Thumb fungus is an infectious pathology. It is manifested by impairment of the protective functions of the body and failure to comply with hygiene measures. Fungal microorganisms infect the nail plate and migrate to neighboring areas.
Mushroom thumbnail
Causes of female nail fungus
Poor hygiene is the main cause of infection. You can usually get it from someone else. So, if you don't follow these precautions, everyone around you can get sick. An example of toenail fungus is shown in the photo.
The thumb is susceptible to nail fungus due to its structural properties. Mycelium spreads more rapidly in that medium than in other media. The reason is due to the concentration of many blood vessels and nerve endings.
Failure can develop on the basis of a number of factors impacting:
- endocrine pathology; varicose veins
- ;
- hormonal imbalance;
- slow metabolism (especially in the elderly);
- impaired blood circulation; psoriasis
- ;
- dermatitis (inflammation);
- eczema;
- pathology of the immune system;
- serious illnesses such as hepatitis and HIV;
- sharing sanitary wares;
- Wear inappropriate (tight, poor quality) footwear frequently.
Onychomycosis is rare in children. The most susceptible group is the elderly. This is due to changes in the body and a decrease in its protective capacity. The second group includes pregnant and lactating women, as well as women during menopause.
People who live in humid climates or regularly go to sports clubs, baths, swimming pools and saunas are also at risk. About 30% of cases get infected from unpasteurized tools used to make pedicures.
Symptoms of thumbnail fungus
Although there are specific characteristics of toenail fungus, the symptoms are the same in all cases. Initial manifestations of infection are severe itching, burning, and peeling of the skin at the site of the injury. Gradually, as the infection gets deeper, cracks and bubbles appear between the fingers, forming open fissures.
The following stages of failure can be distinguished:
- presents white or yellow (sometimes streaked) spots on the nail plate, thickened, itchy patches; The
- plaques are thickened and dull, with an unpleasant odor, redness of the surrounding skin, inflammation, and swelling.
- destroys the nail, appears open sores in the surrounding area, discomfort when walking.
Affected nails may begin to grow inside the cushion. Often pus appears in the corners of the nail. If the disease is ignored, the nail will completely come off.
Color varies according to the type of pathogen:
- dermatophyte - yellowish or white stripe, eventually turning into a uniform color; Glaze
- - brownish in color, stone-like structure; Mold type
- - black or green nails.
When infected with a fungus, the top layer becomes rough and harmful microorganisms will immediately migrate to other areas of the body. They go deep inside, infecting the rest of the skin and feet. The form of the pathology becomes chronic. Others are more likely to be infected.
Treating fungus in thumbnails
How to cure big toe fungus, only a doctor can know. In the hospital, the nature of the disease, the degree of infection, as well as specific features of the patient's body are established. Based on the collected data, the therapist recommends a range of treatment options. When developing a treatment, the following are taken into account:
- affected area;
- the depth of infection of the infection;
- duration of the disease;
- character of the mushroom.
A course of therapy may include:
- Varnishes and solutions. Antifungal agent. Suitable in the early stages of infection. The preparation is used to cover the affected area and forget about it for a while. The drug is used 3-5 times a week. Then take a break and apply the same remedy again. The total duration of treatment 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 infection.
- Underwear. Anticonvulsants and tablets are prescribed at a later stage of the pathological development. They have a number of contraindications and side effects. Must have a doctor's appointment.
- Immunostimulants and vitamins. Recommended as an adjunct to external and internal anticonvulsants. These include supplements and preparations containing magnesium and iron, B vitamins, folic acid, zinc and selenium. They stimulate the protective functions of the body. Useful in all stages of female nail fungus.
- Laser. Indicated for ingrown toenails. It will not completely remove the fungus, however, it will prevent the recurrence of the fungus.
The antifungal is designed to completely eliminate the infection. They destroy harmful microorganisms and prevent them from spreading rapidly. As a rule, they have a cumulative effect and accelerate the course of treatment. When used correctly, relapses will be prevented.
It is possible to completely cure a fungal infection in 2-4 months. Sometimes, therapy lasts more than six months.
If the nail tissue is severely damaged, you can remove the nail. Removal is performed using special aggressive compounds or surgical interventions. This is the most reliable method and completely eliminates the pathology.
This procedure has no side effects. The algorithm can be described as follows: a finger with the affected nail is treated with an antiseptic. After that, the doctor performed garnish and an anesthetic injection.
After the nail is removed with various surgical instruments, the nail layer is released from the dead tissue and the site is treated with the iodine solution. Finally, an antiseptic gauze is applied to the finger.
During the selection of good therapies, the symptoms of the disease weaken, the skin heals itself and the nails return to a natural healthy appearance. However, it is possible to reliably learn about a parasite's death with the help of laboratory tests only. They are taken 14 days and one month after the treatment.
Traditional ways to treat fungus in the thumb
Regardless of the fungus of the toenail, treatment with traditional folk remedies is not recommended. In most cases, it is ineffective, has little effect, or aggravates the situation. Especially if therapy is performed independently by independent efforts.
However, there are many formulas that can reduce the course of the disease. The most popular tools are:
- Tea tree oil. Proven disinfectant. Removes a part of harmful bacteria and has antipyretic effects.
- Potato broth. Prepared from potato peels. Foot soak is performed from the composition for 20 minutes. The procedures are daily.
- Lemon. Citrus is cut into slices and applied to contaminated surface. Can be fixed with cellophane bag and sterile dressing. Course duration - 8-10 days.
- A mixture of water and acids. With identical proportions, 70% acetic acid and purified water are combined. The composition is kneaded into a powder and applied to the infected area for 10 - 20 minutes. The duration of the course is 3-5 days. Helps to remove affected nails.
- Salt baths. Take 20 grams of sea salt per liter of hot water. Mix and lower your legs there. Do it every day for 14 days.
- Aspirin broth. Take 100 grams of psyllium bark, grind it, pour half a liter of water to boil. In the composition, the affected leg is absorbed. To improve efficiency, you can pre-rinse the skin with a mixture of baking soda and regular laundry soap without additives. Procedure is daily.
It is important to note:No foot bath is indicated for women. The high temperature of water causes blood to circulate to the pelvic organs. This can cause premature labor. Better to use propolis or tea tree oil.
Traditional methods can result in an early stage of the disease. In this case, the fungus can disappear with topical treatment with simple natural disinfectants.
For example, such as herbal tea, vibrant green, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, a well-considered complex therapy of local and systemic drugs is required. Unintentionally, many patients resort to external antipyretics, limiting themselves to folk formulas, gels and ointments. However, this path doesn't work in the vast majority of cases.
Precautions
Fungi prevention measures are divided into two categories - primary and secondary.
The first task is to prevent infection in healthy people. Suggestions are as follows:
- Observe personal hygiene practices. Especially when it comes to choosing shoes and pedicure tools.
- Do not wear other people's clothing. Your shoes and socks should be your own.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like bathrooms or beaches.
- Avoid damaging the nails and areas around the disc.
- Handle with antiseptic. Especially if the skin is damaged.
- If you suspect a fungal infection, get medical attention immediately.
Secondary precautions are designed to prevent the disease from coming back. In order not to get nail fungus a second time, you should follow these recommendations:
- strictly follow all medical guidelines;
- limits the amount of time you spend underwater;
- do not go to public places such as beaches or saunas;
- disinfects personal nail tools;
- dispose of fungal-contaminated footwear and knitwear that has been in contact with the body;
- disinfects footwear with special compounds.
Also, you should monitor the correctness of your diet, avoid prolonged stress, and try not to neglect physical activity.
So, it's not hard to catch a fungus and start getting sick. But the processing can take a considerable amount of time, effort and waste of material. At the first symptoms of failure, you should not delay visiting your doctor. Early treatment is easier and faster. If the disease begins, the nail will have to be removed.