The early stages of toenail fungus or toenail fungus may not be noticeable in any way until the symptoms become obvious. It is important here to know the early signs of the onset of the disease, as it is easier to overcome foot or toe fungus while it is still weak than to treat the advanced stages for a long time. It is important to identify the disease in time, as it has an incubation period.
What bacteria
The fungus on the toenails or hands is called onychomycosis. It is caused by the following types of fungi:
- dermatophyte;
- yeast;
- moldy.
They live mainly in the ground, and from there they spread to other surfaces where one can pass through. Toenail and fingernail fungus can enter the human body through micro cracks in the skin.
The incubation period lasts an average of half a month, during which time the fungus does not show itself in any way. When it penetrates deep into the skin and nutrition, symptoms of the disease begin to appear. This is indicated by an inflammatory process on 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 nail.
Signs of fungus on nails in the early stages
Before turning to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you should know the cause of what fungal disease begins. Fungus on the feet and hands is contagious from person to person, so the disease is easily transmitted in public places, such as in saunas or swimming pools. The disease is spread 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 on the hands or feet.
- Flat feet.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Long -term antibiotic therapy.
- The immune system is declining.
- diabetes.
Fungal nail disease manifests itself in different ways depending on the type of pathogen. But there are also signs of consolidation of the disease when it is just beginning. Like 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.
- Nails become thicker and rougher.
- In some cases, cracks appear on the nails.
- Gradually, the nails begin to crumble from the inside and emit an unpleasant odor.
- Due to the fungal activity between the skin and the nail plate, the latter acquires a matte appearance.
- Nail colors 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 early stages
As already mentioned, the early stages of nail fungus should be cured as early 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. This is best done by a doctor, he or she will be able to clean the nails from the fungus without pain or with minimal discomfort.
- After that, the nail plate is covered with antifungal ointment or varnish. In the early stages of the disease, you can not take other therapeutic actions. But do not think that once is enough - you need to treat nails every day, as prescribed by a doctor.
- In the early stages of nail fungus, antifungal tablets are usually not prescribed, but if it is prescribed by a doctor, then it is worth taking the drug. So the disease will pass quickly.
What are the modern methods of treating nail fungus at an early stage? The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide variety of medications 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 the effect is shown only with mild forms of the disease or in the early stages of fungal infections, subject to regular use of these drugs.
With advanced forms of onychomycosis, you need to fight the infection not only externally, but also from within.
In this case, the patient takes a special pill that destroys the infection in the body. They need to be taken for a long time, for several months, then the results will be visible.
Prevention of fungal infections
It is not difficult to catch the fungus on the legs and arms, it will be more difficult to get rid of it, so you need to know about measures to prevent this disease:
- If a person follows simple hygiene rules, changes socks more often, wears shoes in public, then toenail fungus does not threaten him.
- Remember that you should always and everywhere have your own personal hygiene items - towels, wipes and slippers.
- For cuts or other injuries to the fingers and toes, treat the wound immediately with antiseptic.
If you follow these simple rules, you will never know what fungus is on your feet and hands. If an infection occurs, get rid of the disease at an early stage, as the problem will be minimal and easier to get rid of.