The initial stage of toenail fungus or toenails may not appear in any way until the symptoms are clear. Here it is important to know the first signs of the onset of the disease, as it is easier to fight the fungus on the foot or toes while they are still weak than to treat the advanced stage for a long time. It is important to identify the disease in time, as there is an incubation period.
What bacteria
Fungus on the nails of the feet or hands is called onychomycosis. It is caused by the following types of fungi:
- dermatophytes;
- yeast;
- moldy.
They live mainly in the soil, and from there spread to other surfaces from which humans can pass. Nail fungus and nail fungus 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 appear in any way. As it penetrates deep into the skin and nutrition, symptoms of the disease begin to appear. This is manifested by an inflammatory process on the skin of the hands or feet. One can smell an unpleasant odor in the affected finger area. If left untreated, the fungus penetrates under the nails.
Signs of nail fungus in the initial stage
![stages of toenail fungus](/images/articles/591/stages%20of%20toenail%20fungus.jpg)
Before moving on to the manifestations of onychomycosis, you need to know the cause of fungal diseases. The fungus on the feet and hands is transmitted from person to person, so the disease is easy to detect in public places, such as in a sauna or swimming pool. The disease is transmitted by wearing common shoes, this can happen in large families, as well as by using a towel or slippers.
The following conditions contribute to the development of foot fungus:
- Damage to the nail plate.
- Excessive sweating of the hands or feet.
- Flat steps.
- 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 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 crumble from the inside and emit an unpleasant odor.
- Due to the activity of the fungus 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 not to bring the problem to such a state, it is necessary to fight the infection at the beginning of the disease.
How to treat fungus in the initial stage
![girl chooses a cure for nail fungus](/images/articles/591/girl%20chooses%20a%20cure%20for%20nail%20fungus.jpg)
As already mentioned, the initial stage of nail fungus should be cured as soon as possible. With the symptoms described above you should see 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 the fungus without pain or with minimal discomfort.
- Then the nail plate is covered with antifungal ointment or varnish. In the initial stage of the disease you can not even take other therapeutic actions. But do not think that once is enough - you will need to treat the nail daily, as prescribed by your doctor.
- In the initial stage of nail fungus are usually not prescribed antifungal tablets, but if they are prescribed by a doctor, then it is worth taking the drug. So 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 drugs for foot fungus. These are sprays, ointments, drops, powders, varnishes. These funds are used not only for the treatment of onychomycosis, but also for preventive purposes. Able to penetrate deep under the skin, they fight germs. But their effect is manifested only in a mild form of the disease or in the initial stage of fungal infection, with regular use of these drugs.
In 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 must be taken for a long time, for several months, only then the result will be visible.
Prevention of fungal infection
It is not difficult to catch fungus on the feet and hands, it will be harder to get rid of them, so you need to know about measures to prevent this disease:
- If a person follows simple rules of hygiene, changes socks more often, puts on shoes in public places, then nail fungus does not threaten him.
- Remember that you must always and everywhere have personal hygiene products - your own towel, towel and slippers.
- In case of 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 the fungus on your feet and hands is. If the infection still occurs, get rid of the disease in the initial stage, as the problems will be minimal and it will be easier to eliminate them.