Onychomycosis is a common disease. This files most often diagnosed nail fungus on his thumb. With timely treatment the infection can stop and avoid hitting healthy nails. Currently there are many tools designed to fight the fungus. In the initial stages will be enough local drugs, and neglected not to do without radical measures.
Causes of fungal nail and risk factors
Cause of fungus on the nail in most cases it is contact with another person.
Risk factors for fungal infection are as follows:
- Old age.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Bacterial lesions of the skin.
- Eczema, dermatitis.
- The abuse of spirituous drinks.
The disease develops in contact with the nail plate fungal pathogens. They can also enter the bloodstream and on the skin. In most cases, the cause of pathology development is the contact with another person. Possible causes are a fungal infection:
- Being in the public areas according to the type of bath or basin. In this case fungus most often affects the toes.
- Contact with a person suffering from onychomycosis. Can be transmitted through personal belongings.
- Cosmetic procedures if tools are not disinfected. For example, during the procedure of pedicure or manicure.
- Failure to observe rules of personal hygiene. The lack of proper control over the condition of the feet or wearing poor quality shoes leads to the development of nail fungus.
- Medications, side effect which is the development of fungal diseases.
- Poor circulation, varicose veins.
The stage of onychomycosis and their symptoms
Each stage of the nail fungus has its own symptoms. Depending on this the treatment is selected, so it is important to understand at what stage is fungal infection.
- Normal scars. Nail plate changes its color, while preserving the Shine of the nail and its normal thickness. Gradually the spots of various sizes, they have a white-yellow color. With the development of the disease, the spots increase in size and become slightly convex, in consequence, they cover the entire nail plate. The thickness of the nail remains in good condition.
- Hypertrophic. At this stage the manifestations of onychomycosis becomes more pronounced. In addition to changing the hue of the nail, the width of the nail. It increases by more than 2 mm. This is due to hyperkeratosis – increased formation of skin flakes. The nail plate loses its Shine, becomes dull, you begin to crumble and severely deformed. Particularly strong failure occurs in the lateral parts of the nail.
- Atrophic. The nail plate begins to acquire greyish-brownish tint, dullness becomes more pronounced. As the progression of the disease, the nail is reduced, can completely atrophy. The pathological process develops from the tip of the nail plate, gradually moving to the cushion and skin area growth. Symptoms strain for a long time do not affect the very growth zone.
- Distal. The process of deformation becomes uniform throughout the nail plate. On the nail appear pronounced stripes. As crumbling of the nail, the free edge completely disappears. The nail plate becomes irregular in shape. On the side rollers there is swelling and redness. In some cases, when pressed, may appear a little pus.
- Proximal. The nail plate appears white spot large sizes. The nail begins to fully collapse.
- Total. Is the end stage. The nail plate is affected completely. The nail crumbles and acquires different shades.
Diagnosis of fungus
Diagnosis includes visual inspection and series of tests. For diagnosis you must consult a dermatologist. To begin with, the specialist will conduct a visual inspection, then perform the following procedure:
- Scraping from the infected area of the nail plate.
- Microscopy, which will reveal the presence of fungal diseases.
As a rule, the diagnosis of the fungus on the limbs without causing problems. Even by visual inspection it is possible to understand whether there is fungus and its stage.
How to cure nail fungus
Currently, there are many ways to treat nail fungus on my big toe. Methods of treatment depend on the stage of fungal infection. In the initial stages of the disease need only topical treatments.
Antifungal varnishes
Many people wonder how to treat nail fungus on my big toe. For these purposes, are widely used special varnishes designed to eliminate fungal infections. They differ rapid effect and ease of use. The range of such coatings is huge, so everyone can choose for themselves the individual means.
Ointments, sprays and creams
Among sprays, ointments and creams for the treatment of nail fungus on his thumb to allocate funds presented in the table below. They are very popular and have proved as the most effective.
Tablets for oral administration
Medicines for oral administration are assigned very rarely. Their method is appropriate only at advanced stages of fungal infection. As they cause a large number of side effects, they are forbidden to take without a prescription. Among the tablets especially popular drugs presented in the table below.
The means for removal of the nail plate
Removal of the nail plate may be required if fungal infection and was struck by its entire surface. It is necessary to use special tools to gently remove the nail. In addition, they also aimed at eliminating fungus. When using them you must exercise extreme care to prevent injury and further infection.
The effect of laser
Laser – an alternative method of treatment of fungus on the big toe. Laser beams are able to penetrate deep into the thickness of the nail, which allows to effectively eliminate the infection. This procedure is recommended for people with increased sensitivity to drugs for the treatment of mycosis. The laser acts painlessly, without causing discomfort. The procedure has no side effects and contraindications. For maximum effect it is necessary to have a course of such procedures.
Surgical removal
Surgical removal of the nail plate – the most radical way. Used only if other techniques do not give the desired result. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. The nail plate is removed. Of the positive aspects of this method, you can cancel quick relief from fungal infection. Subject to the necessary measures the growth of a healthy nail can be accelerated. The downside is a relatively long rehabilitation after surgery, may occur pain.
Folk remedies
Methodology of folk medicine are widely used in the treatment of fungal infection. It is recommended to use them as supplementary measures to the basic treatment. To replace the drugs they can't. The most common recipes:
- Regularly steam the feet in soda water with the addition of iodine. After that the nail is treated with an antibacterial agent.
- Apply daily on the affected toenail drop of a 5% iodine. As prevention, apply 1-2 times a week.
- Throughout the week, lubricate the nail Apple cider vinegar.
- Grind celandine, bring it to a boil. The solution is to add for holding baths for the feet.
- To add to the footbath soda and a piece of soap. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times a week.
What happens if not treated disease
If time does not deal with the treatment of nail fungus, it threatens the transition of the disease into a chronic form. Its danger lies in the accumulation of toxic substances that enter the bloodstream. Then the toxins are rapidly spread through the body.
Prevention tips
In order to avoid fungal infection of the nail plate, should adhere to the following rules:
- To ensure that your legs will be dry.
- Wear comfortable and quality shoes.
- After visiting the common areas and thoroughly wash feet with soap and water.
- When trying on shoes is to use socks.
- Regularly monitor the condition of nails. To remove excess length and carry out hygienic pedicure.
- If a person is faced with the fungus, it is necessary to use a special antifungal drugs to prevent recurrence.
Preventive measures will help avoid such unpleasant diseases such as onychomycosis of the nail. In addition, careful care of feet and nails will preserve them in excellent condition.