Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plate.This infection can appear on any nail, but most commonly the first toe is affected.If the disease is not treated, the infection can spread further and affect the remaining nails.If onychomycosis is found on the big toe, treatment will be long-term, but the course of treatment must be completed to reduce the risk of recurrence.
In its first stage, onychomycosis is considered by many to be an aesthetic problem.This disease does not cause any discomfort, but the appearance of the affected nail will change.
But if left untreated, the disease can progress and physical discomfort can add to cosmetic problems.Let’s figure out what symptoms indicate onychomycosis and how to treat it.
Why does it happen?
Onychomycosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms - fungi.You can get an infection if you try on someone else's shoes or walk barefoot on a pool or sauna floor.
In fact, the pathogens that cause onychomycosis multiply rapidly in moist and warm environments.Therefore, bathrooms and swimming pools are the places most likely to be "contaminated" with fungi.
suggestion!Another place that can become infected is in manicure and pedicure salons if staff neglect to disinfect tools and equipment.
Fungi are particularly likely to enter the body if the skin is damaged (abrasions, scratches).Therefore, infections most commonly affect the big toe, as this area of the foot is often damaged when wearing shoes that are too tight.
Factors that lead to disease development
Everyone is likely to encounter pathogenic microbiota, but not all cases develop the disease.The spread of pathogens is counteracted by the body's immune system.But as the immune system weakens, the disease begins to progress.The following factors contribute to the development of the disease:
- Hormonal imbalances and hormonal system pathologies;
- Primary or secondary immunodeficiency;
- Injury to nails and surrounding skin;
- Peripheral circulatory disorders;
- Various skin diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.;
- Chronic diseases in which the immune system does not function adequately;
- flatfoot;
- Increased sweating and diaper rash result.
suggestion!Not only diseases but also certain habits can lead to the development of fungal infections.For example, wearing shoes that are too tight, choosing socks and shoes made of artificial materials, and not being hygienic enough.
According to medical statistics, risk groups for big toe onychomycosis include:
- the elderly;
- Visitors to public gyms, swimming pools, bathhouses;
- beautician;
- medical personnel;
- People who sweat excessively.
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The effectiveness of treating big toenail fungus depends largely on the stage of the disease.Coping with this disease is relatively easy if you start taking appropriate measures at the first symptoms.If this process begins, treatment will require patience and time.Courses can last for more than six months.
The disease is characterized by subtle symptoms in the early stages.Indeed, few people will sound the alarm when they see a small spot on the nail of the first toe.Many people don't notice these changes at all, or if they do, don't notice the symptoms because no physical discomfort occurs during this stage.
But without treatment, the process can develop and progress.A small spot will begin to grow, completely changing the appearance of the dish.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and can also spread to other fingers.You can suspect fungus if the following symptoms occur;
- White or yellowish spots on the nails, usually in the upper corners of the nails in the initial stages, but this is not necessary.Localization depends on where the pathogenic microorganism is introduced;
- The surface of the nail changes, becomes thicker, loses its smoothness, grooves appear on it;
- The nail becomes very brittle and the regrown portion can chip and fall off.
suggestion!The signs listed do not make a definite diagnosis.If you suspect fungus is present, you'll need to get tested.This not only identifies the presence of the pathogen but also determines its type.
stage
As mentioned earlier, onychomycosis on the thumb occurs gradually.How quickly this process develops depends on the type of fungus.Onychomycosis, caused by a yeast-like fungal infection, progresses the most.Usually divided into three stages:
- initial.At this stage, the symptoms are weak; the main symptom is the appearance of spots or stripes on the nails that are different in color from the main color of the nails.
- Ease.By this stage, the entire plate will be discolored and lose its smoothness.At this stage, unpleasant foot odor may occur.
- roll out.The lesions begin to spread to other nails, and the thumb nail begins to deteriorate.At this time, bacterial infection is often related to onychomycosis, causing inflammation and suppuration of the finger skin.
How to treat?
Fungal infections are difficult to treat.Many patients' self-medication does not achieve the desired results, but instead causes illness.Therefore, it is best not to try to cure it on your own but to consult a dermatologist.
After testing, experts will select the most effective drug against the pathogen.After all, there are different types of fungus, so there is no single treatment option.Furthermore, the developmental stage of the process must be taken into account when formulating a treatment plan.
Treatment of onychomycosis should be comprehensive.Specialists will prescribe topical products, systemic medications (tablets) to help treat internal infections, and products to support the immune system and strengthen the body.
Lucky man
This is a very easy to use treatment.Varnish is colorless and has color pigments added to it.The last option will undoubtedly be favored by women.
Apply repair varnish to the previously prepared plate.You need to wash your feet and take a hot bath to soften your nails.Then use a disposable nail file to remove the top layer of the diseased nail.
Varnish is applied not only to diseased nails but also to healthy nails, this is done to prevent the spread of infection.The frequency of application depends on the type of preparation; varnish should be used until the nails are completely renewed.
Ointments and Solutions
Topical treatment products are also produced in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before applying the product, perform the same preparations as before applying the varnish.Perform 1-2 treatments per day.
Doctors should prescribe external treatments because different drugs are active against different pathogens.Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications:
Tablet
In the advanced stage, oral medications need to be used along with external treatment.Generally, they contain the same active ingredients as topical medications.
Taking antifungal tablets can put stress on the liver and should not be taken long-term.To achieve results, pulse therapy is used.These medications need to be repeated regularly for short periods of time until full recovery is achieved.This method can reduce the burden on the liver and have an effective effect on pathogenic flora.
Therefore, the question of how to treat onychomycosis can only be answered after an examination by a dermatologist.During the analysis, the type of pathogen and its susceptibility to various drugs can be identified.This approach allows you to choose the most effective treatment path.In addition, patients should not forget about necessary hygiene measures.Shoes should be disinfected regularly, and socks should be washed at high temperatures and ironed inside out.