Fungus of the human nail plate on the hand and foot is quite widespread.Onychomycosis means impaction of the nail structure (usually the big toe) by a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.It causes many problems and the treatment itself: need for regular treatment procedures, possibility of surgery, long recovery period and possibility of relapse.Compliance with preventive measures will reduce the possibility of infection, but does not guarantee complete safety from the fungus.
Factors that contribute to the appearance of the disease
Toenail fungus has increased vitality.It remains outside the human body for a long time.Floors, mats for sports and showers, banquettes, benches, shoes represent the so-called "waiting space".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 multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of the fungus, quickly defeating foreign bodies.In a weakened state, protection is not as successful.The reasons that reduce the protective forces are different:
- Non-compliance with hygiene standards.
- Disorders in the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Presence of skin damage in the area of the fingers and toes.
- Presence of dermatological diseases.
- Increased sweating of the lower extremities.
- Orthopedic pathologies.
- Failure of the metabolic process.
- Varicose veins
- HIV-positive reaction and immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Shoes made of low quality materials, not selected for fit.
Contact with the carrier of this infection is not the last part in the infection process.Personal items (towel, slippers, manicure scissors) of the infected person act as conduits for the fungus.The patient's immediate environment is at greater risk.
The elderly are more vulnerable to onychomycosis due to age-related changes.Violations of the circulatory system and weakened protective function contribute to the penetration of the fungus.The problem rarely affects children.
Symptoms and development
Symptoms of the disease are a burning sensation and itching at the site of fungal invasion.The skin on the big toe and the surface of the foot is covered with blisters, which when broken form areas with scaly cracks and small ulcers.The fungus then moves into the subfungal space, which contains nutrients that aid in the growth of the mycelium of the parasitic fungus.The consequence of the release of a specific enzyme is the gradual destruction of the nail component.
The inner corners of the big toe nail are additional symptoms of infection.This is how the deformation of the corneal plate is manifested.Pain occurs when walking, which can cause swelling.With the further development of the disease, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, is covered with spots or stripes of yellow, brown, black shades and becomes brittle and fragile.Without treatment, the nail on the big toe becomes damaged and separates from the nail bed.
The types of lesions are influenced by the strains of the infecting flora.Yeast fungus changes the appearance of the cushion and colors the micrograph in yellow, brown tones, followed by its separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of spots or longitudinal strips with predominant yellowish shades along the edges and center of the nail.Mold manifests itself in a shade ranging from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide toenail diseases into types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: the condition remains the same, the first signs appear on the surface: stripes or spots from white to yellow.Then the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (grey-brown), loss of gloss, dullness, thickening and distortion with partial destruction mainly at the edges is observed.
- Onycholytic.It is characterized by a dull brown-gray coloration of the affected nail, covering it with loose layers of hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and shedding.There is a maximum risk due to the mass leakage of micro-organisms on the floor surfaces of the areas in use.
The fungus hurts more than the big toenail.The released toxins, as a result of the vital activity of the fungus, enter the lymphatic system, causing the appearance of allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), aggravating the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, and signs of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its varieties
The main treatment for nail fungus on the thumb is complex treatment, which combines methods of local-external and course approaches.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 the lesion.The duration of the course depends on the neglect and the complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At first, the fungus responds to mild methods.Specially formulated medicated varnishes against the spread of nail fungus are sold in over-the-counter pharmacy departments.Penetrating the structure of the nail plate, they have an antiseptic effect, soften the stratum corneum and destroy infectious spores, destroy the mycelium of the fungus.
The damaged area is treated with the mandatory presence of ointment, spray or cream.It is necessary to start the treatment, as with varnishes, with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum cutting of the nail, thinning with a file, degreasing.It is intended to use the product once or twice a day for 2 to 12 months.To prevent 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 ingredients: cyclopiroxolamine, 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 identified as the most successful.The destruction targets the membranes of the fungal strains, which leads to the destruction of the latter from the inside.
When it is necessary to remove a diseased nail on the big toe, apply a compress with a solution to soften it.Other drugs (5 percent salicylic ointment) are also used for this purpose.
Internal medicine (tablets)
For the onycholytic type of the disease, complex treatment is prescribed.Along 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 using one tablet once a day or once a week, for 2-6 months.
Recipes of traditional medicine
In the normotrophic stage, folk recipes have been proven.At home, it is possible to do without expensive drugs, independently treating the fungus without harming the general health of a person.
Iodine therapy
- For a week, the affected miniature is smeared with a cotton swab twice a day.After that there is a break for the same period and the process is repeated again in the same order until the fungus is eliminated.
- Three liters of hot water are poured into the container, eight drops of alcohol tincture of iodine are added.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 done every day until the skin is renewed.
Vinegar tricks
- In a glass bowl, mix equal parts table vinegar, glycerin and water.Apply the compress for 20 minutes morning and evening, daily until the nail is completely replaced.
- In a bowl, dilute two parts water and one part table vinegar 9%.Soak the affected tip for 15 minutes, then cut and file the affected nail as much as possible.Perform every day for 2 consecutive weeks until the stratum corneum is renewed.