The early stage of toenail fungus or toenail fungus may not manifest at all until symptoms become pronounced. It is important here to know the first signs of the onset of the disease, as 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, as it has an incubation period.
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Fungus on toenails or fingernails is called onychomycosis. It is caused by the following types of fungi:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast;
- musty.
They mainly live in the ground, and from there they spread to other surfaces where a person can pass. Toenail and fingernail fungus can enter the human body through microcracks in the skin.
The incubation period lasts on average half a month, during which 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 experience an unpleasant odor in the area of the affected finger. If left untreated, the fungus penetrates under the nails.
Signs of nail fungus in the early stage
Before moving on to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you should know why fungal diseases begin. The fungus on the legs and hands is spread from person to person, so the disease is easy to catch in public places such as a sauna or swimming pool. The disease is transmitted by wearing ordinary shoes, this can happen in large families, as well as using a towel or slippers.
The following conditions contribute to the development of foot fungus:
- Nail plate damage.
- Excessive sweating of hands or feet.
- Flat foot.
- 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 illness when it is just beginning. What the fungus looks like, you can find out by the presence of the following symptoms:
- At the onset 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 give off an unpleasant odor.
- Due to the activity of fungi between the skin and the nail plate, the latter acquires a dull appearance.
- The nail color 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 an early stage fungus
As already mentioned, the initial stage of nail fungus should be cured as soon as possible. With the symptoms described above, you should immediately go to the doctor. For the treatment to have the desired effect, it is first necessary to identify the pathogen.
Common therapeutic actions include:
- First, cut the nail plate affected by the fungus. This is best done by a doctor, he will be able to clear the toenail of the fungus with no pain or minimal discomfort.
- After that, the nail plate is covered with antifungal ointment or varnish. At the initial stage of the disease, you cannot even take other therapeutic actions. But don't think that once is enough - you'll have to treat the nail daily, as much as the doctor prescribes.
- In the early stage of nail fungus, antifungal pills are usually not prescribed, but if they are prescribed by a doctor, it is worth drinking the drug. Thus, the disease will pass quickly.
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. They 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 with a mild form of the disease or at the initial stage of a fungal infection, subject to the regular use of these drugs.
With the advanced form of onychomycosis, you will have to fight the infection not only externally but also from within.
In this case, the patient takes special pills that destroy the infection in the body. They must be taken for a long time, for several months, only then will the result be visible.
Prevention of fungal infections
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 the measures to prevent this disease:
- If a person follows simple rules of hygiene, 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 fungus is on your feet and hands. If infection occurs, get rid of the disease at an early stage, as problems will be minimal and it will be easier to eliminate them.