The index fungus is an infectious pathology. It manifests itself in the weakening of the body's protective functions and non-compliance with hygienic measures. Fungal microorganisms infect the nail plate and move to nearby areas.
Photo of the mushroom
Causes of Thumb Nail Fungus
Poor hygiene is a major cause of infection. You can often get it from another person. So, if you don’t follow the preventive measures, everyone around the infected can get pathology. The photo shows an example of a nail fungus.
Due to the structural characteristics of the thumb plate, it is prone to onychomycosis. Mycelial fibers spread faster in it than in other environments. This is due to the high concentration of blood vessels and nerve endings.
Defeat can be caused by some predisposing factors:
- endocrine pathologies;
- varicose veins;
- hormonal imbalance;
- slow metabolism (especially in the elderly);
- impaired blood circulation;
- psoriasis;
- dermatitis (inflammation);
- eczema; pathology of the immune system
- ;
- severe pathologies such as hepatitis and HIV;
- use of general hygiene items;
- Frequent wear of unsuitable footwear (tight, poor quality materials).
Onchomycosis is rare in children. The main group susceptible to the disease is the elderly. This is due to changes in the body and a decrease in its defenses. The second group includes pregnant and lactating women as well as postmenopausal women.
People who live in humid climates or often live in sports clubs, spas, swimming pools and saunas. About 30% of cases are contaminated with non-sterile pedicure instruments.
Symptoms of the index fungus
Despite the specifics of nail fungus types, the symptoms are similar in all cases. The primary manifestations of the infection are severe itching, burning, and peeling of the skin at the site of injury. Gradually, as the infection penetrates deeper, cracks and bubbles appear between the fingers, forming open foci.
The following stages of defeat can be distinguished:
- manifestation of whitish or yellow spots (sometimes streaks) on the nail plate, thickening of the plate, itching;
- thickening and dimming of the disc, appearance of an unpleasant odor, redness around the skin, inflammation and swelling.
- destruction of the nail, appearance of open wounds in the area, discomfort while walking.
Affected nails may grow inside the pillow. Pus often appears in the corners of the nail. If the disease is ignored, the nail will peel off completely.
Color changes vary by pathogen type:
- dermatophyte - yellowish or whitish streaks, eventually becoming uniform in color;
- yeast type - brownish tint, corrugated structure of the plate;
- mold type - black or greenish color of the nail.
In a fungal infection, the top layer becomes rough and harmful microorganisms immediately move to other areas of the body. They go deep inside, infecting the skin and the rest of the feet. The form of the pathology becomes chronic. Others are more likely to become infected.
Miniature mushroom treatment
How to cure a fungus on your big toe, only a doctor will know. The nature of the disease, the level of infection, and the specific characteristics of the patient's body are determined in the hospital. Based on the data obtained, the specialist compiles a series of therapeutic measures. The following will be taken into account when designing the treatment:
- affected area;
- depth of infection penetration;
- duration of the disease; the nature of the fungus
- .
A therapy course may include:
- Varnishes and solutions. Antifungal agents. Suitable in the early stages of infection. The composition is used to cover the affected area and is forgotten for a while. The drug is used 3-5 times a week. Then take a break and apply the same treatment again. The total duration of therapy varies between 6 and 12 months.
- Ointments, gels, sprays and creams. Antifungal target. They are used in the affected areas and can be used at any stage of the infection.
- Internal Medicine. Antifungal agents and tablets are prescribed at a later stage in the development of the pathology. They have many contraindications and side effects. You must appoint 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 at all stages of the thumb nail fungus.
- Laser. Refers to ingrown nails. It will not completely eliminate the fungus, but at the same time prevent the recurrence.
Fungal drugs are designed to completely eliminate the infection. They kill harmful microorganisms and prevent their rapid spread. As a general rule, they have a cumulative effect and accelerate the course of the therapeutic process. Used properly, they prevent relapses.
Complete recovery from a fungal infection can be achieved in 2-4 months. Occasionally, therapy takes more than six months.
If the nail tissue is severely damaged, the nail can be removed. Removal is performed using special aggressive compounds or surgery. This method is the most reliable and completely eliminates the pathology.
The procedure has no side effects. The algorithm can be described as follows: the finger of the affected nail is treated with an antiseptic. The doctor then applies a clamp and gives anesthesia.
After the nail plate was removed with various surgical instruments, the nail bed was freed of dead tissue and the site was treated with iodine solution. At the end, antiseptic compression is applied with the finger.
In a well-chosen therapy, the manifestations of the disease should weaken, the skin should get rid of the lesions, and the nail plate should return to its natural, healthy appearance. However, reliable information on the departure of parasites can only be obtained with the help of laboratory tests. The treatment is performed after 14 days and one month.
Traditional methods for handling the index fungus
Regardless of the type of nail fungus, treatment with traditional folk remedies is not recommended. In most cases, it is ineffective, has little effect, or exacerbates the situation. Especially if the therapy is performed solely by independent efforts.
However, many recipes make the course of the disease easier. The most common tools are:
- Tea tree oil. Proven antiseptic. It partially eliminates harmful bacteria and has an antifungal effect.
- Potato soup. Made from potato peel. Foot baths are made from the composition for 20 minutes. The procedure is daily.
- Lemon. Citrus is cut into slices and applied to the contaminated surface. Can be fixed with a cellophane bag and a sterile bandage. The duration of the course - 8-10 days.
- A mixture of water and acid. 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined in the same proportions. The composition is kneaded into a dough and applied to the infected area for 10-20 minutes. The duration of the course is 3-5 days. It helps to remove the affected nail.
- Salt baths. Take 20 grams of sea salt in a liter of hot water. Mix and lower your feet there. Do it every day for 14 days.
- Aspen broth. Take 100 grams of poplar bark, grind, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. In the composition, the affected legs are steamed. To increase the effectiveness, the skin can be pre-coated with a mixture of baking soda and plain laundry soap without additives. The procedure is commonplace.
Important to note:Foot baths are contraindicated for women. High water temperature causes blood circulation in the pelvic organs. This can cause premature labor. It is better to use propolis or tea tree oil.
Traditional methods can work in the early stages of the disease. In this case, the fungus may disappear by topical treatment with local natural disinfectants.
For example, herbal teas, bright green, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient needs well-thought-out complex therapy with system-wide and topical drugs. Unknowingly, many patients only resort to external antifungals, confining themselves to folk recipes, gels and ointments. However, this path 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 infections in healthy individuals. The recommendations are:
- Observe personal hygiene practices. Especially when it comes to choosing shoes and pedicure tools.
- Don't wear other people's clothes. Shoes and socks can only be your own.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as the spa or beach.
- Avoid damaging your nails and the area around the disc.
- Treat with antiseptics. Especially if the skin is damaged.
- If you suspect a fungal infection, go to the hospital immediately.
Secondary prevention measures are designed to prevent recurrence of the disease. To avoid getting nail fungus a second time, follow these tips:
- Strictly follow medical instructions;
- limits time in water;
- Do not go to public places such as the beach or the sauna;
- disinfect personal manicure tools;
- discard shoes and stockings that come in contact with a fungus-contaminated body;
- Disinfect shoes using special compounds.
In addition, you should monitor the correctness of your diet, avoid prolonged stress, and try not to neglect physical activity.
This way it is not difficult to get a fungus and start a disease. But the treatment requires quite a lot of time, effort and material waste. You should not delay your visit to the doctor for the first symptoms of defeat. Early therapy is easier and faster. If the disease starts, the nail should be removed.