Fungal spores enter the body through various microcracks - after a few weeks they begin to actively grow and multiply. If you miss the initial stage of the disease, then the infection will affect the plate, bed and matrix of the nail. 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, which consists of thin fibers. The fungus feeds on keratin, which is found in hair, plaques and skin. Spores can penetrate deep into the toenail, which can lead to its rapid complete destruction. You can get infected in the pool, bathroom, on the beach, in beauty salons, where the rules of disinfection are not followed. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through a small 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 advanced disease. Anemia, liver pathologies, chronic inflammatory processes, calcium deficiency and some other trace elements - all these diseases change the color and structure of the plates of the legs and arms. Therefore, if the color and thickness change dramatically, you should consult a specialist.
What does the disease look like in the initial stage:
- white or yellowish spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
- the color changes slightly - acquires a yellow tinge, 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, uneven, begins to crumble, exfoliate, looks sloppy;
- itching occurs, cracks form between the fingers, rounded plaques;
- inflamed areas hurt, which causes discomfort when walking.
If you miss the initial signs, then the nail begins to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms multiply rapidly in the gap. It becomes brown, black, gray, the feet constantly smell unpleasant. At an early stage it affects the plate on one side, there are total injuries in the intensive development of the 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 drugs. You should contact a mycologist or dermatologist immediately for any changes in the structure.
How to get rid of nail fungus at an early stage:
- A medical pedicure is done in the podology office - with the help of tweezers, a file or a grinder the damaged part of the nail is removed. If the plate is very hard, then a keratolytic patch is used to soften it. The procedure cannot be performed in ordinary salons.
- If the disease is in its infancy, no more than two nails are affected by the fungus, then antifungal drugs should be treated. Ointments have a low cost, but can not penetrate inside, they are applied twice a day. Curing varnishes create a protective film on the surface and should be used once a week. You can use the funds at home, they have virtually no contraindications.
- If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medicines in pill form.
A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy for removing fungus on the feet is a special serum. Spread on the entire plate twice a day, and the top layer is previously removed with a special nail file, which is included in the kit. Spray - quickly eliminates the symptoms at the initial stage. You should apply on a steamed nail 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 7-14 days.
Modern podiatry tries not to remove the entire nail, especially if the disease is in its infancy. During such operations, the matrix is removed, which leads to subsequent ingrowth and deformation. A safer method of treatment is laser therapy, under the influence of the beam pathogenic microorganisms die immediately, nearby tissues are not injured.
Folk remedies
You can check for fungus 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, remain light, healthy areas will turn brown.
You can eliminate the causes and symptoms at home using 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 consists of healing baths, oils, ointments.
- Apple vinegareffective in treating foot fungus. It is necessary to dilute in equal proportions with warm water, immerse your feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, allow the skin to dry naturally. All symptoms will disappear after 15-20 days.
- Tea tree oil- a powerful natural antiseptic that can be treated at all stages. The instrument should be rubbed three times a day into the affected plates and the feet should be treated. One procedure requires 4-10 drops of oil extract. Duration - 2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
- Celeryused to eliminate various dermatological diseases at home. Grind fresh grass, squeeze the juice, mix with an equal amount of medical alcohol. Remove the tincture for a day in a dark room, use the drug to lubricate the affected plates 3-4 times a day. Before application, the feet should be steamed in soda or saline. The duration of therapy is 1. 5–2 weeks.
- Peroxide- an affordable and safe antiseptic that eliminates the signs of fungal diseases. Boil your feet in water with a small amount of baking soda. Moisten cotton swabs with peroxide, secure with film or fingertips on the infected nail. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day, hold the compress for at least 45 minutes.
Prevention of infection
You can not 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 shoes in the store only in their clean socks;
- always use only your own towels, manicure and pedicure tools;
- in public places with high humidity, you should not walk barefoot;
- in salons you should not hesitate to ask the master to disinfect the instruments again;
- shoes and knitwear should be made of natural materials, allow the skin to breathe;
- examine your feet, toes and pedicure regularly;
- strengthen the protective functions of the body.
If you managed to notice the symptoms in time and heal, then for 2-3 months it is necessary to apply antifungal compounds on the nails, all shoes should be disinfected or discarded. After getting rid of the infection, you need to perform a general cleaning of the house - thoroughly wash the floors, bathroom, personal belongings with the help of special products.
Fungi are a common disease, spores remain active for a long time in the environment, penetrate 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.