Thumbnail fungus is an infectious pathology. It manifests itself by weakening the body’s protective function and not adhering to hygiene measures. Fungal microorganisms infect nail plates and migrate to nearby areas.
Thumbnail fungus photo
Causes of toenail fungus
Poor hygiene is a major cause of infection. You can often get it from other people. Therefore, if you do not follow preventive measures, everyone around who is infected can get pathology. An example of toenail fungus is shown in the photo.
The thumb plate is prone to onychomycosis because of its structural features. Mycelial filaments disperse more rapidly in them than in other environments. The reason is the large concentration of blood vessels and nerve endings.
Defeat can develop against the background of several predisposing factors:
- endocrine pathology;
- varicose veins;
- hormonal imbalance;
- slow metabolism (especially for the elderly);
- impaired blood circulation;
- psoriasis;
- dermatitis (inflammation);
- eczema;
- pathology of the immune system;
- severe pathologies such as hepatitis and HIV;
- use of general hygiene items;
- Often wear inappropriate shoes (tight, from low quality material).
Onychomycosis is rare in children. The main group vulnerable to this disease are the elderly. This is due to changes in the body and a decrease in its protective ability. The second group includes pregnant and lactating women, as well as women during menopause.
People living in humid climates or frequent sports clubs, baths, swimming pools and saunas are also at risk. About 30% of cases are contaminated from non-sterile instruments used for pedicures.
Symptoms of fungus thumbnails
Although there are special features of toenail fungus, the symptoms are similar in all cases. The main manifestations of the infection are severe itching, burning, peeling of the skin at the site of the lesion. Gradually, as the infection penetrates deeper, cracks and bubbles appear between the fingers, forming an open focus.
The following levels of defeat can be distinguished:
- manifestations of whitish or yellow spots (sometimes striped) on the nail plate, thickening of the plate, itching;
- thickening of the plate and its dull color, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, redness of the surrounding skin, inflammation and swelling.
- nail destruction, appearance of open wounds in the surrounding area, discomfort when walking.
Affected nails may start to grow inside the cushion. Pus often appears in the corners of the nails. If the disease is ignored, the nails will peel off completely.
Color change varies according to the type of pathogen:
- dermatophytes - yellowish or whitish streaks, eventually turning into a uniform color;
- yeast type - brownish color, wave -like plate structure;
- type of mold - black or greenish nail color.
With a fungal infection, the top layer becomes rough, and harmful microorganisms immediately move to other areas of the body. They get inside, infecting the skin and other feet. The pathological form becomes chronic. Others are more likely to be infected.
Thumbnail Fungus Treatment
How to cure fungus on the toes, only a doctor can know. In the hospital, the nature of the disease, the degree of infection, and the special characteristics of the patient’s body were determined. Based on the data obtained, the specialist makes a set of therapeutic measures. While developing the treatment, the following are taken into account:
- affected area;
- depth of infection penetration;
- duration of the disease;
- fungal character.
Therapy courses can include:
- Varnishes and solutions. Antifungal agents. Suitable in the early stages of infection. This composition is used to cover the affected area and forget about it for a while. This drug is used 3-5 times a week. Then rest for a while and use the same medicine again. The total duration of therapy varies from 6 to 12 months.
- Ointments, gels, sprays and creams. Antifungal purpose. They are used on the affected area and can be used at any stage of infection.
- Internal medicine. Antimycotic drugs and tablets are prescribed at a later stage in the development of pathology. They have a number of contraindications and side effects. Must be appointed by a doctor.
- Immunostimulants and vitamins. Recommended in addition to external and internal antimycotic drugs. These include supplements and preparations that contain magnesium and iron, B vitamins, folic acid, and zinc and selenium. They stimulate the protective function of the body. Useful in all stages of thumb nail fungus.
- Laser. Shown for toenails that grow inwards. It will not completely eliminate the fungus, however it will prevent regrowth.
Fungal pharmacy is designed to eliminate the infection completely. They destroy harmful microorganisms and prevent them from spreading quickly. As a rule, they have a cumulative effect and accelerate the course of therapy. When used properly, relapse is prevented.
Complete cure from a fungal infection is achieved in 2-4 months. Sometimes, therapy takes more than six months.
If the damage to the nail tissue is severe, the nail can be removed. Removal is performed using special aggressive compounds or surgical intervention. This method is the most reliable and completely eliminates the pathology.
This procedure has no side effects. The algorithm can be described as follows: fingers with affected nails are treated with antiseptic agents. Afterwards, the doctor uses a sedative and injects anesthesia.
After the nail plate is removed using various surgical tools, the base of the nail is freed from dead tissue and the area is treated with iodine solution. Finally, an antiseptic compress is applied to the finger.
During a well -chosen therapy, the manifestations of the disease should be weakened, the skin should be free of lesions, and the nail plate should return to a healthy natural appearance. However, it is possible to learn with certainty about the departure of parasites only with the help of laboratory tests. They were performed after 14 days and one month after the course of treatment.
Traditional methods of treating thumbnail fungus
Regardless of the type of toenail fungus, treatment with traditional medicine is not recommended. In most cases, it is ineffective, does not have much effect, or exacerbates the condition. Especially if the therapy is carried out exclusively by independent efforts.
However, there are many recipes that can ease the course of this disease. The most common tools are:
- Tea essential oil. Proven antiseptic. It partially eliminates harmful bacteria and has an antimycotic effect.
- Potato broth. Prepared from potato skins. Foot baths are made from the composition for 20 minutes. The procedure is daily.
- Lemon. Oranges are cut into slices and applied to contaminated surfaces. Can be repaired with cellophane bags and sterile bandages. Course duration - 8-10 days.
- A mixture of water and acid. In equal proportions, 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined. The composition is kneaded into a dough and applied to the infected area for 10-20 minutes. Course duration is 3-5 days. Helps remove affected nails.
- Take a salt bath. Take 20 grams of sea salt per liter of hot water. Mix and lower your feet there. Do it every day for 14 days.
- Aspen Broth. Take 100 grams of aspen bark, grind, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. In the composition, the affected feet are steamed. To increase its effectiveness, the skin can be coated with a mixture of baking soda and regular laundry soap without additives. The procedure is daily.
Important to note:This is a contraindication for women to take a foot bath. High water temperatures cause blood flow to the pelvic organs. This can lead to premature birth. It is better to use propolis or tea tree oil.
Traditional methods can provide results in the early stages of the disease. In this case, the fungus can disappear with local treatment with a mild natural antiseptic agent.
For example, such as herbal tea, brilliant green, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient requires a conceivable complex therapy for system-wide drugs and local action. Unbeknownst to them, many patients use only external antimycotics, limiting themselves to recipes, gels and ointments. However, this path does not work in a large number of cases.
Precautions
Fungal prevention measures are divided into two types - primary and secondary.
The first task is to prevent infection in healthy individuals. The suggestions are as follows:
- Observe personal hygiene practices. Especially when it comes to choosing shoes and pedicure tools.
- Don't wear other people's clothes. Shoes and socks must be your own.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as baths or beaches.
- Avoid damage to the nails and the area around the plate.
- Treat hands with antiseptic. Especially if the skin is damaged.
- If you suspect a fungal infection, go to the hospital immediately.
Secondary preventive measures are designed to prevent recurrence of the disease. To avoid getting nail fungus a second time, you should follow these recommendations:
- strictly adhere to medical instructions;
- limit time spent in the water;
- don't go to public places like the beach or sauna;
- disinfect personal manicure tools;
- remove shoes and socks in contact with bodies contaminated with fungus;
- disinfects shoes using special compounds.
In addition, you should monitor dietary regularity, avoid prolonged stress and strive not to neglect physical activity.
Therefore, it is not difficult to get the fungus and start the disease. But treatment can be time consuming, effortless and a waste of material. At the first symptoms of defeat, you can not delay a visit to the doctor. Early therapy is easier and faster. If the disease starts, the nail should be removed.