Onychomycosis of the big toe is a common occurrence.Being the largest in the area, the nail of this finger very 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 some conditions under which fungus on the big toe appears:
- 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 occurs when a person suffers from inflammatory diseases or endocrine disorders.
- Nail injuries.Violation of the integrity of the nail plate can trigger the development of fungi.These same reasons include damage caused by wearing very tight shoes or cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.This can be due to both endocrine disorders and poor-quality shoes.But it can also be a congenital characteristic.
- Trophic changes in the skin, which are typical for older people.Because of them, the percentage of fungal infections among the elderly and senile people 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 significantly when visiting places with high humidity (pools, bathrooms, saunas, etc.) without shoes.
Signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus will not attract the attention of an infected person, as it has no symptoms.In rare cases, mild itching, mild burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause any concern to the patient.
Symptoms intensify as the mycelium grows.The structure changes.The nail becomes dull and brittle.Its plate becomes covered with spots and stripes, the color of which may vary depending on the type of causative agent of the disease.Photos of nail fungus on the big toe will help determine who exactly "settled" on it.
The affected nails are characterized by a thickening of the plaque and the growth of its corners into the roller.Then it deforms under the influence of the fungus.The following signals appear:
- pain during movement (when walking);
- The big toe becomes red and swollen;
- purulent exudate is released from under the corners of the nail plate.
As the fungi complete 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 rashes such as hives;
- functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- symptoms of intoxication.
The entry path of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has penetrated through the roller, the nail undergoes dystrophic changes.And if the free edge becomes the entrance door, the pathogen settles under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
Treatment of fungus on the big toenail will depend on the stage of the process, of which there are only three:
- Initial.
- Intensive (Progressive).
- Neglected (destructive).
Initial
This phase is characterized by normotrophic damage.The nails appear healthy, but upon careful examination, small spots or stripes of a whitish or yellowish tint are revealed.There may be destruction of the nail along the edge or in the center.The straightener loses its shine and becomes dull.At this stage it is easier to eliminate the fungus.
Intensive (Progressive)
This phase is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The plates change color and configuration.The pathogen spreading over the entire surface makes them thickened and loose.The toes look injured.The edge of the nail crumbles and breaks.There is an unpleasant odor coming from the feet.
It is more difficult to cure second stage fungus.Use local external antifungal drugs and tablets in case of low immunity.
Neglected (destructive)
The nail loses what remains of its healthy appearance, crumbles and detaches from its bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to surrounding tissues and pain appears in the finger.The fight against the 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 medicines of various forms of release, as well as folk recipes, have been used.
The following groups of drugs are used:
- Tablets.
- Lucky.
- Ointments.
- Solutions.
- Plasters.
- Gel.
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 drugs that can be purchased without a prescription.All of them are applied both to the nail itself and to the surrounding tissues after preliminary cleansing of the feet.The standard frequency of application of these products is 1-2 times within 24 hours.
Note!
Treatment of thumbnail fungus lasts from several months to a year.It depends on how serious the disease process is.
Lucky
An effective remedy in the fight against fungi is antifungal nail polish.Contains ciclopiroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used if the nail plate is damaged no more than a third and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This treatment method is effective when the nail is not hypertrophic.
- The paint should be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before application, the part of the nail affected by the fungus is removed with a file and degreased with alcohol.
- At the next use, remove paint residues with a swab soaked in alcohol and clean the plate again from the damaged areas.
The varnish destroys fungal spores by penetrating deep into the nail structure.The drugs have a high penetrating power and are destructive to many types of fungi.
Important!
The varnish is applied until a completely healthy nail plate grows on the finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many external antifungal agents found on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Antifungal ointment, like gel and cream, is applied to a well-cleaned or, better yet, steamed surface.
Important!
It is necessary to treat both thumb and all other nails with external means.And also on the little finger.This is done to prevent the spread of the infection.
Preparations for internal use
Only a doctor can choose the right drugs for oral administration.Many of these drugs have entire lists of restrictions and contraindications.Treatment of nail fungus with tablets is contraindicated in people with a history of kidney and liver disease, as well as pregnant women and children.The course of treatment with tablets varies from 2 to 6 months.The doctor develops the dosage regimen.
Traditional medicine recipes
The fungus can be treated with folk remedies in addition to the main therapeutic regimen or in the very early stages of the disease.They help, first of all, to remove its manifestations, and without drug therapy, onychomycosis returns again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix honey and freshly squeezed onion juice in equal parts and lubricate the nails of the thumb and all other fingers once before going to bed until a healthy nail grows completely.Store the mixture in the refrigerator in a glass container.The treatment period is 4-12 months.
- Grind the thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 60 minutes.Dip a bandage in the dye and apply 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 on your nails using tape.Leave the compress overnight for best results.
- Cook your feet in hot water, dry your nails and apply a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape off the softened areas and lubricate the nails with an antifungal agent.
The key to successful therapy
In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, some simple rules must be followed:
- During treatment, do not visit swimming pools, saunas and other places where the microclimate is humid and hot.
- Treat all shoes regularly with antifungal drugs (sprays).
- Change your socks four times a day.Used steam must be disinfected.
- Under no circumstances should you skip medications or procedures.Strictly follow your doctor's instructions.
- Timely get rid of overgrown plaques, as they prevent the penetration of drugs.