Fungal spores enter the body through various micro-cracks - after a few weeks, they begin to grow and actively multiply. If you skip the initial stage of the disease, the infection will affect the plaque, the bed and the nail matrix. To get rid of the pathology, you need to know the symptoms and methods of treatment, the causes of the disease.
Causes of onset and main symptoms
The causative agent is a dermatophyte, which consists of fine threads. The fungus feeds on keratin, which is found in hair, plaques and skin. Spores can penetrate deeply into the nail, which can lead to its rapid complete destruction. You can get infected in the pool, changing room, on the beach, in beauty salons, where disinfection rules are not followed. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through a small scratch. The main reason is poor immunity and non-compliance with hygiene rules.
In the early stages, people often do not pay attention to signs of infection, so they go to the doctor with an already advanced disease. Anemia, liver disease, chronic inflammatory processes, calcium deficiency and some other microelements - all of these diseases change the color and structure of the plaques in the legs and arms. Therefore, if the color and thickness change drastically, you should consult a specialist.
What does the disease look like in the initial stage:
- white or yellowish spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
- the color changes slightly - acquires a yellow tint, the natural and healthy glow disappears;
- most often in the initial stage, the infection affects the big toe;
- changes in structure occur - the plaque becomes thicker, more bumpy, starts to crumble, exfoliates, looks sloppy;
- itching appears, cracks are formed between the fingers, rounded plates;
- inflamed areas hurt, which causes discomfort when walking.
If you skip the initial signs, the nail begins to move away from the bed and pathogenic microorganisms multiply rapidly in the gap. It is brown, black, gray, the legs always smell bad. In an initial phase, it affects the plaque on the one hand, the total damage is observed with the intensive development of the pathology, the presence of concomitant diseases.
Traditional treatments
If you notice the first signs in a timely manner, it is enough to do the treatment with the help of external means, which only a doctor can choose correctly. In an advanced stage, the disease should be treated with the use of expensive and not always safe medications. You should immediately contact a mycologist or dermatologist for any changes in the structure.
How to get rid of nail fungus earlier:
- In the podiatrist's office, a medical pedicure is performed - with the aid of tweezers, files or grinders, the damaged part of the nail is removed. If the plate is too stiff, a keratolytic adhesive is used to soften it. The procedure cannot be performed in normal salons.
- If the disease is in the early stage, a maximum of two nails are affected by the fungus, then antifungals should be treated. Ointments are inexpensive, but they cannot penetrate the interior, they are applied twice a day. Curing varnishes create a protective film on the surface and should be used once a week. You can use the money at home, it has practically no contraindications.
- If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications in the form of pills.
A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy to get rid of foot fungus is a special serum. It is spread over the entire plate twice a day, the top layer is previously removed with a special nail file, which comes with the kit. Spray - quickly removes symptoms from the initial phase. You need to apply it on a steamed nail 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 7 to 14 days.
Modern podiatry tries not to remove the entire nail, especially if the disease is in the early stages. During these operations, the matrix is removed, which leads to subsequent internal growth and deformation. A safer method of treatment is laser therapy, under the influence of the beam, pathogenic microorganisms die instantly, nearby tissues are not injured.
Folk remedies
You can check the presence of fungi at home in a simple way - dilute the potassium permanganate in warm water, the liquid should have a pale pink color. Keep your feet in the solution for 3-5 minutes - the affected plaques do not stain, remain clear, healthy areas will turn brown.
You can eliminate the causes and symptoms at home using traditional methods. They are safe, they have practically no contraindications, many of them are indicated for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of home therapy is composed of medicinal baths, oils and ointments.
- Apple vinegareffective in treating fungus on the feet. It is necessary to dilute it in an equal proportion with warm water, soak your feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, allow the skin to dry naturally. All symptoms will disappear in 15–20 days.
- Tea tree oil- a powerful natural antiseptic that can be treated at all stages. The tool must be rubbed three times a day on the affected plates and the feet must be treated. One procedure requires 4-10 drops of oil extract. Duration - 2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
- Celandineused to eliminate various dermatological diseases at home. Grind fresh grass, squeeze out the juice and mix with an equal amount of medicinal alcohol. Remove the tincture for a day in a dark room, use the medication to lubricate the affected plaques 3-4 times a day. Before application, the feet must be sprayed with soda or saline solution. The duration of therapy is 1, 5–2 weeks.
- Peroxide- an affordable and safe antiseptic that eliminates the signs of fungal diseases. Steam your feet in water with a small amount of baking soda. Moisten the cotton pads with hydrogen peroxide, secure with a film or fingertip to the infected nail. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day, keep the compress for at least 45 minutes.
Infection prevention
You cannot put someone else's shoes on, socks and tights should only be worn on absolutely dry feet.
How to prevent fungal diseases of the toenails:
- try on shoes in the store with only clean socks;
- always use only your own towels, manicure and pedicure tools;
- in public places with high humidity, you should not walk barefoot;
- in the halls, you should not hesitate to ask the master to disinfect the instruments again;
- shoes and socks must be made of natural materials, allow the skin to breathe;
- regularly examine your feet and toes and have a pedicure;
- strengthen the body's protective functions.
If you were able to notice the symptoms in time and heal, then for 2-3 months it is necessary to apply antifungals on the nails, all shoes must be disinfected or discarded. After getting rid of the infection, you should do a general cleaning of the house - wash the floor, the bath, personal belongings with special products.
The fungus is a common disease, spores remain active for a long time in the environment, penetrate the body through damaged skin. Not everyone can get rid of the infection completely, the likelihood of recurrence is 7 to 8%. Preventive measures and strong immunity will help prevent infections.