Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plates.This infection can appear on any nail, but most often the first toes are affected.If the disease is not treated, the infection will spread further and affect the rest of the nails.If big toe nail fungus is detected, the treatment will be long-term, but the treatment should be completed to the end to reduce the risk of relapse.
In the early stages, many people perceive onychomycosis as a cosmetic problem.The disease does not cause any discomfort, but changes the appearance of the affected nail.
But if the disease is not treated, it will progress and physical discomfort will be added to the 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 humid and warm environment.Therefore, bathrooms and swimming pools are the places where it is easiest to “catch” the fungus.
Advice!Another place where you can easily become infected is manicure and pedicure salons, if the staff is negligent in disinfecting tools and equipment.
The 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, as this place on the foot is often damaged when wearing shoes that are too tight.
Factors that contribute to the development of the disease.
Each person can encounter pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in all cases.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 imbalances and pathologies of the hormonal system;
- primary or secondary immunodeficiency;
- injuries to the nail and the skin surrounding it;
- peripheral circulatory disorders;
- various dermatological diseases: dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.;
- chronic diseases in which the immune system does not function 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, the risk group for the development of onychomycosis on the big toe includes:
- older people;
- visitors to public gyms, swimming pools, baths;
- cosmetologists;
- medical staff;
- people with excessive sweating.
Signs
The effectiveness of big toe nail fungus treatment largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking appropriate measures as soon as the first symptoms appear, it will be relatively easy to cope with the disease.If the process is started, the treatment will require patience and time.The course can last more than six months.
The peculiarity of this disease is that at an early stage the symptoms are subtle.In fact, few people will be alarmed to see a small spot on the nail of the first toe.Many simply do not notice such changes or, even having noticed them, do not pay attention to such symptoms, because at this stage physical discomfort does not arise.
But in the absence of treatment, the process will develop and progress.A small spot will begin to grow, completely changing the appearance of the plaque.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and also spread to other fingers.You can suspect a fungus if the following symptoms appear;
- White or yellowish spots on the nail, often at the initial stage they are located in the upper corner of the nail, but this is not necessary.The location depends on the place of introduction of the pathogenic microorganisms;
- the surface of the nail has changed, it has become thicker, it has lost its smoothness and grooves have appeared;
- the nails have become very brittle, the regrown part crumbles and breaks.
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 thumb nail fungus occurs gradually.The speed of development of the process depends on the type of fungus.Onychomycosis, caused by an infection with yeast-like fungi, progresses more rapidly.It is customary to distinguish three stages:
- Initial.At this stage, the signs are weakly expressed;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 foot odor may appear.
- Released.The lesion begins to spread to other nails and the thumbnail begins to deteriorate.At this time, bacterial infections are often associated with onychomycosis, causing inflammation and oozing of the skin on the fingers.
How to treat?
Fungal infection is difficult to treat.Many patients who self-medicate do not achieve the desired results, but only trigger the disease.Therefore, it is better not to try to cure yourself, but to consult a dermatologist.
After the tests, the specialist will select the medications that are most effective in combating the pathogen.After all, there are different types of fungus, so there is no one-size-fits-all treatment regimen.In addition, when prescribing a treatment regimen, the stage of development of the process must be taken into account.
The treatment of onychomycosis must be comprehensive.The specialist will prescribe products for external use, systemic medications (tablets) that help treat the infection from the inside, as well as products to support the immune system and strengthen the body as a whole.
luck
This is a very easy treatment to use.The varnishes are colorless and with the addition of coloring pigments.The last option, without a doubt, will be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish to a previously prepared plate.It is necessary to wash your foot and take a hot bath to soften your nails.Then remove the top layer of the diseased nail with a disposable nail file.
The varnish is applied not only to the diseased nail, but also to healthy ones, this is done to prevent the spread of infections.The frequency of application depends on the type of preparation;The 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 (aerosols).Before applying the product, carry out the same preparation as before applying the varnish.Treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
A doctor must prescribe a remedy for external treatment, since different drugs are active against different groups of pathogens.These are some of the most frequently prescribed medications:
tablets
In advanced stages, it is necessary, along with external treatment, to use oral medications.As a rule, they contain the same active ingredients as topical agents.
Taking antifungal tablets puts pressure on the liver, so they are not prescribed in long courses.To achieve results, pulse therapy is used.Medications are taken in short courses and periodically repeated until complete recovery.This approach allows you to reduce the load 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 route.In addition, the patient should not forget about the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to periodically disinfect shoes, wash socks at high temperatures and iron them inside out.