Fungal spores enter the body through various microcracks - after a few weeks they begin to actively grow and reproduce. If you go through the early stages of the disease, then the infection will affect the plate, bedding and nail matrix. To get rid of the pathology, you need to know the symptoms and methods of treatment, the cause of the disease.
The main causes of appearance and symptoms
The causative agent is a dermatophyte, which consists of thin threads. Fungi feed on keratin, which is found in hair, plates, and skin. Spores can penetrate deep into the toenails, which can lead to their rapid destruction. You can be infected in swimming pools, bathhouses, on the beach, in beauty salons, where the rules of disinfection are not observed. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through small scratches. The main reason is a weakened immunity, non -compliance with hygiene rules.
In the early stages, people often do not notice the signs of infection, so they go to the doctor with an already advanced disease. Anemia, liver pathology, chronic inflammatory processes, lack of calcium and some other micro -elements - all these diseases change the color and structure of the plates on the legs and arms. Therefore, if the color and thickness change significantly, you should consult a specialist.
What is the disease like in its early stages:
- white or yellowish spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
- its color changes slightly - it acquires a yellow color, the natural healthy sheen disappears;
- most often in the early stages, the infection affects the toes;
- changes occur in the structure - the plate becomes thicker, wavy, begins to crumble, flakes, looks sloppy;
- itching appears, cracks form between fingers, round plaques;
- the inflamed area is sore, which causes discomfort when walking.
If you pass the early signs, then the nails begin to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms quickly multiply in the cracks. It turns out that brown, black, gray, feet always smell unpleasant. In the early stages, it affects the plate on one side, total damage is observed with the intensive development of pathology, the presence of concomitant diseases.
Traditional treatment
If you see the first signs in a timely manner, then it is enough to undergo treatment with the help of external methods, which can only be chosen by a doctor correctly. At a later stage, the disease must be overcome with the use of expensive and not always safe medications. You should immediately contact a mycologist or dermatologist for any structural changes.
How to get rid of nail fungus in the beginning:
- In the podology office, a medical pedicure is performed - with the help of tweezers, files or a grinder, the damaged part of the nail is removed. If the plate is very stiff, then a keratolytic patch is used to soften it. This procedure should not be performed in a regular salon.
- If the disease is in its early stages, no more than two nails are affected by the fungus, then antifungal drugs should be treated. The ointment has a low cost, but can not penetrate into, it is used twice a day. The healing varnish makes a protective film on the surface and should be applied once a week. You can use the funds at home, they have no contraindications.
- If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medication in pill form.
A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy for getting rid of foot fungus is a special serum. It is spread all over the plate twice a day, the previous top layer is removed with a special nail file, which is included in the kit. Spray - eliminates symptoms in the early stages quickly. You need to apply on steamed nails 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 7-14 days.
Modern podologists try not to remove the entire nail, especially if the disease is in its early stages. During such operations, the matrix is removed, which leads to subsequent growth and deformation. A safer method of treatment is laser therapy, under the influence of radiation, pathogenic microorganisms die immediately, nearby tissues are not injured.
Folk medicine
You can check for the presence of fungus in the house in a simple way - dilute potassium permanganate in warm water, the liquid should have a pale pink color. Keep the feet in the solution for 3-5 minutes - the affected plate does not stain, remains light, healthy areas will turn brown.
You can eliminate the causes and symptoms at home using traditional methods. They are safe, practically have no contraindications, mostly suitable for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of therapy at home consists of medicinal baths, oils, ointments.
- Apple cider vinegareffective in treating foot fungus. You need to dilute it in equal proportions with warm water, dipping the feet into the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, let the skin dry naturally. All symptoms will disappear in 15-20 days.
- The essential oil- a powerful natural antiseptic that can be treated at all levels. The tool should be rubbed three times a day onto the affected plate, 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.
- Celandineused to get rid of various dermatological diseases at home. Grind fresh grass, squeeze its juice, mix with the same medicinal alcohol. Remove the tincture for a day in a dark room, use the drug to lubricate the affected plate 3-4 times a day. Before applying, the feet should be steamed in a solution of soda or salt. The duration of therapy is 1. 5-2 weeks.
- Peroxide- an affordable and safe antiseptic that can eliminate the symptoms of fungal diseases. Steam your feet into the water with a little baking soda. Moisten the cotton liner with peroxide, secure with a film or fingertips on infected nails. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day, keep the compress for at least 45 minutes.
Infection prevention
You should not wear other people’s shoes, socks and tights should be worn only on completely dry feet.
How to prevent fungal diseases on toenails:
- trying on shoes at the store only in her clean socks;
- always use your own towels, manicures and pedicures;
- in public places with high humidity, you cannot walk barefoot;
- in the salon, you should not hesitate to ask the master to disinfect the tool again;
- shoes and socks should be made of natural materials, allowing the skin to breathe;
- regularly check feet, toes, and do pedicures;
- strengthens the body's protective function.
If you manage to see the symptoms in time and heal, then for 2-3 months need to use antifungal compounds on the nails, all shoes should be disinfected or discarded. After getting rid of the infection, you should do a thorough cleaning of the house - washing the floor, bathing, personal items using special products.
Fungus is a common disease, spores remain active for a long time in the environment, penetrating into the body through damaged skin. Not everyone can get rid of the infection completely, the probability of recurrence is 7-8%. Strong preventive measures and immunity will help prevent infection.