The fungus of the human nail plate on the hands and feet is quite common.Onychomycosis is the infection and subsequent destruction of the nail structure (usually the big toe) by a parasitic fungus.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 possibility of relapse.Compliance with preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of infection, but does not guarantee complete safety from the fungus.
Factors that cause the disease
Toe nail fungus increased vitality.It remains outside the human body for a long time.Floors, sports and shower mats, banquettes, benches, shoes represent the so-called "waiting place".Once in a favorable environment (high humidity, heat, the presence of microcracks, calluses and corns on the lower extremities), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissues and begins to reproduce intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of fungi, quickly defeats foreign bodies.In a weakened state, the defense is not so successful.The reasons for reducing protective forces are different:
- Non-compliance with hygiene standards.
- Disturbances in the work of the endocrine system.
- The presence of skin lesions in the area of fingers and toes.
- The 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 are made of low-quality materials, not selected appropriately.
The last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of this infection.Personal belongings of an infected person (towels, slippers, manicure scissors) act as a fungus carrier.The immediate environment of the patient is at the greatest risk.
Older people are more susceptible to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Violation of the circulatory system and weakened protective function contribute to the penetration of the fungus.The problem rarely affects children.
Symptoms and development
Symptoms of the disease are a burning sensation and itching at the site of fungal invasion.The skin of the big toe and the surface of the foot is covered with blisters, which, when ruptured, form scaly cracks and small ulcers.Subsequently, the fungus moves into the subungual cavity, which contains nutrients that help the mycelium of the parasitic fungus grow.The result of the release of a certain enzyme is the gradual destruction of the nail component.
Sunken corners of the thumb nail are additional symptoms of infection.The deformation of the horn plate manifests itself in this way.Pain occurs during walking, which can cause suppuration.As the disease progresses, the nail loses its original appearance.The nail surface becomes dull, significantly thickened, covered with yellow, brown, black spots or stripes, brittle and fragile.Without treatment, the nail on the thumb is destroyed and separated from the nail bed.
The types of lesions are affected by the strains of the infectious flora.Yeast fungus changes the appearance of the pillow and colors the small image in yellow, brown tones, followed by its separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of mainly yellowish spots or longitudinal stripes along the edges and center of the nail.Mold manifests itself in a shade from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide nail diseases into types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: the condition remains the same, the first signs appear on the surface: white to yellow streaks or spots.Later, the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (gray-brown), there is a loss of luster, fading, thickening and deformity with partial destruction mainly at the edges.
- Onycholytic.Dark brown-gray coloring of the affected nail, covering it with loose layers of hyperkeratotic features, atrophy and rejection.There is a maximum danger due to the massive spread of microorganisms on the floor surfaces of used buildings.
The fungus causes more damage than just the head nail.Toxins released as a result of the vital activity of mushrooms enter the lymphatic system, provoke the appearance of allergic reactions (high sensitivity), aggravate the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, and the symptoms of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its types
The main treatment of nail fungus on the thumb is a complex therapy combining 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 severity and complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At the very beginning, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicinal varnishes with special ingredients against the spread of nail fungus are sold in pharmacies without a prescription.Penetrating the structure of the nail plate, it has an antiseptic effect, softens the stratum corneum and destroys infectious spores, destroys the mycelium of fungi.
The damaged area is treated with the obligatory presence of an ointment, spray or cream.As with varnishes, the treatment should be started with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum cutting of the nail, thinning with a file, degreasing.The product is intended to be used once or twice a day for 2 to 12 months.To prevent relapses, it is recommended to continue the use of drugs for two weeks after treatment.
Ointments are used depending on the stage of the infection.They contain different components: ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a special drug that destroys the fungus is selected for the patient.Based on the results, terbinafine derivatives were recognized as the most successful.The destruction is aimed at the membranes of fungal strains, which causes the latter to be destroyed from the inside.
When you need to remove a diseased nail on 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 diseases (tablets)
Complex treatment is prescribed for the onycholytic type of the disease.In addition to external procedures, it is necessary to take systemic antifungal tablets.Special care is required with oral medications, as there are limitations and contraindications for use.Only a dermatologist will correctly choose a drug that suppresses the fungus.
The dosage involves the use of one tablet once a day or once a week for 2-6 months.
Traditional medicine recipes
In the normotrophic phase, folk recipes have proven themselves.At home, it is possible to independently treat the fungus without harming the general health of a person, without expensive drugs.
Iodotherapy
- For a week, the affected small pattern is rubbed twice a day with a cotton swab.After that, a break is made for the same period and the procedure is repeated in the same sequence until the cork is removed.
- Three liters of hot water are poured into the container, eight drops of alcohol tincture of iodine are added.After the bath, the steamed plate is cut, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide and a bandage with an antibacterial drug is applied.The procedure should be done every day until the skin is renewed.
Vinegar tricks
- Mix table vinegar, glycerin and water in equal parts in a glass bowl.Apply the compress in the morning and evening for 20 minutes, every day 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 as much of the affected nail as possible.Do it every day for 2 consecutive weeks until the stratum corneum is renewed.