Nail fungus on the legs at the initial stage

Fungal spores enter the body through various microcracks - after a few weeks they begin to actively grow and multiply. If you skip the initial stage of the disease, the infection will affect the plate, bed and matrix of the nail. To get rid of the pathology, it is necessary to know the symptoms and methods of treatment, the causes of the disease.

Causes of appearance and main symptoms

The causative agent is a dermatophyte, consisting of fine threads. The fungus feeds on keratin, which is found in the hair, plates and skin. The spores can penetrate deep into the toenail, which can lead to its rapid complete destruction. You can be infected in the pool, in bathing establishments, on the beach, in beauty salons, where disinfection rules are not followed. Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate even through a small 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 go to doctors with an already advanced disease. Anemia, liver pathologies, chronic inflammatory processes, calcium deficiency and some other microelements - all these diseases change the color and structure of the plaques on the legs and arms. Therefore, if the color and thickness change sharply, it is necessary to consult a specialist.

What does the disease look like at the initial stage:

• white or yellowish spots, longitudinal stripes appear;
• the color changes slightly - acquires a yellow tint, the natural healthy shine disappears;
• most often in the initial stage, the infection affects the big toe;
• changes in the structure occur: the plate becomes thicker, uneven, begins to crumble, exfoliate, looks sloppy;
• itching appears, cracks are formed between the fingers, rounded plaques;
• inflamed areas hurt, which causes discomfort when walking.

If you skip the initial marks, the nail begins to move away from the bed, pathogenic microorganisms multiply rapidly in space. It becomes brown, black, gray, the legs have a constantly unpleasant smell. At an early stage, it affects the plate on one side, total damage is observed with the intensive development of pathology, the presence of concomitant diseases.

Traditional treatments

If you notice the first signs in a timely manner, it will be enough to undergo treatment with the help of external means, which only a doctor can choose correctly. At an advanced stage, the disease will have to be treated with the use of expensive and not always safe drugs. It is advisable to contact a mycologist or dermatologist immediately for any changes in the structure.

How to get rid of toenail fungus soon:

1. In the podiatry office, a medical pedicure is performed: with the help of tweezers, a file or a grinder, the damaged part of the nail is removed. If the plate is very stiff, a keratolytic patch is used to soften it. The procedure cannot be carried out in ordinary salons.
2. If the disease is in the initial stage, then no more than two nails are affected by the fungus, so it is necessary to treat antifungal drugs. Ointments are inexpensive, but they are not able to penetrate inside, they are applied twice a day. Healing paints create a protective film on the surface and must be used once a week. You can use funds at home, they practically have no contraindications.
3. If the infection spreads quickly, the doctor may prescribe systemic drugs in pill form.

A popular, effective and inexpensive remedy for getting rid of foot fungus is a special serum. It is spread over the entire plate twice a day, 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 is necessary to apply on a steamed nail 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment is 7-14 days.

Modern podiatry tries not to remove the entire nail, especially if the disease is in its early stages. During such operations, the matrix is removed, which leads to subsequent growth and deformation. A safer method of treatment is laser therapy, under the influence of the beam, pathogenic microorganisms instantly die, neighboring tissues are not injured.

Folk remedies

You can check for fungi at home in a simple way: dilute potassium permanganate in warm water, the liquid should have a pale pink color. Keep your feet in the solution for 3-5 minutes - the affected plates do not stain, they remain clear, healthy areas will turn brown.

You can eliminate the causes and symptoms at home using traditional methods. They are safe, practically have no contraindications, many of them are suitable for the treatment of children and pregnant women. The basis of home therapy consists of medicinal baths, oils, ointments.

• apple cider vinegareffective in treating foot fungus. It is necessary to dilute it in equal proportion with warm water, soak the feet in the solution for a quarter of an hour. After the procedure, let the skin dry naturally. All symptoms will disappear in 15-20 days.
• Tea tree oil- a powerful natural antiseptic that can be treated at all stages. The tool should be rubbed three times a day on the affected plates and the feet should be treated. One procedure requires 4-10 drops of oil extract. Duration: 2-4 weeks. This therapy is not suitable for pregnant women and children.
• Celandineused to eliminate various dermatological diseases at home. Grind the fresh herb, squeeze the juice, mix with an equal amount of medical alcohol. Remove the tincture for a day in a dark room, use the medicine to lubricate the affected plates 3-4 times a day. Before application, the feet must be steamed in a soda or saline solution. The duration of therapy is 1. 5–2 weeks.
• Peroxide- an inexpensive and safe antiseptic that eliminates the signs of fungal diseases. Cook your feet in water with a small amount of baking soda. Moisten the cotton pads with peroxide, fix them with a film or with your fingertips on the infected nail. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times a day, keep the compress for at least 45 minutes.

Prevention of Infection

You cannot wear someone else's shoes, socks and tights should only be worn on absolutely dry feet.

How to prevent toenail fungal diseases:

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

If you managed to notice the symptoms in time and heal, then for 2-3 months it is necessary to apply antifungal compounds to the nails, all shoes must be disinfected or thrown away. After eliminating the infection, it is necessary to carry out a general cleaning of the house: thoroughly wash the floors, bathroom, personal items using special products.

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