The miniature fungus is an infectious pathology. It manifests itself with the weakening of the body's protective functions and the non-observance of hygiene measures. Fungal microorganisms infect the nail plate and move to nearby areas.
Miniature fungus photo
Causes of fungus on the thumb nails
Poor hygiene is a major cause of infection. You can often get it from someone else. So, if you don't follow the preventive measures, everyone around the infected person can get the pathology. An example of toenail fungus is shown in the photo.
The thumb plate is prone to onychomycosis due to its structural characteristics. Mycelium filaments spread more quickly in it than in other environments. The reason is a large concentration of blood vessels and nerve endings.
Defeat can develop in the context of some 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;
- serious conditions such as hepatitis and HIV;
- general use of hygiene items;
- Frequent use of inappropriate shoes (tight, of low quality materials).
Onychomycosis 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 protective abilities. The second group includes pregnant and lactating women, as well as women during menopause.
People who live in humid climates or attend sports clubs, baths, swimming pools and saunas are also at risk. About 30% of cases are contaminated by non-sterile instruments used for pedicures.
Miniature fungus symptoms
Despite the specific characteristics of the types of fungus in the toenails, 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 the injury. Gradually, as the infection penetrates more deeply, 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 blade, itching;
- thickening of the plaque and darkening of its color, the appearance of an unpleasant odor, redness of the surrounding skin, inflammation and swelling.
- destruction of the nail, appearance of open wounds in the surrounding area, discomfort when walking.
The affected nail may start to grow inside the cushion. Pus usually appears in the corners of the nails. If the disease is ignored, the nail will peel off completely.
Color changes vary according to the type of pathogen:
- dermatophyte - yellowish or whitish stripes, eventually becoming uniform;
- type of yeast - brownish tint, wavy plate structure;
- type of mold - black or greenish color of the nail.
With a fungal infection, the top layer becomes rough and harmful microorganisms move instantly to other areas of the body. They go very deep, infecting the rest of the skin and foot. The form of the pathology becomes chronic. Others are more likely to be infected.
Treatment for miniature fungi
How to cure a toe fungus, 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 established. Based on the data obtained, the specialist elaborates a set of therapeutic measures. When developing a treatment, the following is taken into account:
- affected area;
- depth of penetration of the infection;
- the duration of the disease;
- character of the fungus.
A therapy course may include:
- Varnishes and solutions. Antifungal agents. Suitable in the early stages of infection. The makeup 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 therapy varies from 6 to 12 months.
- Polishes, 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. Antimycotic drugs and pills are prescribed at a later stage in the development of the condition. They have several contraindications and side effects. It must be indicated by a doctor.
- Immunostimulants and vitamins. Recommended as an adjunct to internal and external antimycotic medications. This includes 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 thumb nail fungus.
- Laser. Indicated for ingrown nails. It will not completely eliminate the fungus, however, it will prevent the recurrence of internal growth.
Fungal drugs are designed to completely eliminate the infection. They destroy harmful microorganisms and prevent them from spreading quickly. As a rule, they have a cumulative effect and accelerate the therapeutic course. When used correctly, relapses are avoided.
Complete cure of fungal infection is achieved in 2 to 4 months. Occasionally, therapy takes more than six months.
If the damage to the nail tissue is severe, the nail can be removed. Removal is performed using special aggressive compounds or surgical intervention. This method is the most reliable and completely eliminates pathology.
The procedure has no side effects. The algorithm can be described as follows: a finger with an affected nail is treated with an antiseptic agent. Then, the doctor applies a tourniquet and injects anesthesia.
After removing the nail plate using various surgical instruments, the nail bed is removed from the dead tissue and the site is treated with iodine solution. At the end, an antiseptic pad is applied to the finger.
In the course of a well-chosen therapy, the manifestations of the disease must weaken, the skin must be free of the lesions and the nail plate must return to its natural and healthy aspect. However, it is possible to safely learn about parasite output 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 miniature fungi
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 carried out exclusively by independent efforts.
However, there are many recipes that can facilitate the course of the disease. The most common tools are:
- Tea tree oil. Proven antiseptic. It partially eliminates harmful bacteria and has an antimycotic effect.
- Potato broth. Prepared from potato skins. Foot baths are made from the composition for 20 minutes. The procedure is daily.
- Lemon. The citrus is cut into slices and applied to the contaminated surface. Can be fixed with cellophane bag and sterile dressing. Course duration - 8 to 10 days.
- A mixture of water and acid. In identical proportions, 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined. The composition is kneaded into 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. Mix and lower your legs there. Do this 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 vaporized. To increase effectiveness, the skin can be pre-coated with a mixture of baking soda and washing powder without additives. The procedure is daily.
It is important to note:It is contraindicated for women to do foot baths. The high temperature of the water causes blood flow to the pelvic organs. This can cause premature birth. Better to use propolis or tea tree oil.
Traditional methods can give results in the early stages of the disease. In this case, the fungus can go away with local treatment with simple natural antiseptics.
For example, like herbal teas, bright green, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient needs well-planned complex therapy of drugs with systemic and local action. Without knowing it, many patients resort only to external antimycotics, limiting themselves to popular 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 infection in healthy individuals. The recommendations are as follows:
- Observe personal hygiene practices. Especially with regard to the selection of footwear and pedicure tools.
- Don't wear other people's clothes. Shoes and socks should only be yours.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as a bathroom or the beach.
- Avoid damaging the nails and areas around the board.
- Treat your hands 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 disease recurrence. In order not to get fungus on your nails the second time, you should follow these recommendations:
- strictly follow medical instructions;
- limit the time spent in the water;
- don't go to public places like the beach or the sauna;
- disinfect personal manicure tools;
- discard shoes and socks that have come into contact with a body contaminated by the fungus;
- disinfect shoes using special compounds.
In addition, you should monitor the correctness of the diet, avoid prolonged stress and try not to neglect physical activity.
So it is not difficult to acquire a fungus and start a disease. But the treatment can take a lot of time, effort and waste of material. At the first symptoms of defeat, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor. Early therapy is easier and faster. If the disease starts, the nail will have to be removed.