Nail fungus is a common disease. This files most often diagnosed with a nail fungus on his thumb. With timely treatment the infection can prevent and avoid hitting healthy nails. Currently, there are many tools that are designed to fight the fungus. The initial stage is enough local drugs, and neglected not to do without radical measures.
Cause fungal nail and risk factors
Cause fungal nail in most cases it is contact with another person.
Risk factors for fungal infection include the following:
- Old age.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Bacterial damage to the skin.
- Eczema, dermatitis.
- The abuse of spirituous beverages.
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 a contact with another person. Possible causes are a fungal infection:
- It is in the public areas according to the type of bath or basin. In this case, the fungus most often affects the toes.
- Contact person is suffering from patients. Can seize your personal belongings.
- Cosmetic procedures, if the tools are not disinfected. For example, during the procedure of pedicure or manicure.
- Failure to observe the rules of personal hygiene. The lack of proper control over the condition of the foot or wearing poor quality shoes leads to the development of nail fungus.
- Drugs side effect which is the development of fungal diseases.
- Blood circulation disorders, varicose veins.
Stage 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 a fungal infection.
- Normal scars. The nail plate changes its color, while maintaining the Shine of the nail and of its normal thickness. Gradually the spots of different sizes, they are white-yellow color. With the development of the disease, the spots increase in size and become slightly convex, as a result, they cover the entire nail plate. The thickness of the nail remains in good condition.
- Hypertrophic. At this stage the manifestations of onychomycosis becomes stronger. In addition to changing the tone of the nail, the width of the nail. It grows more than 2 mm. This is because, hyperkeratosis – increased formation of skin flakes. The nail plate loses its Shine, becomes dull, you can begin to crumble and severely deformed. Particularly strong failure occurred in the lateral part of the nail.
- Atrophic. The nail plate begins to acquire greyish-brownish tone, dullness becomes more apparent. When the progression of the disease, the nail is reduced, can completely atrophy. The pathological process develops in 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 of the area.
- Distal. The process of deformation becomes uniform over the entire nail plate. The nail look pronounced stripes. As crumbling of the nail free edge completely disappears. The nail plate becomes irregular shape. The side rollers there is swelling and redness. In some cases, when pressed, may appear a little pus.
- Proximal. The nail plate appears white spotted large sizes. The nail begins to fully collapse.
- Total. Is the end of the stage. The nail plate is affected completely. Nail crumbling and contracting in different shades.
Diagnosis fungal
Diagnosis includes visual inspection and series of tests. Diagnosis you must consult a dermatologist. Initially, the specialist will perform a visual inspection, then perform the following actions:
- Scraping from the infected area of the nail plate.
- Microscopy, which revealed the presence of fungal diseases.
As a rule, the diagnosis of fungus on the limbs without causing any problems. Although visually it is possible to understand whether the 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 the fungal infection. In the early stages of the disease need only topical treatments.
Antifungal lacquer
Many people wonder how to treat nail fungus on my big toe. For these purposes, are widely used in a special varnish, which is designed to eliminate fungal infections. They differ from the rapid effect and ease of use. Between such coatings is huge, so everyone can choose for themselves the individual means.
Creams, sprays and lotions
Among the sprays, lotions and creams for the treatment of nail fungus on his thumb to indicate the funds presented in the table below. They are very popular, and has proven to be the most effective.
Tablets by mouth
Oral medications are given very rarely. Their method is suitable only in the later stages of fungal infection. Because they, due to the large number of side effects, they are not allowed to take without a prescription. Among the tablets especially popular drugs presented in the table below.
Means for removing the nail plate
Removal of the nail plate may be necessary if the fungal infection, and struck its entire surface. It is necessary to use special tools to gently remove the nail. In addition, they also aim to eliminate the fungus. When you use them you must use extreme caution to prevent injury and further infection.
The effect of the laser
Laser – an alternative method for the treatment of fungus of the big toe. Laser rays are able to penetrate deep into the thickness of the nail, which can be used to effectively remove the infection. This procedure is not recommended for people with increased sensitivity to drugs for the treatment of mycosis. The Laser works painlessly, without causing discomfort. The procedure has no side effects and contraindications. For maximum effect it is necessary, of course, is such procedures.
Surgical removal of the
Surgical removal of the nail plate – the most radical way. Is used only if other methods do not give the desired result. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. The nail plate is removed. The positive aspects of this method, you can cancel fast relief from the fungal infection. Provided that the necessary measures for the healthy nail can be accelerated. The downside is a relatively long rehabilitation after surgery can occur pain.
Folk remedies
Methods in folk medicine is widely used in the treatment of fungal infection. It is recommended to use them as supplementary measures to the basic treatment. Replace the drugs, they can't. The most common recipes:
- Regular steam feet in soda water, to which has been added iodine. After the nail is treated with an antibacterial agent.
- Apply daily to affected toenail drop of 5% iodine. Prevention, apply 1-2 times a week.
- Throughout the week, lubricate the nail Apple cider vinegar.
- Finely chop celandine, bring it to a boil. The solution is to increase the holding baths for the feet.
- Add to a foot bath of soda and soap. The procedure is performed 2-3 times a week.
What happens if not treated disease
If time does not deal with the treatment of nail fungus, it is a threat to the transition disease into a chronic form. Its danger lies in the accumulation of toxic substances that enter the bloodstream. Then the poisons are spreading rapidly through the body.
Prevention tips
In order to avoid fungal infection, the nail plate, should observe the following rules:
- Make sure that your feet will be dry.
- Wear comfortable and quality shoes.
- After attending the common areas and the washing of the feet with soap and water.
- When trying on shoes is to use socks.
- Regularly monitor the condition of the nails. Remove excess length and to perform hygienic pedicure.
- If a person is faced with the fungus, it is necessary to use a special antifungal drugs to prevent recurrence.
Preventive measures help to avoid unpleasant diseases, such as onychomycosis of the nail. In addition, careful care of feet and nails will keep them in good condition.