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

Fungal spores enter the body through various microcracks - after a few weeks they begin to actively grow and multiply. If you skip the initial stage of the disease, then the infection will affect the plate, bed and matrix of the nail. To get rid of 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 hair, plates, and skin. Spores can penetrate deep into the toenail, which can lead to its rapid complete destruction. You can get infected in the pool, sauna, on the beach, in beauty salons, where disinfection rules are not followed. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through a minor scratch. The main reason is weak 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 ailment. Anemia, liver pathologies, chronic inflammatory processes, deficiency of calcium and some other microelements - all these diseases change the color and structure of the plates on the legs and arms. Therefore, if the color and thickness change sharply, you should consult a specialist.

What does the disease look like at the initial stage:

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

If you skip the initial signs, then the nail begins to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms rapidly multiply in the gap. It turns brown, black, gray, legs constantly smell unpleasant. At an early stage, it affects the plate 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, 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 drugs. You should immediately contact a mycologist or dermatologist for any changes in the structure.

How to get rid of toenail fungus early:

1. In the podological office, a medical pedicure is done - with the help of tweezers, a file or a grinder, the damaged part of the nail is removed. If the plate is very rigid, then a keratolytic plaster is used to soften. The procedure cannot be carried out in ordinary salons.
2. If the disease is in the initial stage, no more than two nails are affected by the fungus, then antifungal drugs should be treated. Ointments have a low cost, but they are not able to penetrate 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 practically have no contraindications.
3. If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications in pill form.

A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy for getting rid of foot fungus is a special serum. It is spread on 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 removes the symptoms of the initial stage. You need to apply on a steamed nail 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 7-14 days.

Modern podology 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 subsequent ingrowth 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 fungus 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 plates 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, practically have no contraindications, many of them are suitable for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of home therapy is made up of medical baths, oils, ointments.

• Apple vinegareffective in treating foot fungus. It is necessary to dilute it in equal proportion with warm water, dip the feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, let the skin 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 into 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 out the juice, mix with an equal amount of medical alcohol. Remove the tincture for a day in a dark room, use the medicine to lubricate the affected plates 3-4 times a day. Before applying, the feet should be steamed in a soda or saline solution. The duration of therapy is 1. 5–2 weeks.
• Peroxide- an affordable and safe antiseptic that eliminates the signs of fungal diseases. Steam your feet in water with the addition of a small amount of baking soda. Moisten cotton pads with peroxide, secure 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 can not put on someone else's shoes, stockings and tights should be worn only on absolutely dry feet.

How to prevent fungal diseases of toenails:

• try on 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 the salons, you should not hesitate to ask the master to disinfect the instruments again;
• shoes and hosiery should be made from natural materials, allow the skin to breathe;
• regularly examine feet, toes, and do a pedicure;
• strengthen the protective functions of the body.

If you managed to notice the symptoms in time and heal, then 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 should carry out a general cleaning of the house - thoroughly wash the floors, bath, personal belongings using special products.

Fungus is 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.