Onychomycosis in the big toe is a common occurrence.Being the largest in area, the nail on this finger often attracts a fungal infection, which creates an environment for nutrition and development, destroying the structure of the nail tissue.Treating toenail fungus at home requires patience and care.
Causes
Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.There are certain conditions under which fungus appears on the big toe:
- Contact with a sick person.It is unacceptable to share shoes, towels and other household items with an infected person.
- Weakening of the body's immune system.This occurs when a person suffers from inflammatory diseases or endocrine disorders.
- Nail injuries.Violation of the integrity of the nail plate can lead to the development of fungus.These same reasons include damage caused by wearing too-tight shoes or cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.This can be due to both endocrine disorders and poor quality shoes.But it can also be a congenital characteristic.
- Trophic changes in the skin, which are the lot of older people.Thanks to them, the percentage of fungal infections among elderly and senile people is much higher.
- Flat feet may also be a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
- Insufficient foot hygiene or its complete absence.
Important!
The risk of fungal infection increases considerably when visiting places with high humidity (swimming pools, baths, saunas, etc.) without shoes.
Signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus will not attract the attention of an infected person, as it has no symptoms.In rare cases, slight itching, slight burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause any concern to the patient.
Symptoms intensify as the mycelium grows.The structure changes.The nail becomes dull and brittle.Its plate is covered with spots and stripes, the color of which can vary depending on the type of causative agent of the disease.Photos of nail fungus on the big toe will help determine who exactly "triggered" it.
Affected nails are characterized by a thickening of the plate and a growth of its corners towards the inside of the roller.It then deforms under the influence of fungi.The following signs appear:
- pain during movement (when walking);
- The big toe becomes red and swollen;
- Purulent exudate is released from below the corners of the nail plate.
As fungi carry out their life cycle in the nail plate, they release toxins that enter the vessels of the lymphatic system and spread throughout the body.Under the influence of these substances the following occurs:
- skin rashes such as hives;
- functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- poisoning symptoms.
The route of entry of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has penetrated through the roller, the nail undergoes dystrophic changes.And if the free edge becomes the gateway, then the pathogen settles under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
The treatment of toenail fungus will depend on the stage of the process, of which there are only three:
- Initial.
- Intensive (Progressive).
- Careless (Destructive).
Initial
This stage is characterized by normotrophic damage.The nails look healthy, but upon careful examination, small spots or stripes of a whitish or yellowish tint are revealed.There may be destruction of the nail along the edge or in the center.The plate loses its shine and becomes dull.At this stage it is easier to get rid of the fungus.
Intensive (Progressive)
This stage is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The plates change color and configuration.The pathogen spreading throughout the surface causes them to thicken and loosen.The toes look injured.The edge of the nail crumbles and breaks.There is an unpleasant smell coming from the feet.
It is more difficult to cure second stage fungus.Use local external antifungal medications and tablets in case of low immunity.
Careless (destructive)
The nail loses the remains of its healthy appearance, crumbles and detaches from its bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to the surrounding tissues and pain appears in the finger.The fight against the fungus at this stage requires only comprehensive measures.
Methods for treating onychomycosis
A dermatologist best determines how and what to treat thumb fungus.And even if you decide to use traditional methods of treatment, you must first make sure that your fingers are affected by the fungus.A large number of drugs of various forms of release, as well as folk recipes, are used in the treatment of fungal infections.
The following groups of drugs are used:
- Tablets.
- Lucky.
- Ointments.
- Solutions.
- Plasters.
- Gels.
Surgical methods are used in advanced cases.Laser therapy is also widely used.
Application of external agents.
Products intended for external use against fungal infections are sold in pharmacies and belong to the category of drugs available without a prescription.All of them are applied both to the nail itself and to the surrounding tissues after preliminary cleaning of the feet.The standard frequency of application of these products is 1 to 2 times in 24 hours.
Note!
Treatment of thumb nail fungus lasts from several months to a year.It depends on the severity of the pathological process.
luck
An effective remedy in the fight against fungus is antifungal nail polish.Contains cyclopiroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used if the nail plate is damaged by no more than a third and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This treatment method is effective when the nail is not hypertrophied.
- The varnish should be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before application, the part of the nail affected by the fungus is removed with a file and degreased with alcohol.
- The next time you use it, remove any remaining varnish with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol and clean the plate again in the damaged areas.
The varnish destroys fungal spores by penetrating deep into the nail structure.The drugs have a high penetrating power and are destructive for many types of fungi.
Important!
The varnish is applied until a completely healthy nail plate grows on the finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many external antifungal agents found on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Antifungal ointment, like gel and cream, is applied to a well-cleaned or, even better, steamed surface.
Important!
It is necessary to treat the nail plates of both the thumb and all others with external means.And even on the little finger.This is done to prevent the spread of infection.
Preparations for internal use.
Only a doctor can choose the right medications for oral administration.Many of these medications have complete lists of restrictions and contraindications.Treatment of nail fungus with tablets is contraindicated in people with a history of kidney and liver diseases, as well as pregnant women and children.The course of treatment with tablets varies from 2 to 6 months.The doctor develops the dosage regimen.
traditional medicine recipes
The fungus can be treated with folk remedies in addition to the main treatment regimen or in the early stages of the disease.They help, first of all, to eliminate its manifestations, and without pharmaceutical therapy, onychomycosis returns again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix honey and freshly squeezed onion juice in equal parts and lubricate the nails of the thumb and all other fingers once before going to bed until a healthy nail grows completely.Store the mixture in the refrigerator in a glass container.The treatment period is 4 to 12 months.
- Grind the thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 60 minutes.Soak a bandage in the tincture and apply it to your nails for 2 hours.Repeat the treatment twice a day for three weeks.
- Iodine is added to water heated to 45°C at a rate of 3 drops per liter of water.Keep your feet in the solution until it cools completely.After bathing, cut the damaged nail with scissors treated with hydrogen peroxide and apply a bandage with antifungal ointment.
- Pour boiling water over the lemon and tape the slices to your nails.Leave the compress on overnight for best results.
- Steam your feet with hot water, dry your nails, and place a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide on them for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape the soft areas and lubricate the nails with an antifungal agent.
The key to successful therapy
In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to follow some simple rules:
- While treatment is in progress, do not go to swimming pools, saunas and other places where the microclimate is humid and hot.
- Periodically treat all shoes with antifungal medications (sprays).
- Change socks four times a day.The used steam must be disinfected.
- Under no circumstances should you skip medications or procedures.Strictly follow the doctor's instructions.
- Get rid of too large plaques in a timely manner, as they prevent the penetration of medications.