Toenail fungus is a common, difficult-to-treat disease that affects one in four people worldwide.In medicine, the terms are used to denote 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 big toe fungus
Infection occurs through contact with an infected person, their property or in public places.The humid, warm environment of swimming pools, saunas and baths is most favorable for fungal growth.Walking barefoot on the beach can also cause fungal spores to enter the big toenail and foot.
Most often, onchomycosis affects the big and little toes of both feet, which can be explained by microtrauma when walking, opening the doors to fungal spores.As a result of contact, an infection occurs, with which the body is sometimes unable to cope.
Reasons leading to the development of the disease:
- Decreased immunity due to acute viral illness, HIV or immunodeficiency.
- Diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, which disrupts 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 cause deterioration of blood circulation in the lower extremities.
- Wearing tight shoes, leading to scrapes and calluses.
- Failure to follow the rules of personal hygiene creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi.
- Non-compliance of shoes with sanitary and hygienic requirements.Feet sweat and stay wet for a long time.
- Occupations involving prolonged exposure to moisture or wearing rubber shoes.
- Hyperhidrosis, in which the skin of the foot is constantly moist.
Men aged 35 to 75 are most susceptible to foot and nail fungus.Children under the age of 15 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 fungus on the big toe nail
When fungal spores penetrate the skin or under the nail, they begin to actively grow and reproduce.The mycelium threads penetrate deep into the tissues and feed on the cells of the human body.
The characteristic symptoms of the first stage are:
- the appearance of red, scaly spots on the skin of the legs;
- small whitish stripes and dots appear on the surface of the nail;
- the nail plate becomes covered with tubercles and irregularities.
Further development of the fungus has the following signs:
- nail color changes;
- the nail plate thickens;
- the skin of the finger swells and itches.
If left untreated, the nail will collapse or peel off completely.This is accompanied by cracking of the skin of the finger, itching and pain.
Fungus on the thumb cannot be cured with folk remedies alone.Complex treatment is required to destroy the mycelium and prevent recurrence of the disease.
Diagnosis of nail fungus of the big toe
If you notice symptoms of fungal infection on your big toenail, you should see a doctor.A mycologist deals with the treatment of epidermophytosis.
Not every clinic has such a highly specialized specialist, therefore treatment is most often prescribed by a dermatologist.
The doctor does a visual examination and takes a sample of the affected tissue to determine the type of parasite.There are several forms of fungus that affect the nail plates of human fingers:
- white superficial 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, its structure, the nature of the destruction and the condition of the skin of the foot.He will tell you how and how to treat big toe fungus.
How to cure toenail fungus
The treatment of epidermophytosis is carried out comprehensively:
- oral medications;
- external means;
- traditional medicine methods.
The attending physician prescribes medications in the form of 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.
Medicines intended to destroy fungal infections are effective.Some of them have side effects and restrictions related to 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 containing substances that inhibit the development of mycelium are used.These products are applied to cleaned and dried nails from 2 times a week to 2 times a day.It is necessary to follow the instructions and read the contraindications.
As a rule, folk remedies do not have contraindications, but their effectiveness is significantly lower than that of medications.Their action is aimed more at the symptoms than the treatment of toenail fungus.But they clean well, relieve itching and disinfect the affected area.Their action is most effective at the initial stage of the disease.
Folk remedies such as baths with soda, vinegar or sea salt are known.Dry the mixture with iodine and fresh celandine juice.Masks made from potato peels, lemon compresses, garlic porridge with olive oil are good for relieving itching.
The radical treatment of omnchomycosis of the big toe consists of removing the nail plate.The operation is carried out under local anesthesia, the wound is treated with an antifungal disinfectant.After a few months, a healthy nail grows.
In case of intolerance, ineffectiveness of drugs and advanced form of the disease, a new method of laser treatment of fungi 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 folk remedies for toenail fungus
At home, the following products are widely used to treat nail plate fungus:
- Vinegar baths or rubs.Table or apple cider vinegar is dissolved in warm water at the rate of 200 ml of 9% acid per 3-4 liters of liquid.The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.Then the feet are dried and socks are put on.Rubbing is carried out 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 diseased and healthy nail surfaces to prevent mutual infections.
- Celandine, tar and whiteness are excellent antibacterial agents.Lubricate the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin.Use with caution.
- Juice and porridge from onions and garlic.Mix with oil or alcohol, apply as a compress or lubricate the nail surface.Mixtures can cause burns and irritation to surrounding tissues, so they are used with great caution.
Folk remedies are good for their accessibility and simplicity.But don't forget to consult a doctor.Complex systematic treatment gives the most tangible results.
Consequences of nail fungus on the big toes
Onychomycosis is not a dangerous disease.You can live for many years with discomfort and an 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 that’s an extra unpleasant feeling.The progression of the disease leads to the complete destruction of the nail plate.Sometimes a person cannot walk because of pain.We have to resort to surgery.
Important.Untreated onychomycosis is a source of infection for others.Horny particles and cells containing mycelial spores can cause infection of other people.
Prevention of nail fungus of the big toe
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 or let other people use them.Walk in swimming pools, baths, showers and saunas only with 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 for disinfecting shoes are sold.
It is necessary to monitor your health, eat right and adhere to a work and rest schedule.Do not start chronic diseases.Sports and walks strengthen the immune system well.
If you are infected with toenail fungus, you should be diagnosed and treated with medications prescribed by your doctor.Correctly use external means and traditional methods.The duration of treatment is generally 3 to 6 months.With regular treatment and prevention of reinfection, relapse of athlete's foot is almost impossible.