Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plates.This infection can appear on any nail, but most often the first toes are affected.If the condition is left untreated, the infection will spread further and affect the remaining nails.If nail fungus is detected on the big toe, the treatment will be long-term, but the treatment must be completed to the end to reduce the risk of relapse.
In the early stages, onychomycosis is seen by many people as a cosmetic problem.The disease does not cause any discomfort, but the appearance of the affected nail changes.
But if the disease is not treated, it will progress, and physical discomfort will be added to aesthetic problems.Let's see what symptoms suggest onychomycosis and how to treat it.
Why does the 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 in a swimming pool or sauna.
The fact is that the pathogens that cause onychomycosis multiply rapidly in a humid and warm environment.Therefore, baths and swimming pools are the places where it is easiest to “catch” the fungus.
Advice!Another place where you can easily become infected is at nail and pedicure salons, if the staff neglects to disinfect tools and equipment.
The fungus especially easily enters the body in case of damage to the skin - abrasions, scratches.For this reason, the infection most often affects the big toe, as this area of the foot is often damaged when wearing shoes that are too tight.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease
Each person can encounter pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in all cases.The spread of the pathogen is countered 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;
- injury to the nail and surrounding skin;
- peripheral circulatory disorders;
- various dermatological diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.;
- chronic diseases due to which the immune system does not function at full strength;
- flat feet;
- increased sweating and resulting diaper rash.
Advice!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 of the big toe includes:
- the elderly;
- visitors to gymnasiums, swimming pools, public baths;
- cosmetologists;
- medical personnel;
- people with excessive sweating.
Signs
The effectiveness of treating fungus on the nail of the big toe largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking adequate measures from the moment the first symptoms appear, then it will be relatively easy to cope with the disease.If the process is started, the treatment will require patience and time.The course can last more than six months.
The peculiarity of this disease is that at an early stage, the symptoms are subtle.In fact, few people will sound the alarm when they see a small spot on the nail of their first toe.Many simply do not notice such changes or, even having noticed them, do not pay attention to these symptoms, because at this stage no physical discomfort occurs.
But in the absence of treatment, the process will develop and progress.A small stain will begin to develop, completely changing the appearance of the plate.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and also spread to other fingers.You may suspect a fungus if the following symptoms appear:
- white or yellowish spots on the nail, often at the initial stage they are located in the upper corner of the nail, but this is not necessary.The location depends on the place of introduction of the pathogenic microorganisms;
- the surface of the nail changed, it became thicker, lost its smoothness and grooves appeared on it;
- the nails have become very brittle, the regrown part crumbles and breaks.
Advice!The listed signs do not allow an unambiguous diagnosis.If you suspect fungus, you should get tested.This will not only identify the presence of the pathogen, but also determine its type.
Steps
As already noted, the development of nail fungus on the thumb occurs gradually.The speed of development of the process depends on the type of mushroom.Onychomycosis, caused by infection with yeast-like fungi, progresses most rapidly.It is customary to distinguish three stages:
- Initial.At this stage, the signs are weakly expressed;the main symptom is the appearance of spots or stripes on the nail, the color of which differs from the main tone of the nail.
- Moderate.At this stage, the entire plate changes color and loses its smoothness.At this stage, an unpleasant foot odor may appear.
- Spear.The lesion begins to spread to other nails and the thumbnail begins to deteriorate.Currently, bacterial infections are often associated with onychomycosis, causing inflammation and suppuration of the skin of the fingers.
How to treat?
Fungal infection is difficult to treat.Many patients who self-medicate do not achieve the desired results, but only trigger the disease.It is therefore better not to try to treat yourself, but to consult a dermatologist.
After the tests, the specialist will select the most effective drugs to combat the pathogen.After all, there are different types of mushrooms, so there is no single treatment regimen.In addition, when prescribing a treatment regimen, the stage of development of the process should 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
It is a very simple treatment to use.The varnishes are colorless and have added coloring pigments.This last option will undoubtedly be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish to a previously prepared plate.You should wash your feet and take a warm bath to soften the nails.Then remove the top layer of the diseased nail using a disposable nail file.
The varnish is applied not only to the diseased nail, but also to healthy nails, in order 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 renewed.
Ointments and solutions
External treatment products are also manufactured in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before applying the product, carry out the same preparation as before applying the varnish.The treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
A doctor must prescribe a remedy for external treatment, because different drugs are active against different groups of pathogens.Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications:
Tablets
In advanced stages, it is necessary, in addition to external treatment, to use medications taken orally.Typically, they contain the same active ingredients as topical agents.
Taking antifungal tablets puts pressure on the liver, so they are not prescribed for prolonged courses.To achieve results, pulse therapy is used.Medicines are taken in short courses and periodically repeated until complete recovery.This approach allows you to reduce the load on the liver and achieve an effective effect on pathogenic microflora.
So, only a dermatologist after an examination can answer the question of how to cure toenail fungus.During the analysis, the type of pathogen is identified, as well as its sensitivity to different types of drugs.This approach allows you to choose the most effective treatment route.In addition, the patient should not forget about the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to disinfect shoes regularly, wash socks at high temperatures and iron them inside out.