Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plates.This infection can occur on any nail, but the first toes are most commonly affected.If the disease is not treated, the infection will spread further, affecting the rest of the nails.If nail fungus is detected on the big toe, the treatment will be long-term, but the course must be completed to the end to reduce the risk of recurrence.
In the early stages, onychomycosis is perceived by many as an aesthetic 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 the physical discomfort will join the aesthetic problems.Let's find out what symptoms indicate onychomycosis and how to treat it.
Why does the disease develop?
Onychomycosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms - fungi.You can get infected if you try on someone else's shoes or if you walk barefoot on the floor of a swimming pool or sauna.
The fact is that pathogens that cause onychomycosis multiply rapidly in a moist 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 manicure and pedicure salons if the staff neglects to disinfect tools and equipment.
The fungus enters the body especially easily if there is damage to the skin - abrasions, scratches.For this reason, the infection most often affects the big toe, since this place on the foot is often damaged when wearing shoes that are too tight.
Factors that contribute to the development of the disease
Each person can encounter pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in every case.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.
- injuries to the nail and the skin around it.
- peripheral circulatory disorders;
- various dermatological diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.
- chronic diseases due to which the immune system does not work at full strength;
- flatfeet?
- increased sweating and diaper rash that occurs as a result.
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 poor 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.
- beauticians;
- medical staff;
- people with excessive sweating.
Signs
The effectiveness of the treatment of the fungus on the nail of the big toe depends largely on the stage of the disease.If you start taking adequate measures as soon as the first symptoms appear, then the treatment of the disease will be relatively easy.If the process starts, 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.Indeed, few people will sound the alarm when they see a small spot on the nail of the first finger.Many simply do not notice such changes or, even having noticed, do not pay attention to such symptoms, because physical discomfort does not appear at this stage.
But in the absence of treatment, the process will develop and progress.A small spot will begin to grow, completely changing the appearance of the plaque.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and also spread to other fingers.You can suspect a fungus if the following symptoms appear:
- white or yellowish spots on the nail, often at the initial stage they are in the upper corner of the nail, but this is not necessary.Localization depends on the site of introduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
- the surface of the nail has changed, it has become thicker, lost its smoothness and grooves have appeared on it.
- the nails have become very brittle, the regenerated part crumbles and breaks.
Advice!The mentioned signs do not allow a clear diagnosis.If you suspect a fungus, you need to get tested.This will not only determine the presence of the pathogen, but also determine its type.
Stages
As already noted, 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 faster.It is common to distinguish three stages:
- Original.At this stage, signs are weakly expressed.the main symptom is the appearance of spots or stripes on the nail that differ in color 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 odor may appear on the feet.
- It started.The lesion begins to spread to other nails and the micrograph begins to worsen.At this time, bacterial infections are often associated with onychomycosis, causing inflammation and swelling in the skin of the fingers.
How to cure?
Fungal 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 treat yourself, but to consult a dermatologist.
After the tests, the specialist will choose the drugs that are most effective in fighting the pathogen.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 must be comprehensive.The specialist will prescribe products for external use, systemic drugs (tablets) that help to deal with the infection from the inside, as well as products to support the immune system and strengthen the body in general.
Lucky
This is a very easy to use treatment.Varnishes are colorless and with the addition of coloring pigments.The latter option will undoubtedly be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish to a 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 diseased nail using a disposable nail file.
Varnish is applied not only to the sick nail, but also to a healthy one, 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 renewed.
Ointments and solutions
External treatment products are also produced in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before applying the product, perform the same preparation as before applying the varnish.The treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
A doctor should prescribe a drug for external treatment, since 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, along with external treatment, to use drugs taken orally.As a rule, they contain the same active ingredients as local agents.
Taking antifungal tablets puts a strain on the liver, so they are not prescribed in large doses.To achieve results, pulse therapy is used.Medicines are taken in short, periodically repeated doses until complete recovery.This approach allows you to reduce the load on the liver and achieve an effective effect on the pathogenic microflora.
So, only a dermatologist after an examination can answer the question of how to treat nail fungus.During the analysis, the type of pathogen is determined, as well as its sensitivity to various types of drugs.This approach allows you to choose the most effective course of treatment.In addition, the patient must not forget the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to regularly disinfect the shoes and wash the socks at high temperatures and iron them on the wrong side.