Fungus of the human nail plate on the hands and feet is quite widespread.Onychomycosis means an effect on the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) through a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.It causes many problems and the treatment itself: the need for regular therapeutic procedures, the possibility of surgical intervention, a long recovery period and the possibility of relapse.Compliance with preventive measures will reduce the possibility of infection, but does not guarantee complete safety from the fungus.
Factors that contribute to the disease
Big toenail 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 areas".Once in a favorable environment (high humidity, warmth, the presence of microcracks, calluses and corns on the bottom of the feet), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissue and begins to multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of fungi, quickly defeating foreign bodies.In weak conditions, protection is not very successful.The reasons that reduce the protective power are different:
- Failure to comply with hygiene standards.
- Disorders in the function of the endocrine system.
- The presence of skin damage in the area of the fingers and toes.
- The presence of dermatological diseases.
- Increased sweating on the lower legs.
- Orthopedic pathology.
- Failure of metabolic processes.
- Varicose veins
- HIV positive reaction and immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Shoes are made of low quality materials, not selected for fit.
Not the last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of this infection.Personal items (towels, slippers, manicure scissors) of the infected person act as conductors of the fungus.The immediate environment of the patient is at the greatest risk.
Older people are more susceptible to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Violations of the circulatory system and weak protective functions contribute to the penetration of fungi.The problem rarely occurs in children.
Symptoms and development
Symptoms of this 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.After that, the fungus moves to the subungual space, which contains nutrients that help the development of the mycelium of the parasitic fungus.The result of the release of certain enzymes is the gradual destruction of nail components.
An ingrown toenail is an additional symptom of infection.This is how the deformation of the horny plate manifests itself.Pain occurs when walking, which can trigger suppuration.With the further development of this disease, nails lose their original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, becomes covered with spots or stripes of yellow, brown, black color, and becomes brittle and fragile.Without treatment, the nail on the big toe is destroyed and separated from the nail bed.
The type of lesion is influenced by the strain of the infecting flora.Yeast fungi change the appearance of the cushions and color the thumbnails in yellow, brown, followed by their separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of spots or longitudinal strips that are mostly yellowish along the edges and middle of the nail.Mold manifests itself in shades ranging from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide toenail diseases into types:
- Normotropic.Mild symptoms: conditions remain the same, the first signs appear on the surface: stripes or spots from white to yellow.After that, the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (grey brown), there is loss of luster, dullness, thickening and deformation with partial destruction especially at the edges.
- Onycholytic.It is characterized by dull brown-gray staining of the affected nail, covering it with a loose layer of hyperkeratotic nature, atrophy and rejection.There is maximum danger due to the massive spillage of microorganisms onto the floor surface of the premises in use.
Fungus does more than just a big toenail.Toxins released, as a result of the vital activity of fungi, enter the lymphatic system, causing the appearance of allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), worsening the cause of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, and signs of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its types
The main treatment for nail fungus on the thumb is complex therapy, combining local-external approaches and courses.It is selected by dermatologists taking into account the stage of disease progression, 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 first, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicated varnish of a special composition against the spread of nail fungus is sold in the pharmacy department sold over the counter.Penetrating into the structure of the nail plate, they have an antiseptic effect, soften the stratum corneum and destroy infectious spores, destroying fungal mycelium.
The damaged area is treated with the mandatory presence of ointment, spray or cream.It is necessary to start the treatment, as with varnish, with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum trimming of nails, thinning with a file, degreasing.It is intended to use the product once or twice a day for 2 to 12 months.To prevent relapse, it is recommended to continue using the drug for two weeks after recovery.
Ointment is 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 of terbinafine are recognized as the most successful.Destruction is aimed at the membrane of the fungal strain, which leads to the destruction of the latter from the inside.
When it is necessary to remove the diseased nail on the big toe, use a compress with a solution to soften it.Another medicine (salicylic ointment 5 percent) is also used for this purpose.
Internal medicine (tablets)
For types of onycholytic diseases, complex treatment is prescribed.Along with external procedures, it is necessary to take systemic antifungal tablets.With oral drugs, special attention is needed, because there are restrictions and contraindications for use.Only a dermatologist will choose a medicine that blocks the fungus properly.
Dosage involves the use of one tablet once a day or once a week, for 2-6 months.
Traditional medicinal recipes
At the normotrophic stage, folk recipes have proven themselves.At home, it is possible to do without expensive drugs by treating the fungus independently without harming one's general health.
Iodotherapy
- For a week, the affected thumbnail is wiped with cotton twice a day.After that 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 is poured into the container, eight drops of alcohol tincture of iodine are added.After bathing, steamed plates are cut, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide, and bandages with antibacterial drugs are applied.This procedure should be done every day until the skin is renewed.
The vinegar trick
- 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, dissolve two parts water and one part 9% table vinegar.Soak the affected limb for 15 minutes, then cut and file the affected nail as much as possible.Do it every day for 2 consecutive weeks until the stratum corneum is renewed.