The initial stage of toenail fungus or handnail fungus may not manifest itself in any way until the symptoms become pronounced. It is important here to know the first signs of an onset of the disease, since it is easier to overcome the fungus of the foot or toes while it is still weak than to treat the advanced stage for a long time. It is important to identify the disease in time, because it has an incubation period.
What bacteria
The fungus on the nails of the feet or hands is called onychomycosis. It is caused by the following types of fungi:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast;
- moldy.
They live mainly in the soil, and from there they spread to other surfaces where a person can pass. Toenail and handnail fungus can enter the human body through microcracks in the skin.
The incubation period lasts an average of half a month, during which time the fungus does not manifest itself in any way. As it penetrates deep into the skin and nutrition, symptoms of the disease begin to appear. This is manifested by an inflammatory process on the skin of the hands or feet. A person may feel an unpleasant odor in the area of the affected finger. If untreated, the fungus penetrates under the nails.
Signs of fungus on the nails in the initial stage
Before proceeding to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you should know for what reason fungal diseases begin. The fungus on the legs and hands is transmitted from person to person, so the disease is easy to pick up in public places, such as in a sauna or swimming pool. The disease is transmitted through the wearing of common shoes, this can happen in large families, as well as through the use of one towel or slippers.
The following conditions contribute to the development of foot fungus:
- Damage to the nail plate.
- Excessive sweating of the hands or feet.
- Flat feet.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Long-term antibiotic therapy.
- Decreased immune system.
- Diabetes.
A fungal nail disease manifests itself in different ways depending on the type of pathogen. But there are also unifying signs of this disease when it is just beginning. What the fungus looks like, you can find out by the presence of the following symptoms:
- At the very beginning of onychomycosis, the structure and color of the nail plate changes.
- The nail becomes thicker and rougher.
- In some cases, cracks appear on the nail.
- Gradually, the nails begin to crumble from the inside and exude an unpleasant odor.
- Due to the activity of fungi between the skin and the nail plate, the latter acquires a matte appearance.
- The color of the nail can be different - white, gray, yellow, green, brown.
In order not to bring the problem to such a state, it is necessary to fight the infection at the beginning of the disease.
How to treat a fungus in the initial stage
As already mentioned, the initial stage of the fungus on the nails should be cured as early as possible. With the symptoms described above, you should immediately go to the doctor. In order for the treatment to give the desired effect, it is first necessary to identify the pathogen.
Common therapeutic actions include:
- First, cut off the nail plate affected by the fungus. This is best done by a doctor, he will be able to clean the nail from the fungus without pain or with minimal discomfort.
- After that, the nail plate is covered with antifungal ointment or varnish. At the initial stage of the disease, you can not even take other therapeutic actions. But do not think that once is enough - you will have to treat the nail daily, as much as the doctor prescribes.
- At the initial stage of nail fungus, antifungal tablets are usually not prescribed, but if they are prescribed by a doctor, then it is worth drinking the medicine. So the disease will quickly pass.
What are the modern methods of treating nail fungus at the initial stage? The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide range of medicines for foot fungus. These are sprays, ointments, drops, powders, varnishes. These funds are used not only in the treatment of onychomycosis, but also for preventive purposes. Able to penetrate deep under the skin, they fight germs. But their effect is manifested only in a mild form of the disease or at the initial stage of a fungal infection, subject to the regular use of these funds.
With the advanced form of onychomycosis, you will have to fight the infection not only externally, but also from the inside.
In this case, the patient takes special pills that destroy the infection in the body. They should be taken for a long time, for several months, only then the result will be visible.
Prevention of fungal infection
It is not difficult to catch a fungus on the legs and arms, it will be more difficult to get rid of it, so you need to know about the measures to prevent this disease:
- If a person follows simple hygiene rules, changes socks more often, puts on shoes in public places, then toenail fungus does not threaten him.
- Remember that you should always and everywhere have personal hygiene items - your own towel, washcloth and slippers.
- For cuts or other injuries to the fingers and toes, immediately treat the wounds with an antiseptic.
If you follow these simple rules, you will never know what a fungus on your feet and hands is. If an infection does occur, get rid of the disease at the initial stage, as the problems will be minimal and it will be easier to eliminate them.