The fungus of the human nail plate of the hand and foot is quite widespread.Onychomycosis refers to the impact on the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) by a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.It causes a lot of problems and the treatment itself: the need for regular therapeutic procedures, the possibility of surgery, a long recovery period and the likelihood of relapse.Compliance with preventive measures will reduce the likelihood of infection, but does not guarantee complete safety from the fungus.
Factors contributing to the disease
Toenail fungus has increased vitality.It remains outside the human body for a long time.Floors, sports and shower mats, sofas, benches, shoes represent the so-called "waiting place".Being in a favorable environment (high humidity, heat, the presence of microcracks, corns and calluses on the lower extremities), the fungus quickly penetrates the tissues and begins to multiply intensively.
Strong immunity prevents the growth of fungi, quickly defeating foreign bodies.In a weakened state, protection is not so successful.The reasons that reduce protective forces are different:
- Failure to comply with hygiene standards.
- Disturbances 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 limbs.
- Orthopedic pathologies.
- Failure of the metabolic process.
- Varicose veins
- Positive HIV reaction and immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Shoes made from low quality materials, not chosen to fit.
Not the last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of this infection.Personal belongings (towel, slippers, manicure scissors) of the infected person serve as conductors of the fungus.The patient's immediate environment is the one at greatest risk.
Older people 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 becomes covered in blisters, which, when broken, form areas of scaly cracks and small ulcers.Subsequently, the fungus moves into the subungual space, which contains nutrients that help the development of the mycelium of the parasitic fungus.The consequence of the release of a certain enzyme is the gradual destruction of the nail component.
Ingrown corners of the big toenail are additional symptoms of infection.This is how the deformation of the corneum plate manifests itself.Pain occurs when walking, which can provoke suppuration.With the further development of the disease, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, becomes covered with spots or stripes of yellow, brown, black shades and becomes brittle and brittle.Without treatment, the big toenail is destroyed and separated 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 nail in yellow and brown tones, followed by its separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of longitudinal spots or stripes of predominantly yellowish color along the edges and center of the nail.Mold manifests itself with a shade ranging from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide toenail disease into types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: the condition remains the same, the first signs appear on the surface: white to yellow stripes or spots.Subsequently the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (greyish-brown), there is loss of shine, opacity, thickening and deformation with partial destruction especially on the edges.
- Onycholytic.It is characterized by a dull gray-brown discoloration of the affected nail, which covers it with loose layers of hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and rejection.The danger is maximum due to the massive release of microorganisms on the floors of the rooms used.
The fungus doesn't just damage the big toenail.The toxins released, as a result of the vital activity of the mushroom, enter the lymphatic system, causing the appearance of allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), aggravating the causes of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and signs of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its varieties
The main treatment for thumb nail fungus is a complex therapy, combining methods of local-external approach and course.It is selected by a dermatologist taking into account the degree of development of the disease, the individual tolerance of the patient and the area of damage.The duration of the course depends on the negligence and complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At first, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicinal varnishes of a special composition against the spread of nail fungus are sold in the over-the-counter departments of pharmacies.Penetrating into 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 obligatory presence of an ointment, spray or cream.It is necessary to begin treatment, as with varnishes, with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum trimming of the nail, thinning with a file, degreasing.The product is intended to be used once or twice daily for a period of 2 to 12 months.To avoid 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 several components: ciclopiroxolamine, 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 recognized as the most successful.The destruction is aimed at the membranes of the fungal strains, which leads to the destruction of the latter from the inside.
When you need to remove a diseased big toe nail, apply a compress with a solution to soften it.Other drugs (5% 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.With oral drugs, special care is required, since there are restrictions and contraindications for use.Only a dermatologist will correctly select a medicine that suppresses the fungus.
The dosage involves the use of one tablet once a day or once a week, for 2-6 months.
Traditional medicine recipes
In the normotrophic phase, folk recipes have proven to be effective.At home, you can do without expensive drugs by independently treating the fungus without harming a person's overall health.
Iodotherapy
- For a week, the affected nail is smeared with a cotton swab twice a day.After that, a break is made for the same period and the procedure is repeated again in the same sequence until the fungus is eliminated.
- Three liters of warm water are poured into the container, eight drops of alcoholic tincture of iodine are added.After the bath, the steamed plate is cut, the skin is treated with hydrogen peroxide and a bandage with antibacterial drugs is applied.The procedure should be performed every day until the skin is renewed.
Tricks with vinegar
- In a glass bowl, mix equal parts table vinegar, glycerin and water.Apply the compress for 20 minutes in the morning and evening, daily until the nail is completely replaced.
- In a bowl, dilute two parts of water and one part of 9% table vinegar.Soak the affected limb 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.