Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plates.This infection can appear on any nail, but the first toes are most often affected.If the disease is not treated, the infection will spread further and affect the remaining nails.If toenail fungus is detected, the treatment will be long-term, but the course must be completed to the end in order to reduce the risk of recurrence.
In the first stages, many people perceive onychomycosis as an aesthetic problem.The disease does not cause any problems, but the appearance of the affected nail changes.
But if the disease is not treated, it will progress, and aesthetic problems will be joined by physical discomfort.Let's understand what symptoms indicate onychomycosis and how to treat it.
Why does disease develop?
Onychomycosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms - fungi.You can get an infection if you try on someone else's shoes or walk barefoot on the floor of a pool or sauna.
The fact is that the pathogens that cause onychomycosis multiply quickly in a moist and warm environment.Therefore, baths and swimming pools are the places where it is easiest to "catch" fungi.
Tip!Another place where you can easily get infected is manicure and pedicure salons, if the staff is careless in disinfecting the tools and equipment.
Fungi enter the body especially easily if there are damages on the skin - scratches, scrapes.For this reason, the infection most often affects the big toe, because this place on the foot is often damaged by too tight shoes.
Factors that contribute to the development of the disease
Every person can encounter pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in every case.The spread of pathogens is prevented by the body's immune system.But as the immune system weakens, the disease will begin to progress.The following factors contribute to the development of the disease:
- hormonal imbalances and pathologies of the hormonal system;
- primary or secondary immunodeficiency;
- injuries to the nail and the skin around it;
- peripheral circulation disorders;
- various dermatological diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.;
- chronic diseases due to which the immune system does not work at full strength;
- flat feet;
- increased sweating and diaper rash that occurs as a result.
Tip!Not only diseases, but also certain habits contribute to the development of fungal infections.For example, wearing shoes that are too tight, choosing socks and shoes made of artificial materials and insufficient hygiene.
According to medical statistics, the risk group for the development of onychomycosis on the big toe includes:
- elderly people;
- visitors to public gyms, swimming pools, baths;
- cosmetologists;
- medical staff;
- people with excessive sweating.
Signs
The effectiveness of the treatment of toenail fungus largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking adequate measures as soon as the first symptoms appear, then the disease will be dealt with relatively easily.If the process is initiated, treatment will require patience and time.The course can last more than six months.
The peculiarity of this disease is that in the early stages the symptoms are subtle.Indeed, few people will sound the alarm when they see a small dot on the nail of the first toe.Many simply do not notice such changes or, even having noticed, do not pay attention to such symptoms, because at this stage there is no physical discomfort.
But in the absence of treatment, the process will develop and progress.A small stain will start to grow, completely changing the appearance of the board.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and spread to other fingers.You can suspect a fungus if the following symptoms appear;
- white or yellowish spots on the nail, often in the initial stage are located in the upper corner of the nail, but this is not necessary.Localization depends on the place of introduction of pathogenic microorganisms;
- the surface of the nail has changed, it has become thicker, it has lost its smoothness, and grooves have appeared on it;
- the nails have become very brittle, the grown part crumbles and breaks.
Tip!The above signs do not allow for an unequivocal diagnosis.If you suspect a fungus, you must get tested.This will not only identify the presence of the pathogen, but also determine its type.
Phases
As already mentioned, the development of toenail fungus occurs gradually.The speed of development of the process depends on the type of fungus.Onychomycosis, caused by infection with yeast-like fungi, progresses the fastest.It is common to distinguish three phases:
- Initial.At this stage, the signs are weak;the main symptom is the appearance of spots or stripes on the nail that differ in color from the main tone of the nail.
- Moderately.At this stage, the entire plate changes color and loses its smoothness.At this stage, an unpleasant foot odor may appear.
- Launched.The lesion begins to spread to other nails, and the miniature begins to deteriorate.At this point, bacterial infections are often associated with onychomycosis, causing inflammation and suppuration on the skin of the fingers.
How to treat?
A yeast infection is difficult to treat.Many patients who self-medicate do not achieve the desired results, but only trigger the disease.Therefore, it is better not to try to cure yourself, but to consult a dermatologist.
After the tests, the specialist will select the drugs that are most effective in the fight against pathogens.After all, there are different types of fungus, so there is no single treatment regimen.In addition, when prescribing a treatment regimen, the stage of development of the process must be taken into account.
Treatment of onychomycosis should be comprehensive.The specialist will prescribe products for external use, systemic drugs (tablets) that help treat the infection from the inside, as well as products to support the immune system and generally strengthen the body.
Lucky
This is a treatment that is very easy to use.Varnishes are colorless and with the addition of pigments for coloring.The last option will undoubtedly be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish to the previously prepared plate.You need to wash your foot and take a warm bath to soften the nails.Then remove the top layer from the affected nail using a disposable nail file.
Varnish is applied not only to the diseased nail, but also to healthy ones, this is done to prevent the spread of infection.The frequency of application depends on the type of preparation;the varnish should be used until the nail is completely restored.
Ointments and solutions
Products for external treatment are also produced in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before applying the product, perform the same preparation as before applying varnish.The treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
The doctor should prescribe a drug for external treatment, because different drugs work against different groups of pathogens.Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications:
Tablets
In advanced stages, it is necessary, along with external treatment, to use drugs that are taken orally.As a rule, they contain the same active ingredients as local remedies.
Taking antifungal tablets burdens the liver, so they are not prescribed for long courses.Pulse therapy is used to achieve results.Medicines are taken in short, periodically repeated courses until complete recovery.This approach allows you to reduce the load on the liver and achieve an effective effect on the pathogenic microflora.
Therefore, only a dermatologist after an examination can answer the question of how to cure toenail fungus.During the analysis, the type of pathogen is determined, as well as its sensitivity to different types of drugs.This approach allows you to choose the most effective treatment path.In addition, the patient must not forget about the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to regularly disinfect shoes, and wash socks at high temperatures and iron them on the wrong side.