The first signs of a fungal nail infection

Today, getting a yeast infection is almost as easy as catching a cold.The slightest stress, weakened immunity - and now an insidious parasite is preparing to attack your feet.And you can encounter fungi anywhere: in your favorite pool, at a party, and even in your own home.The success of treatment directly depends on how quickly you recognize the infection and start treatment, so it is very important to know the first signs of nail fungus.

Where can fungi wait?

Many people think that a fungal infection is a common occurrence in patients who do not follow hygiene rules, so they do not pay attention to minor changes in the feet and heels.

The nail hurts - you need to change your shoes to more relaxed ones, your heels are peeling - apply a thicker cream, spots have appeared on the nails - buy vitamins and choose a lighter nail polish.

But modern research assures that it is exactly the opposite - supporters of a healthy lifestyle and athletes often become victims of fungi.In order for the fungus not only to stand on its feet, but to start actively multiplying, many conditions are needed.But if you are in the risk group of "fungal", it is important to regularly examine your feet and nails in order not to miss the first symptoms.

Your chances of getting a yeast infection increase if you:

• wear tight and uncomfortable shoes, especially those made of synthetic materials;
• wear other people's slippers when visiting and at home;
• try on shoes without shoes in stores;
• walking in the pool and gym with bare feet on the floor, without flip flops;
• you suffer from excessive sweating of the feet;
• have diabetes;
• suffer from varicose veins and other circulatory disorders.

First signs

Recognizing the first signs of a yeast infection can be difficult.Today, many doctors are talking about the rise of the so-called deleted form of fungal infection.In this case, obvious signs of infection do not appear for a long time, and people realize this only when the fungus reaches an advanced stage.

Doctors don't hide it: many skin diseases start in the same way as fungi (psoriasis, ringworm, allergic dermatitis).But it is better to play it safe and see a doctor as soon as possible so as not to miss the disease.The following symptoms should alert you:

• dry skin and cracks on the heels and under the toes;
• constant itching on the feet and between the toes;
• thickening of skin ridges along the edges of the nail plate;
• the appearance of white spots and stripes on the nails;
• deformation of the nail plate (bulges appear on the nail, it becomes thicker than usual).

Main symptoms

As the fungus attacks more areas of your body, your symptoms will worsen.The itching becomes unbearable, the skin constantly peels, despite the best foot scrubs and expensive nourishing cream.And your nails change their appearance so much that even in the summer heat you have to hide them in closed shoes.

Typical signs of fungal nail disease are:

• thickening and keratinization of the skin (especially on the heels and toes);
• painful blisters between toes;
• the feet dry and crack, the cracks are deep, sometimes bloody;
• weeping sores appear (usually between the fingers, where the skin is less ventilated);
• an unpleasant smell appears from decaying tissue under the nails;
• the nail plate delaminates, becomes brittle and brittle;
• nails change color to white, yellow, black or green;
• bleached or blackened nail moves away from the nail plate;
• the structure of the nails changes;they become cloudy and loose;
• the nail plate thickens so much that it is not amenable to pedicure instruments;
• the periungual fold becomes very inflamed;
• deformed nails cause severe pain when walking.

Types of mushrooms

If you get infected with a fungus, it is not at all necessary that you expect all these symptoms.For some, the main manifestation of the infection is a discolored nail;for others, the nail plates simply thicken without causing discomfort.And someone suffers so much from pain and itching that they simply cannot walk normally.

There are 3 types of fungal nail infections, each with its own characteristics.

1. Normotrophic.In this case, only the color of the nail changes.In the first stage, whitish longitudinal stripes or spots appear, and then the nail plate suddenly changes color to yellow or black-green.Plate thickness and structure are usually preserved.
2. Hypertrophic.Here the nail is completely affected by the fungal attack.The color of the plate changes, the nails are deformed, they become thick, loose and bumpy.Often the nail plate peels off and collapses, usually in sections.
3. Atrophic.In this case, the fungus does everything to not only disfigure your nails, but also to destroy them.The nail plate changes color, becomes thinner and gradually separates from the bed.

The signs of a yeast infection depend greatly on the type of fungus you have contracted.Experts identify 3 main groups of parasites that are dangerous for our nails.These are dermatophytes, yeasts and molds.

Fungal infection is quite rare, occurring in only 4-5% of all cases.Molds attack even less often - in about 1% of cases.They usually attack people with serious chronic diseases.Our main enemies are dermatophytes.In this group there are several types of parasites, in which the infection has similar symptoms described above.

Fungi or not?

Even if all the signs of a fungal infection are present, we still want to believe that it is not a fungus, but simply uncomfortable shoes or the scorching summer sun that mercilessly dries out our feet.

Suspicious symptoms may not be fungi if:

• you have recently suffered a foot injury (you crushed your toe under the door, walked for a long time in narrow shoes with an uncomfortable back part);
• you have symptoms of psoriasis or some other skin disease;
• when the changes affected all fingernails and toenails at the same time.

If you are unsure of your diagnosis, you can do a short home test.Dilute some potassium permanganate in a bowl of warm water and soak your feet in it for a while.Healthy nails will take on a brownish hue.If the changes are not visible, this is a clear signal of a fungal infection.

Fungal nail infections always occur individually, so each person always has their own symptoms, unlike the fungus of a colleague, neighbor or relative.You should not engage in self-diagnosis or self-treatment: at the slightest suspicion, you must go to a dermatologist and do all the tests.This will allow you to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, start treatment as soon as possible.