Onychomycosis of the big toe is a common occurrence.The nail of this finger, which is the largest in its area, attracts the most fungal infection, which creates an environment for nutrition and development, destroying the structure of the nail tissue.Treating nail fungus at home requires patience and care.
Reasons
Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.There are certain conditions under which the fungus appears on the big toe:
- Contact a sick person.It is not permissible to share shoes, towels and other household items with an infected person.
- Weakening of the body's immune system.This happens when a person suffers from inflammatory diseases or endocrine diseases.
- Nail injuries.Violation of the integrity of the nail plate can lead to the development of fungus.These same causes include damage caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.The reason for this can be both endocrine diseases and poor-quality shoes.But it can also be a congenital trait.
- Trophic skin changes, which are common in older people.According to them, the percentage of fungal infections is higher among the elderly and the elderly.
- Flat feet can also be a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
- Insufficient foot hygiene or its complete absence.
It is important!
When visiting places with high humidity (swimming pools, baths, saunas, etc.) without shoes, the risk of fungal infection increases greatly.
Signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus will not attract the attention of an infected person, because it has no symptoms.In rare cases, mild itching, burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause any discomfort to the patient.
Symptoms intensify as the mycelium grows.The structure changes.The nail becomes dull and brittle.Its plate is covered with spots and stripes, the color can change depending on the type of pathogen.Photos of nail fungus on the big toe will help determine who "settled" on it.
Affected nails are characterized by thickening of the plate and its corners entering the roller.Thus, it is deformed under the influence of the cork.The following symptoms appear:
- pain during movement (walking);
- The big toe is red and swollen;
- purulent exudate is released from under the corners of the nail plate.
As fungi go through 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, the following occurs:
- skin rashes such as urticaria;
- functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- signs of intoxication.
The way of entry of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has passed through the roll, the nail undergoes dystrophic changes.If the free edge becomes an entrance door, the pathogen is located under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
Treatment of toenail fungus will depend on the stage of the process, of which there are only three:
- Primary.
- Intensive (progressive).
- Careless (destructive).
Primary
This stage is characterized by normotrophic damage.The nails appear healthy, but on closer inspection, small whitish or yellowish spots or streaks are revealed.The nail can be destroyed on the edge or in the center.The plate loses its shine and becomes dull.It is easiest to get rid of the fungus at this stage.
Intensive (progressive)
This stage is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The tiles change color and configuration.The pathogen spreading over the entire surface thickens and loosens them.The toes appear to be injured.The edge of the nail collapses and breaks.An unpleasant smell comes from the feet.
Fungi in the second stage are more difficult to treat.In case of low immunity, use local external antifungal drugs and tablets.
careless (destructive)
The nail loses the remnants of its healthy appearance, crumbles and peels off from its bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to the surrounding tissues and pain appears in the finger.At this stage, the fight against the fungus requires only complex measures.
Methods of 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 should first make sure that your fingers are affected by the fungus.A large number of drugs of various release forms, as well as folk recipes, have been used in the treatment of fungal infections.
The following drug groups are used:
- Tablets.
- Lucky.
- Ointments.
- Solutions.
- Plasters.
- Come on.
In advanced cases, surgical methods are used.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 sold without a doctor's prescription.All of them are applied both to the nail itself and to the surrounding tissues after the initial cleaning of the feet.The standard application frequency of these products is 1-2 times in 24 hours.
Note!
The treatment of nail fungus on the thumb lasts from several months to a year.It depends on how severe the pathological process is.
Lucky
Antifungal nail polish is an effective tool in the fight against fungus.It contains ciclopiroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used in case of damage of no more than one third of the nail plate and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This method of treatment is effective if the nail is not hypertrophied.
- Lacquer should be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before application, the part of the nail affected by the fungus is removed using a file and lubricated with alcohol.
- The next time you use it, remove the remaining varnish with an alcohol-soaked swab and clean the damaged areas of the plate again.
Varnish penetrates deep into the nail structure and destroys fungal spores.Medicines have a high penetrating ability and have a destructive effect on many types of fungi.
It is important!
Varnish is applied until a completely healthy nail plate grows on the finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many external antifungal agents on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Antifungal ointments, gels and creams are applied to a well-cleaned or better steamed surface.
It is important!
It is necessary to treat the nail plates of both the thumb and others with external means.And even on his little finger.This is done to prevent the spread of infection.
Preparations for internal use
Only a doctor can choose the right medicine for oral administration.Many of these drugs have a complete list of limitations and contraindications.Treatment of nail fungus with tablets is contraindicated for people with kidney and liver diseases, as well as pregnant women and children.The course of treatment with tablets is from 2 to 6 months.The doctor prepares the dosage regimen.
Traditional medicine recipes
The fungus can be treated with folk remedies in addition to the main treatment regimen or in the very early stages of the disease.They primarily help to eliminate its manifestations, and without pharmaceutical therapy, onychomycosis returns again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix equal parts of honey and freshly squeezed onion juice and apply once before going to bed on the nails of the head and all other fingers until the healthy nail grows completely.Store the mixture in a glass container in the refrigerator.The duration of treatment is 4-12 months.
- Chop the thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 60 minutes.Soak a bandage in the tincture and apply it to the nails for 2 hours.Repeat the treatment twice a day for three weeks.
- 3 drops of iodine are added to 1 liter of water heated to 45°C.Keep your feet in the solution until it cools down 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 to your nails using sticky tape.Leave the compress overnight for best results.
- Steam your feet in hot water, dry your nails and soak them with a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape 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, you should follow some simple rules:
- While the treatment is in progress, do not go to swimming pools, saunas and other places where the microclimate is humid and hot.
- Treat all shoes regularly with antifungal drugs (sprays).
- Change socks four times a day.Used steam must be disinfected.
- In no case should you skip medications or procedures.Follow your doctor's instructions strictly.
- Get rid of overgrown plaques in time, because they prevent the penetration of drugs.