Nail fungus on the legs in the early stages

Fungal spores enter the body through various micro-cracks - after a few weeks they begin to actively grow and multiply. If you skip the early stages of the disease, the infection will affect the plaque, bed and nail matrix. To get rid of the pathology, you need to know the symptoms and treatment methods, the causes of the disease.

Damage to the skin and nails with a fungal infection

Appearance causes and main symptoms

The repressing agent is a dermatophyte made up of fine fibers. The fungus feeds on keratin in the hair, boards and skin. Spores can penetrate deep into the toenail, which can quickly lead to its complete destruction. You can get infected in the pool, bath, beach, beauty salons that do not follow the rules of disinfection. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even a small scratch. The main reason is poor immunity, non-compliance with the rules of hygiene.

In the early stages, people often do not pay attention to the symptoms of infection, so they go to the doctor with an already advanced disease. Anemia, liver pathology, chronic inflammatory processes, calcium deficiency and some other micronutrients - all these diseases change the color and structure of the plaques on the legs and arms. Therefore, if the color and thickness change sharply, you should consult a specialist.

yellowing of the nail plate with fungus

What does the disease look like at the initial stage:

  • white or yellowish spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
  • color changes slightly - takes on a yellow color, the natural healthy glow disappears;
  • most initially, the infection affects the thumb;
  • structural changes occur - the plate thickens, becomes rough, begins to crumble, erodes, looks untidy;
  • itching appears, cracks appear between the fingers, round plates;
  • Inflamed areas ache, which causes discomfort when walking.

If you skip the initial symptoms, the nail begins to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms multiply rapidly in the cavity. It is brown, black, gray, the feet always smell bad. In the early stages, on the one hand, affects the plate, there is an intensive development of pathology, general damage with the presence of concomitant diseases.

Traditional treatment

If you see the first symptoms in time, it is enough to undergo treatment with the help of external means that only a doctor can choose correctly. At an advanced stage, the disease should be treated with expensive and not always safe drugs. You should contact a mycologist or dermatologist immediately for structural changes.

How to get rid of nail fungus early:

  1. A medical pedicure is performed in the pathological cabinet - the damaged part of the nail is removed with the help of tweezers, a file or a mill. If the plate is too hard, a keratolytic patch is used to soften it. The procedure cannot be performed in ordinary salons.
  2. If the disease is at an early stage and no more than two nails are affected by the fungus, antifungal medications should be used. Ointments have a low price, but do not penetrate, 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, there are practically no contraindications.
  3. If the infection spreads quickly, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications in pill form.

A popular, effective and inexpensive tool to get rid of athlete's foot is a special serum. Twice a day, spread over the entire plate, the top layer is removed with a special nail file that was previously included in the batch. Spray - quickly eliminates the symptoms of the initial stage. You should apply it to a steamed nail 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 7-14 days.

Modern podology tries not to remove the whole nail, especially if the disease is at an early stage. During such operations, the matrix is removed, which leads to subsequent growth and deformation. A more reliable treatment is laser therapy, in which pathogenic microorganisms die immediately under the influence of radiation, and nearby tissues are not damaged.

Folk remedies

You can check the presence of fungus at home in a simple way - potassium permanganate diluted in warm water, the liquid should have a pale pink color. Keep your feet in the solution for 3-5 minutes - the affected boards do not stain, remain light, healthy areas turn brown.

photo of fungal manifestations on toenails

Causes and symptoms can be eliminated at home using traditional methods. They are safe, have virtually no contraindications, and are suitable for the treatment of many children and pregnant women. Home therapy is based on medicinal baths, oils and ointments.

  • Apple cider vinegaris effective in the treatment of athlete's foot. Dilute in equal proportions with warm water, soak your feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. Allow skin to dry naturally after procedure. All symptoms will disappear within 15-20 days.
  • Tea tree oil- a powerful natural antiseptic that can be treated at any stage. The tool should be rubbed on the affected plates three times a day and the feet should be treated. You need 4-10 drops of oil extract for one procedure. Duration - 2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
  • CelandineUsed to eliminate various dermatological diseases at home. Crush fresh herbs, squeeze the juice and mix with an equal amount of medical alcohol. Remove the tincture a day in a dark room, use the drug to lubricate the affected boards 3-4 times a day. Before application, the feet should be steamed with a soda or saline solution. The duration of therapy is 1, 5-2 weeks.
  • Peroxide- An affordable and safe antiseptic that eliminates the symptoms of fungal diseases. Steam your feet with a small amount of 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.

Infection prevention

You can't wear someone else's shoes, socks and tights should only be worn on completely dry feet.

How to prevent fungal diseases of the nails:

  • try on shoes in the store only in clean socks;
  • always use only your own towels, manicures and pedicures;
  • you should not walk barefoot in public places with high humidity;
  • you should not hesitate to ask the master to re-disinfect tools in salons;
  • shoes and socks should be made of natural materials, allow the skin to breathe;
  • check your feet, toes and pedicure regularly;
  • strengthen the body's protective functions.
manifestations of fungal infection in the nails

If you are able to see the symptoms in time and recover, it is necessary to apply antifungal compounds to the nails for 2-3 months, all shoes should be disinfected or discarded. After getting rid of the infection, you should carry out general cleaning of the house - thoroughly wash floors, baths, personal items using special products.

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