The nail plates mushroom on the legs in the initial stage

Fungal spores enter the body through various microcracks - after a few weeks they begin to actively grow and multiply. If you miss 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 pathogen is a dermatophyte made up of thin fibers. The fungus feeds on keratin, which is found in the hair, plates, and skin. Spores can penetrate deep into the nail, leading to rapid complete destruction. You can get infected in the pool, spa, beach, beauty salons where disinfection rules are not followed. Pathogenic microorganisms can even penetrate 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 signs of infection, so they turn to doctors with advanced disease. Anemia, liver disease, chronic inflammatory processes, lack of calcium and some other trace elements - these diseases change the color and structure of the plates on the legs and arms. Therefore, if the color and thickness change sharply, consult a professional.

What does the disease look like in the initial stages:

• white or yellowish spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
• the color changes slightly - it gets 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, more lumpy, begins to disintegrate, peels, appears sloppy;
• itching appears, cracks appear between the fingers, rounded plaques;
• inflamed areas hurt, causing discomfort while walking.

If you miss the initial signs, the nail will start to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms will multiply rapidly in the gap. It turns brown, black, gray, the legs constantly smell unpleasant. In the early stage it touches the disc on one side, complete damage can be observed with the intensive development of the pathology, the presence of concomitant diseases.

Traditional treatments

If you notice the first signs in time, it will be enough to treat with an external treatment that only the doctor can choose correctly. At an advanced stage, the disease must be treated with expensive and not always safe medications. Contact a mycologist or dermatologist immediately for any changes in the structure.

How to get rid of nail fungus early:

1. A medical pedicure is made in the podology office - the damaged part of the nail is removed with the help of tweezers, a file or a grinder. If the plate is very rigid, a keratolytic patch is used for softening. The procedure cannot be performed in ordinary salons.
2. If the disease is in its initial stage, with up to two nails affected by the fungus, antifungal drugs should be treated. The cost of ointments is low but they cannot penetrate the 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 virtually no contraindications.
3. If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications in tablet form.

A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy for getting rid of the fungus is a special serum. Spread twice a day over the entire plate, the top layer is previously removed with a special nail file included in the kit. Spray - quickly removes the symptoms of the initial stage. It should be applied to steamed nails 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, leading to subsequent growth and deformation. A safer method of treatment is laser therapy, the radiation causes the pathogenic microorganisms to die immediately and the nearby tissues are not damaged.

Folk remedies

You can easily check for the presence of the fungus at home - dilute the potassium permanganate in warm water, the liquid should be pale pink. Keep your feet in the solution for 3-5 minutes - the affected plates will 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 suitable for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of home therapy is spas, oils and ointments.

• Apple vinegareffective in the treatment of foot fungus. It is necessary to dilute in equal proportions with warm water, dipping the feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, allow the skin to dry naturally. All symptoms disappear within 15 to 20 days.
• Tea tree oil- a strong natural disinfectant that can be treated at all stages. The device should be rubbed into the affected discs three times a day and the feet treated. One procedure requires 4-10 drops of oil extract. Duration - 2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
• Bloodweedit is used to eliminate various dermatological diseases at home. Grind the fresh grass, squeeze the juice, mix with the same 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 use, the feet should be steamed in baking soda or saline. The duration of therapy is 1, 5–2 weeks.
• Peroxide- an affordable and safe disinfectant that eliminates the signs of fungal diseases. Steam your feet in water with a small amount of baking soda. Dampen the cotton pads with peroxide, fix with film or fingertips on the infected nail. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day, keeping the compress for at least 45 minutes.

Prevention of infection

You should not wear other shoes, stockings, and tights should only be worn on absolutely dry feet.

How to prevent fungal diseases of the nail:

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

If symptoms have been noticed in time and healed, antifungal compounds should be applied to the nails for 2-3 months, and all shoes should be disinfected or discarded. After getting rid of the infection, you need to do a general cleaning of the house - wash the floor, the bathroom, your personal belongings thoroughly with the help of special products.

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