The initial stage of toenail fungus or toenail fungus may not manifest itself in any way until the symptoms become pronounced. It is important here to know the first signs of the onset of the disease, as it is easier to overcome foot or toe fungus while 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.
What bacteria
Fungus on toenails or fingernails is called onychomycosis. It is caused by the following types of fungi:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast;
- moldy.
They live mainly in the ground and from there they spread to other surfaces where a person can pass. Toenail 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 the fungus does not manifest itself in any way. As it penetrates deep into the skin and nutrition, 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 smell an unpleasant odor in the affected finger area. If left untreated, the fungus penetrates under the nails.
Signs of fungus on the nails at the initial stage
Before moving on to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you should know why fungal diseases begin. The fungus on the legs and hands is transmitted from person to person, so the disease is easy to pick up in public places, such as a sauna or swimming pool. The disease is transmitted through the use of ordinary shoes, this can happen in large families, as well as through 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.
- Flat feet.
- 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's just starting. What the fungus looks like, you can find out by the presence of the following symptoms:
- At the onset 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 give off an unpleasant smell.
- Due to the activity of fungi between the skin and the nail plate, the latter acquires a dull 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 in the initial stage
As already mentioned, the initial stage of the 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 nail plate affected by the fungus. It is best to do this by a doctor, he will be able to clean the nail from the fungus without pain or with minimal discomfort.
- After that, the nail plate 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 prescribed by the doctor.
- In the initial stage of nail fungus, antifungal tablets are usually not prescribed, but if they are prescribed by a doctor, the medicine is worth drinking. 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 medicines for foot fungus. These are sprays, ointments, drops, powders, paints. 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 in 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 should be taken for a long time, for several months, only then will the result be visible.
Prevention of fungal infections
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, wears shoes in public places, toenail fungus does not threaten him.
- Remember that you should always and everywhere have personal hygiene items: towel, washcloth and slippers.
- In case of cuts or other injuries to the 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 infection occurs, get rid of the disease at an early stage, as the problems will be minimal and it will be easier to get rid of them.