One of the most unpleasant diseases that appears suddenly and causes many problems is onychomycosis. Some take care of him for years, others - just a few months. Why is that? This is because there is one important rule: if nail fungus symptoms are detected at an early stage, your time for treatment will be reduced.
Unfortunately, not everyone can recognize it once infected. Fungal spores "fill" the regions of human skin gradually, which is why you should pay attention to the slightest suspicious changes in the skin and nails, so as not to miss the first signs of the disease.
Causes and signs of fungal infections on the feet
Some people check their feet thoroughly every day. Often, not everyone is able to recognize toenail fungus, as various types of spores can live on the surface of the skin for a long time, while not showing themselves in any way. For example, fungi of the genus Candida are usually found on everyone’s feet. We are talking about a conditionally pathogenic flora, which, in certain unfavorable conditions, leads to the development of the disease. What can be the impetus for the appearance of fungus?
- Immunodeficiency conditions (oncological diseases, congenital pathology, autoimmune diseases, AIDS, hepatitis and others).
- Diabetes. The so -called diabetic feet are very often exposed to fungi and bacteria as a result of disturbed blood flow, as well as the formation of boils and wounds that do not heal.
- Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating of the skin. Since nail fungus feels great in a humid and warm environment, it is not difficult to recognize it on the skin of someone who suffers from excessive sweating.
- Endocrine Disorders.
Onychomycosis is very easily transmitted, for example, in a swimming pool, sauna or gym. Fungal spores can settle on the skin where there are cracks, cuts, and damage. It is important to diagnose the disease at the first manifestation, because the outcome of treatment directly depends on this. Conventionally, onychomycosis can be divided into several stages, each of which has a number of symptoms.
- Early stage: the skin on the feet itches and peels a little, external manifestations of the fungus, as we usually see in photos, usually do not occur. You may feel unusually dry skin, nothing more than that.
- The next stage is characterized by the appearance of red spots or whitish plaques on the skin of the feet and between the toes. It all depends on the type of fungus that is affecting your feet. The spots come in a variety of sizes and are generally defined by scaly borders. The white layer resembles powder or flour.
- Subsequently, bubbles with fluid begin to form on the feet, they are not flat on the surface of the skin and burst over time. Where the bubble bursts, an ulcer forms, which does not heal for a long time.
- It is possible to determine the fungus on the toenails at one of the last stages, because the changes in the nail plate often begin after the appearance of itchy skin and boils. Nails thicken significantly. You can see how many fragments and edges are free to collapse. The color of the nail plate also changes: to be yellow-green, brown or even black. It parted from the nail bed, displaying it.
Onychomycosis detected: what to do?
If you notice the above manifestations on the feet, you should immediately consult a dermatologist, mycologist - a specialist in the study of fungi or a podologist (a doctor who specializes in foot and nail problems). Without fail, you will be given an analysis for nail fungus to find out the type and degree of its infection. Often, onychomycosis appears when the feet are exposed to fungus:
- Trichophytos,
- Dermatofit,
- Spores of the genus Candida.
If the early stages of nail fungus are characterized by only a few small marks and are localized only on one foot, as you can see in the photo, then you are in luck.
Most likely, the doctor will prescribe a standard treatment regimen with antimycotic drugs that effectively kill the fungus.
For therapy, it is recommended to use special ointments, creams, sprays and nail varnishes.
Unfortunately, sometimes one notices the appearance of toenail fungus, when the initial stages are long gone.
From the photo, you can easily determine that the disease is ongoing: marigold is deformed, it peels off the nail and changes its color, deep and painful cracks have formed between the fingers, both feet are affected by the fungus. In such cases, antibiotic therapy will help, as well as treatment with immunostimulatory and anti-allergic drugs, and vitamin intake. You can complement the complex therapy with recipes of traditional medicine: baths with herbal ingredients, sea salt and soda, treatment with vinegar solution, application with garlic, lard and other ingredients.
In the most extreme cases, marigold affected by onychomycosis is surgically removed or cut in the office of a pedicure master (podologist) using a special milling cutter.
Now you know how fungus on the feet manifests itself, the reasons for its occurrence and how to deal with it. We hope this information helps you.