Toenail fungus is called onychomycosis.Initially, the infectious process affects the thumb, but as it develops, it spreads to others.The disease goes through several stages.The earlier treatment is started, the easier it is to resolve the problem.This is especially true when it comes to the nail of the lower limb: it has a large bed and size, so the extent of damage is significant.
Stages of onychomycosis
Nail fungus goes through several stages of development, each of which is characterized by certain symptoms.There are the following stages of development of the disease:
- Initial.At this stage, no visible pathological deviations are observed: the changes are still external in nature.The nail plates of the fingers of the lower extremities lose their shine.White spots or stripes appear on the surface.In general, the nail appears healthy and the person does not feel any pain or discomfort.If onychomycosis is detected at this stage, you can quickly get rid of it.
- Medium or progressive.The structure of the nail is already subject to pathological changes.The plaque acquires a pronounced yellowish tint, flakes and breaks.An unpleasant odor also emanates from the affected foot.
- Advanced or dystrophic stage.Deep nail damage occurs.In this case, the infectious process passes from the thumb to the rest.The entire surface of the nail plate is affected by the fungus and becomes detached from the bed and becomes detached.The patient is bothered by severe itching.When pressing on the affected areas, pain and a throbbing sensation appear.Therefore, the patient cannot wear closed shoes.
Dystrophic stage of onychomycosis
At the third stage of development of the infectious process, infection of the skin of the foot is possible.In this case, the fungus can only be cured with the help of complex therapy, which involves the use of both local and systemic drugs (tablets for oral administration).
Reasons for the development of fungus on the big toe
The main reasons that provoke the development of onychomycosis are:
- contact with a person carrying a fungal infection;
- neglect of hygiene standards;
- wearing someone else's shoes or tight shoes that don't fit;
- weakened immune system;
- visiting public baths, sauna, swimming pools or beauty salons, where non-disinfected instruments can be used;
- injuries to the nail and surrounding skin;
- flat feet;
- long-term use of antibacterial drugs;
- hyperhidrosis (increased sweating of the feet);
- the presence of endocrine or immune lesions;
- disorders of the circulatory system, which is especially important for elderly patients;
- varicose veins;
- diabetes mellitus
Flat feet are one of the causes of onychomycosis
Old age is an important factor that increases the risk of developing onychomycosis.Older people suffer from poor blood supply to the extremities, which also increases the risk of developing fungal infections.The causative agent of the disease enters the nails or skin from contaminated objects or through contact with a carrier.The pathogen spreads quickly, capturing new areas.The fungus enters the subungual space through damaged areas of the nail plate or through areas of the skin surrounding it.The fungus spreads quickly and makes its way to the nail bed.The rate of advancement exceeds the rate of plaque growth.Soon the pathogenic microorganism reaches its target and causes changes in the structure of the nail.It has been found that men are 3 times more likely to suffer from this fungus.Nail plates are affected by such types of fungi as dermatophytes, mold and yeast.
When should you consult a doctor?
You should consult a doctor at the first signs of a fungal infection.You should not wait for obvious signs of the disease to appear: the formation of white spots and even moderate itching on the feet should be a reason to contact a specialist - a mycologist or dermatologist.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic measures that will help identify the disease and its stage include:
- visual inspection of nail plates;
- take a tissue sample from the affected nail;
- cultural examination - inoculation of the material received from the patient onto a nutrient medium to identify the type of microorganisms that affected the nails.
In some cases, a specialist carries out differential diagnosis and distinguishes onychomycosis from diseases such as lichen planus, psoriasis and keratoderma.
Treatment of fungal nail infections at the initial stage of development
If the disease was detected at an early stage, it will be much easier to deal with it.In this case, it is generally sufficient to use local agents which act directly on the nail concerned.The duration of treatment depends on the condition of the nail plate and can vary from two to four weeks.All medications intended to treat even mild forms of nail fungus should be prescribed by a doctor.
Advanced Onychomycosis Therapy
In severe cases of the fungus, as well as in advanced infectious processes, complex treatment is indicated.Systemic antifungals should be prescribed if there are no contraindications.The patient is prescribed medications:
- Systemic antibiotic in tablet form.The active substance of the drug reaches the localization of pathogenic microorganisms and has a fungicidal effect.
- The drug inhibits the development of pathogens and destroys them.The duration of treatment and dosage are determined by the attending physician.The product causes unwanted effects.
- The drug has a fungicidal effect.The active substance gradually accumulates in the layers of the nail plate, which makes it possible to destroy even fungi located quite deeply.
In addition, in case of advanced nail fungus, effective procedures allow you to get rid of the infected plaque.You can do this in the following ways:
- Surgical removal.This method involves lifting the plaque with a sharp surgical instrument and tearing it off the bed.After the operation, a bandage is applied.The surgical method is traumatic and rarely used.Instead, minimally invasive methods are used.
- Removal of plaque using chemicals that promote rapid peeling of the affected nail.In this case, the problem area is treated with a special solution, wait until the drug begins to act, and then use tools to quickly separate the plate from the nail bed.
- Laser treatment.This is a modern and painless method that will quickly eliminate fungal nails.The laser acts on the plate by heating it to high temperature as quickly as possible.The beam penetrates deeply and neutralizes pathogenic microorganisms.The method is bloodless and absolutely safe, as it does not cause burns.
In advanced stages of onychomycosis, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, since the lack of adequate treatment increases the risk of widespread damage to the body from fungal infection.
Traditional methods
Treatment of nail fungus of the big toe can also be carried out using traditional medicine methods.Such methods are complementary in nature and cannot constitute the basis of therapy.The most popular folk remedies are:
- Onion porridge.You need to grate several onions and apply the resulting mass to the affected nails.Secure the top with a bandage.Leave on for 15-20 minutes, rinse.
- Hydrogen peroxide.First soak the affected feet in a water bath to soften the nails as much as possible.After that, remove the top layer from the plates.Soak a piece of gauze with hydrogen peroxide and wrap the phalanx of the finger with the affected nail, capturing the immediate lesion.Leave to act for 40 to 50 minutes.You can repeat the procedure up to twice a day.
- Apple cider vinegar.It is important to use a natural product.Take 2 tablespoons of vinegar and add the same amount of vodka, as well as a tablespoon of glycerin.Dip a cotton swab in the resulting mixture and apply to your nails for 15 minutes.Repeat 4 times a day.
Traditional recipes help to alleviate the severity of the symptoms of the disease and eliminate discomfort, but they are not able to destroy the causative agents of the disease.
The course of the disease and features of the treatment of nail fungus in children
Onychomycosis is quite rare in children.The main cause of the disease is weak immunity due to incomplete development.Symptoms of onychomycosis in children are:
- the plaques lose their natural pink color, the appearance of gray or white spots on the surface;
- irregularity and tuberosity of the nail plates;
- crumbly and brittle nails;
- redness and swelling of the skin around the child's infected nail.
To treat nail fungus in children, usually only topical preparations are used.If necessary, systemic agents are also prescribed.Capsules are the safest for children.Antifungal medications for oral administration should only be prescribed by a doctor.
Features of treatment in pregnant and lactating women
During pregnancy, there is a high risk of developing onychomycosis if the woman has previously suffered from the disease and has not completely cured it.This is due to the weakened immune system that occurs during pregnancy.It is important to cure the fungus in time, because in severe cases it creates a risk of bacterial infection that threatens the health of the mother and fetus.Systemic drugs cannot be used during pregnancy, as they have a high level of toxicity.During pregnancy and breastfeeding, local medications should be used, but only those that are safe for the future mother and her child.These include sulfur-salicylic ointment, amikazole ointment.
Treatment in the elderly
In older people, decreased immunity is a natural age-related phenomenon, which creates additional risks of developing onychomycosis.In this case, the specialist also exercises caution when choosing a remedy for treating nail fungus.Systemic medications are prescribed if the disease lasts a year or more, as well as in cases of extensive lesions and dystrophic changes in the nails.
Prevention measures
If you notice signs of fungus on your little finger or thumb, you should seek medical attention immediately.But you can take steps to prevent the development of this disease.The following recommendations should be followed:
- wash your feet at least once a day;
- Wash your socks daily and put on clean ones;
- in case of excessive sweating, use special deodorizing products for the feet;
- wear shoes that fit well, they should not be too tight and they should also be washed daily;
- use only personal hygiene products, as well as manicure and pedicure tools;
- when visiting the swimming pool, beach, sauna, use personal rubber shoes;
- wash your feet with soap after visiting the swimming pool, bathhouse and, if necessary, use pharmaceutical products for prevention.
Toenail fungus is a disease that is quite difficult to cure in its advanced stages.At the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor.Treatment depends on the stage of development of onychomycosis: at the initial stage, local medications are enough;in advanced stages, systemic antifungal agents are necessary.