Fungi on the human nail plate of the hands and feet are quite widespread.Onychomycosis means an impact on the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) by a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.This causes many problems 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
Fungus on the nails of the big toe increases 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, heat, the presence of microcracks, calluses and calluses on the lower extremities), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissues and begins 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 for the reduction of defense forces are different:
- Non-compliance with hygiene standards.
- Disorders 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 of low-quality materials, not selected to measure.
Not the last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of this infection.The personal belongings (towel, slippers, manicure scissors) of the infected person act as conduits for the fungus.The patient's immediate environment is at greatest risk.
Older people are more vulnerable to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Disorders 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 of the big toe and the surface of the foot becomes covered with blisters, which when burst form areas with scaly cracks and small ulcers.Subsequently, the fungus moves to the subungual space, which contains nutrients supporting 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 toenail corners are additional symptoms of infection.This is how the deformation of the horn plate is manifested.Pain occurs when walking, which can provoke suppuration.As the disease progresses, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes matte, thickens significantly, is covered with spots or stripes of yellow, brown, black shades and becomes brittle and fragile.Without treatment, the big toe nail breaks down and separates 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 shedding.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of spots or longitudinal stripes with a predominantly yellowish hue on the edges and center of the nail.Mold manifests itself in shades ranging from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide toenail diseases into types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: the condition remains the same, the first signs appear on the surface: streaks or spots from white to yellow.Subsequently, the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (grey-brown) there is loss of luster, dullness, thickening and deformation with partial destruction mainly at the edges.
- Onycholithic.It is characterized by a dull brown-gray coloring of the affected nail, covering it with loose layers with hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and rejection.There is a maximum danger due to the mass spillage of microorganisms on the floor surfaces of the rooms in use.
Fungi damage not only the toenail.Released toxins, as a result of the vital activity of fungi, enter the lymphatic system, provoking the appearance of allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), worsening the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, and signs of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its varieties
The main treatment of the fungus on the nails of the thumb is complex therapy, combining methods of local-external and course approach.It is chosen 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 with 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 ointment, 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 a file, degreasing.The product is intended to be used once or twice daily for 2 to 12 months.To avoid relapse, it is recommended to continue using the drugs for two weeks after recovery.
Ointments are used depending on the stage of the infection.They contain different components: cyclopyroxolamine, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a specific drug that destroys the fungus 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 sick toenail, make a compress with a softening solution.Other drugs (5% salicylic ointment) are also used for this purpose.
Internal Medicine (pills)
Complex treatment is prescribed for onycholytic type of disease.Along with external procedures, it is necessary to take systemic antifungal tablets.Special care is required with oral medications, as there are limitations and contraindications for use.Only a dermatologist will choose the right drug that suppresses the fungus.
The dosage includes the use of one tablet once a day or once a week for 2-6 months.
Recipes from traditional medicine
At the normotrophic stage, folk recipes have proven themselves.At home, it is possible to do without expensive drugs by self-treating the fungus without harming a person's general health.
Iodine therapy
- For one week, the affected nail is smeared with a cotton swab twice a day.After that, a break is made for the same period and the procedure is repeated again in the same sequence until the fungus disappears.
- Three liters of hot water are poured into the vessel, eight drops of alcohol tincture of iodine are added.After the bath, the steam plate is cut off, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide, and a bandage with an antibacterial drug is applied.The procedure should be carried out every day until the skin is renewed.
Tricks with vinegar
- 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 file the affected nail as much as possible.Do every day for 2 weeks in a row until the stratum corneum is renewed.