Fungal spores enter the human body through various microcracks-after a few weeks they begin to grow and reproduce actively. If you skip the initial stage of the disease, then the infection will affect the nail plate, bed and matrix. To get rid of pathology, you need to understand the symptoms and treatments, and the cause of the disease.
Appearance causes and main symptoms
The pathogen is a dermatophyte that is made up of thin threads. Fungi feed on keratin, which is found in hair, dishes and skin. The spores can penetrate deep into the toenails, causing them to be quickly and completely destroyed. You can get infected in swimming pools, bathrooms, beaches, and beauty salons that do not follow the disinfection rules. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through slight scratches. The main reason is weak immunity and non-compliance with health regulations.
In the early stages, people usually don't pay attention to the signs of infection, so they already have serious illnesses and go to see a doctor. Anemia, liver disease, chronic inflammatory processes, calcium deficiency and some other trace elements-all these diseases change the color and structure of the legs and arm plates. Therefore, if the color and thickness change drastically, you should consult an expert.
What is the initial stage of the disease:
- White or light yellow spots, with vertical streaks;
- The color changes slightly-it becomes yellow, and the natural and healthy luster disappears;
- The most common is that the infection affects the big toe at the beginning of the infection;
- The structure changes-the board thickens, undulates, begins to chip, peel off, and look sloppy;
- Itching, cracks and round patches formed between the fingers;
- Injury to the inflamed area, causing discomfort when walking.
If you skip the first signs, then your nails will begin to move away from the bed, and pathogenic microorganisms will multiply rapidly in the crevices. It turned brown, black, gray, and my legs kept smelling unpleasant odors. In the early stage, it will affect the steel plate on one side, and as the pathology progresses and the accompanying diseases appear, all damage can be observed.
Traditional therapy
If you notice the initial symptoms in time, then it is enough to use external means for treatment, and only a doctor can make the right choice. In the advanced stage, expensive and not always safe drugs must be used to treat the disease. If there are any changes in the structure, you should contact a dermatologist or dermatologist immediately.
How to get rid of toenail fungus early:
- In the podiatry clinic, the doctor performed a pedicure-with the help of tweezers, files or a grinder, the damaged part of the nail was removed. If the board is very hard, it can be softened with a keratolytic agent. This procedure cannot be carried out in ordinary salons.
- If the disease is in its infancy and there are no more than two nails infected by fungus, antifungal drugs should be treated. The ointment is inexpensive, but does not penetrate into the inside, twice a day. The repair varnish will form a protective film on the surface and should be used once a week. You can use these funds at home, they actually have no contraindications.
- If the infection spreads rapidly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications in pill form.
A popular, effective and cheap treatment to get rid of foot fungus is a special serum. Spread it over the entire board twice a day, before removing the top layer with a special nail file, which is already included in the kit. Spray-quickly eliminate the initial symptoms. You need to apply steamed nails 1-2 times a day. The treatment time is 7-14 days.
Modern podiatry tries 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 ingrowth and deformation. A safer treatment method is laser therapy. Under the action of the light beam, pathogenic microorganisms will die immediately, and nearby tissues will not be harmed.
Folk remedies
You can check for the presence of fungus in a simple way at home-dilute potassium permanganate in warm water, the liquid should be light pink. Put your feet in the solution for 3-5 minutes-the affected board will not get dirty, stay light-colored, and healthy areas will turn brown.
You can use traditional methods to eliminate causes and symptoms at home. They are safe, there are almost no contraindications, and many of them are suitable for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of home remedies consists of medicated baths, oils, and ointments.
- Apple cider vinegarEffectively treat foot fungus. It is necessary to dilute with warm water in equal proportions and immerse the feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the operation, let the skin dry naturally. All symptoms will disappear within 15 to 20 days.
- Tea tree oil-A powerful natural antiseptic that can be treated at all stages. The tool should be wiped on the affected area 3 times a day, and the feet should be treated. One method requires the extraction of 4-10 drops of oil. Duration-2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
- CelandineUsed to eliminate various skin diseases at home. Grind the fresh grass, squeeze the juice, and mix it with the same amount of medical alcohol. Remove the agent in a dark room and lubricate the affected dishes 3-4 times a day with the agent. Before applying, steam your feet in soda or saline solution. The treatment time is 1. 5-2 weeks.
- peroxide-An affordable and safe fungicide that eliminates the signs of fungal diseases. Steam your feet in water with a small amount of baking soda. Moisten the cotton pad with peroxide and fix it on the infected nail with a film or fingertips. Repeat this process 3-5 times a day, keeping the compress for at least 45 minutes.
prevent an infection
You can’t wear other people’s shoes, you can only wear socks and tights on absolutely dry feet.
How to prevent toenail fungus:
- Only wear clean socks to try on shoes in the store;
- Always use only your own towels, manicure and pedicure tools;
- Do not walk barefoot in public places with high humidity;
- In the salon, you can ask the owner to sterilize the instruments again without hesitation;
- Shoes and socks should be made of natural materials to let the skin breathe;
- Check feet, toes and pedicure regularly;
- Enhance the protective function of the body.
If you notice symptoms in time and heal, you must apply antifungal compounds on your nails within 2-3 months, and all shoes should be disinfected or thrown away. After the infection is cleared, you should perform a thorough cleaning of the house-use a special product to thoroughly wash the floor, bathroom and personal belongings.
Fungus is a common disease. The spores remain active in the environment for a long time and penetrate into the body through damaged skin. Not everyone can get rid of the infection completely, and the probability of recurrence is 7-8%. Preventive measures and strong immunity will help prevent infection.