Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nails.This infection can appear on any nail, but most often the first toes are affected.If the disease is not treated, the infection will spread further, affecting the remaining nails.If a nail fungus on the big toe is detected, the treatment will be long-term, but the course must be completed to the end to reduce the risk of relapse.
In the early stages, onychomycosis is perceived by many people as a cosmetic problem.The disease does not cause any discomfort, but changes the appearance of the affected nail.
But if the disease is not treated, it will progress and physical discomfort will be added to the aesthetic problems.Let's find out what symptoms would suggest onychomycosis and how to treat it.
Why does the disease develop?
Onychomycosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms - fungi.You can get an infection if you try on someone else's shoes or walk barefoot on the floor in a pool or sauna.
The fact is that the pathogens that cause onychomycosis multiply rapidly in a moist, warm environment.Bathrooms and swimming pools are therefore the places where it is easiest to "catch" the fungus.
Advise!Another place where you can easily get infected is nail and pedicure salons if the staff is lax in disinfecting tools and equipment.
The fungus enters the body especially easily in case of skin damage: abrasions, scratches.For this reason, the infection most often affects the big toe, as this part of the foot is often damaged when wearing shoes that are too tight.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease
Each person can encounter a pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in any case.The spread of the pathogen is thwarted 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 surrounding skin;
- peripheral circulatory disorders;
- various dermatological diseases - dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.;
- chronic diseases due to which the immune system does not function at full strength;
- flat feet;
- increased sweating and diaper rash occurring as a result.
Advise!Not only diseases, but also some 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 insufficient hygiene.
According to medical statistics, the risk group for the development of onychomycosis on the big toe includes:
- elderly people;
- visitors to gyms, swimming pools, public toilets;
- cosmetologists;
- medical personnel;
- people with excessive sweating.
Signs
The effectiveness of treating fungus on the big toe nail largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking appropriate measures as soon as the first symptoms appear, dealing with the disease will be relatively easy.If the process is started, treatment will require patience and time.The course can last more than six months.
The peculiarity of this disease is that in the initial stage the symptoms are subtle.Indeed, few people will sound the alarm when they see a small spot on the nail of the first toe.Many simply do not notice such changes or, even having noticed them, do not pay attention to such symptoms, because at this stage no physical discomfort arises.
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 dish.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and spread to other fingers as well.You can suspect a fungus if the following symptoms appear;
- white or yellowish spots on the nail, often in the initial stage are located in the upper corner of the nail, but this is not necessary.The localization depends on the place of introduction of the pathogenic microorganisms;
- the surface of the nail changed, became thicker, lost its smoothness, and grooves appeared on it;
- the nails have become very brittle, the regrown part crumbles and breaks.
Advise!The listed signs do not allow a clear diagnosis.If you suspect fungus, you need to get tested.This will not only identify the presence of the pathogen, but also determine its type.
Phases
As already noted, the development of nail fungus on the thumb occurs gradually.The speed of development of the process depends on the type of fungus.Onychomycosis, caused by infection with yeast-like fungi, progresses more quickly.It is customary to distinguish three phases:
- Initial.At this stage the 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 slab changes color and loses its smoothness.At this stage, an unpleasant foot odor may appear.
- Launched.The lesion begins to spread to other nails and the thumb nail begins to deteriorate.During this period, bacterial infections are often associated with onychomycosis, causing inflammation and suppuration on the skin of the fingers.
How to treat?
The fungal infection is difficult to treat.Many patients who self-medicate do not get the desired results, but only trigger the disease.Therefore, it is better not to try to cure yourself, but to consult a dermatologist.
After the tests, the specialist will select the most effective drugs in fighting the pathogen.After all, there are different types of mushrooms, so there is no single treatment regimen.In addition, when prescribing a therapeutic regimen, it is necessary to take into account the stage of development of the process.
Treatment of onychomycosis should be comprehensive.The specialist will prescribe products for external use, systemic drugs (tablets) that help cure the infection from the inside, as well as products to support the immune system and generally strengthen the organism.
Lucky
This is a very easy to use treatment.The paints are colorless and with the addition of coloring pigments.The last option will undoubtedly be appreciated by women.
Apply healing paint to a previously prepared plate.You need to wash your feet and take a warm bath to soften your nails.Then remove the top layer from the diseased nail using a disposable nail file.
The varnish is applied not only to the diseased nail, but also to the healthy one, this is to prevent the spread of the infection.The frequency of application depends on the type of preparation;the nail polish must be used until the nail is completely renewed.
Ointments and solutions
Products for external treatment are also produced in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before applying the product, carry out the same preparation carried out before applying the paint.The treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
The doctor should prescribe a remedy 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, together with external treatment, the use of drugs taken orally is necessary.They generally contain the same active ingredients as topical agents.
Taking antifungal tablets puts a strain on the liver, so they are not prescribed for long courses.To achieve results, pulse therapy is used.The drugs are taken in short cycles, repeated periodically 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 cure toenail fungus.During the analysis, the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to various types of drugs are identified.This approach allows you to choose the most effective therapeutic path.In addition, the patient should not forget about the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to regularly disinfect shoes, wash socks at high temperatures and iron them inside out.