Toenail fungus in the initial stage

Fungal spores enter the body through various microcracks - after a few weeks they begin to actively grow and multiply. If you skip the initial stage of the disease, the infection will affect the plate, 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 and main symptoms

The cause is a dermatophyte consisting of thin threads. The fungus feeds on keratin found in hair, plaques and skin. Spores can penetrate deep into the nail, which can lead to its rapid complete destruction. You can get infected in the pool, swimming pool, on the beach, in beauty salons, where the rules of disinfection are not followed. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through a minor scratch. The main reason is weak immunity, non-compliance with hygiene rules.

In the early stages, people often do not pay attention to the signs of infection, so they go to doctors with an already advanced ailment. Anemia, liver pathologies, chronic inflammatory processes, calcium deficiency and some other microelements - all these diseases change the color and structure of the plaques on the legs and arms. Therefore, if the color and thickness change abruptly, you should consult a specialist.

What does the disease look like in the initial stage:

• white or yellowish spots appear, longitudinal stripes;
• the color changes a little - it gets a yellow tint, the natural healthy glow disappears;
• most often in the initial stage, the infection affects the big toe;
• changes in the structure occur - the plate becomes thicker, lumpy, begins to crumble, peel, looks messy;
• itching occurs, cracks form between the fingers, rounded plaques;
• inflamed areas hurt, causing discomfort when walking.

If you skip the initial signs, the nail begins to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms quickly multiply in the gap. It becomes brown, black, gray, the feet constantly smell unpleasant. In the early stage it affects the plaque on the one hand, total damage is observed by the intensive development of pathology, the presence of concomitant diseases.

Traditional treatments

If you notice the first signs in time, then it will be enough to undergo treatment with the help of external means, which only a doctor can choose correctly. At an advanced stage, the disease will have to be treated using expensive and not always safe medications. For any changes in the structure you should contact a mycologist or dermatologist immediately.

How to get rid of nail fungus early:

1. A medical pedicure is performed in the podiatrist's office - the damaged part of the nail is removed with tweezers, a file or a grinder. If the plate is very stiff, then a keratolytic patch is used to soften it. The procedure cannot be performed in ordinary salons.
2. If the disease is in its initial stage, the fungus is not affected by more than two nails, then antifungal drugs should be treated. The ointment has a small price, but it cannot penetrate inside, it is applied twice a day. Medicinal varnishes create a protective film on the surface and should be used once a week. You can use the funds at home, they have practically no contraindications.
3. If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications in tablet form.

A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy for removing fungus on the feet is a special serum. It is spread on the whole plate twice a day, the top layer is previously removed with a special nail file that is included in the set. Spray - quickly removes the symptoms of the initial phase. You need to apply on the paired nail 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 7-14 days.

Modern podology tries not to remove the entire nail, especially if the disease is at an early stage. During such operations, the matrix is removed, leading to subsequent ingrowth and deformation. A safer method of treatment is laser therapy, under the influence of the ray pathogenic microorganisms are currently dying, nearby tissues are not injured.

Folk remedies

You can check the presence of fungi at home in a simple way - dilute 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 plates do not stain, they remain light, healthy areas will turn brown.

You can eliminate the causes and symptoms at home with traditional methods. They are safe, have virtually no contraindications, many of them are suitable for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of home therapy are medicinal baths, oils, ointments.

• Apple cider vinegareffective in treating foot fungus. It is necessary to dilute it in equal proportions with warm water, dip 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 in all phases. The tool should be rubbed three times a day into the affected plates and the feet treated. 4-10 drops of oil extract are needed for one procedure. Duration - 2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
• Celandineit is used to remove various dermatological diseases at home. Grind fresh grass, squeeze the juice, mix with an equal amount of medical alcohol. Remove the tincture for one day in a dark room, and lubricate the affected plates 3-4 times a day. Prior to application, the feet should be steamed in a soda solution or saline solution. The duration of therapy is 1. 5–2 weeks.
• Peroxide- an affordable and safe antiseptic that removes the signs of fungal diseases. Steam your feet in water with a small amount of baking soda. Moisten cotton pads with peroxide, secure with film or fingertips to the infected nail. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day, hold the compress for at least 45 minutes.

Infection prevention

You can't wear other people's shoes, socks and tights should be worn only on absolutely dry feet.

How to prevent fungal diseases of the toenails:

• try on shoes at the store only in clean socks;
• always use only your own towels, manicure and pedicure tools;
• you should not walk barefoot in public places with high humidity;
• in salons you should not hesitate to ask the master to disinfect the instruments again;
• shoes and socks should be made of natural materials, allow the skin to breathe;
• regularly examine feet, toes and do pedicures;
• strengthen the body's protective functions.

If you managed to notice the symptoms in time and heal, then it is necessary to apply antifungal compounds on the nails for 2-3 months, all shoes should be disinfected or discarded. After you get rid of the infection, you should perform a general cleaning of the house - thoroughly wash the floors, bath, personal belongings using special products.

Fungi are a common disease, spores remain active in the environment for a long time, penetrating the body through damaged skin. Not everyone can completely get rid of the infection, the probability of recurrence is 7-8%. Preventive measures and strong immunity will help prevent infection.