Onychomycosis on the big toe is a common occurrence.Being the largest in terms of surface area, the nail of this finger most often attracts a 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.
Causes
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 fungi appear on the big toe:
- 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 happens when a person suffers from inflammatory diseases or endocrine disorders.
- Nail injuries.Violation of the integrity of the nail plate can cause the development of fungi.The same reasons include damage caused by wearing very tight shoes or cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.This can be due to endocrine disorders and low-quality shoes.But it can also be an innate characteristic.
- Trophic changes on the skin, which are common in older people.Because of them, the percentage of fungal infections in elderly and senile people is significantly 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 greatly when visiting places with high humidity (swimming pools, baths, saunas, etc.) without shoes.
Signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus will not attract the attention of the infected person, because there are no symptoms.In rare cases, slight itching, slight burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause concern for the patient.
Symptoms intensify as the mycelium grows.The structure is changing.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.
Affected nails are characterized by the thickening of the plate and the ingrowth of its corners into a roller.It is thus deformed under the influence of fungi.The following characters appear:
- pain during movement (when walking);
- The big toe becomes red and swollen;
- purulent exudate is released under the corners of the nail plate.
As the 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 rash like urticaria;
- functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- symptoms of intoxication.
The path of entry 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 an entry gate, then the pathogen settles under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
The treatment of fungus on the nail of the big toe 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 look healthy, but a careful examination reveals small spots or streaks of a whitish or yellowish shade.There may be destruction of the nail along the edge or in the middle.The plate loses its luster and becomes dull.At this stage, it is easiest to get rid of the fungus.
intensive (progressive)
This phase is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The panels change color and configuration.The pathogen that spreads over the entire surface makes them thickened and loose.The toes look like they are injured.The edge of the nail crumbles and breaks.An unpleasant smell comes from the feet.
It is more difficult to cure the fungus of the second stage.Use local external antifungal drugs and tablets in case of low immunity.
neglected (destructive)
The nail loses the remnants of its healthy appearance, crumbles and peels off from the bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to the surrounding tissues and pain occurs in the finger.The fight against fungus at this stage requires only comprehensive measures.
Methods of treatment of onychomycosis
How and with what to treat thumb fungus is best determined by a dermatologist.Even if you decide to treat with traditional methods, you must first be sure that your fingers are affected by the fungus.In the treatment of fungal infections, a large number of drugs of different forms of release, as well as folk recipes, were used.
The following groups of drugs are used:
- Tablets.
- Lucky.
- Fats.
- Solutions.
- Patches.
- Gels.
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 medicines available without a doctor's prescription.All of them are applied both to the nail itself and to the surrounding tissues after cleaning the feet beforehand.The standard frequency of application of these products is 1-2 times within 24 hours.
Note!
Treatment of toenail fungus lasts from several months to a year.It depends on how severe the pathological process is.
Lucky
An effective remedy in the fight against fungus is antifungal nail polish.Contains ciclopiroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used if the nail plate is damaged by no more than a third, and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This method of treatment is effective when the nail is not hypertrophied.
- The varnish 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.
- The next time you use it, remove the remaining varnish with an alcohol swab and clean the board again from the damaged areas.
The nail polish destroys fungal spores by penetrating deep into the nail structure.The drugs have great 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 topical antifungal agents available on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Antifungal ointments, such as gels and creams, are applied to a well-cleaned, or even better, steamed surface.
Important!
Nail plates and thumb and all others need to be treated with external means.Even on the little finger.This is done to prevent the spread of infection.
Preparations for internal use
Only a doctor can choose the right drugs for oral administration.Many of these drugs have a whole list of restrictions and contraindications.Treatment of nail fungus with pills is contraindicated for people with a history of kidney and liver disease, as well as for pregnant women and children.The course of treatment with tablets is from 2 to 6 months.The doctor develops a dosage regimen.
Recipes of traditional medicine
Fungi can be treated with folk remedies as an addition to the main treatment regimen or at a very early stage of the disease.They help, first of all, to remove its manifestations, and without pharmaceutical therapy, onychomycosis returns again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix honey and freshly squeezed onion juice in equal parts and apply it on the nails of your thumb and all other fingers once before going to bed until the 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.Soak the bandage in the tincture 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 in the amount of 3 drops per 1 liter of water.Keep your feet in the solution until it cools completely.After bathing, cut off 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 the nails with adhesive tape.Leave the pack on overnight for best results.
- Steam your feet in hot water, dry your nails and attach a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide to them for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape the softened areas and apply an antifungal agent to the nails.
The key to successful therapy
In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules:
- While the treatment is in progress, do not go to swimming pools, saunas and other places where the microclimate is humid and warm.
- Regularly treat all footwear with antifungal drugs (sprays).
- Change your socks four times a day.The used steam must be disinfected.
- Under no circumstances should you skip medications or procedures.Strictly follow the doctor's instructions.
- Get rid of healed plaques in time, because they prevent the penetration of medicines.