The fungus of the human nail plate on the hands and feet is quite common.Onychomycosis refers to the effect on the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) by a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.The treatment itself causes many problems: the need for regular therapeutic procedures, the possibility of surgical intervention, a long recovery period and the likelihood of relapse.Adherence to preventive measures reduces the likelihood of infection, but does not guarantee complete safety against the fungus.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease
Big toe nail fungus increased vitality.It remains outside the human body for a long time.The floor, sports and shower mats, banquettes, benches, and shoes make up the so-called "waiting area".In a favorable environment (high humidity, warmth, microcracks, calluses and the presence of corns on the lower limbs), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissues and begins to multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of fungus, quickly defeats foreign bodies.In a weakened state, the defense is not so successful.The reasons for the reduction of protective forces are different:
- Non-compliance with hygiene regulations.
- Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Presence of skin damage in the area of fingers and toes.
- Presence of dermatological diseases.
- Increased sweating of the lower limbs.
- Orthopedic pathologies.
- Failure of the metabolic process.
- Varicose veins
- HIV-positive reaction and immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Inappropriate shoes made of poor quality materials.
Contact with the carrier of the infection is not the last place in the infection process.Personal items of the infected person (towel, slippers, manicure scissors) are the conductors of the fungus.The immediate environment of the patient is at greatest risk.
Older people are more susceptible to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Violation 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
The symptoms of the disease are a burning sensation and itching at the site of the fungal invasion.The skin of the big toe and the surface of the foot are covered with blisters, which, when ruptured, cause scaly cracks and small ulcers.After that, the fungus moves to the sublingual space, which contains nutrients that promote 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 toenails are another symptom of infection.This is how the deformation of the horn plate manifests itself.Pain occurs when walking, which can cause suppuration.As the disease progresses, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, is covered with spots or stripes of yellow, brown, black shades, becomes brittle and fragile.Without treatment, the big toe nail will die and separate from the nail bed.
The type of lesions is influenced by the strains of the infecting flora.The yeast changes the appearance of the pad and colors the miniature with yellow, brown tones and then separates.Dermatophytes are characterized by predominantly yellowish spots or longitudinal stripes appearing on the edges and in the middle of the nail.Mold manifests itself in shades ranging from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide toenail diseases into types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: the condition is unchanged, the first signs appear on the surface: white to yellow streaks or spots.After that, the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (gray-brown), loss of light, dullness, thickening and deformation, mainly partial destruction at the edges.
- Onycholytic.It is characterized by dull brown-gray discoloration of the affected nail, which covers it with loose layers, hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and shedding.The maximum danger is the mass spillage of microorganisms on the floor surface of the used rooms.
The fungus does not only damage the big toenail.The released toxins enter the lymphatic system as a result of the vital activity of the fungus, provoking allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), aggravating the causes of gastrointestinal disorders, and signs of poisoning appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its types
The main treatment of nail fungus of the thumb is complex therapy, which combines the methods of local-external and course approaches.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 neglect and complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At the very beginning, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicinal varnishes with a special composition against the spread of nail fungus are sold in the over-the-counter sections of pharmacies.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 obligatory presence of ointment, spray or cream.As with varnishes, the treatment must begin with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum cutting of the nail, thinning with a file, degreasing.The product is used once or twice a day for 2-12 months.In order to avoid a relapse, it is recommended to take the medication for another two weeks after recovery.
Ointments are used depending on the stage of the infection.They contain different ingredients: ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a special drug is selected for the patient that destroys the fungus.Based on the results, terbinafine derivatives were recognized as the most successful.The destruction is aimed at the membranes of the fungal strains, which leads to the destruction of the latter from the inside.
When removing the diseased nail from the big toe, apply a poultice with a solution to soften it.Other drugs (5 percent salicylic ointment) are also used for this purpose.
Internal medicine (tablet)
Complex treatment is prescribed for the onycholytic type of the disease.In addition to external procedures, systemic antifungal tablets must be taken.Special attention should be paid to oral medications, as there are limitations and contraindications to their use.Only a dermatologist will correctly select a drug that suppresses the fungus.
Dosage involves taking one tablet once a day or once a week for 2-6 months.
Recipes of traditional medicine
In the normotrophic stage, the folk recipes have worked.Self-treatment of the fungus can be done at home without expensive medicines without harming the general health of the person.
Iodine therapy
- For a week, the affected thumbnail is smeared with a cotton ball twice a day.Then you need to take a break for the same period and repeat the procedure in the same order until the fungus disappears.
- Pour three liters of hot water into the container and add eight drops of alcoholic tincture of iodine.After bathing, the steamed plate is cut off, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide, and an antibacterial medicated bandage is applied.The procedure should be done every day until the skin is renewed.
Vinegar tricks
- In a glass bowl, mix equal parts table vinegar, glycerin and water.Apply the poultice for 20 minutes in the morning and evening, daily, until the nail is completely replaced.
- Dilute two parts water and one part 9% table vinegar in a bowl.Soak the affected limb for 15 minutes, then trim and file the affected nail as much as possible.Do it every day for 2 weeks in a row until the stratum corneum is renewed.