Miniature fungi are an infectious pathology. It is manifested by the weakening of the protective functions of the body and the non-observance of hygienic measures. Fungal microorganisms infect the nail plate and move to nearby areas.
Photo of photo mushrooms
Causes of toenail fungus
Poor hygiene is a major cause of infection. You can often get it from another person. So if you do not follow preventive measures, all the people around the infected can get pathology. An example of a nail 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.
Loss can occur against the background of several 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 inappropriate shoes (tight, with low quality materials).
People living in humid climates or frequent sports clubs, baths, swimming pools and saunas are also at risk. About 30% of cases are contaminated by non-sterile instruments used for pedicure.
Symptoms of miniature fungi
Despite the specific features of the types of toenail fungus, the symptoms are similar in all cases. The main manifestations of the infection are severe itching, burning, 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 stages of loss can be distinguished:
- appearance of white or yellow spots (sometimes streaks) on the nail plate, thickening of the plate, itching;
- thickening of the plaque and fading of its color, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, redness of the surrounding skin, inflammation and swelling.
- destruction of the nail, the appearance of open wounds in the surrounding area, discomfort while walking.
The affected nail may begin to grow inside the pillow. Pus often appears in the corners of the nails. If the disease is ignored, the nail will fall off completely.
Color changes vary by pathogen type:
- dermatophyte - yellow or white streaks, eventually turning into a uniform color; Yeast type
- - brown, wavy plate structure; Shape type
- - black or green color of the nail.
With a fungal infection, the top layer becomes hard and harmful microorganisms move immediately to other areas of the body. They penetrate deep inside, infecting the rest of the skin and feet. The form of pathology becomes chronic. Others are more likely to become infected.
Treatment of Thumbnail Fungi
How to cure a fungus on the thumb, only a doctor can know. In the hospital, the nature of the disease, the level of infection, as well as the specific characteristics of the patient's body are determined. Based on the data obtained, the specialist designs a series of therapeutic measures. When developing a treatment, consider the following:
- affected area;
- depth of infection penetration;
- duration of illness;
- character of mushrooms.
A course of therapy may include:
- Varnishes and solutions. Antifungal agents. Suitable in the early stages of infection. The composition is used to cover the affected area and to forget about it for a while. The drug is used 3-5 times a week. Then take a break and apply the same medicine again. The total duration of therapy varies from 6 to 12 months.
- Ointments, gels, sprays and creams. Antifungal purpose. 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 of pathology development. They have a number of contraindications and side effects. Must be appointed by a doctor.
- Immunostimulants and vitamins. Recommended as an adjunct to external and internal antifungal drugs. These include supplements and preparations containing magnesium and iron, B vitamins, folic acid and zinc and selenium. They stimulate the body's protective functions. Useful in all stages of toenail fungus.
- Laser. Indicated for grown toenails. It will not completely eliminate the fungus, however, it will prevent the growth from recurring.
Fungal pharmaceuticals were created 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 therapeutic course. When used correctly, relapses are prevented.
Complete cure of fungal infection is achieved in 2-4 months. Sometimes, the therapy lasts more than six months.
If the nail tissue damage is severe, the nail can be removed. Removal is performed using special aggressive compounds or surgical intervention. It is this method that 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 a affected nail is treated with an antiseptic agent. After that, the doctor applies a tourniquet and injects anesthesia.
After the nail plate is removed by various surgical instruments, the nail bed is freed from the dead tissue and the site is treated with iodine solution. Finally, an antiseptic compress is applied to the finger.
During a well-chosen therapy, the manifestations of the disease should be weakened, the skin should be free from damage and the nail plate should return to its healthy natural appearance. However, it is possible to learn reliably about removing parasites only with the help of laboratory tests. They are performed after 14 days and one 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 worsens the situation. Especially if the therapy is performed exclusively by independent efforts.
However, there are many recipes that can ease 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. Citrus fruits are cut into slices and applied to the contaminated surface. Can be adjusted with a cellophane bag and sterile bandage. Course duration - 8-10 days.
- A mixture of water and acid. In identical proportions, 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined. The composition is cooked in the dough and applied to the infected area for 10-20 minutes. The duration of the course is 3-5 days. Helps to remove the affected nail.
- Salt baths. Take 20 grams of sea salt per liter of hot water. Stir and lower the legs there. Do it every day for 14 days.
- Aspen soup. Take 100 grams of aspen bark, grind it, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. In composition, the affected feet are evaporated. To increase effectiveness, the skin can be pre-smeared with a mixture of baking soda and plain laundry soap without additives. The procedure is daily.
It is important to note: Contrast contraindicated for women to do foot washing. High water temperature causes blood flow to the pelvic organs. This can cause premature birth. Better to use propolis oil or tea tree.
Traditional methods can give results in the early stages of the disease. In this case, the fungus can be eliminated with topical treatment with simple natural antiseptic agents.
For example, such as herbal teas, brilliant green, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient needs a well-thought-out complex therapy of action drugs throughout the system and locally. Unknowingly, many patients use only external antifungals, limiting themselves to popular prescriptions, gels and oils. However, this route 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 individuals. 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 be yours alone.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like a spa or beach.
- Avoid damaging nails and areas around the plate.
- Treat your hands with antiseptics. Especially if the skin is damaged.
- If you suspect a fungal infection, go to the hospital right away.
Secondary prevention measures are designed to prevent recurrence of the disease. To avoid getting nail fungus a second time, you need to follow these recommendations:
- follow medical instructions carefully;
- limit time spent in water;
- do not go to public places like beach or sauna;
- disinfect personal manicure tools;
- to throw away shoes and socks that have come in contact with a fungus-contaminated body;
- disinfect shoes using special composition.
Furthermore, you should monitor the correctness of your diet, avoid prolonged stress, and try not to neglect physical activity.
So, it is not difficult to get a fungus and start a disease. But treatment can take quite a large amount of time, effort and material loss. At the first symptoms of loss, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor. Early therapy is easier and faster. If the disease starts, the nail will need to be removed.