Onychomycosis on the big toe: treatment with folk remedies and medicines

Toenail fungus is called onychomycosis. Initially, the infectious process affects the thumb, but as the disease progresses, it can spread to others. The disease goes through several stages. The sooner treatment is started, the easier it is to resolve the problem. This is especially true for the big toe of the lower body – it’s large in area and size, so injuries can be severe.

Stages of onychomycosis

Onychomycosis goes through several stages of development, each with specific symptoms. Disease development is divided into the following stages:

• The original.At this stage, no obvious pathological deviations are observed: the changes remain external. The nail plates on the toes of the lower limbs lose their luster. White spots or streaks appear on the surface. Generally, nails look healthy and the person does not experience pain or discomfort. If onychomycosis is discovered at this stage, it can be removed quickly.
• Mild or gradual.The structure of the nail has undergone pathological changes. The nails take on a distinct yellowish tint, then fall off and disintegrate. The affected feet may also emit an unpleasant odor.
• Late or malnourished stage.Deep damage to the nails can occur. In this case, the infectious process moves from the thumb to other parts. The entire surface of the nail plate is affected by the fungus, peeling off the bed and becoming loose. The patient was troubled by severe itching. Pain and a throbbing sensation may occur when the affected area is pressed. Therefore, patients should not wear closed shoes.

In the third stage of the development of the infectious process, the skin of the feet may become infected. In this case, the fungus can be cured only with the help of comprehensive therapy, which includes the use of local and systemic drugs (oral tablets).

Causes of fungus in big toe

The main causes of onychomycosis are:

• contact with someone who is a carrier of a fungal infection;
• Ignore hygiene rules;
• Wearing someone else's shoes or narrow shoes that don't fit;
• weakened immune system;
• Going to places such as bathrooms, saunas, swimming pools or beauty salons where unsterilized utensils may be used;
• Injury to nails and surrounding skin;
• flatfoot;
• long-term use of antimicrobials;
• Hyperhidrosis (increased sweating of the feet);
• The presence of endocrine or immune pathology;
• Circulatory disorders, which are particularly important in elderly patients;
• intravenous poisoning;
• diabetes.

An important factor that increases the risk of onychomycosis is advanced age. Older people have poorer blood supply to their extremities, which also increases the risk of fungal infections.The causative agent of the disease enters the nails or skin through infected objects or through contact with a carrier. Pathogens spread rapidly, invading new areas. The fungus enters the subungual space through damaged areas of the nail plate or surrounding skin. The fungus quickly spreads to the nail bed. The rate of advance exceeds the rate of plate growth. Soon, the pathogenic microorganisms reach their target, causing changes in the nail structure. It has been proven that men are three times more likely to suffer from fungus. The nail plate can be affected by fungal types such as dermatophytes, mold, and yeast.

When should you see a doctor?

You should consult your doctor at the first sign of a fungal infection. You should not wait for obvious signs of the disease to appear - the formation of white spots or even slight itching in the area of the feet should be a reason to contact a specialist - a mycologist or a dermatologist.

diagnosis

Diagnostic measures to identify the disease and its stages include:

• Visually inspect the nail plate;
• Take a tissue sample from the affected nail;
• Culture examination - inoculation of material received from the patient onto a nutrient medium to determine the type of microorganisms affecting the nails.

In some cases, experts perform a differential diagnosis and distinguish onychomycosis from conditions such as lichen planus, psoriasis, and keratosis.

Treating fungal nail infections in the early stages of development

If a disease is caught early, it will be much easier to deal with. In this case, topical medications that are applied directly to the affected nail are usually sufficient.In the first stage of fungal disease, if no more than 50% of the nail plate is affected, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Varnish should be applied to the affected nail surface. It should be done twice a day for a total treatment period of one month. This product has contraindications and should only be used as prescribed by your doctor.
• The product is produced in the form of cream. The main active ingredient kills almost all types of fungi. The ointment is applied three times a day and the treatment lasts for about a month.
• A product in which plaster is impregnated with special ingredients. The adhesive tape is left on for 3 days and then removed. A special substance that coats the surface of the plaster helps soften the nail plate so it can be easily removed with a manicure tool or scissors.
• Medications containing substances that destroy fungi and prevent their proliferation. It is recommended to apply to the affected area 1-2 times a day. The duration of treatment depends on the condition of the nail plate and may be two to four weeks.

Any medication designed to treat mild nail fungus must be prescribed by a doctor.

Advanced treatments for onychomycosis

In severe cases of fungi, as well as in cases of persistent infectious processes, complex treatment is required. If there are no contraindications, systemic antifungal drugs must be prescribed. The doctor prescribed the following medications to the patient:

• Triazole systemic antibiotic in tablet form. The active substance of the drug reaches the location of the pathogenic microorganisms and has a bactericidal effect.
• Imidazole drugs can inhibit and eliminate the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The duration and dosage of treatment are determined by the attending physician. This product can cause adverse reactions.
• Allylamine drugs have bactericidal effects. The active substances gradually accumulate in the layers of the nail plate, which makes it possible to destroy even those fungi that are deeply located.

Additionally, for advanced onychomycosis, surgery can effectively remove the infected nail plate. This can be done by:

• Surgery.This method involves using sharp surgical instruments to lift the board and remove it from the bed. After surgery, use a bandage. Surgical methods are highly invasive and rarely used. Instead, a minimally invasive approach is used.
• Using chemicals to remove plaque, promotes rapid loss of affected nails. In this case, the problem area can be treated with a special solution, wait until the medication takes effect, and then use a product that helps quickly separate plaque from the nail bed.
• Laser Treatment.This is a modern, painless way to quickly remove onychomycosis. The laser acts on the sheet to bring it to a high temperature as quickly as possible. The beam penetrates deeply and neutralizes pathogens. This method is bloodless and completely safe as it does not cause burns.

In the advanced stages of onychomycosis, it is important to strictly follow your doctor's advice, as lack of proper treatment increases the risk of systemic damage to the body caused by the fungal infection.

traditional method

Onychomycosis can also be cured with traditional medicines. These methods are additive in nature and cannot serve as the basis for treatment. The most popular folk remedies include:

• Onion pulp.It is necessary to grate several onions and apply the resulting substance to the affected nail. Secure the top with a bandage. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse.
• hydrogen peroxide.First, soak the affected foot in a water bath to soften the nail as much as possible. Then remove the top layer from the board. Soak a piece of gauze in hydrogen peroxide and wrap the affected nail around the phalanx of your finger, grasping the immediate area of the lesion. Leave on for 40-50 minutes. You can repeat this process up to two times per day.
• Apple cider vinegar.It is important to use natural products. Take 2 tablespoons of vinegar and add an equal amount of vodka and a tablespoon of glycerin. Dip a cotton swab into the resulting mixture and apply it to your nails for 15 minutes. Repeat 4 times a day.

Traditional recipes can help reduce the severity of disease symptoms and eliminate discomfort, but they cannot eliminate the causative agent of the disease.

The course and treatment characteristics of onychomycosis in children

Onychomycosis is rare in children. The main cause of the disease is low immunity and incomplete formation. Symptoms of onychomycosis in children include:

• The board loses its natural pink color and gray or white spots appear on the surface;
• Uneven and nodular nail plates;
• Nails are brittle and brittle;
• The skin around your child's infected nail becomes red and swollen.

To treat onychomycosis in children, usually only topical preparations such as sprays, varnishes or creams are used. If necessary, systemic medications may also be used. Oral antifungal medications can only be prescribed by a doctor.

Treatment characteristics for pregnant and lactating women

During pregnancy, a woman is at high risk of developing onychomycosis if she already has onychomycosis and it has not been completely cured. This is due to a weakened immune system during pregnancy.Prompt treatment of the fungus is important because in severe cases it can create a risk of bacterial infection that threatens the health of the mother and fetus. Systemic medications should not be used during pregnancy because they are highly toxic.During pregnancy and breastfeeding, topical medications should be used, but only those that are safe for the expectant mother and baby. These include sulfur salicylic acid ointment.

Treatment for the Elderly

For older adults, reduced immunity is a natural age-related phenomenon that increases the risk of onychomycosis. In this case, experts also exercise caution when choosing a drug to treat onychomycosis.Systemic medications are required if the disease persists for a year or more and if the nails develop extensive lesions and degenerative changes.Most commonly, allylamine and triazole systemic antifungals are used in elderly patients.

Precaution

If you develop signs of fungus on your pinky finger or thumb, see your doctor immediately. But steps can be taken to prevent the development of this disease. The following recommendations should be followed:

• Wash your feet at least once a day;
• Wash socks and wear clean socks every day;
• If you sweat excessively, use a special foot deodorant;
• Wear shoes that are appropriately sized, not too tight, and should be washed daily;
• Use only personal hygiene products and manicure and pedicure tools;
• Please wear personal rubber shoes when going to the swimming pool, beach, or sauna;
• After going to the swimming pool or sauna, wash your feet with soap and water, and use pharmaceutical preparations for prevention if necessary.

Onychomycosis is a disease that is difficult to cure in its advanced stages. At the first symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Treatment depends on the stage of development of onychomycosis: in the initial stage, topical drugs are sufficient; at the beginning, systemic antifungal drugs are required.