Fungal spores enter the body through various small holes - after a few weeks, they begin to actively develop and multiply. If you skip the early stages of the disease, the infection affects the plaques, beds, and foundations. To get rid of the pathology, you need to know the symptoms and methods of treatment, the cause of the disease.
Causes of appearance and main symptoms
The causative agent is a fungus of the skin, consisting of thin filaments. The fungus that eats keratin is found in hair, dishes, and skin. The spores can penetrate deep into the toenail, which can lead to a complete destruction quickly. You can become infected in swimming pools, bathrooms, on the beach, in beauty salons where disinfection rules are not observed. Pathogenic microorganisms can enter even through a slight scratch. The main cause is weak immunity, non-compliance with hygiene rules.
In the early stages, people often do not pay attention to signs of infection, so they should see a condition that is already advanced. Anemia, liver disease, chronic inflammatory processes, calcium deficiency and several other trace elements - all of these diseases change the color and structure of the plaques on the legs and arms. Therefore, if color and thickness change drastically, you should consult a specialist.
What does this disease look like in the early stages:
- white or yellowish spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
- the color changes slightly - it is yellow, a healthy shade is naturally gone;
- most often in the early stages, the infection affects the big toe;
- changes occur in structure - plaque becomes thicker, bumpy, begins to crumble, flakes, looks sloppy;
- itching appears, cracks form between the fingers, round plaques;
- painful inflammatory areas that are uncomfortable to walk.
If you ignore the early signs, the nail starts to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms quickly multiply in the void. It turns brown, black, gray, legs are constantly smelling unpleasant. In the initial stage, it affects the plate on one side, the total damage is observed with the intensive development of the pathology, the presence of concomitant diseases.
Traditional treatments
If you notice the first signs in a timely manner, then only treatment with the help of external means, which only a doctor can choose exactly. In advanced stages, the disease will require treatment with the use of drugs that are expensive and not always safe. You should immediately contact a fungal or dermatologist if there is any structural change.
How to get rid of toenail fungus early:
- In a pedicure office, medical pedicure will be performed - with the help of tweezers, a file or a grinder, the damaged nail will be removed. If the sheet is very hard, a keratolytic patch is used to soften it. This procedure cannot be done in regular salons.
- If the disease is in the early stage, there are no more than two fungal nails, it should be treated with antifungal drugs. Ointments are cheap, but do not have the ability to penetrate inside, they are applied 2 times a day. The curative varnish creates a protective film on the surface and should be used once a week. You can use the funds at home, they have practically no contraindications.
- If the infection spreads rapidly, your doctor may prescribe a systemic medication in pill form.
A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy for getting rid of foot fungus is a special serum. It is spread over the entire sheet twice a day, the top layer is removed previously with a special nail file, which is included in the kit. Spray - quickly eliminates the symptoms of an early stage. You need to apply it to the absorbed nail 1-2 times per day. Duration of treatment is 7-14 days.
Modern podology tries not to remove the entire nail, especially if the disease is in its early stages. During such operation, the matrix is removed, resulting in subsequent corrosion and deformation. The safer treatment is laser therapy, under the action of rays, pathogenic microorganisms die immediately, nearby tissues are not injured.
Folk remedies
You can check for the presence of fungus at home by simply - dilute the purple potion in warm water, the solution should be a light pink color. Keep the feet in the solution for 3-5 minutes - the affected plaques do not stain, remain light, the healthy area will turn brown.
You can eliminate causes and symptoms at home using traditional methods. They are safe, with practically no contraindications, many of them suitable for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of home therapy includes medicated baths, oils, ointments.
- Apple vinegareffective foot fungus treatment. It is necessary to dilute it in equal proportions with warm water, immerse your feet in solution for a quarter of an hour. After the session, let the skin dry naturally. All symptoms should go away after 15–20 days.
- Tea tree oil- A powerful natural disinfectant that can be treated at all stages. The tool should be rubbed three times a day into the affected areas, and feet should be treated. One process requires 4-10 drops of oil extraction. Duration - 2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
- The royal treeUsed to eliminate various dermatological diseases at home. Grind fresh grass, squeezed the juice, mixed with medical alcohol an equal amount. Remove tincture for a day in the dark room, use the medication to lubricate the affected plaques 3-4 times a day. Before applying, the feet should be steamed in a soda or salt water solution. Duration of treatment is 1, 5–2 weeks.
- Peroxide- a safe and affordable disinfectant that eliminates the signs of fungal disease. Steam your feet in water with a little baking soda. Moisten cotton pad with peroxide, fix with film or fingertips on infected nail. Repeat the process 3-5 times per day, holding the dressing for at least 45 minutes.
Prevent infection
You can't wear someone else's shoes, socks and socks should only be worn when your feet are completely dry.
How to prevent toenail fungus:
- just try on shoes in the store with their clean socks;
- always use only your own towels, manicures and pedicures;
- In public places with high humidity, do not walk barefoot;
- in the salon, you should not hesitate to ask the owner to disinfect tools again;
- shoes and knitwear should be made from natural materials, allowing the skin to breathe;
- regular foot, toe and pedicure examinations;
- strengthens the protective functions of the body.
If you notice symptoms promptly and heal, then within 2-3 months it is necessary to apply antifungal compounds to the nails, all shoes should be disinfected or thrown away. After you have recovered, you should carry out general cleaning of your home - thoroughly wash floors, bathtubs, and toiletries with special products.
Fungi are a common disease, spores exist for a long time in the environment, and enter the body through the damaged skin. Not everyone can completely cure, the chance of the disease recurrence is 7 - 8%. Preventive measures and strong immunity will help prevent infection.