Toenail fungus is a common, difficult-to-treat disease affecting one in four people worldwide.In medicine, the terms are used to denote 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 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 bathrooms is most favorable for the development of fungi.Walking barefoot on the beach can also cause fungal spores to enter the nail and foot.
Onchomycosis most often affects the big and little toes of both feet, which can be explained by microtraumas while walking, opening the door to fungal spores.As a result of contact, an infection occurs, which the body sometimes cannot cope with.
Reasons that lead to the development of the disease:
- Reduced immunity due to acute viral disease, HIV or immunodeficiency.
- Diabetes mellitus, psoriasis, which disturbs the acid reaction of the skin.The natural barrier that prevents the development of infections disappears.
- Varicose veins and atherosclerosis of blood vessels of the lower extremities cause deterioration of blood circulation in the lower extremities.
- Wearing tight shoes, leading to scrapes and blisters.
- Non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi.
- Non-compliance of footwear with sanitary and hygienic requirements.Feet sweat in it and stay wet for a long time.
- Professions that involve prolonged exposure to moisture or wearing rubber shoes.
- Hyperhidrosis, in which the skin of the feet is constantly wet.
Men aged 35-75 are most susceptible to foot and nail fungus.Children under the age of 15 practically do not suffer from athlete's foot.
Important.To eliminate 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 nails, they begin to actively grow and reproduce.Threads of mycelium penetrate deep into the tissues, feeding 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:
- nail color changes;
- the nail plate thickens;
- the skin of the finger swells and itches.
If there is no treatment, the nail will collapse or peel off completely.This is accompanied by cracking of the skin on the finger, itching and pain.
Fungi on the thumb cannot be cured only with folk remedies.To destroy the mycelium and prevent the recurrence of the disease, complex treatment is required.
Diagnosis of toenail fungus
If you notice symptoms of a fungal infection on the toenail, see a doctor.Epidermophytosis is treated by a mycologist.
Not every clinic has such a highly specialized specialist, so the most common 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 fungus;
- normotrophic;
- hypertrophic;
- atrophic;
- proximal;
- in total.
Tissue analysis is necessary to prescribe the correct method of treatment.The specialist will determine the type of infection based on the color of the nail, its structure, the nature of the destruction and the condition of the skin of the foot.He will tell you how and how to treat toe fungus.
How to cure toenail fungus
Treatment of epidermophytosis is carried out comprehensively:
- oral medications;
- external resources;
- methods of traditional medicine.
The doctor prescribes medicines in tablets that need to be taken orally according to a certain 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 must take the pills strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
Ointments, sprays, varnishes, plasters and serums with substances that inhibit the development of mycelia are used for external treatment.Such products are applied to cleaned and dried 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 drugs.Their action is more focused on the symptoms than on the treatment of toenail fungus.But they clean well, relieve itching and disinfect the affected area.Their action is most effective in the initial stage 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 mash with olive oil are good for relieving itching.
Radical treatment of omnichomycosis on the big toe is 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 drugs and an advanced form of the disease, a new method of laser treatment of fungi is used.The beam burns the mycelium to a depth of 7 mm.Healthy cells do not suffer, and sick cells regenerate quickly.This method has contraindications;you should consult your doctor.
Treatment of toenail fungus with folk remedies
At home, the following are widely used to treat nail fungus:
- Vinegar baths or scrubs.Table or apple cider vinegar is dissolved in warm water in a ratio of 200 ml of 9% acid to 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 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.It is used in the form of a lotion.Apply to the surface of diseased and healthy nails to prevent mutual infection.
- Celandine, tar and white are excellent antibacterial agents.Lubricate the nail plate, avoiding contact with the skin.Use with caution.
- Onion and garlic juice and pulp.Mix with oil or alcohol, apply as a poultice or lubricate the surface of the nail.Mixtures can cause burns and irritation of surrounding tissues, so they are used very carefully.
Folk remedies are good because of their accessibility and simplicity.But you should not forget to visit the doctor.A complex systemic treatment gives the most tangible results.
Consequences of toenail fungus
Onychomycosis is not a dangerous disease.You can live for many years suffering from the discomfort and unsightly appearance of your nails.But if the 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 sensation.The progression of the disease leads to the 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.Inflamed particles and cells with mycelial spores 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.Only wear personal slippers in the swimming pools, bathrooms, showers and saunas.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.Special liquids and sprays for disinfecting shoes are sold.
It is necessary to monitor your health, eat properly and adhere to the schedule of work and rest.Do not start chronic diseases.Sports and walks strengthen the immune system well.
If you contract toenail fungus, you must be diagnosed and treated with medications prescribed by your doctor.Use external resources and traditional methods properly.The duration of treatment is usually 3-6 months.With regular treatment and prevention of re-infection, athlete's foot relapse is almost impossible.