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 spread further, affecting the rest of the nails.If a fungus is found on the nails of the big toe, the treatment will be long-term, but the course must be completed to the end to reduce the risk of recurrence.
In the first stages, onychomycosis is perceived by many people as an aesthetic problem.The disease does not cause discomfort, but the appearance of the affected nail changes.
But if the disease is not treated, it will progress and physical discomfort will join aesthetic problems.Let's find out what symptoms would suggest 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 if you try on someone else's shoes or walk barefoot on the floor of a pool or sauna.
The fact is that the pathogens that cause onychomycosis multiply rapidly in a moist and warm environment.That is why bathrooms and swimming pools are the places where it is easiest to "catch" the fungus.
advice!Another place where you can easily get infected is in manicure and pedicure salons if the staff is careless in disinfecting the tools and equipment.
Fungi enter the body especially easily if there is damage to the skin - abrasions, scratches.For this reason, the infection most often affects the big toe, as this area of the foot is often damaged when wearing tight shoes.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease
Every person can encounter pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in every case.The spread of the pathogen is counteracted by the body's immune system.But as the immune system weakens, the disease will begin to progress.The following factors contribute to the development of the disease:
- hormonal imbalance and pathologies of the hormonal system;
- primary or secondary immunodeficiency;
- injuries to the nail and the skin around it;
- disorders of peripheral blood circulation;
- 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 diaper rash that appears as a result.
advice!Not only diseases, but also some habits contribute to the development of fungal infections.For example, wearing narrow shoes, choosing socks and shoes made of artificial materials and poor hygiene.
According to medical statistics, the risk group for developing onychomycosis of the big toe includes:
- elderly people;
- visitors to public gyms, swimming pools, baths;
- beauticians;
- medical staff;
- people with excessive sweating.
Signs
The effectiveness of the treatment of toenail fungus largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking adequate measures immediately after the first symptoms appear, then dealing with the disease will be relatively easy.If the process begins, treatment will require patience and time.The course can last more than six months.
The peculiarity of this disease is that in the early stages the symptoms are hardly noticeable.In fact, few people will sound the alarm when they see a small spot on the nail of the first finger.Many simply do not notice such changes, or even if they notice, they do not pay attention to such symptoms, since at this stage there is no physical discomfort.
But in the absence of treatment, the process will develop and progress.A small stain will begin to grow, completely changing the appearance of the plate.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and spread to other fingers.You can suspect a fungus if the following symptoms appear;
- white or yellowish spots on the nail, often in the initial stage they are located in the upper corner of the nail, but this is not necessary.Localization depends on the place of introduction of pathogenic microorganisms;
- the surface of the nail has changed, it has become thicker, it has lost its smoothness and furrows have appeared on it;
- the nails have become very brittle, the regrown part crumbles and breaks off.
advice!The listed signs do not allow an unequivocal diagnosis.If you suspect a fungus, you should get tested.This will not only identify the presence of the pathogen, but also determine its type.
Stages
As already noted, the development of fungus on the nails of the thumb occurs gradually.The rate of development of the process depends on the type of fungus.Onychomycosis, provoked by an infection with yeast-like fungi, progresses most rapidly.It is accepted to distinguish three stages:
- Initially.At this stage, the signs are weak;the main symptom is the appearance of spots or stripes on the nail that differ in color 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 odor may appear on the feet.
- Launched.The lesion begins to spread to other nails and the nail begins to deteriorate.At that time, bacterial infections were often associated with onychomycosis, causing inflammation and suppuration of the skin of the fingers.
How to treat?
Fungal infection is difficult to treat.Many patients who self-medicate do not achieve the desired results, but only unlock the disease.That is why it is better not to try to treat yourself, but to consult a dermatologist.
After the tests, the specialist will choose the drugs that are most effective in fighting the pathogen.After all, there are different types of fungus, so there is no single treatment scheme.In addition, when prescribing a treatment regimen, the stage of development of the process should be taken into account.
Treatment of onychomycosis should be comprehensive.The specialist will prescribe products for external use, systemic drugs (pills) that help treat the infection from the inside, as well as products to support the immune system and general strengthening of the body.
The lucky one
This is a very easy to use treatment.Varnishes are colorless and with the addition of coloring pigments.The latter option will undoubtedly be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish on a previously prepared plate.You should wash your foot and take a hot bath to soften the nails.Next, remove the top layer of the diseased nail using a disposable nail file.
The varnish is applied not only to the sick nail, but also to healthy ones, this is done to prevent the spread of infection.The frequency of application depends on the type of preparation;the varnish should be used until the nail is completely renewed.
Ointments and solutions
Means for external treatment are also produced in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before applying the product, perform the same preparation as before applying varnish.The treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
The doctor must prescribe a drug for external treatment, since different drugs are active against different groups of pathogens.Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications:
Tablets
In advanced stages, it is necessary, together with external treatment, to use drugs taken orally.As a rule, they contain the same active ingredients as topical agents.
Taking antifungal tablets burdens the liver, so they are not prescribed in long courses.To achieve results, pulse therapy is used.Medicines are taken in short, periodically repeated courses until complete recovery.This approach allows you to reduce the load on the liver and achieve an effective effect on the pathogenic microflora.
So 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 various types of drugs.This approach allows you to choose the most effective method of treatment.In addition, the patient should not forget about the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to regularly disinfect the shoes, and wash the socks at high temperatures and iron them on the wrong side.