The miniature fungus is an infectious pathology. It manifests itself with a weakening of the protective functions of the body and non-compliance with hygienic measures. Fungal microorganisms infect the nail plate and move to nearby areas.
Photo of a miniature mushroom
Causes of thumb nail fungus
Poor hygiene is one of the main causes of infection. You can often get it from someone else. So, if you do not follow preventive measures, everyone around the infected can get pathology. An example of a toenail fungus is shown in the photo.
The thumb plate is prone to onychomycosis due to its structural features. Mycelium filaments spread faster 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);
- disturbance of blood circulation;
- psoriasis;
- dermatitis (inflammation);
- eczema;
- pathology of the immune system;
- serious pathologies such as hepatitis and HIV;
- general use of hygiene items;
- Frequent use of inappropriate footwear (tight, 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 protective abilities. The second group includes pregnant and lactating women, as well as women during menopause.
People who live in humid climates or who frequent sports clubs, baths, swimming pools and saunas are also at risk. Approximately 30% of cases are contaminated by non-sterile instruments used for pedicures.
Miniature Fungus Symptoms
Despite the specific characteristics of the types of toenail fungus, the symptoms are similar in all cases. The primary manifestations of 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 stripes) on the nail plate, thickening of the plaque, itching;
- thickened plaque and dull color, unpleasant odor, redness of the surrounding skin, inflammation and swelling.
- destruction of the nail, appearance of open sores in the surrounding area, discomfort when walking.
The affected nail may start to grow inside the cushion. Pus often appears at the corners of the nails. If the disease is ignored, the nail will come off completely.
Color changes vary depending on the type of pathogen:
- dermatophyte - yellowish or whitish streaks, which eventually become uniform in color;
- yeast type - 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 instantly move to other areas of the body. They go deep and infect the rest of the skin and the foot. The form of the pathology becomes chronic. Others are more likely to get infected.
Miniature Fungus Treatment
How to cure a fungus on the big toe, only a doctor can know. In the hospital, the nature of the disease, the level of infection, as well as the specifics of the patient's body are established. From the data obtained, the specialist develops a set of therapeutic measures. When developing a treatment, the following is taken into account:
- affected area;
- penetration depth of infection;
- the duration of the disease;
- character of the mushroom.
A course of therapy may include:
- Varnishes and solutions. Antifungal agents. 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 remedy again. The total duration of therapy 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.
- Internal Medicine. Antifungal drugs and tablets are prescribed at a later stage in the development of pathology. They have a number of contraindications and side effects. It must be appointed by a physician.
- Immunostimulants and vitamins. Recommended as a complement to internal and external antifungal drugs. These include supplements and preparations that contain magnesium and iron, B vitamins, folic acid, zinc, and selenium. They stimulate the protective functions of the body. Useful in all stages of the toenail fungus.
- Laser. Indicated for ingrown nails. It will not completely eliminate the fungus, however it will prevent the reoccurrence of internal growth.
Fungal drugs are 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 the therapeutic course. When used correctly, relapse is prevented.
Complete cure of the fungal infection is achieved in 2-4 months. Occasionally, therapy lasts more than six months.
If the damage to the nail tissue is severe, the nail may be removed. Removal is carried out using special aggressive compounds or surgical intervention. It is this method 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 agent. After that, the doctor applies a tourniquet and injects anesthesia.
After removing the nail plate using various surgical instruments, the nail bed is freed from dead tissue and the site is treated with an iodine solution. At the end, an antiseptic compress is applied to the finger.
In the course of well-chosen therapy, the manifestations of the disease should be weakened, the skin should be freed from injury, and the nail plate should return to its natural, healthy appearance. However, it is possible to reliably learn about the exit of parasites only with the help of laboratory tests. They are carried out after 14 days and a month after the course of treatment.
Traditional methods of treating mold fungus in miniatures
Regardless of the type of toenail fungus, treatment with traditional home remedies is not recommended. In most cases, it is ineffective, has little effect, or aggravates the situation. Especially if the therapy is carried out exclusively by 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. It partially kills harmful bacteria and has an antifungal effect.
- Potato broth. Made with potato peelings. Foot baths are made from the composition for 20 minutes. The procedure is daily.
- Lemon. Citrus fruits are cut into slices and applied to the contaminated surface. It can be fixed with a cellophane bag and sterile bandage. Course duration: 8-10 days.
- A mixture of water and acid. In identical proportions, 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined. The composition is kneaded in mass and applied to the infected area for 10-20 minutes. The duration of the course is 3-5 days. Helps remove the affected nail.
- Salt baths. Take 20 grams of sea salt per liter of hot water. Mix and lower the legs there. Do it every day for 14 days.
- Aspen Broth. Take 100 grams of aspen bark, grind, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. In the composition, the affected legs are steamed. To improve effectiveness, the skin can be pre-coated with a mixture of baking soda and laundry soap without additives. The procedure is daily.
It is important to note:It is contraindicated for women to bathe their feet. The high temperature of the water causes the blood to flow to the pelvic organs. This can lead to premature labor. It is 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 disappear with a local treatment with simple natural antiseptic agents.
For example, as herbal teas, bright green, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient needs a well-thought-out complex therapy of local and system-wide drugs. Unknowingly, many patients turn only to external antifungals, limiting themselves to folk recipes, gels and ointments. However, this path does not work in the vast majority of cases.
Preventive measures
Fungus prevention measures are divided into two types: primary and secondary.
The first task is to prevent infection in healthy people. The recommendations are as follows:
- Observe personal hygiene practices. Especially when it comes to the selection of shoes and pedicure tools.
- Don't wear other people's clothes. Shoes and socks should only be yours.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like a bathhouse or a beach.
- Avoid damaging the nails and the areas around the plate.
- Treat hands with antiseptics. Especially if the skin is damaged.
- If you suspect you have a yeast infection, go to the hospital immediately.
Secondary prevention measures are designed to prevent recurrence of the disease. In order not to have nail fungus a second time, you should follow these recommendations:
- strictly follow medical instructions;
- limit the time spent in the water;
- do not go to public places such as the beach or the sauna;
- disinfect personal manicure tools;
- to dispose of shoes and stockings that have come into contact with a body contaminated with the fungus;
- disinfect footwear with special compounds.
In addition, you should monitor the correctness of the diet, avoid prolonged stress and try not to neglect physical activity.
Therefore, it is not difficult to acquire a fungus and start a disease. But the treatment can require a great deal of time, effort, and material waste. At the first symptoms of defeat, you should not postpone visiting the doctor. Early therapy is easier and faster. If the disease begins, it will be necessary to remove the nail.