The first signs of fungal nail infection

Nowadays, catching a fungal infection is almost as easy as catching a cold.The slightest stress, weakened immunity - and now an insidious parasite is preparing to attack your feet.And you can encounter mushrooms anywhere: in your favorite swimming pool, at a party, and even in your own home.The success of treatment directly depends on how quickly you recognize the infection and begin treatment, so it is very important to know the first signs of nail fungus.

Where can mushrooms lie in wait?

Many people believe that fungal infections are due to the fact that many people get sick and do not comply with hygiene rules, so they do not pay attention to small changes in the feet and heels.

Nails hurt - you need to change shoes to looser, heels are peeling - apply thicker cream, spots have appeared on the nails - buy vitamins and choose brighter varnish.

But modern research ensures that the opposite is true - people who adhere to a healthy lifestyle and athletes often become victims of this fungus.In order for the fungus to not only stick to your feet, but also begin to actively multiply, a lot of conditions are needed.But if you belong to a group at risk of “fungus”, it is important to regularly check your feet and nails so as not to miss the first symptoms.

Your chances of getting a fungal infection increase if you:

• wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes, especially shoes made of synthetic materials;
• you wear other people's slippers when visiting and at home;
• try on shoes without shoes in the store;
• walking in pools and gyms barefoot on the floor, not wearing flip-flops;
• Excessive foot sweating;
• have diabetes;
• suffering from varicose veins and other circulatory disorders.

first sign

Recognizing the first signs of a fungal infection can be difficult.Today, many doctors talk about an increase in the so-called cleared form of fungal infections.In this case, obvious signs of infection do not appear for a long time, and people realize it only when the fungus reaches an advanced stage.

Doctors do not hide: many skin diseases begin to resemble fungus (psoriasis, lichen, atopic dermatitis).But it's better to play it safe and see a doctor as soon as possible so you don't miss the disease.The following symptoms should alert you:

• dry and cracked skin on the heels and under the toes;
• constant itching in the feet and between the toes;
• thickening of the skin ridges along the edges of the nail plate;
• the appearance of white spots and stripes on the nails;
• deformation of the nail plate (bumps appear on the nail, it becomes thicker than usual).

Main symptoms

As the fungus invades more areas of your body, your symptoms will become more severe.The itching became unbearable, and the skin continued to peel despite using the best foot scrubs and expensive creams.And your nails change their appearance so much that you have to hide them in closed shoes even in the summer heat.

Typical signs of nail fungus are:

• thickening and keratinization of the skin (especially on the heels and toes);
• painful blisters between the fingers;
• dry and cracked feet, deep cracks, sometimes bleeding;
• oozing wounds appear (usually between the fingers, where the skin is less ventilated);
• An unpleasant odor appears from decomposing tissues under the nails;
• The nail plate peels off, becomes brittle and breaks easily;
• Nails change color to white, yellow, black, or green;
• white or black nails moving away from the nail plate;
• The structure of the nail changes;they become cloudy and loose;
• The nail plate is so thick that pedicure tools cannot be used;
• The folds around the tongue become very inflamed;
• Deformed nails cause severe pain when walking.

Types of mushrooms

If you have a fungal infection, not all of these symptoms await you.For some people, the main sign of infection is discolored nails;for others, the nail plates simply thicken without causing discomfort.And some people have so much pain and itching that they cannot walk normally.

There are 3 types of fungal nail infections, each with its own characteristics.

1. Normalize.In this case, only the nail color changes.In the first stage, white longitudinal stripes or spots appear, then the nail plate suddenly changes color to yellow or blue-black.The thickness and structure of the sheet are usually preserved.
2. Hypertrophy.Here the nail is completely affected by fungal attack.The color of the plate changes, the nail is deformed, becomes thick, loose and rough.The nail plate often peels off and collapses, often in sections.
3. Atrophy.In this case, the fungus does everything to not only deform your nails, but also destroy them.The nail plate changes color, becomes thinner and gradually tears away from the bed.

Signs of a fungal infection largely depend on the type of fungus you have.Experts identify 3 main groups of parasites that pose a danger to our nails.These are dermatophytes, yeasts and molds.

Yeast infections are quite rare, occurring in only 4-5% of all cases.Mold attacks even less often - in about 1% of cases.They often attack people with severe chronic diseases.Our main enemies are dermatological cells.There are several types of parasites in this group, infections with similar symptoms described above.

Mushroom or not?

Even when we have all the signs of a fungal infection, we still want to believe that it's not fungus but simply uncomfortable shoes or the scorching summer sun that dries our feet mercilessly.

Suspicious symptoms may not be fungal if:

• you recently had a foot injury (you crushed your toe under the door, walked for a long time in tight shoes and the final feeling of discomfort);
• you have symptoms of psoriasis or other skin disease;
• when changes simultaneously affect all fingernails and toenails.

If you are not sure about your diagnosis, you can do a short test at home.Dilute a little potassium permanganate into a bowl of warm water and soak your feet in it for a while.Healthy nails will be brown.If no changes are seen, this is a clear signal of a fungal infection.

Fungal nail infections always occur individually, so each person always has their own symptoms, unlike fungal infections of colleagues, neighbors or relatives.You should not self-diagnose or self-medicate: when there is the slightest doubt, you need to see a dermatologist and have all the tests done.This will allow you to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, begin treatment as quickly as possible.