Big toe onychomycosis is very common.The nails on this finger have the largest area and are most susceptible to fungal infections, creating an environment for nutrition and development and destroying the structure of the nail tissue.Treating onychomycosis at home requires patience and care.
reason
Onychomycosis occurs due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.Onychomycosis occurs due to the activity of pathogenic fungal organisms.In some cases, fungus develops on the big toe:
- Contact with patients.Sharing shoes, towels and other household items with an infected person is unacceptable.
- The body's immune system weakens.This occurs when a person has an inflammatory disease or an endocrine disorder.
- Injured nails.Damaging the integrity of the nail plate can trigger the growth of fungus.These same causes include wearing very tight shoes or damage from plastic surgery.
- Excessive sweating of feet.This may be caused by endocrine disorders and poor quality shoes.But it could also be an innate trait.
- Nutritional skin changes, which are common in older people.Because of this, the rate of fungal infections is much higher among older adults and older adults.
- Flat feet may also be a prerequisite for the development of the disease.
- Insufficient or complete foot hygiene.
Important!
The risk of fungal infection increases significantly when going to wet places (swimming pools, bathrooms, saunas, etc.) without shoes.
signs of nail damage
The initial stage of the fungus goes unnoticed by the infected person because it causes no symptoms.In rare cases, mild itching, mild burning, or redness of the skin may occur.None of this causes any concern for the patient.
As the mycelium grows, symptoms intensify.The structure changes.Nails become dull and brittle.Its plate is covered with spots and stripes, and its color may change depending on the type of disease agent.Photos of onychomycosis on the big toe will help determine who exactly has colonized the big toe.
Affected nails are characterized by thickening of the plates and ingrowth of their corners into the rollers.So it deforms under the influence of fungi.The following signs appear:
- Pain during movement (while walking);
- The big toe becomes red and swollen;
- Purulent exudate drains 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 blood vessels of the lymphatic system and spread throughout the body.Under the influence of these substances, the following happens:
- skin rash, such as hives;
- gastrointestinal dysfunction;
- Symptoms of poisoning.
The route of entry of the fungus can be determined by external signs.If the infection has passed through the drum, then the nail will undergo dystrophic changes.If the free edge becomes an entry point, pathogens can be deposited under the deck.
Stages of onychomycosis
Treatment of big toenail fungus depends on the stages of the process, of which there are only three:
- initial.
- Reinforcement (gradual).
- Ignored (destructive).
initial
This stage is characterized by impairment of nutritional normality.Your nails may look healthy, but upon closer inspection, you may notice small white or yellow spots or streaks.The edges or center of the nail may be damaged.The plate loses its luster and becomes dull.At this stage, the fungus is easiest to remove.
Strengthening (gradual)
This stage is characterized by hypertrophic changes.The boards change colors and configurations.Pathogens spread across surfaces, making them thick and loose.The toe looks injured.The edges of the nails can chip and break.A bad smell comes from my feet.
Stage 2 fungus is more difficult to cure.Topical antifungal medications and tablets may be used topically when immunity is low.
Ignored (destructive)
Nails lose remnants of their healthy appearance, chip and peel off from the nail bed.The inflammatory process begins in the periungual folds.The infection spreads to surrounding tissue and pain occurs in the finger.At this stage, only comprehensive measures are needed to combat fungi.
How to treat onychomycosis
Treatment options and medications for thumb fungus are best determined by a dermatologist.Even if you decide to use traditional methods for treatment, you first need to make sure your fingers are affected by the fungus.A large number of drugs with different release forms as well as folk remedies have been used to treat fungal infections.
The following groups of medications are used:
- tablet.
- Lucky.
- ointment.
- solution.
- Plaster.
- gel.
Surgical approach is used in advanced cases.Laser therapy is also widely used.
Application of external agents
Topical products used to fight fungal infections are sold in pharmacies and fall into the category of medications that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription.After the initial cleaning of the feet, apply all of these medications to the nails themselves and surrounding tissue.The standard frequency of use of these products is 1-2 times in 24 hours.
notes!
Treatment for thumb onychomycosis lasts from several months to a year.This depends on the severity of the pathological process.
Lucky man
An effective treatment against fungus is antifungal nail polish.It contains ciclopirox or amorolfine.This treatment may be used if no more than one-third of the nail plate is damaged and the infection itself occurred within 12 months.This treatment is effective if the nails are not enlarged.
- Varnish should be applied twice a week for six months.
- Before application, remove the fungus-affected part of the nail with a file and degrease it with alcohol.
- For next use, use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to remove any remaining varnish and clean the damaged area of the plate again.
Varnish destroys fungal spores by penetrating deeply into the nail structure.The drug has strong penetrating power and has killing effect on a variety of fungi.
Important!
Apply varnish until you have a completely healthy nail plate on your finger.
Cream, gel or solution
There are many topical antifungals on pharmacy shelves.These include gels, ointments, creams, and even solutions.Antifungal ointments, such as gels and creams, can be applied to clean surfaces or, better yet, to steamed surfaces.
Important!
It is necessary to treat the thumb and all other parts of the nail plate with external means.Even on the little toes.This is done to prevent the spread of infection.
Internal preparations
Only a doctor can choose the correct oral medication.Many of these drugs come with a comprehensive list of limitations and contraindications.The use of tablets to treat onychomycosis is contraindicated in people with a history of kidney and liver disease, as well as pregnant women and children.The course of tablet treatment is 2 to 6 months.Your doctor prescribes a dosage regimen.
traditional medicine recipes
In addition to the main treatment options, or in the early stages of the disease, folk remedies can be used to treat the fungus.First of all, they help to eliminate its manifestations. Without medical treatment, onychomycosis can return again and again.There are several simple treatment options.
- Mix equal parts honey and freshly squeezed onion juice and lubricate the nails of your thumb and all other fingers once before bed until healthy nails have fully grown in.Store the mixture in the refrigerator in a glass container.The treatment cycle is 4-12 months.
- Grind thyme.Take 4 tablespoons, pour a cup (200 ml) of boiling water and let it sit for 60 minutes.Soak a bandage in the tincture and leave it on your nails for 2 hours.Repeat the treatment twice daily for three weeks.
- Add iodine at a rate of 3 drops per 1 liter of water to water heated to 45°C.Leave your feet in the solution until it cools completely.After bathing, cut the damaged nail with hydrogen peroxide-treated scissors and bandage it with an antifungal ointment.
- Pour boiling water over the lemon and tape the slice to your nail.Leave the compress on overnight for best results.
- Steam your feet in hot water, dry your nails, and apply a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide to your nails for 30 minutes.After surgery, the softened area is scraped off and the nail is lubricated with an antifungal agent.
Key to successful treatment
To make the treatment as effective as possible, you need to follow some simple rules:
- During treatment, avoid swimming pools, saunas and other places with humid and warm microclimates.
- Treat all shoes regularly with an antifungal medication (spray).
- Change socks four times a day.Used steam must be sterilized.
- Under no circumstances should medications or procedures be skipped.Follow your doctor's instructions strictly.
- Remove overgrown plates promptly as they can prevent drug penetration.