The first signs of a fungal nail infection

Today, getting a yeast 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 everywhere: at your favorite pool, at a party, and even in your home.The success of treatment directly depends on how quickly you recognize the infection and start treatment, so it is very important to recognize the first signs of nail fungus.

Where can you wait for mushrooms?

Many people think that fungal infection is the fate of people who are sick and do not respect the rules of hygiene, so they do not pay attention to small changes in the feet and heels.

Your nails hurt - you need to change your shoes to looser ones, your heels are peeling - apply thicker cream, spots have appeared on your nails - buy vitamins and choose a brighter manicure.

But modern research ensures that the opposite is true - lovers of a healthy lifestyle and athletes often become victims of mushrooms.In order for mushrooms not only to stand up, but to begin to multiply actively, many conditions are needed.But if you are in the "fungus" risk group, it is important to regularly examine your feet and nails in order not to miss the first symptoms.

Your chances of getting yeast infection increase if you:

• wear tight and uncomfortable shoes, especially those made of synthetic materials;
• you wear other people's slippers when visiting and at home;
• try on shoes without shoes in stores;
• walk in the pool and gym with bare feet on the floor, without flip-flops;
• suffer from excessive sweating of the feet;
• you have diabetes;
• suffer from varicose veins and other blood circulation disorders.

The first signs

Recognizing the first signs of a fungal infection can be difficult.Today, many doctors talk about the growth of the so-called hidden form of fungal infection.In this case, visible 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 in the same way as fungi (psoriasis, lichen, allergic dermatitis).But it's better to play it safe and see a doctor as early as possible so you don't miss the disease.The following symptoms should alert you:

• dry skin and cracks on the heels and under the toes;
• constant itching on the feet and between the toes;
• thickening of skin ridges along the edges of the nail plate;
• the appearance of white spots and lines 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 worsen.The itching becomes unbearable, the skin constantly peels off, despite the best foot scrubs and expensive nourishing cream.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 fungal nail disease are:

• thickening and keratinization of the skin (especially on the heels and toes);
• painful blisters between the toes;
• the legs dry and crack, the cracks are deep, sometimes bloody;
• weeping sores appear (usually between the fingers, where the skin is less ventilated);
• an unpleasant smell appears from the decay of tissue from under the nails;
• the nail plate delaminates, becomes brittle and brittle;
• nails change color to white, yellow, black or green;
• a discolored or blackened nail leaves the nail plate;
• the structure of the nails changes;they become cloudy and loose;
• the nail plate thickens so much that it is not suitable for pedicure instruments;
• the periungual fold becomes very inflamed;
• Deformed nails cause severe pain while walking.

Types of mushrooms

If you get a yeast infection, you don't have to experience all these symptoms.For some, the main manifestation of the infection is a discolored nail;for others, the nail plates simply thicken without causing any discomfort.And someone suffers so much from pain and itching that they simply cannot walk normally.

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

1. Normotrophic.In this case, only the color of the nail changes.In the first stage, longitudinal lines or white spots appear, then the nail plate suddenly changes color to yellow or green-black.The thickness and structure of the plate is usually preserved.
2. Hypertrophic.Here the nail is completely affected by the fungal attack.The color of the plate changes, the nails are deformed, become thick, loose and bumpy.Often the nail plate peels off and breaks off, usually in parts.
3. Atrophic.In this case, the fungus does everything not only to disfigure your nails, but also to destroy them.The nail plate changes color, becomes thinner and gradually detaches from the bed.

The signs of a fungal infection depend largely on the type of fungus you have contracted.Experts identify 3 main groups of parasites that are dangerous for our nails.These are dermatophytes, yeasts and molds.

Yeast infection is quite rare, occurring only in 4-5% of all cases.Mold attacks even less often - in about 1% of cases.They usually attack people with serious chronic diseases.Our main enemies are dermatophytes.There are several types of parasites in this group, the infection with which has similar symptoms described above.

Mushrooms or not?

Even if all the signs of a fungal infection are present, we still want to believe that it is not fungus, but simply uncomfortable shoes or the scorching summer sun that mercilessly dried our feet.

Suspicious symptoms may not be fungus if:

• you recently suffered a foot injury (you crushed your toe under a door, you walked for a long time in narrow shoes with an uncomfortable last);
• you have symptoms of psoriasis or another skin disease;
• when the changes simultaneously affect all fingernails and toenails.

If you are unsure of your diagnosis, you can take a short test at home.Dilute some potassium permanganate in a bowl of warm water and soak your feet in it for a while.Healthy nails will take on a brown tint.If there are no visible changes, this is a clear signal of fungal infection.

Fungal nail infections always occur individually, so each person always has their own symptoms, unlike the fungus of a colleague, neighbor or relative.You should not engage in self-diagnosis or self-medication: at the slightest doubt, you should go to a dermatologist and do all the tests.This will allow you to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, start treatment as soon as possible.