The initial stage of nail fungus on the toes or hands may not manifest in any way until the symptoms become pronounced. Here it is important to know the first signs of the disease, because it is easier to control the fungus on the foot or toes while it is still weak than to treat the advanced stage for a long time. It is important to recognize the disease in time, because it has an incubation period.
What bacteria
Fungi on the nails of the feet or hands are called onychomycosis. It is caused by the following types of fungi:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast;
- moldy.
They live mainly in the soil, and from there they spread to other areas where man can pass. Fungi on nails and hands can enter the human body through microcracks in the skin.
The incubation period lasts an average of half a month, during which time the fungus does not manifest itself in any way. As it penetrates deep into the skin and nutrition, the 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 feel an unpleasant odor in the area of the affected finger. If left untreated, the fungus penetrates under the nail.
Signs of nail fungus in the initial stage
Before you move on to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you should know the reason why fungal diseases begin. Fungi on the feet and hands are transmitted from person to person, so the disease is easy to pick up in public places, such as saunas or swimming pools. The disease is transmitted by wearing common shoes, which can happen in large families, as well as by using a single towel or slipper.
The following conditions contribute to the formation of foot fungus:
- Nail plate damage.
- Excessive sweating of hands or feet.
- Flat feet.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Long-term antibiotic therapy.
- Decreased immune system.
- Diabetes.
Fungal nail disease manifests itself in different ways depending on the type of pathogen. But there are also unifying signs of this disease when it is just beginning. You can find out what the fungus looks like by the presence of the following symptoms:
- At the very beginning of onychomycosis, the structure and color of the nail plate change.
- The nail becomes thicker and rougher.
- In some cases, cracks appear on the nail.
- Gradually, the nails begin to fall apart from the inside and exude an unpleasant odor.
- Due to the activity of the fungus between the skin and the nail plate, the latter takes on a matte appearance.
- Nail color can be different - white, gray, yellow, green, brown.
In order not to bring the problem into such a state, it is necessary to fight the infection at the beginning of the disease.
How to treat the fungus in the initial stage
As already mentioned, the initial stage of nail fungus should be cured as soon as possible. With the symptoms described above, consult a doctor immediately. In order for the treatment to give 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 clean the nail from fungus without pain or with minimal discomfort.
- After that, the nail plate is covered with antifungal ointment or varnish. In the initial stage of the disease, you cannot even take other therapeutic actions. But don't think that once is enough - you will have to treat your nails every day, as much as your doctor prescribed.
- In the initial stage of nail fungus, antifungal tablets are usually not prescribed, but if they are prescribed by a doctor, then it is worth taking the drug. That way, the disease will pass quickly.
What are the modern methods of treating nail fungus in the initial stage? The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide range of remedies for foot fungus. These are sprays, ointments, drops, powders, varnishes. These funds are used not only in the treatment of onychomycosis, but also for preventive purposes. They are able to penetrate deep under the skin, fight microbes. But their effect is manifested only in mild forms of the disease or in the initial stage of fungal infection, with regular use of these drugs.
With the advanced form of onychomycosis, you will have to fight the infection not only externally, but also internally.
In this case, the patient takes special pills that destroy the infection in the body. They should be taken for a long time, a few months, only then will the result be seen.
Prevention of fungal infection
It is not difficult to catch the fungus on the feet and hands, it will be harder to get rid of, so you need to know about measures to prevent this disease:
- If a person adheres to simple hygiene rules, 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 products - your towel, cloth and slippers.
- For cuts or other injuries to the fingers and toes, treat the wounds immediately with antiseptic.
If you follow these simple rules, you will never know what fungus is on your feet and hands. If an infection occurs, get rid of the disease in the initial phase, because the problems will be minimal and you will be able to eliminate them more easily.