The initial stage of nail fungus or nail fungus may not appear in any way until the symptoms become pronounced. Here it is important to know the first signs of the onset of the disease, as it is easier to overcome the fungus of the foot or toes while they are still weak than to treat an advanced stage for a long time. It is important that the disease is identified in time because it has an incubation period.
What bacteria
The fungus on the nails of the feet or hands is called onychomycosis. It is caused by the following types of fungi:
- dermatophytes;
- Maja;
- moldy.
They live mainly on land and from there spread to other areas where man can cross. Fungi of the nails and hands can enter the human body through microcracks in the skin.
The incubation period lasts on average half a month, during which the fungus does not appear in any way. As it penetrates deep into the skin and nourishes, the symptoms of the disease begin to appear. This is manifested by an inflammatory process in the skin of the hands or feet. A person may feel an unpleasant odor in the affected finger area. If left untreated, the fungus penetrates under the nails.
Signs of fungus on the nails in the initial stage
Before moving on to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you need to know why fungal diseases start. Fungi on the feet and hands are transmitted from person to person, so the disease is easily caught in public places, such as in a sauna or swimming pool. The disease is transmitted through the wearing of ordinary shoes, this can occur 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.
- Lowering the 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 has just started. What the fungus looks like, you can detect 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 harsher.
- In some cases cracks appear in the nail.
- Gradually, the nails begin to crumble from the inside and emit an unpleasant odor.
- Due to the activity of the fungus between the skin and the nail plate, the latter acquires a matte appearance.
- The color of the nails 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 beginning of the disease.
How to treat fungus in 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 see a doctor immediately. 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. This is best 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 plate is covered with oil or antifungal varnish. In the initial stage of the disease, you can not take any other therapeutic actions. But do not think that once is enough - you will need to treat your nails every day, as much as your doctor prescribes.
- In the initial stage of nail fungus, antifungal tablets are usually not prescribed, but if they are prescribed by a doctor, then it is worth taking the medicine. So the disease will pass quickly.
What are the modern methods of treating nail fungus in the initial stage? The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide range of remedies 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 in 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 need to fight the infection not only from the outside 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 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 about the measures to prevent this disease:
- If a person follows simple hygiene rules, changes socks more often, wears shoes in public places, then toenail fungus does not threaten him.
- Remember that you should always and everywhere have personal hygiene items - your towel, cloth and slippers.
- For cuts or other injuries to the fingers and toes, treat wounds immediately with an antiseptic.
If you follow these simple rules, you will never know what fungus is on your feet and hands. If infection occurs, get rid of the disease in the initial stage, as the problems will be minimal and it will be easier to eliminate them.