Thumbnail fungus is an infectious pathology. It manifests itself in a weakening of the protective functions of the body and failure to observe hygiene measures. Fungal microorganisms infect the nail plate and move to nearby areas.
Photo of the thumbnail mushroom
Causes of thumbnail fungus
Bad hygiene is a major cause of infection. You can often get it from someone else. So, if you do not follow the preventive measures, then all people around the infected can get pathology. An example of a toenail fungus is shown in the photo.
The thumb plate is prone to onychomycosis due to its structural features. Mycelial filaments spread faster in it than in other environments. The reason is a large concentration of blood vessels and nerve endings.
The defeat can develop against the background of some predisposing factors:
- endocrine pathologies;
- 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;
- general use of hygiene items;
- Frequent wearing of unsuitable footwear (tight, made of inferior materials).
Onychomycosis is rare in children. The main group susceptible to the disease are the elderly. This is due to changes in the body and a decrease in its protective abilities. The second group includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as women going through menopause.
People who live in humid climates or in frequent sports clubs, spas, swimming pools and saunas are also at risk. About 30% of cases are contaminated by non-sterile instruments used for pedicure.
Symptoms of a thumbnail fungus
Despite the peculiarities of toenail fungus species, the symptoms are similar in all cases. The primary manifestations of infection are severe itching, burning, and peeling of the skin at the site of the lesion. Gradually, as the infection penetrates deeper, cracks and blisters appear between the fingers, forming open foci.
The following phases of defeat can be distinguished:
- manifestation of whitish or yellow spots (sometimes stripes) on the nail plate, thickening of the plate, itching;
- plate thickening and dullness of its color, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, reddening of the skin, inflammation and swelling.
- Destruction of the nail, appearance of open wounds in the area, discomfort when walking.
The affected nail can grow in the pillow. Pus often appears in the corners of the nail. If the disease is ignored, the nail will flake off completely.
Color changes vary depending on the pathogen type:
- Dermatophyte - yellowish or whitish stripes that eventually turn into a uniform color;
- yeast type - brownish shade, wavy structure of the plate;
- mold type - black or greenish color of the nail.
With a fungal infection, the top layer becomes rough and harmful microorganisms immediately migrate to other areas of the body. They penetrate deep inside and infect the rest of the skin and foot. The form of pathology becomes chronic. Others are more likely to get infected.
Thumbnail Fungus Treatment
Only a doctor can know how to cure a fungus on the big toe. In the hospital, the type of disease, the level of infection, as well as the specific characteristics of the patient's body are determined. Based on the data received, the specialist draws up a number of therapeutic measures. When developing a treatment, the following are taken into account:
- affected area;
- depth of penetration of the infection;
- the duration of the illness;
- character of the mushroom.
A therapy course can include:
- Varnishes and solutions. Antifungal drugs. Suitable in the early stages of infection. The composition is used to cover the affected area and forget about it for a while. The drug is used 3-5 times a week. Then take a break and apply the same remedy again. The total duration of therapy varies between 6 and 12 months.
- ointments, gels, sprays and creams. Antifungal agent. They are applied to the affected areas and can be used at any stage of the infection.
- Internal medicine. Antifungal drugs and tablets are prescribed at a later stage in the development of the pathology. They have a number of contraindications and side effects. Must be appointed by a doctor.
- Immune stimulants and vitamins. Recommended as a supplement to external and internal antifungal drugs. These include supplements and preparations that contain magnesium and iron, B vitamins, folic acid, and zinc and selenium. They stimulate the protective functions of the body. Useful in all stages of thumbnail fungus.
- laser. Indicated for ingrown toenails. The fungus will not be completely eliminated, but it will prevent it from growing back.
Fungal medicines are designed to completely eliminate the infection. They destroy harmful microorganisms and prevent their rapid spread. As a rule, they have a cumulative effect and accelerate the course of the course of therapy. When used correctly, relapses are prevented.
Complete healing of the fungal infection is achieved in 2-4 months. Occasionally, therapy lasts longer than six months.
If the nail tissue is badly damaged, the nail can be removed. Removal is carried out using special aggressive compounds or surgical interventions. This method is the most reliable and completely eliminates the pathology.
The procedure has no side effects. The algorithm can be described as follows: a finger with an affected nail is treated with an antiseptic. After that, the doctor applies a tourniquet and injects anesthesia.
After the nail plate has been removed with various surgical instruments, dead tissue is removed from the nail bed and the area is treated with iodine solution. At the end, an antiseptic compress is applied to the finger.
In the course of a well-chosen therapy, the manifestations of the disease should subside, the skin should rid itself of lesions, and the nail plate should return to its natural, healthy appearance. However, it is only with the help of laboratory tests that it is possible to reliably learn about parasite exodus. They are carried out after 14 days and a month after the course of treatment.
Traditional methods of treating thumbnail mushrooms
Regardless of the type of toenail fungus, treatment with traditional folk remedies is not recommended. In most cases, it is ineffective, has little effect, or makes the situation worse. Especially when therapy is carried out solely through independent efforts.
However, there are many recipes that can alleviate the course of the disease. The most common tools are:
- tea tree oil. Proven antiseptic. Partially eliminates harmful bacteria and has an antifungal effect.
- potato soup. Prepared from potato peels. Foot baths are made from the composition for 20 minutes. The procedure is daily.
- lemon. The citrus fruits are cut into slices and applied to the contaminated surface. Can be held in place with a cellophane bag and sterile bandage. Course duration - 8-10 days.
- A mixture of water and acid. 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined in identical proportions. The composition is kneaded into dough and applied to the infected area for 10-20 minutes. The duration of the course is 3-5 days. Helps remove the affected nail.
- salt baths. Take 20 grams of sea salt per liter of hot water. Mix and lower your legs 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 legs are dampened. To improve its effectiveness, the skin can be pre-coated with a mixture of baking soda and normal laundry soap without additives. The procedure is daily.
It is important to note:It is contraindicated for women to bathe feet. A high water temperature causes blood flow in the pelvic organs. This can lead to premature birth. Better to use propolis or tea tree oil.
Traditional methods can produce results in the early stages of the disease. In this case, local treatment with simple natural antiseptics can make the fungus go away.
For example herbal teas, brilliant green, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. If the onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient needs a well-thought-out complex therapy of drugs with system-wide and local effects. Many patients unknowingly resort to only external antifungal drugs and limit themselves to folk recipes, gels and ointments. However, this method does not work in the vast majority of cases.
Preventive measures
Fungal prevention measures are divided into two types - primary and secondary.
The first task is to prevent infection in healthy people. The recommendations are as follows:
- Observe personal hygiene practices. Especially when it comes to choosing shoes and pedicure tools.
- Do not wear other people's clothes. Shoes and socks should only be your own.
- Avoid going barefoot in public places like a bathhouse or beach.
- Avoid damaging nails and areas around the plate.
- Treat your hands with antiseptics. Especially when the skin is damaged.
- If you suspect a fungal infection, go to the hospital immediately.
Secondary prevention measures are intended to prevent the disease from recurring. In order not to get nail fungus a second time, you should follow the following recommendations:
- be sure to follow the medical instructions;
- limits the time spent in the water;
- Do not go to public places like the beach or sauna.
- Disinfect personal manicure tools.
- , to throw away shoes and hosiery that have come into contact with a body contaminated with the fungus;
- disinfect shoes with special compounds.
Also, you should monitor the correctness of diet, avoid prolonged stress and try not to neglect physical activity.
So it is not difficult to acquire a mushroom and cause a disease. However, treatment can take a considerable amount of time, effort, and waste of materials. At the first symptoms of defeat, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor. Early therapy is easier and faster. When the disease begins, it is necessary to remove the nail.