Fungi of the human nail plate on the hand and foot are quite widespread.Onychomycosis means an impact on the structure of the nail (usually the toe) by a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.It causes many problems for the treatment itself: the need for regular therapeutic procedures, the possibility of surgical intervention, a long recovery period and the likelihood of recurrence.Compliance with preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of infection, but does not guarantee complete safety from fungi.
Factors that contribute to the development of the disease
Toenail fungus has 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 defeating foreign bodies.In a weakened state, the protection is not so successful.The reasons that reduce protective forces are different:
- Non-compliance with hygiene standards.
- Disorders in the work of the endocrine system.
- The presence of skin damage in the area of the fingers and toes.
- The presence of dermatological diseases.
- Increased sweating of the lower extremities.
- Orthopedic pathologies.
- Failure in the metabolic process.
- Varicose veins
- HIV positive reaction and immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Shoes made of poor quality materials, not chosen to fit.
Contact with the carrier of this infection is not the last place in the infection process.Personal belongings (towels, slippers, manicure scissors) of an infected person act as conduits for the fungus.The biggest risk is the patient's immediate environment.
Elderly people are more susceptible to onychomycosis due to age changes.Injuries to the circulatory system and weakened protective function contribute to the penetration of fungi.The problem rarely affects children.
Symptoms and development
Symptoms of the disease are burning and itching at the site of fungal invasion.The skin on the big toe and on the surface of the foot becomes covered with blisters, which when ruptured create areas with scaly cracks and small ulcers.After that, the fungus moves into the subungual space, which contains nutrients that aid in the development of the mycelium of the parasitic fungus.The result of the release of a certain enzyme is the gradual destruction of the nail component.
Ingrown toenail corners are additional symptoms of infection.This is how the deformation of the cornea manifests itself.Pain occurs when walking, which can cause suppuration.With the further development of the disease, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes cloudy, thickens significantly, is covered with spots or streaks of yellow, brown, black shades, becomes brittle and brittle.Without treatment, the nail on the big toe is destroyed and separated from the nail bed.
The types of lesions are influenced by the strains of the infected flora.The yeast fungus changes the appearance of the pad and colors the image in yellow, brown tones, followed by its separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of spots or longitudinal stripes of predominantly yellowish shades along the edges and center of the nail.Mold manifests itself in shades 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: streaks or spots from white to yellow.After that, the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to the change in color (grayish-brown), there is loss of luster, darkening, thickening and deformation with partial destruction mainly at the edges.
- Onycholithic.It is characterized by a dull brown-gray color of the affected nail, covering it with loose layers of hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and rejection.There is a maximum danger due to the massive spillage of microorganisms on the floor surfaces of the space being used.
Fungus damages more than just the big toenail.Released toxins, as a result of the vital activity of the fungus, enter the lymphatic system, causing the appearance of allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), worsening the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, and signs of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its types
The main treatment of nail fungus on the thumb is complex therapy, which combines methods of local-external and course approach.It is chosen 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 neglect and complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At the very beginning, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicinal varnishes with a special composition against the spread of nail fungus are sold in over-the-counter pharmacies.Penetrating the structure of the nail plate, they have an antiseptic effect, soften the stratum corneum and destroy infectious spores, destroy fungal mycelium.
The damaged area is treated with the mandatory presence of ointment, spray or cream.It is necessary to start the treatment, as with varnishes, by carefully preparing the infected area: maximum trimming 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.In order to avoid relapse, it is recommended to continue using the drugs for two weeks after recovery.
Ointments are used depending on the stage of the infection.They contain different components: ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a specific 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 the fungal strains, which leads to the destruction of the latter from the inside.
When it is necessary to remove the diseased nail on the big toe, apply a poultice with the solution to soften it.Other drugs (5 percent salicylic ointment) are also used for this purpose.
Internal medicine (tablets)
Complex treatment is prescribed for the onycholytic type of the disease.With 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.
Dosage involves the use of one tablet once a day or once a week for 2-6 months.
Recipes of traditional medicine
Folk recipes have proven themselves in the normotrophic phase.At home, it is possible without expensive drugs to treat the fungus on your own without harming the general health of the person.
Iodotherapy
- For a week, the affected thumb is smeared with a cotton swab twice a day.After that, a break is made for the same period, and the procedure is repeated in the same order until the fungus is eliminated.
- Pour three liters of hot water into the container, add eight drops of alcohol tincture of iodine.After the bath, the steamed plate is cut off, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide and a bandage with an antibacterial drug is applied.The procedure should be performed every day until the skin is renewed.
Tricks with vinegar
- In a glass container, mix table vinegar, glycerin and water in equal parts.Apply the compress for 20 minutes in the morning and evening, daily until the nail is completely replaced.
- Dilute two parts of water and one part of 9% table vinegar in a bowl.Soak the affected limb for 15 minutes, then trim and file the affected nail as much as possible.Perform every day for 2 weeks in a row until the stratum corneum is renewed.