Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plates.This infection can occur on any nail, but the first toes are most commonly affected.If the disease is not treated, the infection will continue to spread and affect the remaining nails.If nail fungus is detected on the big toe, treatment is long-term, but the course must be carried out to the end to reduce the risk of relapses.
In the early stages, onychomycosis is perceived by many people as an aesthetic problem.The disease does not cause any symptoms, but the appearance of the affected nail changes.
However, if the disease is not treated, it progresses and physical problems accompany aesthetic problems.Let's find out what symptoms indicate onychomycosis and how to treat it.
Why does the disease develop?
Onychomycosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms - fungi.You can get an infection from trying on someone else's shoes or walking barefoot on the floor in a swimming pool or sauna.
The fact is that the pathogens of onychomycosis multiply quickly in a humid and warm environment.Therefore, bathrooms and swimming pools are the easiest places to “catch” the fungus.
Advice!Another place where one can easily become infected is manicure and pedicure salons if the staff is negligent in disinfecting tools and equipment.
The fungus penetrates the body particularly easily when the skin is damaged - abrasions, scratches.For this reason, the infection most often affects the big toe, as this area of the foot is often damaged by wearing shoes that are too tight.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease
Any person can come into contact with pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in every case.The spread of the pathogen is counteracted by the body's own 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 pathologies of the endocrine system;
- primary or secondary immunodeficiency;
- injuries to the nail and the skin around it;
- peripheral circulatory disorders;
- various dermatological diseases – dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.;
- chronic diseases due to which the immune system does not work at full strength;
- flat feet;
- Increased sweating and resulting diaper rash.
Advice!Not only diseases, but also certain habits contribute to the development of fungal infections.For example, wearing shoes that are too tight, choosing socks and shoes made of artificial materials, and inadequate hygiene.
According to medical statistics, the risk group for developing onychomycosis of the big toe includes:
- older people;
- visitors to public gyms, swimming pools, baths;
- beauticians;
- medical staff;
- People with excessive sweating.
Sign
The effectiveness of treating nail fungus on the big toe largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking appropriate measures as soon as the first symptoms appear, managing the disease is relatively easy.Once the process has begun, treatment requires patience and time.The course can last more than six months.
The peculiarity of this disease is that the symptoms are subtle in the early stages.In fact, few people will raise the alarm if they see a small spot on the nail of the first toe.Many simply do not notice such changes or, having noticed them, do not pay attention to such symptoms, since no physical discomfort occurs at this stage.
But without treatment, the process will develop and progress.A small spot begins to grow that completely changes the appearance of the plate.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and spread to other fingers.You may suspect a fungus if you experience the following symptoms:
- White or yellowish spots on the nail, often in the initial stages they are located in the upper corner of the nail, but this is not necessary.The localization depends on the place of introduction of pathogenic microorganisms;
- the surface of the nail has changed, it has become thicker, lost its smoothness and grooves have appeared on it;
- the nails have become very brittle, the part that has grown back is crumbling and breaking off.
Advice!The listed signs do not allow a clear diagnosis.If you suspect fungus, you need to get tested.This not only determines the presence of the pathogen, but also determines its type.
Steps
As already mentioned, the development of nail fungus on the thumb occurs gradually.The speed of development of the process depends on the type of fungus.Onychomycosis, which is caused by an infection with yeast-like fungi, progresses most quickly.It is customary to distinguish three phases:
- Initially.At this stage the signs are mild;The main symptom is the appearance of spots or stripes on the nail, the color of which differs from the main tone of the nail.
- Moderate.At this stage, the entire plate changes color and loses its smoothness.At this stage, an unpleasant foot odor may occur.
- Started.The lesion spreads to other nails and the thumbnail begins to deteriorate.At this time, bacterial infections often accompany onychomycosis and cause inflammation and suppuration on the skin of the fingers.
How to treat?
A fungal infection is difficult to treat.Many patients do not achieve the desired results through self-medication, but only trigger the disease.Therefore, it is better not to try to cure yourself, but to see a dermatologist.
After the tests, the specialist selects the medications that will most effectively combat the pathogen.After all, there are different types of fungi, so there is no single treatment regimen.In addition, when prescribing a treatment regimen, the level of development of the process must be taken into account.
Treatment of onychomycosis should be comprehensive.The specialist prescribes products for external use, systemic drugs (tablets) that help treat the infection from the inside, as well as products to support the immune system and generally strengthen the body.
Lucky
This is a very easy treatment to use.Varnishes are colorless and contain added color pigments.The last option will undoubtedly be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish to a previously prepared plate.You need to wash your foot and take a hot bath to soften the nails.Then use a disposable nail file to remove the top layer of the diseased nail.
The varnish is applied not only to the diseased nail, but also to the healthy nail to prevent the spread of infection.The frequency of use depends on the type of preparation;The polish should be used until the nail is completely renewed.
Ointments and solutions
External treatment products are also produced in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before applying the product, carry out the same preparations as before applying the varnish.The treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
A doctor should prescribe a medication for external treatment, as different medications work against different groups of pathogens.Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications:
Tablets
In advanced stages, in addition to external treatment, the use of oral medication is also necessary.They usually contain the same active ingredients as topical agents.
Taking antifungal tablets puts strain on the liver and is therefore not prescribed for a long period of time.To achieve results, pulse therapy is used.The medication is taken in short, regularly repeated courses until complete recovery.This approach allows you to reduce the load on the liver and have an effective effect on pathogenic microflora.
Therefore, only a dermatologist after an examination can answer the question of how to cure toenail fungus.During the analysis, the type of pathogen is identified, as well as its sensitivity to different types of drugs.This approach allows you to choose the most effective treatment path.In addition, the patient should not forget about the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to regularly disinfect shoes and wash socks at high temperatures and iron them on the wrong side.