Human toenail fungus is quite common.Onychomycosis means an impact on the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) through a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.The treatment itself also causes a lot of trouble: the need for regular therapeutic procedures, the possibility of surgical intervention, a long recovery period and the possibility of relapse.Compliance with preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of infection, but does not guarantee complete safety from the fungus.
Factors contributing to the disease
Big toe nail fungus has increased vitality.It remains outside the human body for a long time.Floors, sports and shower mats, banquettes, benches, shoes represent the so-called "waiting place".Once in a favorable environment (high humidity, warmth, the presence of microcracks, calluses and corns on the lower extremities), fungi quickly penetrate the tissues and begin to multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of fungi, quickly defeating foreign bodies.In a weakened state, the defense is not as successful.The reasons that reduce the defense forces are different:
- Non-compliance with hygiene standards.
- Disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system.
- The presence of skin damage in the area of the fingers and toes.
- The 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 of low quality materials, not resolved to fit.
Not the last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of this infection.Personal items (towels, slippers, manicure scissors) of the infected person act as carriers of the fungus.The immediate environment of the patient is at greater risk.
Older people are more vulnerable to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Violations of the circulatory system and weakened protective function contribute to the penetration of fungi.The problem rarely affects children.
Symptoms and development
Symptoms of the disease are a burning sensation and itching at the site of fungal invasion.The skin on the big toe and on the surface of the foot is covered with blisters, which when ruptured form areas with scaly cracks and small ulcers.The fungus then moves into the subungual space, which contains nutrients that help the mycelium of the parasitic fungus develop.The consequence of the release of a certain enzyme is the gradual destruction of the nail component.
Ingrown toenail corners are additional symptoms of infection.This is how the deformation of the horn plate appears.Pain occurs while walking, which can provoke choking.With the further development of the disease, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, is covered with spots or stripes with shades of yellow, brown, black and becomes brittle and fragile.Without treatment, the nail on the big toe breaks down and separates from the nail bed.
The types of lesions are influenced by the strains of the infecting flora.Yeast fungi change the appearance of the pillow and color the miniature in yellow-brown tones, followed by its separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of spots or longitudinal lines with mostly yellow shades along the edges and center of the nail.Mold appears in a shade ranging from green to almost black.
Dermatologists divide toenail disease into types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: the condition remains the same, the first signs appear on the surface: streaks or spots from white to yellow.Then the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (gray-brown), there is loss of luster, fading, thickening and deformation with partial destruction mainly at the edges.
- Onycholithic.It is characterized by a dull brown-gray coloration of the affected nail, covering it with loose layers of hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and rejection.There is a maximum risk due to the massive spillage of microorganisms on the floor surfaces of the premises in use.
Fungus affects more than just the big toenail.Toxins released, as a result of the vital activity of the mold, enter the lymphatic system, provoking the appearance of allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), aggravating the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and signs of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its varieties
The main treatment for nail fungus on the thumb is complex therapy, combining methods of local-external and course approaches.It is selected by a dermatologist taking into account the degree of development of the disease, the patient's individual tolerance and the area of damage.The duration of the course depends on the negligence and the complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At first, fungi respond to gentle methods.Medicinal varnishes of a special composition against the spread of nail fungus are sold in pharmacy departments without a prescription.Penetrating the structure of the nail plate, they have an antiseptic effect, soften the stratum corneum and destroy infectious spores, destroy the mycelium of fungi.
The damaged area is treated with the mandatory presence of an oil, spray or cream.It is necessary to start the treatment, as with varnishes, with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum cutting of the nail, thinning with lime, degreasing.It is intended to use the product once or twice a day for 2 to 12 months.To avoid relapse, it is recommended to continue using the medication for two weeks after recovery.
Ointments are used depending on the stage of the infection.They contain different ingredients: ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a specific drug that destroys fungi is selected for the patient.Based on the results, terbinafine derivatives were recognized as the most successful.The destruction is aimed at the membranes of the fungal strains, which leads to the destruction of the latter from the inside.
When it is necessary to remove a diseased nail on the thumb, apply a compress with a solution to soften it.Other drugs are also used for this purpose (salicylic ointment 5 percent).
Internal medicine (tablets)
For the onycholytic type of the disease, complex treatment is prescribed.Along with external procedures, it is necessary to take systemic antifungal tablets.With oral medications, special attention is required, as there are limitations and contraindications for use.Only a dermatologist will correctly choose a drug that suppresses the fungus.
Dosage involves the use of one tablet once a day or once a week, for 2-6 months.
Recipes of traditional medicine
In the normotrophic phase, folk recipes have proven themselves.At home, it is possible to do without expensive drugs by independently treating the fungus without harming the general health of a person.
Iodotherapy
- For a week, the affected miniature is smeared with a cotton swab twice a day.After which a break is made for the same period, and the procedure is repeated again in the same sequence until the fungus is eliminated.
- Three liters of hot water are poured into the container, eight drops of iodine alcohol solution are added.After the bath, the steamed plate is cut, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide and a bandage with antibacterial drugs is applied.The procedure should be performed every day until the skin is renewed.
Vinegar tricks
- In a glass bowl, mix table vinegar, glycerin and water in equal parts.Apply the compress for 20 minutes in the morning and evening, every day 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 polish the affected nail as much as possible.Perform daily for 2 consecutive weeks until the stratum corneum is renewed.