The initial stage of toenail or toenail fungus may not manifest itself in any way until the symptoms become clear. It is important to know the first signs of the onset of the disease here, because it is easier to get rid of fungus on the feet or toes that are still weak than to treat the advanced stage for a long time. It is important to diagnose the disease in time, because it has an incubation period.
What bacteria
Fungus on the nails of the feet or hands is called onychomycosis. The following types of fungi cause:
- dermatophytes;
- Maya;
- mold.
They live mainly in the soil and from there they spread to other surfaces that can be crossed by humans. Toenail and toenail fungi can enter the human body through micro-cracks 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. It manifests itself in an inflammatory process in the skin of the hands or feet. A person may feel an unpleasant odor in the area of the affected finger. When left untreated, the fungus penetrates under the nails.
Symptoms of fungus on the nails in the early stages
![stages of nail fungus](/images/articles/591/stages%20of%20nail%20fungus.jpg)
Before moving on to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you need to know the cause of fungal diseases. The fungus on the legs and hands is 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 occur in large families, as well as when using a towel or slippers.
The following conditions contribute to the development of athlete's foot:
- Damage to the nail plate.
- Excessive sweating of the hands or feet.
- Straight legs.
- Anxious shoes.
- Long-term antibiotic therapy.
- Decreased immune system.
- Diabetes.
A fungal nail disease manifests itself in different ways depending on the type of pathogen. However, there are also unifying symptoms of this disease at the beginning. You can learn what a fungus looks like by having the following symptoms:
- At the very beginning of onychomycosis, the structure and color of the nail plate changes.
- The nail becomes thicker and rougher.
- In some cases, cracks appear on the nail.
- Gradually, the nails begin to collapse from the inside and emit an unpleasant odor.
- Thanks to the activity of fungi between the skin and the nail plate, the latter acquires a matte appearance.
- The color of the nail can be different - white, gray, yellow, green, brown.
In order to prevent the problem from becoming such a situation, it is necessary to fight the infection at the beginning of the disease.
How to treat a fungus in the early stages
![The girl chooses a treatment for nail fungus](/images/articles/591/The%20girl%20chooses%20a%20treatment%20for%20nail%20fungus.jpg)
As already mentioned, the initial stage of nail fungus should be treated as early as possible. You should see a doctor immediately with the symptoms described above. For the treatment to have the desired effect, it is first necessary to identify the pathogen.
General therapeutic measures include:
- First, cut the nail plate affected by the fungus. This is best done by a doctor who will be able to clean the nail fungus without pain or with minimal discomfort.
- After that, the nail plate is covered with antifungal ointment or varnish. In the early stages of the disease, you can not even take other therapeutic measures. But don't think that once is enough - you will have to treat your nails daily as prescribed by your doctor.
- Antifungal tablets are generally not prescribed in the early stages of nail fungus, but it is worth taking the drug if prescribed by a doctor. Thus, the disease will pass quickly.
What are the modern methods of treating nail fungus at an early stage? The pharmaceutical industry offers a wide range of medicines for athlete's foot. These are sprays, ointments, drops, powders, varnishes. These drugs are used not only in the treatment of onychomycosis, but also for prophylactic purposes. They can penetrate deep under the skin and fight germs. However, their effect is manifested only in the mild form of the disease or in the early stages of fungal infection, provided that these drugs are used regularly.
With an 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 the result will be visible.
Prevention of fungal infections
It is not difficult to catch a fungus on the legs and arms, it will be more difficult to get rid of it, so you need to know about measures to prevent this disease:
- If a person follows simple rules of hygiene, changes socks more often, wears shoes in public, the fungus on the toenails does not threaten him.
- Remember that you should have personal hygiene products at all times and in all places - your own towels, clothes and shoes.
- For cuts or other injuries to the hands and toes, treat the wound immediately with antiseptic.
If you follow these simple rules, you will never know what the fungus is on your feet and hands. If an infection occurs, get rid of the disease at an early stage, because the problems will be minimal and easier to eliminate.