Toenail fungus is a common, difficult-to-treat disease that affects one in four people worldwide.In medicine, terms are used to refer to fungal infections of the nails of the lower extremities: onychomycosis or epidermophytosis.In the latter case, foci of infection appear on the skin.
Causes of fungus on the big toe
Infection occurs through contact with an infected person, their belongings, or in public places.The warm, humid environment of swimming pools, saunas and baths is more favorable for fungal growth.Walking barefoot on the beach can also cause fungal spores to enter your toenail and big toe.
Most often, onchomycosis affects the big and little toes of both feet, which can be explained by microtrauma when walking, which opens the door for fungal spores.As a result of contact, an infection occurs, which the body sometimes cannot cope with.
Reasons leading to the development of the disease:
- Decreased immunity due to acute viral illness, HIV or immunodeficiency.
- Diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, which alters the acid reaction of the skin.The natural barrier that prevents the development of infections disappears.
- Varicose veins and atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities lead to impaired blood circulation in the lower extremities.
- Wearing tight shoes, which causes scrapes and calluses.
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules creates a favorable environment for the development of fungus.
- Non-compliance of footwear with sanitary and hygienic requirements.Feet sweat and stay wet for a long time.
- Professions that involve prolonged exposure to moisture or wearing rubber shoes.
- Hyperhidrosis, in which the skin of the foot is constantly moist.
Men between 35 and 75 years old are the most susceptible to foot and nail fungus.Children under 15 years of age practically do not suffer from athlete's foot.
Important.To eliminate toenail fungus, treatment must be carried out systematically and regularly.Onychomycosis is known for its frequent relapses.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
When fungal spores penetrate the skin or under the nail, they begin to actively grow and reproduce.Mycelial threads penetrate deep into tissues and feed on the cells of the human body.
The characteristic symptoms in the first stage are:
- the appearance of red, scaly spots on the skin of the legs;
- small whitish stripes and dots appear on the nail surface;
- The nail plate is covered with tubercles and irregularities.
Further development of the fungus has the following signs:
- nail color changes;
- the nail plate thickens;
- The skin on the finger becomes swollen and itchy.
If there is no treatment, the nail will collapse or come off completely.This is accompanied by cracking of the skin on the finger, itching and pain.
Thumb fungus cannot be cured with home remedies alone.Complex treatment is required to destroy the mycelium and prevent recurrence of the disease.
Diagnosis of nail fungus on the big toe
If you notice symptoms of a fungal infection on your big toe nail, you should see a doctor.A mycologist deals with the treatment of epidermophytosis.
Not all clinics have such a highly specialized specialist, so most often the treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist.
The doctor performs a visual examination and takes a sample of the affected tissue to determine the type of parasite.There are several forms of fungi that affect the nail plates of human fingers:
- white surface fungus;
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- proximal;
- total.
Tissue analysis is necessary to prescribe the correct treatment method.The specialist will determine the type of infection based on the color of the nail, structure, nature of the destruction and condition of the skin of the foot.He will tell you how and how to treat fungus on the big toe.
How to cure toenail fungus
Treatment of epidermophytosis is carried out comprehensively:
- oral medications;
- external media;
- traditional medicine methods.
The attending physician prescribes medications in tablets that must be taken orally according to a specific regimen.This leads to the accumulation of active substances in the cells of the human body and has a detrimental effect on the causative agent of the disease.
Medications aimed at destroying fungal infections are effective.Some of them have side effects and restrictions associated with age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and chronic diseases.Therefore, you should take the pills strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
For external treatment, ointments, sprays, varnishes, patches and serums with substances that inhibit the development of mycelium are used.These products are applied to clean, dry nails from 2 times a week to 2 times a day.It is necessary to follow the instructions and read the contraindications.
Folk remedies, as a rule, have no contraindications, but their effectiveness is significantly less than that of medications.Its action is aimed more at the symptoms than at the treatment of toenail fungus.But they clean well, relieve itching and disinfect the affected area.Its action is most effective in the initial stage of the disease.
Home remedies are known such as baths with soda, vinegar or sea salt.Dry the dressing with iodine and fresh celandine juice.Potato peel masks, lemon compresses, and garlic porridge with olive oil are good for relieving itching.
The radical treatment of omnichomycosis on the big toe is the removal of the nail plate.The operation is performed under local anesthesia, the wound is treated with an antifungal disinfectant.After a few months, a healthy nail grows.
In cases of intolerance, ineffectiveness of medications and advanced form of the disease, a new method of treating fungus using laser is used.The beam burns the mycelium to a depth of 7 mm.Healthy cells do not suffer and diseased cells regenerate quickly.This method has contraindications;You should consult your doctor.
Treatment with home remedies for toenail fungus.
At home, the following are widely used to treat nail plate fungus:
- Vinegar baths or rubs.Table or apple cider vinegar is dissolved in warm water in a proportion of 200 ml of 9% acid per 3-4 liters of liquid.The duration of the procedure is 15 to 20 minutes.Then they dry their feet and put on socks.Rubbing is done with undiluted table vinegar for 15 minutes.
- Soda baths.Three liters of solution should contain 3 tablespoons of baking soda.You can add grated laundry soap.
- Tea tree oil.A small amount of essential oil is added to the bath water.
- Iodine.Used in the form of lotions.Apply to the surface of diseased and healthy nails to prevent mutual infections.
- Celandine, tar and whiteness are excellent antibacterial agents.Lubricate the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin.Use with caution.
- Onion and garlic juice and porridge.Mix with oil or alcohol, apply as a compress or lubricate the nail surface.The mixtures can cause burns and irritation of surrounding tissues, so they are used with great care.
Home remedies are good because of their accessibility and simplicity.But you should not forget to visit a doctor.Complex systematic treatment gives the most tangible results.
Consequences of nail fungus on the big toe
Onychomycosis is not a dangerous disease.You can live for many years suffering from the discomfort and unsightly appearance of your nails.But if immunity wanes with age or after illness, the fungus will “bloom in full bloom.”
Fungal spores can infect neighboring nails.And this is an additional unpleasant feeling.The progression of the disease leads to the complete destruction of the nail plate.Sometimes a person cannot walk due to pain.We have to resort to surgical intervention.
Important.Untreated onychomycosis is a source of infection for others.Horny particles and cells with mycelium spores can cause infection of other people.
Prevention of nail fungus on the big toes.
Prevention of fungal diseases involves:
- avoid contact with an infected object;
- Strengthen the immune system to protect against infections.
Personal hygiene must be maintained.Do not use other people's personal belongings and do not allow others to use them.Walk in swimming pools, baths, showers and saunas only in personal slippers.Wear disposable socks when trying on shoes.
Feet should be washed at least once a day with soap and socks should be changed daily.Dry and air the shoes.Special liquids and sprays are sold for disinfecting shoes.
It is necessary to monitor your health, eat right and observe a schedule of work and rest.Don't start chronic diseases.Sports and walks strengthen the immune system well.
If you become infected with toenail fungus, you need to be diagnosed by your doctor and treated with prescribed medications.Properly use external media and traditional methods.The duration of treatment is usually 3 to 6 months.With regular treatment and prevention of reinfection, relapse of athlete's foot is almost impossible.