Nail fungus is called onychomycosis.Initially, the infectious process affects the thumb, but as it develops it spreads to other people.The disease goes through several stages.The sooner treatment is started, the easier it will be to deal with the problem.This is especially true of the lower limb nail: it has a large bed and size, so the extent of the damage is significant.
Stages of onychomycosis
Nail fungus goes through several stages of development, each of which is characterized by certain symptoms.There are the following stages of disease development:
- Home.At this stage, no visible pathological deviations are observed: the changes are still external in nature.The nail plates on the fingers of the lower extremities lose their shine.White spots or stripes appear on the surface.In general, the nail appears healthy and the person does not experience pain or discomfort.If onychomycosis is detected at this stage, you can get rid of it quickly.
- Medium or progressive.The structure of the nail is already subject to pathological changes.The plaque acquires a pronounced yellowish tint, flakes and breaks.There is also an unpleasant odor emanating from the affected foot.
- Advanced or dystrophic stage.Deep damage to the nails occurs.In this case, the infectious process passes from the thumb to the rest.The entire surface of the nail plate is affected by the fungus and detaches from the bed, becoming loose.The patient is bothered by severe itching.When pressing on the affected areas, pain and a sensation of pulsation occur.Because of this, the patient cannot wear closed shoes.
Dystrophic stage of onychomycosis
At the third stage of development of the infectious process, infection of the skin of the foot is possible.In this case, the fungus can only be cured with the help of complex therapy, which involves the use of both local and systemic drugs (tablets for oral administration).
Reasons for the development of fungus on the big toe
The main reasons that cause the development of onychomycosis are:
- contact with a person with a fungal infection;
- neglect of hygiene standards;
- wearing someone else's shoes or tight shoes that don't fit;
- weakened immune system;
- visit changing rooms, saunas, swimming pools or beauty salons, where non-disinfected instruments may be used;
- injuries to the nail and the skin surrounding it;
- flat feet;
- prolonged use of antibacterial medications;
- hyperhidrosis (increased foot sweating);
- the presence of endocrine or immunological lesions;
- disorders in the circulatory system, which are especially important for elderly patients;
- varicose veins;
- diabetes mellitus
Flat feet are one of the causes of onychomycosis
An important factor that increases the risk of developing onychomycosis is old age.Elderly people suffer from a lack of blood supply to their extremities, which also increases the risk of developing fungal infections.The disease-causing agent reaches the nails or skin through contaminated objects or through contact with a carrier.The pathogen spreads quickly, capturing new areas.The fungus enters the subungual space through damaged areas of the nail plate or areas of the skin surrounding it.The fungus spreads quickly, heading towards the nail bed.The rate of advancement exceeds the rate of plaque growth.Soon the pathogenic microorganism reaches its target and causes changes in the structure of the nail.It was found that men are 3 times more likely to suffer from the fungus.Nail plates are affected by types of fungi such as dermatophytes, molds and yeasts.
When should you see a doctor?
You should consult a doctor at the first manifestations of a fungal infection.You should not wait until clear signs of the disease appear: the formation of white spots and even moderate itching in the foot area should be a reason to consult a specialist - a mycologist or dermatologist.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic measures that will help identify the disease and its stage include:
- visual inspection of the nail plates;
- take a tissue sample from the affected nail;
- cultural examination - inoculation of material received from the patient into a nutrient medium to identify the type of microorganism that affected the nails.
In some cases, a specialist carries out a differential diagnosis and distinguishes onychomycosis from diseases such as lichen planus, psoriasis and keratoderma.
Treatment of fungal nail infections in the initial stage of development
If the disease is detected early, it will be much easier to deal with it.In this case, it is generally sufficient to use local agents that directly affect the affected nail.The duration of treatment depends on the condition of the nail plate and can vary from two to four weeks.Any medications intended to treat even mild forms of toenail fungus should be prescribed by a doctor.
Advanced onychomycosis therapy
In severe cases of the fungus, as well as in the case of an advanced infectious process, complex treatment is indicated.Systemic antifungals should be prescribed if there are no contraindications.The patient is prescribed medications:
- Systemic antibiotic in tablet form.The active substance of the drug targets the localization of pathogenic microorganisms and has a fungicidal effect.
- The drug inhibits the development of pathogens and destroys them.The course of treatment and dosage are determined by the attending physician.The product causes adverse reactions.
- The drug has a fungicidal effect.The active substance gradually accumulates in the layers of the nail plate, which makes it possible to destroy even fungi that are located quite deeply.
In addition, with advanced nail fungus, procedures that allow you to eliminate the infected plate are effective.You can do this in the following ways:
- Surgical removal.This method involves prying the plate with a sharp surgical instrument and prying it away from the bed.After the operation, a bandage is applied.The surgical method is traumatic and rarely used.Instead, minimally invasive methods are used.
- Plaque removal with chemicals that promote rapid peeling of the affected nail.In this case, the problem area is treated with a special solution, wait until the medicine begins to act, and then use tools that help to quickly separate the plate from the nail bed.
- Laser treatment.This is a modern and painless method that quickly eliminates nail fungus.The laser acts on the plate, heating it to high temperatures as quickly as possible.The beam penetrates deeply and neutralizes pathogenic microorganisms.The method is bloodless and absolutely safe, as it does not cause burns.
In the advanced stages of onychomycosis, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, as the lack of adequate treatment increases the risk of widespread damage to the body by a fungal infection.
Traditional methods
Treatment of nail fungus on the big toe can also be carried out using traditional medicine methods.Such methods are of an additional nature and cannot be the basis of therapy.The most popular folk remedies include the following:
- Onion porridge.You need to grate some onions and apply the resulting mass to the affected nails.Secure the top with a bandage.Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and rinse.
- Hydrogen peroxide.First soak the affected feet in a tub of water to soften the nails as much as possible.After that, remove the top layer of the plates.Soak a piece of gauze with hydrogen peroxide and wrap the phalanx of the finger with the affected nail, capturing the immediate injury.Leave for 40-50 minutes.You can repeat the procedure up to twice a day.
- Apple cider vinegar.It is important to use a natural product.Take 2 tablespoons of vinegar and add the same amount of vodka, as well as a tablespoon of glycerin.Dip a cotton swab in the resulting mixture and apply it to your nails for 15 minutes.Repeat 4 times a day.
Traditional recipes help to alleviate the severity of the symptoms of the disease and eliminate discomfort, but they are not able to destroy the causative agents of the disease.
The course of the disease and features of the treatment of nail fungus in children
Onychomycosis is quite rare in children.The main cause of the disease is weak immunity due to incomplete development.Symptoms of onychomycosis in children are:
- the plates lose their natural pink color, gray or white spots appear on the surface;
- irregularity and tuberosity of the nail plates;
- brittle and brittle nails;
- redness and swelling of the skin surrounding the child's infected nail.
To treat nail fungus in children, only topical preparations are usually used.If necessary, systemic agents are also prescribed.Capsules are the safest for children.Antifungal medicines for oral administration should only be prescribed by a doctor.
Features of treatment in pregnant and lactating women
During pregnancy, there is a high risk of developing onychomycosis if the woman has already suffered from the disease and has not completely cured it.This is due to the weakening of the immune system that occurs during pregnancy.It is important to cure the fungus in a timely manner, as in severe cases it creates a risk of bacterial infection, which threatens the health of the mother and fetus.Systemic medications cannot be used during pregnancy, as they have a high level of toxicity.During pregnancy and lactation, local medicines should be used, but only those that are safe for the expectant mother and her child.These include salicylic sulfur ointment and amikazole ointment.
Treatment in the elderly
In the elderly, decreased immunity is a natural age-related phenomenon, which creates additional risks for the development of onychomycosis.In this case, the specialist also shows caution when choosing a remedy to treat nail fungus.Systemic medications are prescribed if the disease lasts a year or more, as well as in case of extensive lesions and dystrophic changes in the nails.
Prevention measures
If you notice signs of fungus on your little finger or thumb, consult a doctor immediately.But you can take steps to prevent the development of this disease.The following recommendations must be followed:
- wash your feet at least once a day;
- Wash socks daily and wear clean socks;
- in case of excessive sweating, use special deodorant products for your feet;
- wear shoes that fit well, should not be too tight and should also be washed daily;
- use only personal hygiene products, as well as manicure and pedicure tools;
- when visiting the pool, beach, sauna, wear personal rubber shoes;
- wash your feet with soap after visiting the pool, bathhouse and, if necessary, use pharmaceutical products for prevention.
Nail fungus is a disease that is quite difficult to cure at an advanced stage.At the first symptoms you should consult a doctor.Treatment depends on the stage of development of onychomycosis: in the initial phase, local medications are sufficient;in advanced stages, systemic antifungal agents are required.