Human nail plate fungus on hands and feet is widespread.Onychomycosis means impact on the structure of the nail (usually the big toe) by a parasitic fungus, followed by destruction.It causes a lot of inconvenience and the treatment itself: the need for regular therapeutic procedures, the possibility of surgical intervention, 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
Big toe nail fungus has increased vitality.It remains outside the human body for a long time.Floors, sports and bath mats, stools, benches, shoes represent the so-called “waiting place”.Once 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 fungal growth by quickly defeating foreign bodies.In a weakened state, protection is not as 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 lesions in the region of the fingers and toes.
- Presence of dermatological diseases.
- Increased sweating in the lower extremities.
- Orthopedic pathologies.
- Failure of the metabolic process.
- Varicose veins
- Positive HIV reaction and immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Shoes made with low quality materials, not chosen to fit.
Not the last place in the infection process is contact with the carrier of the infection.The infected person's personal belongings (towel, slippers, manicure scissors) act as carriers of the fungus.The patient's immediate environment is most at risk.
Elderly 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 the fungal invasion.The skin on the big toe and the surface of the foot becomes covered with blisters which, when ruptured, form areas with scaly fissures and small ulcers.Subsequently, the fungus moves to the subungual space, which contains nutrients that help in the development of the parasitic fungus mycelium.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 horny plate manifests itself.Pain occurs when walking, which can provoke suppuration.As the disease progresses, the nail loses its original appearance.The surface of the nail becomes dull, thickens significantly, becomes covered with spots or stripes of yellow, brown and black tones and becomes brittle and brittle.Without treatment, the big toe nail is destroyed and separated from the nail bed.
The types of lesions are influenced by the strains of the infecting flora.The yeast fungus changes the appearance of the pad and colors the nail in yellow and brown tones, followed by its separation.Dermatophytes are characterized by the presence of spots or longitudinal bands of a predominantly yellowish tone along the edges and center of the nail.Mold appears in shades ranging from greenish to almost black.
Dermatologists divide nail disease into types:
- Normotrophic.Mild symptoms: the condition remains the same, the first signs appear on the surface: stripes or spots from white to yellow.Afterwards, the color changes completely.
- Hypertrophic.In addition to discoloration (gray brown), there is loss of shine, opacity, thickening and deformation with partial destruction mainly at the edges.
- Onycholytic.It is characterized by a dull grayish-brown coloration of the affected nail, covering it with loose layers of hyperkeratotic properties, atrophy and rejection.There is a maximum danger due to the massive spillage of microorganisms onto the floor surfaces of the premises used.
The fungus harms more than just the big nail.The toxins released as a result of the vital activity of the fungus enter the lymphatic system, provoking the appearance of allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), aggravating the causes of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract and signs of intoxication appear.
Conservative treatment of thumb fungus and its varieties
The main treatment for thumb nail fungus is complex therapy, combining methods of local-external and course approaches.It is selected by a dermatologist taking into account the degree of development of the disease, the patient's individual tolerance and the affected area.The duration of the course depends on the abandonment and the complexity of the infectious condition.
External use
At first, the fungus responds to gentle methods.Medicinal varnishes with a special composition against the spread of nail fungus are sold in pharmacies over the counter.Penetrating into the structure of the nail plate, they have an antiseptic effect, soften the stratum corneum and destroy infectious spores, destroy the fungal mycelium.
The damaged area is treated with the obligatory presence of ointment, spray or cream.It is necessary to start treatment, as with varnishes, with careful preparation of the infected area: maximum cutting of the nail, thinning with a file, degreasing.It is intended to use the product once or twice a day for 2 to 12 months.To avoid relapses, it is recommended to continue using the medications for two weeks after recovery.
Ointments are used depending on the stage of the infection.They contain different components: cyclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, naftifine and terbinafine.Based on these indicators, a specific medicine is selected for the patient that destroys the fungus.Based on the results, terbinafine derivatives were recognized as the most successful.The destruction targets the membranes of the fungal strains, which leads to their destruction from the inside.
When it is necessary to remove a diseased nail from the big toe, apply a compress with a solution to soften it.Other medications (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.Special attention is required with oral medications, as there are restrictions and contraindications for use.Only a dermatologist will correctly select a medicine that suppresses the fungus.
Dosage involves using one tablet once a day or once a week for 2 to 6 months.
Traditional medicine recipes
In the normotrophic phase, popular recipes have proven themselves.At home, it is possible to do without expensive medications, treating the fungus independently, without harm to the person's general health.
Iodine therapy
- For a week, the affected nail is rubbed with a cotton swab twice a day.After which there is a break for the same period, and the procedure is repeated again in the same sequence until the fungus is eliminated.
- Three liters of hot water are poured into the container, eight drops of alcohol 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 medicine is applied.The procedure must be carried out every day until the skin is renewed.
Vinegar tricks
- In a glass bowl, mix table vinegar, glycerin and water in equal parts.Apply the compress for 20 minutes morning and night, daily until the nail is completely replaced.
- In a bowl, dilute two parts water and one part 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.