Onychomycosis is a fungal disease that affects the nail plates.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 nail fungus is detected on the big toe, 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 an aesthetic problem.The disease does not cause discomfort, but the appearance of the affected nail changes.
But if the disease is not treated, it will progress and physical discomfort will add to the aesthetic problems.Let's find out what symptoms 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 of a pool or sauna.
The fact is that the pathogens that cause onychomycosis multiply quickly in a humid and warm environment.Therefore, baths and swimming pools are the places where it is easiest to “catch” the fungus.
Advice!Another place where you can easily get infected is manicure and pedicure salons if the staff is negligent in disinfecting utensils and equipment.
The fungus enters the body especially easily if there is damage to the skin - 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 that contribute to the development of the disease
All people can encounter pathogenic microflora, but the disease does not develop in all cases.The spread of the pathogen is neutralized 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 work at full strength;
- flat feet;
- increased sweating and diaper rash that occurs as a result.
Advice!Not only diseases, but also certain habits contribute to the development of fungal infections.For example, wearing shoes that are too tight, choosing socks and shoes made from artificial materials, and insufficient hygiene.
According to medical statistics, the risk group for developing onychomycosis on the big toe includes:
- elderly;
- visitors to public gyms, swimming pools, baths;
- cosmetologists;
- medical personnel;
- people with excessive sweating.
Signs
The effectiveness of treating big toe nail fungus largely depends on the stage of the disease.If you start taking appropriate measures as soon as the first symptoms appear, it will be relatively easy to deal with the disease.If the process is started, the treatment will require patience and time.The course can last more than six months.
The peculiarity of this disease is that at an early stage the symptoms are subtle.In fact, 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 if they do, they do not pay attention to such symptoms, as physical discomfort does not appear at this stage.
But in the absence of treatment, the process will develop and progress.A small stain will begin to grow, completely changing the appearance of the dish.The infection can affect the skin near the nail and also spread to other fingers.You may suspect a fungus if the following symptoms appear;
- white or yellowish spots on the nail, often at the initial stage they are located in the upper corner of the nail, but this is not necessary.The location depends on the place of introduction of the pathogenic microorganisms;
- the surface of the nail changed, became thicker, lost its smoothness and grooves appeared;
- the nails have become very brittle, the regenerated part disintegrates and breaks.
Advice!The listed signs do not allow an unambiguous diagnosis.If you suspect a fungus, you will need to get tested.This will not only identify the presence of the pathogen, but also determine its type.
Internships
As already noted, the development of thumb nail fungus 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 stages:
- Home.At this stage, the signals 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 plate changes color and loses its smoothness.At this stage, an unpleasant odor may appear on the feet.
- Released.The lesion begins to spread to other nails and the nail begins to deteriorate.At this time, bacterial infections are often associated with onychomycosis, causing inflammation and suppuration on the skin of the fingers.
How to treat?
Fungal infection is difficult to treat.Many patients who self-medicate do not achieve the desired results, they 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 medicines to combat the pathogen.After all, there are different types of fungi, so there is no single treatment regimen.Also, when prescribing a treatment regimen, the stage of development of the process must be taken into account.
Treatment of onychomycosis must be comprehensive.The specialist will prescribe products for external use, systemic medications (tablets) that help treat the infection from the inside, as well as products to support the immune system and strengthen the body in general.
Luck
This is a very easy to use treatment.Varnishes are colorless and with the addition of coloring pigments.The last option will undoubtedly be appreciated by women.
Apply healing varnish to a previously prepared plate.You need to wash your feet and take a hot shower to soften your nails.Then, remove the top layer of the diseased nail using a disposable nail file.
The varnish is applied not only to the diseased nail, but also to healthy ones, to prevent the spread of infection.The frequency of application depends on the type of preparation;the varnish must be used until the nail is completely renewed.
Ointments and solutions
External treatment products are also produced in the form of ointments or solutions (sprays).Before applying the product, do the same preparation as before applying the varnish.Treatment is carried out 1-2 times a day.
The doctor must prescribe a medicine for external treatment, since different medicines are active against different groups of pathogens.Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications:
Pills
In advanced stages, it is necessary, along with external treatment, to use oral medications.As a rule, they contain the same active ingredients as topical agents.
Taking antifungal tablets puts a strain on the liver, so they are not prescribed in long courses.To obtain results, pulse therapy is used.Medications are taken in short cycles and repeated periodically until complete recovery.This approach allows you to reduce the load on the liver and achieve an effective effect on pathogenic microflora.
Thus, only a dermatologist after an examination can answer the question of how to cure nail fungus.During the analysis, the type of pathogen is identified, as well as its sensitivity to different types of medications.This approach allows you to choose the most effective treatment path.Furthermore, the patient must not forget the necessary hygiene measures.It is necessary to regularly disinfect your shoes, wash your socks at high temperatures and iron them on the wrong side.