Toenail fungus is a common hard-to-treat disease that affects one in four people worldwide.In medicine, the terms are used to refer to fungal infections of the nails of the lower extremities - onychomycosis or epidermophytosis.In the latter case, there are foci of infection on the skin.
Causes of thumb fungus
Infection occurs through contact with an infected person, his belongings or in public places.The moist and warm environment of swimming pools, saunas and spas is more favorable for the growth of fungi.Walking barefoot on the beach can also cause fungal spores to enter the toenail and toe.
Most often, onychomycosis affects the big toes and little toes of both feet, which can be explained by microtraumas while walking, opening the gates for fungal spores.As a result of contact, infection occurs, which the body is sometimes unable to cope with.
Reasons that lead to the development of the disease:
- Decreased immunity due to acute viral disease, 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 scratches and calluses.
- Failure to observe 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 in it and stay wet for a long time.
- Occupations involving prolonged exposure to moisture or wearing rubber shoes.
- Hyperhidrosis, in which the skin of the leg is constantly wet.
Men aged 35-75 are more susceptible to foot and nail fungus.Children under 15 practically do not suffer from athlete's foot.
Important.To remove toenail fungus, the treatment must be carried out systematically and regularly.Onychomycosis is known for frequent relapses.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
When fungal spores penetrate the skin or under the nail, they begin to grow and reproduce actively.Mycelial threads penetrate deep into the tissues, feeding 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 white lines and dots appear on the surface of the nail;
- the nail plate is covered with tubercles and irregularities.
The further development of mushrooms has the following signs:
- nail color change;
- the nail plate thickens;
- the skin of the finger swells and itches.
If there is no treatment, the nail will fall off or completely peel off.This is accompanied by cracks in the skin on 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 the return of the disease.
Diagnosis of toenail fungus
If you notice symptoms of a fungal infection in your toenail, you should consult a doctor.A mycologist deals with the treatment of epidermophytosis.
Not every clinic has such a specialized specialist, so more 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 fungus that affect the nail plates of human fingers:
- white surface fungi;
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- proximal;
- total.
Tissue analysis is necessary to prescribe the appropriate treatment method.The specialist will determine the type of infection based on the color of the nail, the structure, the nature of the destruction and the condition of the skin of the foot.He will tell you how and how to treat the fungus on the thumb.
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 tablets to 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 harmful effect on the causative agent of the disease.
Medicines aimed at destroying fungal infections are effective.Some of them have side effects and limitations 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 with substances that prevent mycelium development are used.Such products are applied to clean and 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 lower than that of drugs.Their action targets the symptoms rather than the treatment of nail fungus.But they clean well, relieve itching and disinfect the affected area.Their action is more effective in the initial stage of the disease.
Such folk remedies as baths with soda, vinegar or sea salt are known.Dry the rub with iodine and fresh celandine juice.Potato peel masks, lemon compresses, garlic with olive oil are good for relieving itching.
The radical treatment of omnicomycosis on the thumb 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 an advanced form of the disease, a new method of laser mold treatment 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 nail fungus
At home, the following is widely used to treat nail plate fungus:
- Vinegar bath or scrub.Table or apple vinegar is dissolved in warm water in the proportion of 200 ml of 9% acid for 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 done with undiluted table vinegar for 15 minutes.
- Soda bath.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.It is used in the form of lotions.Apply to the surface of sick and healthy nails to prevent cross-infection.
- Celandine, pitch and white are excellent antibacterial agents.Lubricate the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin.Use carefully.
- Juice and slime from onions and garlic.Mix with oil or alcohol, apply as a compress or paint the surface of the nail.The mixtures can cause burning and irritation of the surrounding tissues, so they are used very carefully.
Folk remedies are good for their accessibility and simplicity.But you should not forget to visit a doctor.Systematic complex treatment gives the most tangible results.
Consequences of nail fungus on thumbs
Onychomycosis is not a dangerous disease.You can live for many years suffering from the discomfort and unpleasant appearance of your nails.But if immunity decreases with age or after an 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 because of the pain.We have to resort to surgical intervention.
Important.Untreated onychomycosis is a source of infection for others.Horned particles and mycelial spore cells can lead to infection of other people.
Prevention of toenail fungus
Prevention of fungal diseases includes:
- avoiding contact with an infected object;
- strengthening the immune system to protect against infections.
Personal hygiene must be maintained.Do not use other people's personal belongings or allow others to use them.Walk in pools, spas, 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.Liquids and special sprays are sold for disinfecting shoes.
It is necessary to monitor your health, eat properly and observe a schedule of work and rest.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.Make proper use of external tools and traditional methods.The duration of treatment is usually 3-6 months.With regular treatment and prevention of re-infection, athlete's foot is nearly impossible to recover from.