Onychomycosis of the big toe is a common occurrence.Being the largest on the surface, the nail of this finger most often attracts a fungal infection, which creates an environment for nutrition and development, destroying the structure of the nail tissue.Treating toenail fungus at home requires patience and care.
Causes
Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.There are several conditions in which the fungus appears on the thumb:
- Contact with a sick person.It is unacceptable to share shoes, towels and other household items with an infected person.
- Weakening of the body's immune system.This happens when a person suffers from inflammatory diseases or endocrine disorders.
- Nail injuries.Violation of the integrity of the nail plate can cause the development of fungus.The same reasons include damage caused by wearing too tight shoes or cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.This may be due to endocrine disorders and poor quality shoes.But it can also be an inborn trait.
- Trophic changes of the skin, which are many of the elderly.Because of them, the percentage of fungal infections in the elderly and the elderly is much higher.
- Flat feet can also be a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
- Insufficient foot hygiene or its complete absence.
Important!
The risk of fungal infection increases greatly when visiting places with high humidity (swimming pools, baths, saunas, etc.) without shoes.
Signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus will not attract the attention of an infected person, as there are no symptoms.In rare cases, slight itching, slight burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause any inconvenience to the patient.
Symptoms intensify as the mycelium grows.The structure changes.The nail becomes dull and brittle.Its plate is covered with spots and stripes, the color of which can change depending on the type of causative agent of the disease.Pictures of nail fungus on the thumb will help determine who exactly "settled" on it.
Affected nails are characterized by the thickening of the plate and the growth of its corners in the roller.So it is deformed under the influence of fungi.The following signs appear:
- pain during movement (when walking);
- The thumb becomes red and swollen;
- purulent exudate is released from under the corners of the nail plate.
As the fungi go through their life cycle in the nail plate, they release toxins that enter the vessels of the lymphatic system and spread throughout the body.Under the influence of these substances occur:
- skin rash such as hives;
- functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- symptoms of intoxication.
The entry route of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has penetrated through the roller, then the nail undergoes dystrophic changes.And if the free edge becomes the gateway, then the pathogen settles under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
Treatment of toenail fungus will depend on the stage of the process, of which there are only three:
- Beginner.
- Intensive (Progressive).
- Neglected (Destructive).
Novices
This phase is characterized by normotrophic damage.The nails look healthy, but upon careful examination, small spots or streaks of a white or yellow color are revealed.There may be destruction of the nail along the edge or in the center.The plate loses its luster and becomes dull.At this stage it is easier to get rid of the fungus.
Intensive (Progressive)
This phase is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The tiles change color and configuration.The pathogen that spreads over the entire surface makes them thick and loose.The toes look like they are hurt.The edge of the nail crumbles and breaks.There is an unpleasant smell coming from the feet.
It is more difficult to cure the fungus of the second stage.Use topical antifungal drugs and tablets in case of low immunity.
neglected (destructive)
Thoi loses what remains of his healthy appearance, crumbles and undresses from his bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to the surrounding tissues and pain appears in the finger.Fighting fungus at this stage requires only comprehensive measures.
Methods for the treatment of onychomycosis
How and with what to treat the fungus on the thumb is best determined by a dermatologist.And even if you decide to use traditional methods for treatment, you must first make sure that your fingers are affected by the fungus.In the treatment of fungal infections, a large number of drugs of different forms of release, as well as folk recipes, are used.
The following groups of drugs are used:
- Tablets.
- With luck.
- Ointments.
- The solutions.
- Plaster.
- Jelly.
Surgical methods are used in advanced cases.Laser therapy is also widely used.
Application of external agents
Products intended for external use against fungal infections are sold in pharmacies and belong to the category of medications available without a doctor's prescription.All of them are applied both to the nail itself and to the surrounding tissues after preliminary cleaning of the feet.The standard frequency of application of these products is 1-2 times within 24 hours.
Note!
Treatment of toenail fungus lasts from several months to a year.It depends on how severe the pathological process is.
With luck
An effective remedy in the fight against fungus is antifungal nail polish.It contains ciclopiroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used if the nail plate is damaged no more than one third and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This treatment method is effective when the nails are not hypertrophied.
- The spray should be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before application, the part of the nail affected by the fungus is removed using a file and smeared with alcohol.
- The next time you use it, remove the remaining varnish with an alcohol-soaked swab and clean the plate again from the damaged areas.
The spray destroys mold spores by penetrating deep into the nail structure.The drugs have high penetrating power and are destructive to many types of fungi.
Important!
Varnish is applied until a completely healthy nail plate grows on the finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many topical antifungal agents available on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Anti-fungal ointments, such as gels and creams, are applied to a well-cleaned, or better yet, steamed surface.
Important!
It is necessary to treat the nail plates of the thumb and all others with external means.And even on the little finger.This is done to prevent the spread of infection.
Preparations for internal use
Only a doctor can choose the right medications for oral administration.Many of these drugs have entire lists of restrictions and contraindications.Treatment of nail fungus with tablets is contraindicated for people with a history of kidney and liver diseases, as well as for pregnant women and children.The course of treatment with tablets varies from 2 to 6 months.The doctor develops the dosage regimen.
Recipes of traditional medicine
Fungi can be treated with folk remedies in addition to the main treatment regimen or in the very early stages of the disease.They help, first of all, to remove its manifestations, and without pharmaceutical therapy, onychomycosis returns again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix honey and freshly squeezed onion juice in equal parts and apply it on the nails of your thumb and all other fingers once before going to bed until a healthy nail is fully grown.Keep the mixture in the refrigerator in a glass container.The duration of treatment is 4-12 months.
- Chop the thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 60 minutes.Soak a bandage in the solution and apply it to the nails for 2 hours.Repeat the treatment twice a day for three weeks.
- Iodine is added to water heated to 45°C at the rate of 3 drops per 1 liter of water.Keep your feet in the solution until it cools completely.After the bath, cut the damaged nail with scissors treated with hydrogen peroxide and apply a bandage with antifungal ointment.
- Pour boiling water over the lemon and stick the slices to your nails using duct tape.Leave the compress overnight for best results.
- Steam your feet in hot water, dry your nails and stick a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide to them for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape the softened areas and coat the nails with an antifungal agent.
The key to successful therapy
In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, you must follow some simple rules:
- While the treatment is ongoing, do not go to swimming pools, saunas and other places where the microclimate is humid and warm.
- Regularly treat all shoes with antifungal medication (spray).
- Change socks four times a day.The used steam must be disinfected.
- Under no circumstances should you skip medications or procedures.Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- Get rid of overcrowded plaques in a timely manner, as they prevent the penetration of medicines.