments for the skin.