The fungus of miniatures is an infectious pathology. Manifested by weakening of the body's protective functions and non-compliance with hygiene measures. Fungal microorganisms infect the nail plate and move to nearby areas.
Picture of a miniature fungus
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Poor hygiene is a key cause of infection. You can often get it from another person. So, if you do not follow the preventive measures, all the people around the infected can get pathology. An example of toenail fungus is shown in the photo.
The thumb plate is prone to onychomycosis due to its structural characteristics. Mycelial fibers spread faster in it than in other media. The reason is a high concentration of blood vessels and nerve endings.
Defeat can develop against the background of 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;
- general use of hygiene items;
- Frequent wearing of inappropriate shoes (tight, made of low quality materials).
Onychomycosis is rare in children. The main group susceptible to the disease are 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 women during menopause.
People who live in humid climates or frequent sports clubs, baths, swimming pools and saunas are also at risk. About 30% of cases are contaminated by non-sterile pedicure instruments.
Symptoms of miniature fungi
Despite the specific features of the types of toenail fungus, the symptoms are similar in all cases. The main manifestations of infection are severe itching, burning, peeling of the skin at the site of the lesion. Gradually, as the infection penetrates deeper, cracks and blisters 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 of the plaque and dulling of its color, appearance of an unpleasant odor, reddening of the surrounding skin, inflammation and swelling.
- destruction of the nail, the appearance of open wounds in the area, discomfort when walking.
The affected nail may begin to grow inside the pillow. Pus often appears in the corners of the nails. If the disease is ignored, the nail will completely peel off.
Color changes vary depending on the type of pathogen:
- dermatophyte - yellowish or whitish stripes, which eventually turn into a uniform color;
- yeast type - brownish hue, wavy structure of the plate;
- type of mold - black or greenish color of the nail.
In a fungal infection, the upper layer becomes rough and the harmful microorganisms immediately move to other areas of the body. They go deep inside, infecting the rest of the skin and the foot. The form of the pathology becomes chronic. Others are more likely to become infected.
Treatment of fungi with miniatures
How to cure toe fungus, only a doctor can know. The hospital establishes the nature of the disease, the level of infection, as well as the specific characteristics of the patient's body. Based on the data obtained, the specialist prepares a set of therapeutic measures. The following are taken into account when developing treatment:
- affected area;
- depth of infection penetration;
- duration of the disease;
- character of the fungus.
The course of therapy may include:
- Varnishes and solutions. Antifungals. Suitable in the early stages of infection. The composition 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 medicine again. The total duration of therapy varies from 6 to 12 months.
- Ointments, gels, sprays and creams. Antifungal target. They are applied to the affected areas and can be used at any stage of the infection.
- Internal diseases. Antifungal drugs and tablets are prescribed at a later stage in the development of the pathology. They have a number of contraindications and side effects. It must be prescribed by 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 in all stages of fungus on the nails of the thumb.
- Laser. Indicated for ingrown toenails. This will not completely eliminate the fungus, but will prevent it from growing again.
Fungal pharmaceuticals 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 course of the therapeutic course. When used properly, recurrences are prevented.
The complete cure of the fungal infection is achieved in 2-4 months. Sometimes the therapy takes more than six months.
If the damage to the nail tissue is severe, the nail can be removed. Removal is performed with the help of 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: a finger with an affected nail is treated with an antiseptic. The doctor then administered a tourniquet and injected anesthesia.
After removing the nail plate with the help of various surgical instruments, the nail bed is freed from dead tissue and the area is treated with iodine solution. An antiseptic compress is applied to the end of the finger.
In the course of well-chosen therapy, the manifestations of the disease should weaken, the skin should be freed from lesions and the nail plate should return to its natural healthy appearance. However, it is possible to reliably learn about the departure of parasites only with the help of laboratory tests. They are held after 14 days and one month after the treatment course.
Traditional methods for treating fungi with miniatures
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 with independent efforts.
However, there are many recipes that can alleviate the course of the disease. The most common tools are:
- Tea tree oil. Proven antiseptic. Partially eliminates harmful bacteria and has an antifungal effect.
- Potato broth. Prepared from potato peels. Foot baths are made from the composition in 20 minutes. The procedure is daily.
- Lemon. The citrus fruits are cut into slices and applied to the contaminated surface. It can be fixed with a cellophane bag and a sterile bandage. Course duration - 8-10 days.
- Mixture of water and acid. 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined in equal 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. 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 it every day for 14 days.
- Aspen broth. Take 100 grams of aspen peel, grind, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. In the composition the affected legs are suffocated. To increase efficiency, the skin can be pre-coated with a mixture of baking soda and plain laundry soap without additives. The procedure is daily.
Important to note:It is contraindicated for women to bathe their feet. The high water temperature causes blood flow to the pelvic organs. This can lead to early labor. Better use propolis or tea tree oil.
Traditional methods can give results in the early stages of the disease. In this case, the fungus can disappear with topical treatment with simple natural antiseptics.
For example, such as herbal teas, brilliant greens, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient needs a well-thought-out complex therapy with drugs with systemic and local action. Unconsciously, many patients resort only to external antifungals, limiting themselves to folk recipes, gels and ointments. This time, however, it does not work in most cases.
Preventive measures
Measures to prevent fungus 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 when it comes to choosing shoes 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 the bathroom or the beach.
- Avoid damaging nails and areas around the plate.
- 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 recurrence of the disease. To avoid getting nail fungus a second time, follow these recommendations:
- strictly follow medical instructions;
- limit time spent in the water;
- do not go to public places such as the beach or sauna;
- disinfect personal manicure tools;
- dispose of shoes and knitwear that have come into contact with a body contaminated with 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.
In this way, it is not difficult to acquire the fungus and start the disease. But treatment can take a lot of time, effort and material loss. At the first symptoms of defeat you should not delay a visit to the doctor. Early therapy is easier and faster. If the disease starts, the nail will have to be removed.