Toenail fungus on the feet in the initial stage

Fungal spores enter the body through various microcracks - after a few weeks they begin to grow and multiply actively. If you skip the initial stage of the disease, then the infection will affect the nail plate, bed and matrix. To get rid of the pathology, you need to know the symptoms and methods of treatment, the causes of the disease.

Causes of occurrence and main symptoms

The causative agent is a dermatophyte, which consists of thin fibers. The fungus feeds on keratin, which is found in hair, plaque and skin. Spores can penetrate deep into the toenails, which can lead to its rapid and complete destruction. You can get infected in the pool, spa, on the beach, in beauty salons, where disinfection rules are not followed. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through a small scratch. The main reason is poor immunity, non-compliance with hygiene rules.

In the early stages, people often do not pay attention to the signs of infection, so they go to doctors with an already advanced disease. Anemia, liver pathologies, chronic inflammatory processes, calcium deficiency and some other trace elements - all these diseases change the color and structure of the plaques on the feet and hands. Therefore, if the color and thickness change significantly, you should consult a specialist.

What does the disease look like in the initial stage:

• white or yellow spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
• the color changes slightly - it takes on a yellow color, the healthy natural glow disappears;
• most often in the initial stage, the infection affects the thumb;
• changes in structure occur - the plate becomes thicker, lumpy, begins to crumble, stratifies, looks liquid;
• itching occurs, cracks form between the toes, rounded plaques;
• inflamed areas are injured, which causes discomfort while walking.

If you skip the initial signs, then the nail begins to leave the bed, pathogenic microorganisms multiply rapidly in the void. It becomes brown, black, gray, feet constantly smell unpleasant. At an early stage, it touches the plaque on one side, total damage is observed with the intensive development of pathology, the presence of concomitant diseases.

Traditional treatments

If you notice the first signs at the right time, then it will be enough to undergo treatment with the help of external means, which only a doctor can choose correctly. At an advanced stage, the disease will have to be treated with the use of expensive and not always safe medicines. You should immediately contact a mycologist or dermatologist for any changes in structure.

How to get rid of toenail fungus early:

1. In the podiatrist's office, a medical pedicure is performed - with the help of tweezers, a file or a grinder, the damaged part of the nail is removed. If the slab is too hard, then a keratolytic patch is used to soften it. The procedure can not be performed in ordinary salons.
2. If the disease is in the initial stage, no more than two nails are affected by the fungus, then antifungal medications should be treated. Ointments have a low cost, but are not able to penetrate inside, they are applied twice a day. Curing varnishes create a protective film on the surface and should be used once a week. You can use the funds at home, they have virtually no contraindications.
3. If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medication in pill form.

A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy to get rid of foot fungus is a special serum. Spread all over the plate twice a day, the top layer is removed first with a special nail file, which is included in the bag. Spraying - quickly removes the symptoms of the initial stage. You should apply on a steamed nail 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 7-14 days.

Modern podiatry tries not to remove the entire nail, especially if the disease is in the early stages. During such operations, the matrix is removed, which leads to subsequent growth and deformation. A safer method of treatment is laser therapy, under the influence of radiation, pathogenic microorganisms die immediately, nearby tissues are not damaged.

Folk remedies

You can check for the presence of fungus in the house in a simple way - dilute potassium permanganate in warm water, the liquid should have a pale pink color. Keep the feet in the solution for 3-5 minutes - the affected plaques do not stain, remain light, healthy areas will turn brown.

You can eliminate the causes and symptoms at home using traditional methods. They are safe, have virtually no contraindications, many of them are suitable for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of home therapy consists of medicinal baths, oils, oils.

• Apple cider vinegareffective in treating foot fungus. It is necessary to dilute in equal proportions with warm water, soak your feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, allow the skin to dry naturally. All symptoms will disappear in 15-20 days.
• Tea tree oil- a powerful natural antiseptic that can be treated at all stages. The tool should be rubbed three times a day on the affected plates and the feet should be treated. One procedure requires 4-10 drops of oil extract. Duration - 2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
• Celandineused to eliminate various dermatological diseases at home. Grind fresh grass, squeeze the juice, mix with an equal amount of medical alcohol. Remove the tincture for a day in a dark room, use the drug to lubricate the affected plates 3-4 times a day. Before application, the feet should be steamed in a soda or salt solution. The duration of therapy is 1, 5-2 weeks.
• Peroxide- an affordable and safe antiseptic that eliminates the signs of fungal diseases. Boil your feet in water with a small amount of baking soda. Moisten cotton with peroxide, secure with a film or fingertip on the infected nail. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day, hold the compress for at least 45 minutes.

Prevention of infection

You can not wear someone else's shoes, socks and tights should only be worn on completely dry feet.

How to prevent toenail fungal diseases:

• try on shoes in the store only in their clean socks;
• always use only your towels, manicure and pedicure tools;
• in public places with high humidity, you should not walk barefoot;
• in salons, you should not hesitate to ask the craftsman to disinfect the instruments again;
• shoes and socks should be made of natural materials, allow the skin to breathe;
• regularly examine the feet, toes and do pedicure;
• strengthen the protective functions of the body.

If you have managed to notice the symptoms in time and heal, then for 2-3 months it is necessary to apply antifungal composition on the nails, all shoes should be disinfected or discarded. Once you have got rid of the infection, you need to perform a general cleaning of the house - thoroughly wash the floors, bathroom, personal items using special products.

Fungi are a common disease, spores remain active for a long time in the environment, penetrate into the body through damaged skin. Not everyone can completely get rid of the infection, the probability of recurrence is 7-8%. Preventive measures and strong immunity will help prevent infection.