Onychomycosis of the big toe is a common phenomenon.Being the largest in area, the nail of this finger most often attracts a fungal infection, which creates an environment for nutrition and development, destroying the structure of the nail tissue.Treating toenail fungus at home requires patience and attention.
reasons
Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.There are certain conditions under which toe fungus occurs:
- Contact with a sick person.It is unacceptable to share shoes, towels and other household items with an infected person.
- Weakening of the body's immune system.This happens when a person suffers from inflammatory diseases or endocrine disorders.
- Nail injuries.Violation of the integrity of the nail plate can cause the development of fungus.These same causes include damage caused by wearing very tight shoes or cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.This can be due to both endocrine diseases and poor-quality shoes.But it can also be a congenital trait.
- Trophic skin changes that are characteristic of the elderly.Because of them, the rate of fungal infections among the elderly and senile is much higher.
- Flat feet can also be a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
- Insufficient foot hygiene or its complete absence.
important!
The risk of fungal infection increases significantly when visiting places with high humidity (swimming pools, baths, saunas, etc.) without shoes.
Signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus will not attract the attention of an infected person, since there are no symptoms.In rare cases, slight itching, slight burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause anxiety to the patient.
Symptoms intensify as the mycelium grows.The structure is changing.The nail becomes dull and brittle.Its plate is covered with spots and stripes, the color of which may vary depending on the type of the causative agent of the disease.Photos of the fungus on the nails of the big toe will help determine who exactly "settled" on it.
Affected nails are characterized by thickening of the plate and ingrowth of its corners into the roll.So it is deformed under the influence of the fungus.The following characters appear:
- pain during movement (when walking);
- The big toe becomes red and swollen;
- purulent exudate is released from the corners of the nail plate.
As the fungus goes through its life cycle in the nail plate, it releases toxins that enter the vessels of the lymphatic system and spread throughout the body.Under the influence of these substances occur:
- skin rashes such as hives;
- functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- symptoms of intoxication.
The way of entry of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has penetrated through the roller, then the nail undergoes dystrophic changes.And if the free edge becomes a gateway, then the pathogen settles under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
The treatment of toenail fungus will depend on the stage of the process, of which there are only three:
- Initially.
- Intensive (progressive).
- Neglected (destructive).
Initially
This stage is characterized by normotrophic damage.The nails appear healthy, but on closer examination, small spots or streaks with a whitish or yellowish tint are found.There may be destruction of the nail along the edge or in the center.The plate loses its luster and becomes dull.At this stage, it is easiest to get rid of the fungus.
Intensive (progressive)
This stage is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The plates change color and configuration.The spread of the pathogen over the entire surface makes them thickened and flabby.The toes look injured.The edge of the nail crumbles and breaks.An unpleasant smell comes from the feet.
It is more difficult to treat the fungus in the second stage.Use local external antifungal drugs and tablets in case of low immunity.
Neglected (Destructive)
The nail loses what remains of its healthy appearance, crumbles and detaches from its bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to the surrounding tissues and pain occurs in the finger.The fight against fungi at this stage requires only complex measures.
Methods of treatment of onychomycosis
How and with what to treat thumb fungus is best determined by a dermatologist.And even if you decide to use traditional methods of treatment, you must first make sure that your fingers are affected by the fungus.In the treatment of fungal infections, a large number of drugs with different forms of release, as well as folk recipes, are used.
The following groups of drugs are used:
- Tablets.
- The lucky one.
- Ointments.
- Solutions.
- Plasters.
- Gels.
In advanced cases, surgical methods are used.Laser therapy is also widely used.
Application of external means
Products for external use against fungal infections are sold in pharmacies and belong to the category of over-the-counter medicines.All of them are applied both to the nail itself and to the surrounding tissues after preliminary cleaning of the feet.The standard frequency of application of these products is 1-2 times within 24 hours.
Note!
Treatment of toenail fungus lasts from several months to a year.It depends on how severe the pathological process is.
The lucky one
Antifungal nail polish is an effective tool in the fight against fungus.Contains cyclopyroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used if the nail plate is damaged by no more than a third and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This method of treatment is effective when the nail is not hypertrophied.
- The varnish should be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before application, the part of the nail that is affected by the fungus is removed with a file and degreased with alcohol.
- The next time you use it, remove the remaining varnish with an alcohol swab and clean the plate again from the damaged areas.
The nail polish destroys fungal spores by penetrating deep into the nail structure.The drugs have a high penetrating ability and are destructive to many types of fungi.
important!
The varnish is applied until a completely healthy nail plate grows on the finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many topical antifungals on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Antifungal ointment, like gel and cream, is applied to a well-cleaned or, even better, steamed surface.
important!
It is necessary to treat the nail plates of both the thumb and all others with external means.And even on the little toe.This is done to prevent the spread of infection.
Preparations for internal use
Only a doctor can choose the right drugs for oral administration.Many of these drugs have entire lists of restrictions and contraindications.Treatment of nail fungus with tablets is contraindicated for people with a history of kidney and liver diseases, as well as for pregnant women and children.The course of treatment with tablets varies from 2 to 6 months.The doctor determines the dosage regimen.
Recipes from traditional medicine
Fungi can be treated with folk remedies in addition to the main treatment regimen or in the very early stages of the disease.They help to eliminate its manifestations in the first place, and without pharmaceutical therapy, onychomycosis returns again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix honey and freshly squeezed onion juice in equal parts and apply it on the nails of the thumb and all other fingers once before going to bed until a completely healthy nail grows.Store the mixture in the refrigerator in a glass container.The duration of treatment is 4-12 months.
- Grind the thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 60 minutes.Soak a bandage in the tincture and apply to the nails for 2 hours.Repeat the treatment twice a day for three weeks.
- Iodine is added to water heated to 45 ° C in the amount of 3 drops per 1 liter of water.Keep your feet in the solution until it cools completely.After the bath, cut the damaged nail with scissors treated with hydrogen peroxide and apply a bandage with an antifungal ointment.
- Pour boiling water over the lemon and tape the slices to the nails.Leave the compress on overnight for best results.
- Steam your feet in hot water, dry your nails and attach a cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide to them for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape the softened areas and lubricate the nails with an antifungal agent.
The key to successful therapy
In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, you must follow a few simple rules:
- During the treatment, do not visit swimming pools, saunas and other places where the microclimate is humid and warm.
- Regularly treat all shoes with antifungal drugs (sprays).
- Change your socks four times a day.The used steam must be disinfected.
- In no case should you miss medications or procedures.Follow the doctor's instructions strictly.
- Get rid of overgrown plaques in a timely manner, as they prevent the penetration of drugs.