Human nail plate fungus on hands and feet is quite widespread.Onychomycosis means an impact on the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) through a parasitic fungus, followed by its 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 against the fungus.
Factors that contribute to the disease.
Nail fungus on the big toe has increased vitality.It remains outside the human body for a long time.Floors, sports and shower mats, benches, benches and shoes represent the so-called “waiting place”.Once in a favorable environment (high humidity, heat, presence of microcracks, calluses and calluses on the lower extremities), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissues and begins to multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents fungal growth and quickly defeats foreign bodies.In a weakened state, protection is not as successful.The reasons that reduce protective forces are different:
- Failure to comply with hygiene standards.
- Alterations in the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Presence of skin damage in the area of the 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 custom chosen.
Not the last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of this infection.The infected person's personal objects (towel, slippers, manicure scissors) act as conductors of the fungus.The patient's immediate environment is at greater risk.
Older people are more vulnerable to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Violations of the circulatory system and weakening of the protective function contribute to the penetration of the fungus.The problem rarely affects children.
Symptoms and development.
Symptoms of the disease are burning sensation and itching at the site of fungal invasion.The skin on the big toe and the surface of the foot becomes covered with blisters that, when broken, form areas of scaly cracks and small ulcers.Subsequently, the fungus passes into the subungual space, which contains nutrients that help 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 corners of the big toenail are additional symptoms of infection.This is how the deformation of the corneal plate manifests itself.Pain occurs when walking, which can cause suppuration.With further development of the disease, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, becomes covered with spots or stripes of yellow, brown and black shades, becomes brittle and brittle.Without treatment, the big toe nail is destroyed 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 pad and colors the nail in yellow and brown tones, followed by its separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of longitudinal spots or stripes of predominantly yellowish tinges along the edges and center of the nail.Mold appears in a tone that ranges 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: stripes or spots from white to yellow.Afterwards, the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (grayish brown), loss of gloss, dullness, thickening and deformation with partial destruction occurs mainly at the edges.
- Onycholytic.It is characterized by an opaque grayish-brown discoloration of the affected nail, covering it with loose layers of hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and rejection.The maximum danger is due to the massive spill of microorganisms on the floor of the premises in use.
The fungus damages more than just the big toenail.The toxins released, as a result of the vital activity of the fungus, enter the lymphatic system, causing the appearance of allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), aggravating the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and signs of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its varieties.
The main treatment for nail fungus of the thumb is a complex therapy that combines methods of local-external and course approach.It is selected 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 carelessness and complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At first, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicated varnishes of 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 the fungus.
The damaged area is treated with the mandatory presence of an ointment, spray or cream.It is necessary to start treatment, as with varnishes, with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum trimming of the nail, thinning with a file, degreasing.It is planned to use the product once or twice a day for 2 to 12 months.To avoid relapses, it is recommended to continue using the medications for two weeks after recovery.
Ointments are used depending on the stage of infection.They contain different components: cyclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a specific drug that destroys the fungus is selected for the patient.According to the results, terbinafine derivatives were recognized as the most successful.The destruction targets the membranes of the fungal strains, which leads to the destruction of the latter from the inside.
When it is necessary to remove a diseased nail from the big toe, apply a compress with a solution to soften it.Other drugs (5 percent salicylic ointment) are also used for this purpose.
Internal medicine (tablets)
For the onycholytic type of the disease, complex treatment is prescribed.Along with external procedures, it is necessary to take systemic antifungal tablets.Special attention is required with oral medications, as there are restrictions and contraindications for use.Only a dermatologist will correctly select a drug that suppresses the fungus.
Dosing involves using one tablet once a day or once a week, for 2 to 6 months.
traditional medicine recipes
In the normotrophic stage, folk recipes have proven themselves well.At home, it is possible to do without expensive medications, treating the fungus yourself without harming the general health of a person.
Iodotherapy
- For a week, the affected nail on the thumb is smeared with a cotton swab twice a day.After which a pause is made for the same period, and the procedure is repeated again in the same sequence until the fungus is eliminated.
- Three liters of hot water are poured into the container and eight drops of alcoholic tincture of iodine are added.After the bath, the plate is steamed off, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide, and a bandage with antibacterial medication is applied.The procedure should be done 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, daily 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.Perform every day for 2 weeks in a row until the stratum corneum is renewed.