Fungi of the human nail plate on the hands and feet are widespread.Onychomycosis is an impairment of the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) by a parasitic fungus with subsequent destruction.It causes a lot of trouble and the treatment itself: the need for regular therapeutic interventions, the possibility of surgical intervention, a long recovery period and the likelihood of a relapse.Compliance with preventive measures reduces the likelihood of infection, but does not guarantee complete protection from the fungus.
Factors contributing to the disease
Nail fungus on the big toe has led to increased vitality.It remains outside the human body for a long time.Floors, sports and shower mats, benches, benches, shoes represent the so-called “waiting place”. In a favorable environment (high humidity, warmth, the presence of microcracks, calluses and corns on the lower extremities), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissue and begins to multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of fungi and quickly fights foreign bodies.In a weakened state, protection is not as successful.The reasons leading to a reduction in protective forces are different:
- Failure to comply with hygiene standards.
- Dysfunction of the endocrine system.
- Presence of skin damage in the area of the fingers and toes.
- Presence of dermatological diseases.
- Increased sweating of the lower extremities.
- Orthopedic pathologies.
- Failure of the metabolic process.
- Varicose veins
- HIV-positive reaction and immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Shoes made from inferior materials that have not been selected to fit.
Not the last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of this infection.Personal items (towel, slippers, manicure scissors) of the infected person act as carriers of the fungus.The patient's immediate environment is most at risk.
Older people are more susceptible to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Disturbances of the circulatory system and a weakened protective function contribute to the penetration of the fungus.The problem rarely affects children.
Symptoms and development
Symptoms of the disease include a burning sensation and itching at the site where the fungus is infected.The skin on the big toe and the surface of the foot is covered with blisters that, when ruptured, form areas of scaly cracks and small ulcers.The fungus then migrates to the subungual space, which contains nutrients that support the development of the mycelium of the parasitic fungus.The consequence of the release of a certain enzyme is the gradual destruction of the nail component.
Ingrown corners of the big toenail are other symptoms of infection.This is how the deformation of the horny plate manifests itself.Pain occurs when walking, which can lead to suppuration.As the disease progresses, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, becomes covered with spots or streaks of yellow, brown and black tones, and becomes brittle and brittle.Without treatment, the nail on the big toe will be destroyed and separated from the nail bed.
The nature of the lesions is influenced by the strains of the infecting flora.The yeast changes the appearance of the pad and turns the thumbnail in shades of yellow and brown, after which it separates.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of spots or longitudinal stripes with predominantly yellowish hues along the edges and center of the nail.Mold appears in a color ranging from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide toenail diseases into the following types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: The condition remains the same, the first signs appear on the surface: streaks or spots from white to yellow.The color then changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to the discoloration (grey-brown), there is loss of gloss, dullness, thickening and deformation with partial destruction, especially at the edges.
- Onycholytic.It is characterized by a dull brown-gray coloration of the affected nail, covering it with loose layers with hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and rejection.The massive release of microorganisms onto the floor surfaces of the rooms in use poses a high level of danger.
The fungus doesn't just damage the big toenail.The released toxins enter the lymphatic system through the vital activity of the fungus, trigger allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), aggravate the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and symptoms of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its variants
The main treatment of nail fungus on the thumb is complex therapy that combines methods of local-external and course approaches.The selection is made by a dermatologist, taking into account the degree of development of the disease, the individual tolerance of the patient and the area of damage.The duration of the course depends on the neglect and complexity of the infectious disease.
External use
At the very beginning, the fungus reacts to gentle methods.Medical varnishes of a special composition against the spread of nail fungus are sold in over-the-counter departments of pharmacies.Penetrating into the structure of the nail plate, they have an antiseptic effect, soften the stratum corneum, destroy infectious spores and destroy the mycelium of the fungus.
The damaged area is treated with the obligatory presence of an ointment, spray or cream.Treatment, as with varnishes, must begin with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum nail trimming, thinning with a file, degreasing.The product is intended to be used once or twice daily for 2 to 12 months.To avoid a relapse, it is recommended to continue taking the medication for two weeks after recovery.
Depending on the stage of infection, ointments are used.They contain different ingredients: ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a specific drug that destroys the fungus is selected for the patient.Based on the results, derivatives of terbinafine were recognized as the most successful.The destruction targets the membranes of fungal strains, leading to their destruction from the inside.
If a diseased nail on the big toe needs to be removed, apply a compress with a solution to soften it.Other medications (5 percent salicylic ointment) are also used for this purpose.
Internal medicine (tablets)
Complex treatment is prescribed for the onycholytic type of disease.In addition to external procedures, taking systemic antifungal tablets is necessary.Particular caution is required with oral medications, as there are restrictions and contraindications to their use.Only a dermatologist will select the right drug that will suppress the fungus.
Dosage involves taking one tablet once daily or once weekly for 2 to 6 months.
Traditional medicine recipes
In the normotrophic stage, folk recipes have proven effective.At home, by treating the fungus on your own, it is possible to do without expensive medications without harming a person's overall health.
Iodine therapy
- The affected thumbnail is rubbed with a cotton swab twice a day for a week.Afterwards, a break is taken for the same period of time and the process is repeated again in the same order until the fungus is eliminated.
- Three liters of hot water are poured into the container and eight drops of alcoholic iodine tincture are added.After the bath, the steamed plate is cut off, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide and a bandage with antibacterial drugs is applied.The procedure should be carried out every day until the skin is renewed.
Vinegar tricks
- In a glass bowl, mix equal parts vinegar, glycerin and water.Apply the compress every morning and evening for 20 minutes until the nail is completely replaced.
- In a bowl, dilute two parts water and one part 9% table vinegar.Soak the affected limb for 15 minutes, then trim and file the affected nail as much as possible.Apply daily for 2 weeks in a row until the stratum corneum renews itself.