The nail plate is not affected by any disease and has a smooth, shiny surface.When nail fungus occurs, the initial stage is characterized by the nail plate gradually becoming dull and the skin on the fingers and toes peeling and itching.
First symptoms
Changes in the color and structure of the nail are not the only symptoms of a fungus.
In the initial stages, the nail plate may remain the same, while 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 include peeling, burning and itching.The skin in the interdigital folds is significantly more sensitive than on 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 affects adjacent areas and causes blisters and sores.Without treatment, the symptoms do not go away and if appropriate therapy is not started immediately, the fungus will infect larger areas after some time.
The signs of a fungus are as follows:
- change in nail structure,
- thickening of areas of the epidermis,
- burning feeling,
- cracks in the skin between the fingers,
- Brittleness 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 without visible injuries, the infection can enter the body through microtears on the feet.Externally, the skin can look completely healthy, but at the same time show microscopic damage.Such cracks are caused by wearing uncomfortable shoes that are tighter than necessary.Microcracks can also occur when sand gets between your fingers.
Fungal infections often affect people with the following problems:
- overweight,
- increased sweating,
- chronic diseases that weaken immunity.
Any factor that affects susceptibility to disease affects the possibility of infection.In order not to become infected with the fungus or to heal it faster, you should avoid smoking and alcohol, and also have your internal organs diagnosed to rule out inflammatory processes.
Treatment and diagnosis
Nail fungus primarily affects the skin of the fingers and feet, as this is much more sensitive than the nail plate.The infection spreads quickly, penetrating through microcracks in the fingers and affecting 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 have any external changes, and only if the disease is not diagnosed in a timely manner and treatment is not started, the pathological process will become visible to the naked eye.
Nail fungus is a highly contagious disease.Microorganisms live in moist environments and infections often occur in public places.As soon as a carrier appears in a bathhouse or sauna, all subsequent visitors are at risk of contracting the infection.The disease is contagious in its early stages, when the carrier does not yet realize that he or she is sick.Increased caution should be exercised not only in baths and saunas, but also at home if a family member experiences suspicious symptoms.Shared towels, slippers, manicure supplies, and even a poorly cleaned bathtub can cause infections.
Itching, poorly healing cracks on the feet and peeling skin are signs of a fungal infection.In the initial stages, mycosis is treated much faster than after more serious symptoms appear.
In no case should you self-medicate, as incorrectly chosen therapy can lead to the progression of fungal growth, and then a secondary infection and the development of allergies can occur.
To obtain a correct diagnosis, a specialist examines the nail and, if fungus is suspected, performs 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 medication.In the initial stages, gentle treatment methods are used: special antifungal varnishes and ointments for the skin.