Fungus of the human nail plate on the hand and foot is quite widespread.Onychomycosis means an impact on the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) through a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.It causes a lot of trouble and the treatment itself: the need for regular therapeutic procedures, the possibility of surgical intervention, a long recovery period and the likelihood 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), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissues and begins to multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of fungus, quickly defeating foreign bodies.In a weakened state, protection is not so successful.The reasons that reduce protective forces are different:
- Failure to comply with hygiene standards.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Presence of skin damage in the area of 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 low-quality materials, not chosen to fit.
Not the last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of this infection.Personal belongings (towel, slippers, manicure scissors) of the infected person act as conductors of the fungus.The patient's immediate environment is at greatest 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 the fungus.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 becomes covered with blisters, which, when ruptured, form areas with scaly cracks and small ulcers.Subsequently, the fungus moves to the subungual space, which contains nutrients that help 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 toe nail are additional symptoms of infection.This is how the deformation of the horny plate manifests itself.Pain occurs while walking, which can provoke suppuration.With further development of the disease, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, becomes covered with spots or stripes of yellow, brown, black shades, and becomes brittle and brittle.Without treatment, the nail on the big toe is destroyed and separated from the nail bed.
The types of lesions are influenced by the strains of the infecting flora.The yeast fungus changes the appearance of the cushion and colors the thumbnail in yellow, brown tones, followed by its separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of spots or longitudinal stripes of predominantly yellowish tints along the edges and center of the nail.Mold manifests itself in a shade ranging from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide toenail disease into types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: the condition remains the same, the first signs appear on the surface: stripes or spots from white to yellow.Subsequently, the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to the discoloration (grayish-brown), there is loss of shine, dullness, thickening and deformation with partial destruction mainly at the edges.
- Onycholytic.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 danger due to the massive spill of microorganisms onto the floor surfaces of the premises being used.
The fungus harms more than just the big toenail.The released toxins, as a result of the vital activity of the fungus, 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 neglect and complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At the very beginning, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicinal 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 and destroy infectious spores, destroy the mycelium of the fungus.
The damaged area is treated with the obligatory presence of an ointment, spray or cream.It is necessary to begin treatment, as with varnishes, with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum trimming of the nail, thinning with a file, 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 medications for two weeks after recovery.
Ointments are used depending on the stage of infection.They contain different components: 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 from terbinafine were recognized as the most successful.The destruction is aimed at the membranes of fungal strains, which leads to the destruction of the latter from the inside.
When it is necessary to remove a diseased nail on the big toe, apply a compress with a solution to soften it.Other drugs (5 percent salicylic ointment) are also used for this purpose.
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 restrictions and contraindications for use.Only a dermatologist will correctly select a medicine that suppresses the fungus.
The dosage involves the use of one tablet once a day or once a week, for 2-6 months.
Traditional medicine recipes
At the normotrophic stage, 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 thumbnail is smeared with a cotton swab twice a day.After which there is a break 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 alcohol tincture of iodine are added.After the bath, the steamed plate is cut off, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide, and a bandage with antibacterial medication 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, daily 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.Perform every day for 2 weeks in a row until the stratum corneum is renewed.