Onychomycosis of the big toe is common.The nail of this finger is the largest in area and is most often attracted by a fungal infection, which creates an environment for nutrition and development and destroys the structure of the nail tissue.Treating toenail fungus at home requires patience and care.
Causes
Onychomycosis occurs due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.Onychomycosis occurs due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.There are certain conditions under which fungus appears on the big toe:
- Contact with a sick person.It is unacceptable to share shoes, towels and other household items with an infected person.
- Weakening of the body's immune system.This happens when a person suffers from inflammatory diseases or endocrine disorders.
- Nail injuries.Violation of the integrity of the nail plate can trigger the development of fungi.The same reasons include damage caused by wearing very tight shoes or cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.This can be due to both endocrine disorders and poor-quality shoes.But it can also be a congenital trait.
- Trophic skin changes that are common in older people.This means that the proportion of fungal infections is much higher in older and senile people.
- Flat feet can also be a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
- Inadequate foot hygiene or its complete absence.
Important!
The risk of fungal infection increases sharply when visiting places with high humidity (swimming pools, baths, saunas, etc.) without shoes.
Signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus will not attract the attention of an infected person because it has no symptoms.In rare cases, mild itching, mild burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause any worries to the patient.
Symptoms increase as the mycelium grows.The structure changes.The nail becomes dull and brittle.Its plate is covered with spots and stripes, the color of which may vary depending on the type of causative agent of the disease.Using photos of nail fungus on the big toe, you can determine who exactly has “settled” on it.
Affected nails are characterized by a thickening of the plate and growing of its corners into the roller.Therefore, it deforms under the influence of fungi.The following signs occur:
- pain during movement (when walking);
- The big toe becomes red and swollen;
- Purulent exudate is released from under the corners of the nail plate.
As fungi go through their life cycle in the nail plate, they release toxins that enter the vessels of the lymphatic system and spread throughout the body.Under the influence of these substances:
- skin rashes such as urticaria;
- dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Poisoning symptoms.
The route of entry of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has penetrated through the roller, the nail undergoes dystrophic changes.And when the free edge becomes a portal of entry, the pathogen settles under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
Treatment of nail fungus on the big toe depends on the stage of the process, of which there are only three:
- Initially.
- Intensive (progressive).
- Neglected (destructive).
Initially
This stage is characterized by normotrophic damage.The nails appear healthy, but careful examination reveals small whitish or yellowish spots or streaks.The nail may be destroyed at the edge or in the middle.The plate loses its shine and becomes dull.At this stage it is easiest to get rid of the fungus.
Intensive (progressive)
This stage is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The plates change color and configuration.The pathogen spreading over the entire surface makes it thickened and loose.The toes look like they are injured.The edge of the nail crumbles and breaks.An unpleasant smell comes from the feet.
It is more difficult to cure second stage fungi.If the immune system is weakened, use local external antifungals and tablets.
Neglected (destructive)
The nail loses what remains of its healthy appearance, crumbles and separates from its nail bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to the surrounding tissue and pain occurs in the finger.Fighting the fungus at this stage requires only comprehensive measures.
Methods for treating onychomycosis
How and with what means to treat a fungus on the thumb is best clarified by a dermatologist.And even if you decide to treat with traditional methods, you must first make sure that your fingers are affected by the fungus.In the treatment of fungal infections, numerous drugs of different release forms, as well as folk recipes, are used.
The following drug groups are used:
- Tablets.
- Happy.
- Anoint.
- Solutions.
- Pavement.
- Gels.
In advanced cases, surgical methods are used.Laser therapy is also widely used.
Use of external agents
Products for external use against fungal infections are sold in pharmacies and belong to the category of drugs that are available without a doctor's prescription.All of them are applied to both the nail itself and the surrounding tissues after previously cleaning the feet.The usual frequency of use of these products is 1-2 times within 24 hours.
Note!
Treatment of nail fungus on the thumb takes several months to a year.It depends on how serious the pathological process is.
Lucky
An effective tool in the fight against fungi is antifungal nail polish.It contains cyclopiroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used when the nail plate is damaged by no more than a third and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This method of treatment is effective if the nail is not hypertrophied.
- The varnish should be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before use, the part of the nail affected by the fungus is removed with a file and degreased with alcohol.
- The next time you use it, remove the remaining varnish with a swab soaked in alcohol and clean the plate again from damaged areas.
The polish destroys fungal spores by penetrating deep into the nail structure.The drugs have high penetrating power and destroy many types of fungi.
Important!
The varnish is applied until a completely healthy nail plate grows on the finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many external antifungal drugs on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Antifungal ointments, such as gels and creams, are applied to a well-cleaned or, better yet, steamed surface.
Important!
It is necessary to treat the nail plates of both the thumb and all others with external means.And even on the little toe.This is done to prevent the spread of infection.
Preparations for internal use
Only a doctor can choose the right medications for oral administration.For many of these drugs there are entire lists of restrictions and contraindications.Treatment of nail fungus with tablets is contraindicated in people with a history of kidney and liver diseases, as well as in pregnant women and children.The duration of tablet treatment is 2 to 6 months.The doctor develops the dosage regimen.
Traditional medicine recipes
The fungus can be treated with folk remedies in addition to the main treatment or in the very early stages of the disease.They help, first of all, to eliminate their manifestations, and without drug therapy, onychomycosis recurs again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix equal parts honey and freshly squeezed onion juice and grease the nails on the thumb and all other fingers once before bed until a healthy nail grows back completely.Store the mixture in a glass container in the refrigerator.The duration of treatment is 4-12 months.
- Grind the thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 60 minutes.Soak a bandage with the tincture and apply to nails for 2 hours.Repeat the treatment twice daily for three weeks.
- Iodine is added to water heated to 45 ° C at the rate of 3 drops per 1 liter of water.Leave your feet in the solution until it cools completely.After the bath, cut the damaged nail with scissors treated with hydrogen peroxide and apply a bandage with antifungal ointment.
- Pour boiling water over the lemon and stick the slices on your nails with tape.For best results, leave the compress on overnight.
- Steam your feet in hot water, dry your nails and fix them with a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape the softened areas and lubricate the nails with an antifungal agent.
The key to successful therapy
In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, you must follow a few simple rules:
- During treatment, do not visit swimming pools, saunas and other places with a humid and warm microclimate.
- Treat all shoes regularly with antifungal agents (sprays).
- Change socks four times a day.Used steam must be disinfected.
- Under no circumstances should you skip any medications or procedures.Strictly follow the doctor's instructions.
- Eliminate overgrown plates in a timely manner, as they prevent the penetration of medications.