Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plates.This infection can appear on any nail, but the first toes are most often affected.If the disease is not treated, the infection will continue to spread and affect the remaining nails.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 relapses.
In the first stages, many people perceive onychomycosis as an aesthetic problem.The disease does not cause discomfort, but the appearance of the affected nail changes.
But if the disease is not treated, it progresses, and physical discomfort joins aesthetic problems.Let's see what symptoms may indicate onychomycosis and how to treat it.
Why does the disease develop?
Onychomycosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms - fungi.You can get infected by trying on someone else's shoes or walking barefoot on the floor in a pool or sauna.
The fact is that nail fungus pathogens multiply quickly in a moist and warm environment.Therefore, spas and swimming pools are the places where it is easiest to "catch" the fungus.
Advice!Another place where you can easily get infected are manicure and pedicure salons, if the staff carelessly disinfects tools and equipment.
The fungus penetrates the body especially easily if there are skin injuries - abrasions, scratches.For this reason, the infection most often affects the big toe, as this area of the foot is often injured when wearing shoes that are too tight.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease
Everyone can encounter the pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in all cases.The spread of the pathogen is counterbalanced by the body's immune system.But as the immune system weakens, the disease begins to progress.The following factors contribute to the development of the disease:
- hormonal imbalance and pathologies of the hormonal system;
- primary or secondary immunodeficiency;
- injuries to the nail and the skin around it;
- peripheral circulation disorders;
- various dermatological diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.;
- chronic diseases due to which the immune system does not work at full strength;
- flat feet;
- increased sweating and resulting diaper rash.
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 poor hygiene.
According to medical statistics, the risk group for the development of onychomycosis of the big toe includes:
- old people;
- visitors to public gyms, swimming pools, spas;
- cosmeticians;
- medical staff;
- sufferers of excessive sweating.
Signs
The effectiveness of the treatment of the fungus on the nail of the big toe largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking appropriate measures immediately when the first symptoms appear, it will be relatively easy to cope with the disease.Once the process starts, treatment requires patience and time.The course can last more than six months.
The peculiarity of this disease is that in its early stages the symptoms are subtle.In fact, few people are alarmed when they see a small spot on the nail of the first toe.Many people simply do not notice such changes, or if they do, they do not pay attention to such symptoms, because at this stage there is no physical discomfort.
But in the absence of treatment, the process develops and progresses.A small spot begins to grow, completely changing the appearance of the disc.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and 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 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 changed, became thicker, lost its smoothness, and grooves appeared on it;
- the nails have become very fragile, the part that has grown back crumbles and breaks off.
Advice!The listed signs do not allow for a clear diagnosis.If you suspect fungus, you should get it checked out.This not only identifies the presence of the pathogen, but also determines its type.
Stadiums
As already mentioned, nail fungus of the thumb develops gradually.The speed of development of the process depends on the type of fungus.Onychomycosis, caused by infection with yeast-like fungi, develops most rapidly.Three stages are usually distinguished:
- Initial.At this stage, the signs are weakly expressed;the main symptom is the appearance of spots or stripes on the nail, the color of which differs from the main tone of the nail.
- Moderate.At this stage, the entire plate changes color and loses its smoothness.An unpleasant foot odor may occur at this stage.
- It started.The damage begins to spread to other nails and the index image begins to deteriorate.At this time, bacterial infections are often associated with nail fungus, which causes inflammation and suppuration on the skin of the fingers.
How should it be treated?
Fungal infection is difficult to treat.Many self-healing patients 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 selects the drugs that are most effective in the fight against the pathogen.After all, there are different types of mushrooms, so there is no uniform treatment regimen.In addition, the level of development of the process should be taken into account when prescribing the treatment regimen.
Treatment of onychomycosis should be comprehensive.The specialist prescribes preparations for external use, systemic medicines (tablets) that help treat the infection from the inside, and products that support the immune system and strengthen the body in general.
Lucky
This is a very easy to use treatment.Lacquers are colorless and with the addition of coloring pigments.The last option will undoubtedly be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish to a previously prepared plate.You should wash your feet and take a hot bath to soften the nails.Then remove the top layer from the diseased nail using a disposable nail file.
The varnish is applied not only to the sick nail, but also to the healthy one, thereby preventing the spread of the infection.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 an ointment or solution (spray).Before applying the product, do the same preparation as before varnishing.The treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
The doctor must prescribe medicine for external treatment, since different medicines are active against different groups of pathogens.Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications:
Tablets
In advanced stages, oral medications should be used together with external treatment.They usually contain the same active ingredients as topical agents.
Taking antifungal pills puts a strain on the liver, so they are not prescribed in long courses.Pulse therapy is used to achieve results.Medicines are taken in short, periodically repeated courses until complete recovery.This approach makes it possible to reduce the load on the liver and achieve an effective effect of the pathogenic microflora.
So, only after an examination by a dermatologist can you answer the question of how to cure nail fungus.During the analysis, the type of pathogen is identified, as well as its sensitivity to various types of drugs.This approach makes it possible to choose the most effective treatment method.In addition, the patient should not forget about the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to regularly disinfect shoes, wash socks at high temperatures and iron them on the wrong side.