The first signs of a fungal nail infection

These days, getting a yeast infection is almost as easy as catching a cold.The slightest stress, a weakened immune system - and an insidious parasite is preparing to attack your feet.And you can come across mushrooms everywhere: in your favorite pool, at a party and even in your own home.The success of treatment directly depends on how quickly you recognize the infection and start treatment.Therefore, it is very important to know the first signs of nail fungus.

Where can the fungus lurk?

Many people think that many people are sick and do not follow hygiene rules, so they do not pay attention to minor changes in their feet and heels.

The nail hurts - you need to change your shoes to looser ones, your heels are peeling - apply a thicker cream, spots have appeared on your nails - buy vitamins and choose a lighter varnish.

However, modern research shows that the opposite is true: adherents of a healthy lifestyle and athletes often become victims of the fungus.In order for the fungus not only to get on its feet, but to actively reproduce, many conditions are required.However, if you belong to the “fungal” risk group, it is important to examine your feet and nails regularly so as not to miss the first symptoms.

Your risk of becoming infected with a fungus increases if you:

• Wear tight and uncomfortable shoes, especially those made from synthetic materials.
• They wear other people's slippers when visiting and at home.
• trying on shoes without footwear in stores;
• In the pool and gym, walk barefoot on the floor and without flip-flops.
• suffer from excessive sweating of the feet;
• have diabetes;
• suffer from varicose veins and other circulatory disorders.

First signs

It can be difficult to recognize the early signs of a fungal infection.Today many doctors talk about the increase in the so-called eradicated form of a fungal infection.In this case, obvious signs of infection only appear after a long time and people only recognize them when the fungus reaches an advanced stage.

Doctors do not hide: many skin diseases begin in the same way as fungi (psoriasis, lichen, allergic dermatitis).But it is better to play it safe and see a doctor as early as possible so as not to miss the disease.The following symptoms should alert you:

• dry skin and cracks on the heels and under the toes;
• constant itching on the feet and between the toes;
• Thickening of the skin ridges at the edges of the nail plate;
• the appearance of white spots and stripes on the nails;
• Deformation of the nail plate (bumps appear on the nail, it becomes thicker than usual).

Main symptoms

The more areas of the body the fungus affects, the worse the symptoms become.The itching becomes unbearable, the skin constantly peels, despite the best foot peelings and expensive care creams.And your nails change their appearance so much that you have to hide them in closed shoes even in the summer heat.

Typical signs of nail fungus are:

• Thickening and calluses of the skin (especially on the heels and toes);
• painful blisters between fingers;
• the feet dry out and crack, the cracks are deep, sometimes bloody;
• Weeping sores appear (usually between the fingers, where the skin is less ventilated);
• an unpleasant odor arises from decaying tissue under the nails;
• the nail plate delaminates, becomes brittle and brittle;
• nails change color to white, yellow, black or green;
• a whitish or blackened nail moves away from the nail plate;
• the structure of the nails changes;they become cloudy and loose;
• the nail plate becomes so thick that it is no longer suitable for pedicure instruments;
• the periungual fold becomes severely inflamed;
• Deformed nails cause severe pain when walking.

Types of mushrooms

If you become infected with a fungus, it is by no means necessary that all of these symptoms await you.For some, the main manifestation of infection is a discolored nail;In others, the nail plates simply thicken without causing any discomfort.And someone suffers from so much pain and itching that they simply can no longer walk normally.

There are three types of fungal nail infections, each with its own characteristics.

1. Normotrophic.In this case, only the color of the nail changes.In the first stage, whitish longitudinal stripes or spots appear, then the nail plate suddenly changes color to yellow or black-green.The thickness and structure of the board are usually retained.
2. Hypertrophic.Here the nail is completely affected by the fungal infection.The color of the plate changes, the nails deform, become thick, loose and lumpy.Often the nail plate detaches and collapses, usually in parts.
3. Atrophic.In this case, the fungus does everything not only to disfigure your nails, but to destroy them.The nail plate changes color, becomes thinner and gradually tears away from the nail bed.

The signs of a fungal infection largely depend on the type of fungus you are infected with.Experts identify three main groups of parasites that are dangerous to our nails.These are dermatophytes, yeasts and molds.

Yeast infections are quite rare and only occur in 4-5% of all cases.Mold affects even more rarely - in about 1% of cases.They mostly affect people with serious chronic illnesses.Our main enemies are dermatophytes.In this group there are several types of parasites, infection of which presents similar symptoms described above.

Mushroom or not?

Even when all the signs of a fungal infection are present, we still want to believe that it is not a fungus, but simply uncomfortable shoes or the scorching summer sun that mercilessly dries out our feet.

Suspicious symptoms may not be a fungus if:

• You recently suffered a foot injury (you crushed your toe under a door, walked for a long time in tight shoes with an uncomfortable last);
• you have symptoms of psoriasis or another skin condition;
• when changes affected all fingernails and toenails at the same time.

If you are unsure about your diagnosis, you can do a small home test.Dilute some potassium permanganate in a bowl of warm water and let your feet soak there for a while.Healthy nails take on a brownish hue.If no changes are visible, this is a clear sign of a fungal infection.

Fungal nail infections always occur individually, so each person always has their own symptoms, unlike the fungus of a colleague, neighbor or relative.You should not self-diagnose or self-medicate: at the slightest suspicion, you need to go to a dermatologist and get all the tests done.This will allow you to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, begin treatment as quickly as possible.