Fungi on the nail plates of human hands and feet are quite common.Onychomycosis is when a parasitic fungus affects the structure of the nail, usually the big toe, and then causes damage.It brings a lot of trouble to the treatment itself: the need for regular treatment procedures, the possibility of surgical intervention, a long recovery period and the possibility of recurrence.Following preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of infection, but does not guarantee complete protection from the fungus.
factors causing disease
The vitality of the big toe onychomycosis is enhanced.It stays outside the body for a long time.Floors, exercise and shower mats, benches, benches, shoes represent the so-called "waiting places".Once in a favorable environment (high humidity, warmth, microcracks on the lower limbs, calluses and corns), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissue and begins to multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of fungi and quickly defeats foreign bodies.In a weakened state, protection is less successful.The reasons for reduced protection are different:
- Does not meet health standards.
- Endocrine system dysfunction.
- There are skin lesions in the finger and toe areas.
- Skin disease is present.
- Increased sweating in the lower limbs.
- Orthopedic Pathology.
- Metabolic process fails.
- Varicose veins
- HIV positivity and immunodeficiency syndrome.
- The shoes are made of poor quality materials and there is no choice in fit.
The last place in the infection process is not contact with an infected person.An infected person's personal belongings (towels, slippers, manicure scissors) act as spreaders of the fungus.The environment surrounding the patient is most at risk.
Older adults are more susceptible to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Violation of the circulatory system and weakening of protective functions contribute to the penetration of fungi.This problem rarely affects children.
Symptoms and development
Symptoms of the disease are burning and itching at the site of fungal invasion.The skin on the surface of the big toe and foot is covered with blisters, which can cause scaly cracks and small ulcers when they burst.The fungus then moves to the subungual space, which contains nutrients that aid in the development of the parasitic fungal mycelium.The result of the release of certain enzymes is the gradual destruction of the nail's components.
An ingrown big toenail corner is another symptom of infection.This is the manifestation of horny plate deformation.Pain occurs when walking and suppuration may occur.As the condition progresses, the nails lose their original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, noticeably thickened, covered with spots or streaks of yellow, brown, or black tones, and becomes brittle.Without treatment, the nail on the big toe can become damaged and separate from the nail bed.
Lesion type is influenced by the strain of the infecting flora.Yeast changes the appearance of the mat and stains the thumbnails to yellow, brown tones and then separates them.Dermatophytes are characterized by predominantly yellow spots or longitudinal stripes along the edges and center of the nail.Mold appears in shades from green to almost black.
Dermatologists classify toenail diseases into the following categories:
- Nutrition is normal.Mild symptoms: The condition remains unchanged, with the first signs appearing on the surface: streaks or spots ranging from white to yellow.Then the color changes completely.
- Thick.In addition to discoloration (grey-brown), there is loss of gloss, dullness, thickening and deformation, with damage mainly at the edges.
- Nail stripper.It is characterized by a dark brownish-grey coloration of the affected nail that is covered with a loose layer of hyperkeratosis, atrophy, and rejection.The greatest danger exists due to the large spillage of microorganisms onto the floor surfaces of the premises where they are used.
This fungus doesn’t just harm your big toenails.Due to the life activities of fungi, the toxins released enter the lymphatic system, causing allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reactions), aggravating gastrointestinal diseases, and causing poisoning symptoms.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its variants
The main treatment method for thumb onychomycosis is comprehensive therapy, which combines topical external therapy and course therapy.The choice is made by the dermatologist based on the progression of the disease, the patient's individual tolerance and the area of damage.The duration of the course of treatment depends on the degree of neglect and complexity of the infection.
external use
At first, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicinal varnishes with special ingredients that prevent the spread of nail fungus are sold in the over-the-counter section of pharmacies.They penetrate into the structure of the nail plate, have an antiseptic effect, soften the cuticle and destroy infectious spores, destroying the mycelium of fungi.
Damaged areas must be treated with ointments, sprays or creams.It is necessary to start treatment, just as with varnish, by carefully preparing the infected area: trim the nails to the maximum extent, thin them with a file, degrease them.Expect to use this product once or twice daily for 2 to 12 months.To avoid relapse, it is recommended to continue using the medication for two weeks after recovery.
Use ointment depending on the stage of infection.They contain different ingredients: ciclopirox, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a specific drug to destroy the fungus is selected for the patient.Based on the results, the terbinafine derivative was considered the most successful.The destruction targets the membrane of the fungal strain, which causes the latter to be destroyed from the inside.
When it's time to remove a diseased nail on the big toe, apply a solution compress to soften it.Other medicines (5% salicylic acid ointment) are also used for this purpose.
Internal medicine (tablets)
For onycholysis-type disease, complex treatment is required.In addition to external surgery, systemic antifungal tablets will also be taken.With oral medications, special attention is required because there are limitations and contraindications to use.Only a dermatologist can correctly choose antifungal drugs.
Dosage consists of one tablet taken once daily or weekly for 2-6 months.
traditional medicine recipes
At the stage of normal nutrition, folk recipes have proven themselves.Fungus can be treated independently at home without expensive medications and without harming a person's overall health.
iodine therapy
- Apply a cotton swab to the affected thumb nail twice a day for a week.After that, rest for the same amount of time and repeat the process again in the same order until the fungus is eliminated.
- Pour three liters of hot water into a container and add eight drops of alcoholic iodine tincture.After bathing, the steamed boards are cut off, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide and bandaged with antibacterial agents.The procedure should be performed daily until the skin is renewed.
Vinegar Tips
- In a glass bowl, combine equal parts vinegar, glycerin, and water.Apply for 20 minutes each morning and evening until nails are completely replaced.
- Dilute two parts water to one part 9% vinegar in a bowl.Soak the affected limb for 15 minutes, then trim and file the affected nail as much as possible.Do this once a day for two weeks until the cuticles are renewed.