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 opaque 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 the fungus.
In the early 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 close to the nails.Obvious signs of the early 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, which is why 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 wounds will appear.Without treatment, the symptoms will not disappear, and if adequate therapy is not started immediately, after some time the fungus will cover larger areas.
Signs of the fungus are as follows:
- change in the structure of the nails,
- 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.Externally, the skin can appear completely healthy, but at the same time have microscopic damage.These cracks occur due to wearing uncomfortable shoes that are 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 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, as well as 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, as 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 phase of nail fungus is characterized by itching and discomfort.In the first few 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 become noticeable with the naked eye.
Nail fungus is a highly contagious disease.The microorganisms live in humid environments and infection often occurs in public places.Once a carrier appears in a bathhouse or sauna, all subsequent visitors are at risk of contracting the infection.The disease is contagious even in its initial stage, when the carrier does not yet realize that he or she is sick.Extra caution should be taken 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 infection.
Itching, cracks in the feet that do not heal well and peeling skin are signs that indicate a fungal infection.In the initial phase, ringworm is treated much more quickly than after more serious symptoms appear.
In no case should you self-medicate, as 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 fungus is suspected, takes 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 a more accurate picture of the disease, determine the type of bacteria and choose the right medicine.At the initial stage, gentle treatment methods are used: special antimycotic varnishes and skin ointments.