Onychomycosis of the big toe is a common phenomenon.Being the largest in area, the nail of this finger most often attracts fungal infection, which creates a favorable environment for nutrition and development, destroying the structure of the nail tissue.Treating toenail fungus at home requires patience and care.
Causes
Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.There are certain conditions under which fungus appears on the big toe:
- Contact with a sick person.It is unacceptable to share shoes, towels and other household items with an infected person.
- Weakening of the body's immune system.This happens when a person suffers from inflammatory diseases or endocrine disorders.
- Nail injuries.Violation of the integrity of the nail plate can trigger the development of fungus.These same reasons include damage caused by wearing very tight shoes or having cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.This can be caused by both endocrine disorders and poor-quality shoes.But it can also be a congenital characteristic.
- Trophic changes in the skin, which are the lot of elderly people.Thanks to them, the percentage of fungal infections in elderly and senile people is much higher.
- Flat feet can also be a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
- Insufficient foot hygiene or its complete absence.
Important!
The risk of fungal infection increases significantly when visiting places with high humidity (swimming pools, baths, saunas, etc.) without shoes.
Signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus will not attract the attention of an infected person because it has no symptoms.In rare cases, mild itching, burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause any concern to the patient.
Symptoms intensify as the mycelium grows.The structure changes.The nail becomes dull and brittle.Its plaque becomes covered with spots and stripes, the color of which can vary depending on the type of causative agent of the disease.Photos of nail fungus on the big toe will help determine who exactly “settled” on it.
Affected nails are characterized by thickening of the plate and penetration of its corners into the roller.It therefore deforms under the influence of fungi.The following signs appear:
- pain during movement (walking);
- The big toe becomes red and swollen;
- purulent exudate is released under the corners of the nail plate.
During their life cycle in the nail plate, fungi release toxins that enter the vessels of the lymphatic system and spread throughout the body.Under the influence of these substances, the following phenomena occur:
- skin rashes like hives;
- functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- symptoms of poisoning.
The route of entry of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has penetrated through the roller, the nail undergoes dystrophic changes.And if the free edge becomes the gateway, then the pathogen settles under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
Treating fungus on the big toenail will depend on the stage of the process, of which there are only three:
- Initial.
- Intensive (Progressive).
- Neglected (destructive).
Initial
This stage is characterized by normotrophic damage.The nails appear healthy, but upon careful examination, small spots or stripes of a whitish or yellowish tint are revealed.There may be destruction of the nail along the edge or in the center.The plate loses its shine and becomes dull.At this point it is easier to get rid of the fungus.
Intensive (Progressive)
This stage is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The plates change color and configuration.The pathogen spreading over the entire surface makes them thickened and loose.The toes appear to have been injured.The edge of the nail crumbles and breaks.There is an unpleasant odor coming from the feet.
It is more difficult to cure second stage fungi.Use local external antifungal medications and tablets for low immunity.
Neglected (destructive)
The nail loses the remains of its healthy appearance, crumbles and separates from its bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to surrounding tissues and pain appears in the finger.Combating the fungus at this stage requires only comprehensive measures.
Methods for treating onychomycosis
How and with what to treat fungus on the thumb is best determined by a dermatologist.And even if you decide to use folk treatment methods, you must first make sure that your fingers are affected by the fungus.A large number of drugs in various forms of release, as well as traditional recipes, have been used in the treatment of fungal infections.
The following groups of drugs are used:
- Tablets.
- Lucky.
- Ointments.
- Solutions.
- Plasters.
- Gels.
Surgical methods are used in advanced cases.Laser therapy is also widely used.
Application of external agents
Products intended for external use against fungal infections are sold in pharmacies and belong to the category of drugs available without a doctor's prescription.All of them are applied both to the nail itself and to the surrounding tissues after preliminary cleaning of the feet.The standard frequency of application of these products is 1 to 2 times per 24 hours.
Note!
Treatment for toenail fungus lasts from several months to a year.It depends on the severity of the pathological process.
Lucky
An effective remedy in the fight against fungus is antifungal nail polish.It contains cyclopiroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used if the nail plate is damaged by only a third, and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This treatment method is effective when the nail is not hypertrophied.
- The varnish should be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before application, the part of the nail affected by the fungus is removed using a file and degreased with alcohol.
- The next time you use it, remove the remaining polish with an alcohol swab and clean the plate from the damaged areas again.
The polish destroys fungal spores by penetrating deep into the nail structure.The drugs have high penetrating power and are destructive for many types of fungi.
Important!
The varnish is applied until a completely healthy nail plate grows on the finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many external antifungal agents on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Antifungal ointment, like gel and cream, is applied to a well-cleaned surface or, better yet, steamed.
Important!
It is necessary to treat nail plates on the thumb and all others with external means.And even on the little toe.This is done to prevent the spread of infection.
Preparations for internal use
Only a doctor can choose the right medications to administer orally.Many of these medications have extensive lists of restrictions and contraindications.Treatment of nail fungus with tablets is contraindicated for people with a history of kidney or liver disease, as well as pregnant women and children.The duration of treatment with tablets varies from 2 to 6 months.The doctor draws up the dosage regimen.
Traditional medicine recipes
The fungus can be treated with folk remedies in addition to the main treatment regimen or in the early stages of the disease.They help, first of all, to eliminate its manifestations, and without pharmaceutical treatment, onychomycosis returns again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix honey and freshly squeezed onion juice in equal parts and lubricate the nails of the thumb and all other fingers once before going to bed until a healthy nail fully develops.Store the mixture in the refrigerator in a glass container.The duration of treatment is 4 to 12 months.
- Grind the thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 60 minutes.Dip a bandage in the dye and apply it to the nails for 2 hours.Repeat the treatment twice daily for three weeks.
- Iodine is added to water heated to 45°C at the rate of 3 drops per 1 liter of water.Keep your feet in the solution until it cools completely.After bathing, cut the damaged nail with scissors treated with hydrogen peroxide and apply a bandage with antifungal ointment.
- Pour boiling water over the lemon and stick the slices to your nails using masking tape.Leave the compress overnight for best results.
- Steam your feet in hot water, dry your nails and attach a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide to them for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape the softened areas and lubricate the nails with an antifungal agent.
The key to successful therapy
For the treatment to be as effective as possible, you must follow a few simple rules:
- During treatment, do not go to swimming pools, saunas and other places where the microclimate is humid and hot.
- Regularly treat all shoes with antifungal drugs (sprays).
- Change your socks four times a day.The steam used must be disinfected.
- Under no circumstances should you skip medications or procedures.Strictly follow the doctor's instructions.
- Get rid of overgrown plaques quickly, as they prevent medication penetration.