Onychomycosis of the big toe is a common occurrence.As it is the largest in area, the nail on this finger most often attracts a fungal infection, which creates an environment of nutrition and development, destroying the structure of the nail tissue.Treating nail fungus at home requires patience and care.
Causes
Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.Onychomycosis develops due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.There are certain conditions under which the 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 occurs 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 fungus.These same reasons include damage caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or cosmetic procedures.
- Excessive sweating of the feet.This may be due to endocrine disorders and poor quality footwear.But it can also be a congenital characteristic.
- Trophic changes in the skin, which affect the elderly.Because of them, the percentage of fungal infections among the elderly and senile is much higher.
- Flat feet can also be a prerequisite for developing the disease.
- Insufficient foot hygiene or its complete absence.
Important!
The risk of fungal infection is greatly increased 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 the infected person, as it does not present symptoms.In rare cases, mild itching, burning or redness of the skin may occur.All this will not cause any concerns to the patient.
Symptoms intensify as the mycelium grows.The structure changes.The nail becomes opaque and brittle.Its plaque becomes covered with spots and stripes, the color of which may vary depending on the type of agent causing the disease.Photos of nail fungus on the big toe will help determine who exactly “settled” on it.
Affected nails are characterized by thickening of the plate and the growth of its corners into the roller.Therefore, it becomes deformed under the influence of fungi.The following signs appear:
- 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 the following occurs:
- rashes such as hives;
- functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- symptoms of intoxication.
The route of entry of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has penetrated the roller, the nail undergoes dystrophic changes.And if the free edge becomes the entry point, the pathogen settles under the nail plate.
Stages of onychomycosis
The treatment of big toe nail fungus will depend on the phase of the process, of which there are just three:
- Home.
- Intensive (Progressive).
- Neglected (Destructive).
Home
This phase is characterized by normotrophic damage.The nails look healthy, but upon careful examination, small spots or stripes of a whitish or yellowish hue are revealed.There may be destruction of the nail along the edge or in the center.The plate loses its shine and becomes opaque.At this stage it is easier to get rid of the fungus.
Intensive (Progressive)
This phase is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The plates change color and configuration.The pathogen spreading over the entire surface makes them thick and loose.The toes appear to have been injured.The edge of the nail crumbles and breaks.There is an unpleasant odor coming from the feet.
It is more difficult to cure second stage fungus.Use local external antifungals and tablets in case of low immunity.
Neglected (Destructive)
The nail loses the remains of its healthy appearance, crumbles and becomes detached from the bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual fold.The infection spreads to the surrounding tissues and pain appears in the finger.Fighting the fungus at this stage requires only comprehensive measures.
Methods for treating onychomycosis
How and how to treat thumb fungus is best determined by a dermatologist.And even if you decide to use traditional methods of treatment, you first need to make sure that your fingers are affected by the fungus.A large number of drugs of various forms of release, as well as folk recipes, have been used to treat fungal infections.
The following groups of medicines are used:
- Pills.
- Lucky.
- Ointments.
- Solutions.
- Plasters.
- Gels.
Surgical methods are used in advanced cases.Laser therapy is also widely used.
Application of external agents
Products intended for external use against fungal infections are sold in pharmacies and belong to the category of medicines available without a prescription.All of them are applied both to the nail itself and to the surrounding tissues after preliminary cleaning of the feet.The standard frequency of application of these products is 1 to 2 times in 24 hours.
Observation!
Treatment for thumb nail fungus lasts from several months to a year.It depends on how serious the pathological process is.
Luck
An effective remedy to combat fungi is antifungal nail polish.Contains cyclopiroxolamine or amorolfine.It is used if the nail plate is not damaged by more than a third and the infection itself occurred less than 12 months ago.This treatment method is effective when the nail is not hypertrophied.
- The varnish must be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before application, 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 cotton swab dipped in alcohol and clean the plate again from the damaged areas.
The varnish destroys fungal spores, penetrating deep into the structure of the nail.The drugs have a high penetrating power and are destructive to many types of fungi.
Important!
The varnish is applied until a completely healthy nail grows on the finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many external antifungal agents found on pharmacy shelves.This includes gels, ointments, creams and even solutions.Antifungal ointments, such as gels and creams, are applied to a very clean or, better yet, steamed surface.
Important!
It is necessary to treat the nail plates of 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 medicines for oral administration.Many of these medicines have complete lists of restrictions and contraindications.Treating nail fungus with tablets is contraindicated for people with a history of kidney and liver disease, as well as pregnant women and children.The course of treatment with tablets varies from 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 regimen or in the initial stages of the disease.They help, first of all, to eliminate its manifestations, and without pharmaceutical therapy, onychomycosis returns again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix honey and freshly squeezed onion juice in equal parts and lubricate the nails on your thumb and all other fingers once before going to bed until a healthy nail grows back completely.Store the mixture in the refrigerator in a glass container.The treatment period is 4 to 12 months.
- Grind the thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiling water and leave for 60 minutes.Soak a bandage in the dye and apply it to your nails for 2 hours.Repeat the treatment twice a day for three weeks.
- Iodine is added to water heated to 45°C at the rate of 3 drops per 1 liter of water.Keep your feet in the solution until it cools completely.After bathing, cut the damaged nail with scissors treated with hydrogen peroxide and apply a bandage with antifungal ointment.
- Pour boiling water over the lemon and tape the slices to your nails.Leave the compress overnight for best results.
- Steam your feet in hot water, dry your nails and place a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.After the procedure, scrape off the softened areas and lubricate your nails with an antifungal agent.
The key to successful therapy
In order for the treatment to be as effective as possible, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- During treatment, do not go to swimming pools, saunas and other places where the microclimate is humid and hot.
- Regularly treat all shoes with antifungal medications (sprays).
- Change socks four times a day.The steam used must be disinfected.
- Under no circumstances should you skip medications or procedures.Follow your doctor's instructions strictly.
- Get rid of the overgrown plaques in a timely manner, as they prevent the penetration of medicines.