Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plate.This infection can appear on any nail, but most often the first toe is affected.If the disease is not treated, the infection will spread further, affecting the remaining nail.If nail fungus is detected on the big toe, the treatment will be long-term, but the course must be completed to the end to reduce the risk of relapse.
In the first stage, onychomycosis is considered by many people as an aesthetic problem.This disease does not cause any discomfort, but the appearance of the affected nail changes.
But if the disease is not treated, it will develop, and physical discomfort will join aesthetic problems.Let's figure out what symptoms will 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 swimming pool or sauna.
The fact is that the pathogen that causes onychomycosis multiplies quickly in a moist and warm environment.Therefore, showers and swimming pools are the easiest places to "catch" fungus.
Advice!Another place where you can easily get infected is a manicure and pedicure salon, if the staff is careless in disinfecting the tools and equipment.
Fungus enters the body especially easily if there is damage to the skin - abrasions, scratches.For this reason, the infection most often affects the big toe, because this place on the foot is often damaged when wearing shoes that are too tight.
Factors that contribute to the development of the disease
Everyone can encounter pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in every case.The spread of pathogens is prevented by the body's immune system.But when the immune system is weakened, the disease will begin to develop.The following factors contribute to the development of the disease:
- hormonal imbalance and pathology of the hormonal system;
- primary or secondary immunodeficiency;
- injuries to the nail and the skin around it;
- peripheral circulatory disorders;
- various dermatological diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.;
- chronic diseases caused by the immune system not working at full strength;
- flat feet;
- increased sweating and diaper rash that occurs as a result.
Advice!Not only diseases, but also certain habits contribute to the development of fungal infections.For example, wearing shoes that are too tight, choosing socks and shoes made of artificial materials, and insufficient hygiene.
According to medical statistics, risk groups for the development of onychomycosis on the big toe include:
- parents;
- visitors to public gyms, swimming pools, baths;
- cosmetologist;
- medical staff;
- people who sweat excessively.
Signs
The effectiveness of treating toenail fungus largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking adequate measures as soon as the first symptoms appear, then overcoming the disease will be quite easy.If the process is initiated, treatment will require patience and time.This course can last more than six months.
The specialty of this disease is that in the early stages the symptoms are subtle.Indeed, some people will sound the alarm when they see a small spot on the first toenail.Many are not aware of such changes or, even if they have noticed, do not pay attention to such symptoms, because physical discomfort does not arise at this stage.
But if there is no treatment, the process will grow and develop.Small spots will begin to grow, changing the appearance of the plate completely.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and also spread to other fingers.You can suspect fungus if the following symptoms appear;
- white or yellowish spot on the nail, often in the early stages it is 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, lost its smoothness, and grooves have appeared on it;
- the nail has become very brittle, the part that grows back crumbles and breaks off.
Advice!The signs listed do not allow for an unambiguous diagnosis.If you suspect fungus, you need to get tested.This will not only identify the presence of the pathogen, but also determine its type.
level
As already mentioned, the development of nail fungus on the thumb occurs gradually.The speed of development of the process depends on the type of fungus.Onychomycosis, which is caused by a fungal infection such as yeast, develops the fastest.It is customary to distinguish three levels:
- The beginning.At this stage, the signs are weakly expressed;the main symptom is the appearance of spots or stripes on the nails that are different in color from the main tone of the nails.
- Simple.At this stage, the entire plate changes color and loses its smoothness.At this stage, an unpleasant foot odor may appear.
- Launched.The lesions began to spread to other nails, and the thumbnail began to deteriorate.Nowadays, bacterial infections are often associated with onychomycosis, causing inflammation and pus on the skin of the fingers.
How to treat?
Fungal infections are difficult to treat.Many patients who self-medicate do not achieve the desired results, but only provoke the disease.Therefore, it is better not to try to cure yourself, but to consult a dermatologist.
After the test, the specialist will choose the most effective drug in the fight against the pathogen.After all, there are many different types of fungus, so there is no single treatment regimen.In addition, when prescribing a treatment regimen, the stage of development of the process must be taken into account.
Treatment of onychomycosis should be comprehensive.Specialists will prescribe products for external use, systemic drugs (tablets) that help treat infections from the inside, as well as products to support the immune system and generally strengthen the body.
Lucky
This is a very easy treatment to use.Colorless varnish and with the addition of coloring pigments.The last option will definitely be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish to the previously prepared plate.You need to wash your feet and take a hot shower to soften the nails.Then remove the top layer from the diseased nail using a disposable nail file.
Varnish is used not only on diseased nails, but also on healthy ones, this is done to prevent the spread of infection.The frequency of application depends on the type of preparation;varnish should be used until the nail is completely renewed.
Ointments and solutions
External treatment products are also produced in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before using the product, do the same preparation as before using the varnish.Treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
Doctors should prescribe drugs for external treatment, because 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, along with external treatment, to use drugs taken orally.As a rule, they contain the same active ingredients as topical agents.
Taking antifungal tablets puts pressure on the liver, so it is not prescribed in a long course.To achieve results, pulse therapy is used.Medicines are taken in short courses, repeated periodically until recovery is complete.This approach allows you to reduce the burden on the liver and achieve an effective effect on 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 treatment path.In addition, the patient must not forget the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to always disinfect shoes, and wash socks at high temperatures and iron them on the wrong side.