Toenail fungus is a difficult to treat common disease that affects one in four people worldwide.In medicine, terms are used to denote fungal infections of the nails of the lower limbs - onychomycosis or epidermophytosis.In the latter case, there are foci of infection on the skin.
Causes of big toe fungus
Contagion occurs through contact with an infected person, his belongings or in public places.The moist, warm environment of swimming pools, saunas and baths is most favorable for the growth of fungi.Walking barefoot on the beach can also cause fungal spores to enter the toenail and the foot.
Most often, onychomycosis affects the big and little toes of both feet, which can be explained by microtraumas when walking, opening the doors for fungal spores.As a result of contact, an infection occurs, which the body sometimes cannot cope with.
Reasons leading to the development of the disease:
- Reduced immunity due to acute viral illness, HIV or immunodeficiency.
- Diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, which disrupts the acid reaction of the skin.The natural barrier that prevents the development of infections disappears.
- Varicose veins and atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities cause deterioration of blood circulation in the lower extremities.
- Wearing tight shoes that lead to abrasions and calluses.
- Failure to observe the rules of personal hygiene creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi.
- Non-compliance of shoes with sanitary and hygienic requirements.Feet sweat in it and stay wet for a long time.
- Occupations involving prolonged exposure to moisture or wearing rubber shoes.
- Hyperhidrosis, where the skin of the feet is constantly wet.
Men aged 35-75 are most susceptible to foot and nail fungus.Children under the age of 15 practically do not suffer from mycosis.
important.To eliminate toenail fungus, treatment must be done systematically and regularly.Onychomycosis is known for frequent relapses.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
When fungal spores penetrate the skin or under the nail, they begin to actively grow and multiply.Mycelial threads penetrate deep into the tissues, feeding on the cells of the human body.
Characteristic symptoms of the first stage are:
- the appearance of red, scaly spots on the skin of the legs;
- small whitish streaks and dots appear on the surface of the nail;
- the nail plate is covered with tubercles and bumps.
The further development of the fungus has the following signs:
- changes in nail color;
- the nail plate thickens;
- the skin on the finger swells and itches.
If left untreated, the nail will collapse or peel off completely.This is accompanied by cracking of the skin of the finger, itching and pain.
Fungus on the thumb cannot be cured by folk remedies alone.Complex treatment is needed to destroy the mycelium and prevent the recurrence of the disease.
Diagnosis of fungus on the nails of the big toe
If you notice symptoms of a fungal infection of the nail of the big toe, you should consult a doctor.A mycologist deals with the treatment of epidermophytosis.
Not every clinic has such a highly specialized specialist, so most often the treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist.
The doctor performs a visual examination and takes a sample of the affected tissue to determine the type of parasite.There are several forms of fungus that affect the nail plates of human fingers:
- white surface fungi;
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- proximal;
- total.
Tissue analysis is necessary to prescribe the correct method of treatment.The specialist will determine the type of infection based on the color of the nail, the structure, the nature of destruction and the condition of the skin of the foot.He will tell you how and how to treat a fungus on the big toe.
How to cure toenail fungus
The treatment of epidermophytosis is carried out comprehensively:
- oral medications;
- external means;
- methods of traditional medicine.
The attending physician prescribes drugs in tablets, which must be taken orally according to a certain regimen.This leads to the accumulation of active substances in the cells of the human body and has a detrimental effect on the causative agent of the disease.
Medicines aimed at destroying fungal infections are effective.Some of them have side effects and limitations related to age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and chronic diseases.Therefore, you should take the pills strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
For external treatment, ointments, sprays, varnishes, patches and serums with substances that inhibit mycelium development are used.Such products are applied to clean and dried nails from 2 times a week to 2 times a day.It is necessary to follow the instructions and read the contraindications.
Folk remedies, as a rule, have no contraindications, but their effectiveness is significantly lower than that of drugs.Their action is aimed more at symptoms than at treating toenail fungus.But they clean well, relieve itching and disinfect the affected area.Their action is most effective in the initial stage of the disease.
Such folk remedies as baths with soda, vinegar or sea salt are known.Dry the rub with iodine and fresh celandine juice.Masks of potato skins, lemon compresses, garlic mash with olive oil relieve itching well.
The radical treatment of omnichomycosis of the big toe is the removal of the nail plate.The operation is performed under local anesthesia, the wound is treated with an antifungal disinfectant.After a few months, a healthy nail grows.
In case of intolerance, ineffectiveness of drugs and an advanced form of the disease, a new method of treatment of fungus with a laser is used.The beam burns the mycelium to a depth of 7 mm.Healthy cells do not suffer, and sick cells regenerate quickly.This method has contraindications;you should consult your doctor.
Treatment of toenail fungus with folk remedies
At home, the following are widely used to treat nail plate fungus:
- Vinegar baths or scrubs.Table or apple vinegar is dissolved in warm water in a ratio of 200 ml of 9% acid to 3-4 liters of liquid.The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.The feet are then dried and socks are put on.Rubbing is done with undiluted table vinegar for 15 minutes.
- Soda baths.Three liters of solution should contain 3 tablespoons of baking soda.You can add grated laundry soap.
- Tea tree oil.A small amount of essential oil is added to the bath water.
- iodine.It is used in the form of lotions.Apply to the surface of sick and healthy nails to prevent cross-infection.
- Celandine, tar and white are excellent antibacterial agents.Lubricate the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin.Use with caution.
- Onion and garlic juice and mash.Mix with oil or alcohol, apply as a compress or lubricate the surface of the nail.The mixtures can cause burns and irritation of the surrounding tissues, so they are used very carefully.
Folk remedies are good for their accessibility and simplicity.But you should not forget to visit a doctor.Complex systematic treatment gives the most tangible result.
Consequences of fungus on the nails of the big toes
Onychomycosis is not a dangerous disease.You can live for many years suffering from discomfort and unsightly appearance of your nails.But if immunity decreases with age or after illness, the fungus will "bloom in full bloom."
Fungal spores can infect adjacent nails.And this is an additional unpleasant feeling.The progression of the disease leads to complete destruction of the nail plate.Sometimes a person cannot walk due to pain.We have to resort to surgical intervention.
important.Untreated onychomycosis is a source of infection for others.Excited particles and cells with mycelial spores can lead to infection of other people.
Prevention of toenail fungus
Prevention of fungal diseases includes:
- avoiding contact with an infected object;
- strengthening the immune system to protect against infections.
Personal hygiene must be maintained.Do not use other people's personal belongings or allow others to use them.Walk in pools, baths, showers and saunas only in personal slippers.Wear disposable socks when trying on shoes.
Feet should be washed at least once a day with soap and socks should be changed daily.Dry and air out the shoes.Special liquids and sprays are sold for disinfecting shoes.
It is necessary to monitor your health, eat right and observe a work and rest regime.Do not start chronic diseases.Sports and walks strengthen the immune system well.
If you develop a toenail fungus, you should be diagnosed and treated with medications prescribed by your doctor.Use external means and traditional methods correctly.The duration of treatment is usually 3-6 months.With regular treatment and prevention of re-infection, recurrence of mycosis is almost impossible.