Fungus of the nail plates on the legs in the initial stage

Fungal spores enter the body through various microcracks - after a few weeks they begin to grow and actively multiply. If you skip the initial stage of the disease, 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 appearance and main symptoms

The causative agent is a dermatophyte, which consists of thin threads. The fungus feeds on keratin, which is found in the hair, plaques and skin. The spores can penetrate deep into the nail, which can lead to its complete and rapid destruction. You can get infected in the swimming pool, baths, on the beach, in beauty salons, where the rules of disinfection are not followed. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through a minor scratch. The main reason is low immunity, non-compliance with the rules of hygiene.

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

What the disease looks like at the initial stage:

• white or yellowish spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
• the color changes slightly - it acquires a yellow tint, the natural, healthy shine disappears;
• most often at the initial stage, the infection affects the big toe;
• changes occur in the structure - the plaque becomes thicker, bumpy, begins to crumble, exfoliate, looks sloppy;
• itching appears, cracks form between the fingers, rounded patches;
• inflamed areas hurt, causing discomfort when walking.

If you skip the initial signs, the nail begins to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms quickly multiply in space. It turns brown, black, gray, the paws constantly smell unpleasant. At an early stage, it affects 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 in a timely manner, it will be enough to undergo treatment with the help of external means, which only a doctor can correctly choose. At an advanced stage, the disease will have to be treated with the use of expensive and not always safe drugs. You should immediately contact a mycologist or dermatologist for any structural changes.

How to get rid of toenail fungus early:

1. In the podiatry 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 plaque is very stiff, 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, antifungal drugs should be treated. Ointments have a low cost, but can not get inside, they are applied twice a day. Healing varnishes create a protective film on the surface and should be used once a week. You can use the funds at home, they have practically no contraindications.
3. If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medication in pill form.

A special serum is a popular, effective and inexpensive remedy for getting rid of fungus on the feet. It is spread over the entire plate twice a day, the top layer is previously removed with a special nail file, which is included in the kit. Spray - quickly eliminates the symptoms of the initial phase. You need to 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 its early stages. During such operations, the matrix is removed, which leads to further growth and deformation. A safer method of treatment is laser therapy, under the influence of the beam pathogenic microorganisms die instantly, nearby tissues are not injured.

Folk remedies

You can check for the presence of fungi at home 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 patches do not stain, stay clear, healthy areas will turn brown.

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

• Apple vinegareffective in the treatment of foot fungus. It is necessary to dilute it in equal parts with warm water, soak the feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, let the skin dry naturally. All symptoms will disappear within 15 to 20 days.
• Tea tree oil- a powerful natural antiseptic which can be treated at all stages. The tool should be rubbed three times a day into the affected plaques, and the feet should be treated. One procedure requires 4 to 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 plaques 3-4 times a day. Before application, the feet should be steamed in soda or saline solution. The course of treatment is 1. 5-2 weeks.
• Peroxide- an affordable and safe antiseptic that eliminates the signs of fungal diseases. Cook your feet in water with a small amount of baking soda. Moisten the cotton swabs with peroxide, secure them with a film or fingertip on the infected nail. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day, keep the compress for at least 45 minutes.

Prevention of infection

You cannot put on someone else's shoes, stockings and tights should only be worn on absolutely dry feet.

How to prevent fungal diseases of the toenails:

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

If you managed to notice the symptoms in time and recover, for 2-3 months it is necessary to apply antifungal compounds to the nails, all shoes should be disinfected or discarded. After getting rid of the infection, you need to carry out general cleaning of the house - thoroughly wash the floors, the bathtub and personal effects with the help of special products.

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