Toenail fungus is a widespread disease that is difficult to treat and affects one in four people worldwide.In medicine, terms are used to describe 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 big toe fungus
Infection occurs through contact with an infected person, their belongings or in public places.The moist, 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 get into the big toenail and foot.
Most often, onchomycosis affects the big and little toes of both feet, which can be explained by microtrauma during walking, which opens the door to fungal spores.Contact causes an infection that the body sometimes cannot cope with.
Reasons leading to the development of the disease:
- Reduced 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 infections from developing disappears.
- Varicose veins and atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities lead to a deterioration in blood circulation in the lower extremities.
- Wearing tight shoes leads to abrasions and calluses.
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi.
- Non-compliance by shoes with sanitary and hygienic requirements.Your feet sweat in them and stay wet for a long time.
- Occupations that require prolonged exposure to moisture or wearing rubber shoes.
- Hyperhidrosis, in which the skin of the feet is constantly moist.
Men aged 35 to 75 are most susceptible to foot and nail fungus.Children under 15 practically do not suffer from athlete's foot.
Important.To remove toenail fungus, treatment must be carried out systematically and regularly.Onychomycosis is known for frequent relapses.
Symptoms of big toenail fungus
When fungal spores penetrate the skin or under the nail, they begin to actively grow and multiply.Mycelial threads penetrate deep into the tissue and feed on the cells of the human body.
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 surface of the nail.
- The nail plate becomes covered with tubercles and irregularities.
Further development of the fungus has the following signs:
- changes in nail color;
- the nail plate becomes thicker;
- the skin on the finger swells and itches.
If no treatment is given, the nail collapses or comes off completely.This is accompanied by cracked skin on the finger, itching and pain.
Fungus on the thumb can be cured not only with folk remedies.To destroy the mycelium and prevent recurrence of the disease, complex treatment is required.
Diagnosis of nail fungus on the big toe
If you notice symptoms of a 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, so the treatment is usually prescribed by a dermatologist.
The doctor will conduct a visual examination and take a sample of the affected tissue to determine the type of parasite.There are different forms of fungus that affect the nail plates of human fingers:
- white superficial fungus;
- normotropic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- proximal;
- in total.
In order to prescribe the correct treatment method, tissue analysis is required.The specialist determines the type of infection based on the color of the nail, structure, type of destruction and condition of the skin of the foot.He will tell you how and how to treat a fungus on the big toe.
How to cure toenail fungus
Treatment of epidermophytosis is comprehensive:
- oral medications;
- external resources;
- Traditional medicine methods.
The attending physician prescribes medication in tablet form, which 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 to combat fungal infections are effective.Some of them have side effects and limitations associated with age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and chronic diseases.Therefore, you must take the pills exactly as your doctor tells you.
For external treatment, ointments, sprays, varnishes, plasters and serums with substances that inhibit mycelial development are used.Such products are applied to clean and dried nails 2 times a week to 2 times a day.It is necessary to follow the instructions and read the contraindications.
Folk remedies usually have no contraindications, but their effectiveness is significantly lower than that of medications.Their effect is aimed at the symptoms rather than the treatment of toenail fungus.But they clean well, relieve itching and disinfect the affected area.Their action is most effective in the early stages of the disease.
Folk remedies such as baths with soda, vinegar or sea salt are well known.Dry the rub with iodine and fresh celandine juice.Potato peel masks, lemon compresses, garlic pulp with olive oil relieve itching.
The radical treatment for omnichomycosis of the big toe is removal of 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 will grow.
In cases of intolerance, ineffectiveness of medication and an advanced form of the disease, a new method of fungal treatment using laser is used.The jet burns 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 are often used to treat nail plate fungus:
- Vinegar baths or rubs.Table or apple cider vinegar is dissolved in warm water in the ratio of 200 ml of 9% acid per 3-4 liters of liquid.The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes.The feet are then dried and socks are put on.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 infection.
- Celandine, tar and white cabbage are excellent antibacterial agents.Lubricate the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin.Use with caution.
- Juice and pulp from onions and garlic.Mix with oil or alcohol, apply as a compress or grease the nail surface.Mixtures can cause burns and irritation to surrounding tissues and should therefore be used very carefully.
Folk remedies are distinguished by their accessibility and simplicity.But you shouldn't forget to visit the doctor.Complex systematic treatment gives the most tangible results.
Consequences of nail fungus on the big toes
Onychomycosis is not a dangerous disease.You may suffer from discomfort and an unsightly appearance of your nails for many years.However, when immunity weakens with age or after an illness, the fungus “blooms in full bloom.”
Fungal spores can affect neighboring nails.And that is an additional unpleasant feeling.The progression of the disease leads to 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.Horn particles and cells with mycelial spores can lead to infection of other people.
Prevention of nail fungus on the big toes
Prevention of fungal diseases includes:
- Avoid contact with an infected object.
- Strengthening the immune system to protect against infections.
Personal hygiene must be maintained.Do not use or allow others to use other people's personal belongings.Enter swimming pools, baths, showers and saunas only with slippers.Wear disposable socks when trying on shoes.
Feet should be washed with soap at least once a day and socks should be changed daily.Dry and air shoes.Special liquids and sprays for shoe disinfection are sold.
It is necessary to take care of your health, eat right and follow a work and rest schedule.Do not start chronic illnesses.Sports and walks strengthen the immune system well.
If you become infected with toenail fungus, you must diagnose it and treat it with medications prescribed by your doctor.Use external resources and traditional methods correctly.The duration of treatment is usually 3-6 months.With regular treatment and prevention of reinfection, a relapse of athlete's foot is almost impossible.