Today, it’s almost as easy to get a fungal infection as it is to catch a cold.Immunity wanes at the slightest stress - and now an insidious parasite is ready to attack your feet.You can encounter fungi anywhere: at your favorite swimming pool, at a party, or even in your own home.The success of treatment depends directly on how quickly you identify the infection and begin treatment, so it's important to know the first signs of onychomycosis.
Where can fungi lie in wait?
Many people think that fungal infections are caused by the fact that many people are sick and do not follow hygiene rules, so they do not pay attention to small changes in the feet and heels.
Nails hurt - you need to change your shoes to loose ones, your heels are peeling - apply a thicker cream, spots appear on your nails - buy vitamins and choose a brighter nail polish.
But modern research shows the opposite is true—healthy lifestyle advocates and athletes often fall victim to the fungus.In order for the fungus to not only grow on your feet, but start actively multiplying, a number of conditions are required.But if you fall into the "fungus" risk group, it's important to check your feet and nails regularly so you don't miss the first symptoms.
Your chances of getting a fungal infection increase if you:
- Wear tight, uncomfortable shoes, especially those made of synthetic materials;
- You wear someone else's slippers when visiting and at home;
- Try on shoes without shoes in the store;
- Walk barefoot on the floor in pools and gyms without flip-flops;
- Excessive sweating of feet;
- Have diabetes;
- Suffering from varicose veins and other circulatory problems.
first sign
Recognizing the first signs of a fungal infection can be difficult.Today, many doctors talk about the increase in so-called elimination forms of fungal infections.In this case, no obvious signs of infection appear for a long time, and people become aware of it only when the fungus has advanced to an advanced stage.
Doctors don't hide it: many skin diseases start in the same way as fungi (psoriasis, lichen, atopic dermatitis).But it's better to err on the side of caution and see a doctor as early as possible to avoid missing out on the disease.The following symptoms should alert you:
- Dry, cracked skin on heels and under toes;
- Persistent itching in the feet and between the toes;
- Thickening of the skin ridges along the edge of the nail plate;
- white spots and streaks on nails;
- Nail plate deformation (a bump on the nail that becomes thicker than usual).
Main symptoms
As the fungus invades more parts of the body, your symptoms will worsen.Despite the best foot scrubs and expensive nourishing creams, the itching became unbearable and the skin kept peeling.And the appearance of your nails will change so much that you will have to hide them in closed shoes even in the hot summer.
Typical symptoms of onychomycosis are:
- Thickening and keratinization of the skin (especially on the heels and toes);
- Painful blisters appear between fingers;
- Chapped feet with deep cracks and sometimes bleeding;
- Bleeding wounds (usually between fingers where the skin has poor ventilation);
- Bad odor from rotting tissue under the nails;
- The nail plate delaminates and becomes brittle and brittle;
- Nail color changes to white, yellow, black, or green;
- Whitening or blackening of nails moving away from the nail plate;
- Changes in the structure of the nails; they become cloudy and loose;
- The nail plate is too thick to use pedicure tools;
- The periungual folds become very inflamed;
- Deformed nails can cause severe pain when walking.
Types of fungi
If you have a fungal infection, you don't have to wait for all these symptoms.For some people, the main sign of infection is nail discoloration; for others, the nail plate simply thickens without causing any discomfort.Some people are unable to walk normally due to pain and itching.
There are 3 types of fungal nail infections, each with its own characteristics.
- Nutrition is normal.In this case, only the color of the nails changes.White longitudinal stripes or spots appear in the first stage, and then the nail plate color suddenly turns yellow or black-green.The thickness and structure of the boards are usually preserved.
- Thick.Here, the nails are completely attacked by the fungus.The color of the plates changes, the nails become deformed, thickened, loose, and caked.Often parts of the deck will fall off and collapse.
- shrink.In this case, the fungus not only destroys your nails but also destroys them.The nail plate becomes discolored, thins and gradually pulls away from the bed.
The signs of a fungal infection largely depend on the type of fungus you have.Experts have identified three main types of parasites that are harmful to our nails.These are dermatophytes, yeasts and molds.
Yeast infections are fairly rare, accounting for only 4-5% of all cases.The frequency of mold infestations is even lower—about 1 percent.They often attack people with severe chronic illnesses.Our main enemy is dermatophytes.There are several parasites in this group that can cause symptoms similar to those above when infected.
Fungus or not?
Even when all the signs of a fungal infection are present, we still like to believe that it's not fungus, but just uncomfortable shoes or the hot summer sun drying our feet mercilessly.
The suspicious symptoms are most likely not fungal if:
- You have recently suffered a foot injury (you stubbed your toe under a door and walked for a long time in tight shoes with uncomfortable lasts);
- You have symptoms of psoriasis or other skin conditions;
- When the change affects all fingernails and toenails at the same time.
If you're not sure about your diagnosis, there's a small home test you can do.Dilute a little potassium permanganate in a bowl of warm water and soak your feet for a while.Healthy nails will appear brown.If there are no obvious changes, this is a clear sign of fungal infection.
Fungal nail infections always occur in isolation, so each person always has their own symptoms, which are different from those of a coworker, neighbor or relative.You should not self-diagnose or self-medicate: at the slightest suspicion, you need to see a dermatologist and have all tests done.This will allow you to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, start treatment as soon as possible.