Toenail fungus is a common, difficult-to-treat disease that affects one in four people worldwide.In medicine, the terms are used to refer to fungal infections of the nails of the lower extremities - onychomycosis or epidermophytosis.In the last case, there are foci of infection on the skin.
Causes of big toe fungus
Infection occurs during contact with an infected person, his belongings or in public places.The moist, warm environment of swimming pools, saunas and baths is most favorable for the development of fungi.Walking barefoot on the beach can also cause fungal spores to enter the toenails and toes.
Most often, onychomycosis affects the big and little toes of both feet, which can be explained by microtraumas during walking, opening the doors to fungal spores.As a result of contact, an infection occurs that the body sometimes cannot cope with.
Reasons that lead to the development of the disease:
- Decreased immunity due to acute viral disease, HIV or immunodeficiency.
- Diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, which disrupts the acid reaction of the skin.The natural barrier that prevents the development of infections disappears.
- Varicose veins and atherosclerosis of the veins of the lower extremities cause the deterioration of blood circulation in the lower extremities.
- Wearing tight shoes leads to scratches and calluses.
- Failure to follow the rules of personal hygiene creates favorable conditions for the development of fungus.
- Non-compliance of shoes with sanitary-hygienic requirements.Feet sweat there and stay wet for a long time.
- Occupations involving prolonged exposure to moisture or wearing rubber shoes.
- Hyperhidrosis, the skin of the feet is constantly wet.
Men between the ages of 35 and 75 are most susceptible to foot and nail fungus.Children under the age of 15 practically do not suffer from foot pain.
Important.To eliminate nail fungus, the treatment should be systematic and regular.Onychomycosis is known for frequent relapses.
Symptoms of fungus on the nail of the big toe
When fungal spores penetrate the skin or under the nail, they begin to actively grow and multiply.Mycelium threads feed on the cells of the human body and penetrate deeply into the tissues.
Characteristic symptoms in the first stage:
- the appearance of red, scaly spots on the skin of the legs;
- small whitish streaks and dots appear on the nail surface;
- the nail plate is covered with tubercles and irregularities.
Further development of the fungus has the following symptoms:
- nail color change;
- the nail plate thickens;
- the skin of the finger swells and itches.
If there is no treatment, the nail will crumble or completely peel off.It is accompanied by cracking of the skin on the finger, itching and pain.
The fungus on the thumb cannot be treated only with folk remedies.Complex treatment is required to destroy the mycelium and prevent recurrence of the disease.
Diagnosis of toenail fungus
If you notice signs of a fungal infection on your toenail, you should see a doctor.A mycologist deals with the treatment of epidermophytosis.
Not every clinic has such a highly qualified specialist, therefore, in most cases, treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist.
The doctor performs a visual examination and takes a sample of the affected tissue to determine the type of parasite.There are several forms of fungus that affect the nail plates of human fingers:
- white surface fungus;
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- proximal;
- total.
A tissue analysis is necessary to determine the correct treatment method.The specialist will determine the type of infection based on the color of the nail, its structure, the nature of destruction and the condition of the skin of the foot.It will tell you how and how to treat the fungus on the big toe.
How to treat nail fungus
Treatment of epidermophytosis is carried out comprehensively:
- oral medications;
- external means;
- traditional medicine methods.
The attending physician prescribes drugs in tablets to be taken orally according to a certain regimen.This leads to the accumulation of active substances in the cells of the human body and has a harmful effect on the causative agent of the disease.
Medicines aimed at destroying fungal infections are effective.Some of them have side effects and limitations related to age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and chronic diseases.Therefore, you must take the pills strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
For external treatment, ointments, sprays, varnishes, patches and serums are used with substances that inhibit the development of mycelium.Such products are applied to cleaned and dried nails from 2 times a week to 2 times a day.It is necessary to follow the instructions and read the contraindications.
Folk remedies, as a rule, do not have contraindications, but their effectiveness is significantly lower than drugs.Their action is aimed at symptoms rather than treating nail fungus.But they clean well, relieve itching and disinfect the affected area.Their action is most effective in the initial stage of the disease.
Folk remedies such as baths with soda, vinegar or sea salt are known.Dry the smear with iodine and fresh celandine juice.Potato peel masks, lemon compresses, garlic oatmeal with olive oil are good for relieving itching.
The radical treatment of omnicomycosis in the big toe is the removal of the nail plate.The operation is performed under local anesthesia, the wound is treated with an antifungal disinfectant.After a few months, a healthy nail grows.
In cases of intolerance, ineffectiveness of drugs and an advanced form of the disease, a new method of treatment of fungi using a laser is used.The beam burns the mycelium to a depth of 7 mm.Healthy cells do not suffer and diseased cells regenerate quickly.This method has contraindications;you should consult your doctor.
Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies
The following are widely used to treat nail plate fungus at home:
- Vinegar baths or rubbing.Table or apple vinegar is dissolved in hot water at the rate of 200 ml of 9% acid for 3-4 liters of liquid.The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.Then the feet are dried and socks are put on.Rubbing is carried out for 15 minutes with undiluted table vinegar.
- Soda baths.There should be 3 tablespoons of baking soda in three liters of solution.You can add grated laundry soap.
- Tea tree oil.A small amount of essential oil is added to the bath water.
- Iodine.It is used in the form of lotions.Apply to the surface of sick and healthy nails to prevent cross-infection.
- Celandine, tar and white are excellent antibacterial agents.Lubricate the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin.Use with caution.
- Onion and garlic juice and gruel.Mix with oil or alcohol, apply as a compress or lubricate the nail surface.Mixtures can cause burning and irritation of the surrounding tissues, so they are used very carefully.
Folk remedies are good for their accessibility and simplicity.But you should not forget to consult a doctor.Complex systematic treatment gives the most noticeable results.
Consequences of nail fungus on big toes
Onychomycosis is not a dangerous disease.You can live for many years suffering from discomfort and the unsightly appearance of your nails.But if immunity decreases with age or after illness, the fungus will "bloom in full".
Fungal spores can infect neighboring nails.And this is an additional unpleasant feeling.The progression of the disease leads to the complete destruction of the nail plate.Sometimes a person cannot walk due to pain.We have to resort to surgical intervention.
Important.Untreated onychomycosis is a source of infection for others.Cells containing horny particles and mycelial spores can infect other people.
Prevention of toenail fungus
Prevention of fungal diseases includes:
- avoid contact with an infected object;
- strengthen the immune system to protect against infections.
Personal hygiene must be maintained.Do not use or allow others to use other people's personal belongings.Walk in pools, baths, showers and saunas only with personal slippers.Wear disposable socks when putting on shoes.
Feet should be washed with soap at least once a day and socks should be changed daily.Dry and air the shoes.Special liquids and sprays are sold to disinfect shoes.
You need to monitor your health, eat properly, and follow the work and rest regime.Do not start chronic diseases.Sports and walking strengthen the immune system well.
If you have a toenail fungus, it should be diagnosed and treated with medications prescribed by your doctor.Use external means and traditional methods correctly.The duration of treatment is usually 3-6 months.With regular treatment and prevention of re-infection, relapse of the foot is almost impossible.