The initial stage of toenail or fingernail fungus may not manifest itself in any way until the symptoms become pronounced. Here it is important to know the first signs of the onset of the disease, since it is easier to defeat the foot or toe fungus when it is still weak than to treat the advanced stage for a long time. It is important to identify the disease in time, because it has an incubation period.
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Fungus on the toenails or fingernails is called onychomycosis. It is caused by the following types of fungi:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast;
- moldy.
They live mainly in the soil, and from there they spread to other surfaces where a person can walk. Fingernail and toenail fungus can enter the human body through microcracks in the skin.
The incubation period lasts an average of half a month, during which time the fungus does not manifest itself in any way. As it penetrates deep into the skin and nutrition, the symptoms of the disease begin to appear. This is manifested by an inflammatory process on the skin of the hands or feet. A person may feel an unpleasant odor in the area of the affected finger. If left untreated, the fungus penetrates under the nails.
Signs of nail fungus in the initial stage
Before proceeding to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you need to know why fungal diseases begin. The fungus on the legs and hands is transmitted from person to person, so the disease is easy to catch in public places, such as saunas or swimming pools. The disease is transmitted by the use of common footwear, this can occur in large families, as well as by the use of a towel or slippers.
The following conditions contribute to the development of foot fungus:
- Damage to the nail plate.
- Excessive sweating of the hands or feet.
- Flatfoot.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Long-term antibiotic therapy.
- Decreased immune system.
- Diabetes.
A fungal nail disease manifests itself in different ways depending on the type of pathogen. But there are also unifying signs of this disease when it is just beginning. What the fungus looks like, you can find out by the presence of the following symptoms:
- At the beginning of onychomycosis, the structure and color of the nail plate changes.
- The nail becomes thicker and rougher.
- In some cases, cracks appear on the nail.
- Gradually, the nails begin to crumble from the inside and exude an unpleasant odor.
- Due to the activity of fungi between the skin and the nail plate, the latter acquires a matte appearance.
- The color of the nail can be different: white, gray, yellow, green, brown.
In order not to bring the problem to such a state, it is necessary to fight the infection at the very beginning of the disease.
How to treat a fungus at the initial stage
As already mentioned, the initial stage of nail fungus should be cured as soon as possible. With the symptoms described above, you should immediately go to the doctor. In order for the treatment to give the desired effect, it is first necessary to identify the pathogen.
Common therapeutic actions include:
- First, cut the surface of the nail affected by the fungus. It is better to have it done by a doctor, he will be able to clean the nail from the fungus without pain or with minimal discomfort.
- After that, the nail surface is covered with antifungal ointment or varnish. At the initial stage of the disease, you can not even take other therapeutic actions. But do not think that once is enough: you will have to treat the nail every day, as much as the doctor prescribes.
- At the initial stage of nail fungus, antifungal tablets are usually not prescribed, but if they are prescribed by a doctor, then the drug is worth taking. Then the disease will pass quickly.
What are the modern methods of treating nail fungus at the initial stage? The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide range of drugs for foot fungus. These are sprays, ointments, drops, powders, varnishes. These funds are used not only in the treatment of onychomycosis, but also for preventive purposes. Able to penetrate deep under the skin, they fight germs. But their effect is manifested only with a mild form of the disease or at the initial stage of a fungal infection, subject to regular use of these drugs.
With the advanced form of onychomycosis, you will have to fight the infection not only externally, but also from the inside.
In this case, the patient takes special pills that destroy the infection in the body. They need to be taken for a long time, for several months, only then the result will be visible.
Prevention of fungal infection
It is not difficult to catch a fungus on the legs and arms, it will be more difficult to get rid of it, so you need to know the measures to prevent this disease:
- If a person follows simple hygiene rules, changes socks more often, puts on shoes in public places, then toenail fungus does not threaten him.
- Remember that always and everywhere you must have personal hygiene items: your own towel, washcloth and slippers.
- For cuts or other injuries to fingers and toes, immediately treat the wounds with an antiseptic.
If you follow these simple rules, you will never know what a fungus is on your feet and hands. If the infection occurs, eliminate the disease at the initial stage, since the problems will be minimal and it will be easier to eliminate them.