Toenail fungus is a common, difficult-to-treat disease that affects one in four people worldwide.In medicine, the term is used to refer to a fungal infection of the nail of the lower part of the foot - onychomycosis or epidermophytosis.In the second case, there is a focus of infection on the skin.
Causes of toe fungus
Infection occurs through contact with an infected person, their belongings, or in public places.The humid and warm environment of swimming pools, saunas and baths is most suitable for fungal growth.Walking barefoot on the beach can also cause fungal spores to enter the toenails and big toes.
Often, onchomycosis affects the big toe and little toe of both feet, which can be explained by microtraumas when walking, opening the door to fungal spores.As a result of contact, infection occurs, which the body sometimes cannot cope with.
Causes that lead to the development of the disease:
- Decreased immunity due to acute viral disease, HIV or immunodeficiency.
- Diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, which interfere with the acid reaction of the skin.Natural barriers that prevent the development of infection disappear.
- Varicose veins and atherosclerosis of the vessels in the lower part cause the deterioration of blood circulation in the lower part.
- Wearing tight shoes, leads to scratches and calluses.
- Failure to observe the rules of personal hygiene creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi.
- Non-compliance of shoes with hygiene and cleanliness requirements.Feet sweat in it and stay wet for a long time.
- Professions that involve prolonged exposure to moisture or wearing rubber shoes.
- Hyperhidrosis, where the skin of the feet is always wet.
Men aged 35-75 are most susceptible to foot and nail fungus.Children under the age of 15 can be said not to suffer from athlete's foot.
importantTo get rid of toenail fungus, treatment must be carried out systematically and regularly.Onychomycosis is known for frequent relapses.
Fungal symptoms of toenails
When fungal spores penetrate the skin or under the nails, they begin to actively grow and reproduce.Mycelial threads penetrate deep into the tissue, eating the cells of the human body.
The characteristic symptoms in the first stage are:
- the appearance of red, scaly spots on the skin of the legs;
- small white stripes and dots appear on the nail surface;
- the nail plate becomes covered with tubercles and irregularities.
Further development of the fungus has the following signs:
- nail discoloration;
- thickened nail plate;
- the skin of the fingers is swollen and itchy.
If there is no treatment, the nail will collapse or peel off completely.This is accompanied by cracking of the skin on the fingers, itching and pain.
Fungus on the thumb cannot be cured only with folk remedies.Complex treatment is required to destroy the mycelium and prevent recurrence of the disease.
Diagnosis of toenail fungus
If you notice symptoms of a fungal infection in your toenail, you should see a doctor.Mycologists deal with the treatment of epidermophytosis.
Not every clinic has a very specialized specialist, so most often the treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist.
The doctor conducts a visual examination and takes a sample of the affected tissue to determine the type of parasite.There are several forms of fungus that affect the nail plate of the human finger:
- white shallow fungus;
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- proximal;
- sum.
Tissue analysis is necessary to determine the correct treatment method.Specialists will determine the type of infection based on nail color, structure, nature of destruction and the condition of the skin of the feet.He will tell you how and how to treat the fungus on the big toe.
How to cure toenail fungus
The treatment of epidermophytosis is carried out comprehensively:
- oral medication;
- external means;
- traditional medicine methods.
The attending physician prescribes medication in tablets to be taken orally according to a specific regimen.This leads to the accumulation of active substances in the cells of the human body and has an adverse effect on disease-causing agents.
Drugs aimed at destroying fungal infections are effective.Some of them have side effects and restrictions related to age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and chronic diseases.Therefore, you need to take the pills strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
For external treatment, ointments, sprays, varnishes, patches and serums with substances that inhibit the development of mycelium are used.Such products are used on cleaned and dried nails from 2 times a week to 2 times a day.It is necessary to follow the instructions and read the contraindications.
Folk remedies, as a rule, have no contraindications, but their effectiveness is much lower than drugs.Their actions are more aimed at symptoms than treating toenail fungus.But they clean well, relieve itching, and disinfect the affected area.Their actions are most effective in the early stages of the disease.
Folk remedies such as baths with soda, vinegar or sea salt are known.Dry the smear with iodine and fresh celandine juice.Masks of potato peels, lemon compresses, garlic gruel with olive oil are good for relieving itching.
Radical treatment of omnichomycosis on the big toe is the removal of the nail plate.The operation is performed under local anesthesia, the wound is treated with an antifungal disinfectant.After a few months, healthy nails grow.
In cases of intolerance, ineffectiveness of drugs and advanced forms of the disease, a new method of treating fungus using a laser is used.The beam burns the mycelium to a depth of 7 mm.Healthy cells do not suffer, and sick cells quickly regenerate.This method has contraindications;you should consult your doctor.
Treatment with folk remedies for toenail fungus
At home, the following are widely used to treat nail plate fungus:
- Bath or vinegar scrub.Table or apple cider vinegar dissolved in warm water in the proportion of 200 ml of 9% acid per 3-4 liters of liquid.The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.Then the feet are dried and put on socks.Scrubbing is done with undiluted table vinegar for 15 minutes.
- Bath soda.Three liters of solution should contain 3 tablespoons of baking soda.You can add grated soap.
- Tea tree oil.A small amount of essential oil is added to the bath water.
- Iodine.Used in lotion form.Apply to both diseased and healthy nail surfaces to prevent co-infection.
- Celandine, tar and whiteness are excellent antibacterial agents.Lubricate the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin.Use with caution.
- Juice and pulp from onions and garlic.Mix with oil or alcohol, apply as a compress or lubricate the nail surface.The mixture can cause burns and irritation of the surrounding tissue, so it is used with caution.
Folk remedies are good for their accessibility and simplicity.But you should not forget about visiting the doctor.Complex systematic treatment gives the most significant results.
Consequences of nail fungus on the big toe
Onychomycosis is not a dangerous disease.You can live for years with discomfort and unsightly appearance of your nails.But if immunity decreases with age or after an illness, the fungus will "bloom in full."
Fungal spores can infect neighboring nails.And this is an additional unpleasant sensation.The development of the disease leads to the complete destruction of the nail plate.Sometimes a person cannot walk because of pain.We need to use surgical intervention.
Important.Untreated onychomycosis is a source of infection for others.Hony particles and cells with mycelial spores can lead to the infection of others.
Prevention of toenail fungus
Prevention of fungal diseases involves:
- avoid contact with infected objects;
- strengthens the immune system to protect against infection.
Personal hygiene must be maintained.Do not use other people's personal belongings and do not let others use them.Walk in the pool, bathroom, shower and sauna only with personal slippers.Wear disposable socks when trying on shoes.
Feet should be washed at least once a day with soap and socks should be changed daily.Dry and ventilated shoes.Special liquids and sprays for disinfecting shoes are sold.
It is necessary to monitor your health, eat right, and adhere to the schedule of work and rest.Do not start chronic diseases.Sports and walking strengthen the immune system well.
If you are infected with toenail fungus, you need to be diagnosed and treated with medications prescribed by your doctor.Use external means and traditional methods properly.The duration of treatment is usually 3-6 months.With regular treatment and prevention of reinfection, recurrence of athlete's foot is almost impossible.