Miniature fungus is an infectious pathology. It is manifested by the weakening of the protective functions of the body and the non-observance of the hygienic measures. Fungal microorganisms infect the nail plate and move to nearby areas.
Miniature fungus photo
Causes of toenail fungus
Poor hygiene is a major cause of infection. You can often get it from another person. Therefore, if you do not follow the precautionary measures, all the people around the infected people can get pathology. An example of nail 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 environments. The reason is a large concentration of blood vessels and nerve endings.
Defeat can develop under certain predisposing factors:
- endocrine pathologies?
- varicose veins?
- hormonal imbalance?
- slow metabolism (especially for the elderly).
- reduced blood circulation.
- psoriasis?
- dermatitis (inflammation);
- eczema?
- pathology of the immune system?
- serious pathologies such as hepatitis and HIV.
- general use of sanitary ware. Frequent use of inappropriate footwear (tight, low quality materials).
People who live in humid climates or frequent sports clubs, baths, swimming pools and saunas are also at risk. About 30% of cases are infected with non-sterile instruments used for pedicures.
Symptoms of thumbnail fungus
Despite the specific characteristics of nail fungus types, the symptoms are similar in all cases. The main manifestations of the infection are severe itching, burning, peeling of the skin at the site of the lesion. Gradually, as the infection penetrates deeper, cracks and bubbles appear between the fingers, forming open foci.
The following stages of defeat are distinguished:
- manifestation of white or yellow spots (sometimes stripes) on the nail plate, thickening of the plaque, itching.
- thickening of the plaque and blurring of the color, 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 while 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 peel completely.
Color changes vary depending on the type of pathogen:
- dermatophyte - yellowish or off-white stripes, which eventually turn into a uniform color.
- type of yeast - brown color, wavy structure of the plate.
- type of mold - black or greenish color of the nail.
With a fungal infection, the top layer becomes rough and harmful microorganisms move immediately to other areas of the body. They go deep inside, infecting the rest of the skin and the foot. The form of pathology becomes chronic. Others are more likely to become infected.
Treatment of miniature fungi
How to cure a fungus on the finger, 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 ascertained. Based on the received data, the specialist prepares a series of therapeutic measures. When developing a treatment, the following are taken into account:
- affected area?
- depth of infection penetration?
- the duration of the disease;
- character of the fungus.
A treatment plan 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 medicine again. The total duration of treatment ranges 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 the pathology. They have a number of contraindications and side effects. It must be prescribed by a doctor.
- Immunostimulants and vitamins. Recommended as a supplement 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 protective functions of the body. Useful in all stages of toenail fungus.
- Laser. Suitable for inner nails. It will not completely eradicate the fungus, however, it will prevent the recurrence of growth.
Fungal medicines 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 healing process. When used properly, relapses are prevented.
Complete cure of the fungal infection is achieved in 2-4 months. Occasionally, treatment lasts more than six months.
If the nail tissue damage is severe, the nail can be removed. Removal is performed using 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 agent. After that, the doctor applies a tourniquet and injects anesthesia.
After removing the nail plate with various surgical instruments, the nail layer is released from dead tissue and the part is treated with iodine solution. Finally, an antiseptic compress is applied to the finger.
During a well-chosen treatment, the manifestations of the disease should weaken, the skin should be free of lesions and the nail plate should return to its natural healthy appearance. However, it is possible to find out for sure about the departure of parasites 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 thumbnail fungus
Regardless of the type of nail fungus, treatment with traditional folk remedies is not recommended. In most cases, it is ineffective, has little effect or worsens the condition. Especially if the treatment is carried out exclusively by independent efforts.
However, there are many prescriptions that can help ease the course of the disease. The most common tools are:- Tea tree oil. Proven antiseptic. It partially eliminates harmful bacteria and has an antifungal effect.
- Potato broth. It is made from potato peels. Foot baths are prepared from the composition for 20 minutes. The process is daily. Lemon. The citrus fruits are cut into slices and applied to the infected surface. Can be secured with cellophane bag and sterile bandage. Course duration - 8-10 days.
- A mixture of water and acid. In equal proportions, 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined. The composition is kneaded into dough and applied to the infected area for 10-20 minutes. The duration of the course is 3-5 days. Helps remove the affected nail.
- Baths with salt. Take 20 grams of sea salt per liter of hot water. Mix and lower your feet there. Do it every day for 14 days.
- Aspen Broth. Take 100 grams of lime peel, grind, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. In the composition, the affected feet are steamed. To enhance the effectiveness, the skin can be pre-coated with a mixture of baking soda and plain laundry soap without additives. The process is daily.
It is important to note: It is contraindicated for women to bathe on foot. The high temperature of the water causes the blood to flow to the pelvic organs. This can cause premature labor. Better to use propolis or tea tree oil.
Traditional methods can work in the early stages of the disease. In this case, the fungus can be removed with topical treatment with simple natural antiseptic agents.
For example, such as herbal teas, bright green, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient needs a well-thought-out combination of drug therapy throughout the area and local action. Unknown, many patients resort only to external antifungals, limited to folk recipes, gels and ointments. However, this path does not work in most cases.
Precautionary measures
Fungal prevention measures are divided into two types - primary and secondary.
The first goal is to prevent infection in healthy people. The proposals are as follows:
- Adhere to personal hygiene practices. Especially when it comes to choosing shoes and pedicure tools.
- Do not wear other people's clothes. Shoes and socks should be yours. Avoid walking barefoot in public places, such as the bathroom or the beach.
- Avoid damaging the nails and the areas around the plate.
- Treat hands with antiseptics. Especially if the skin is damaged.
- If you suspect a fungal infection, go to the hospital right away.
Secondary prevention measures are designed to prevent the disease from recurring. To avoid getting nail fungus a second time, you should follow these recommendations:
- Strictly follow medical instructions.
- Limit the time you spend in the water.
- do not go to public places such as the beach or the sauna.
- do you disinfect personal manicure tools?
- to dispose of shoes and cosmetics that have come in contact with a body infected with the fungus.
- disinfect shoes using special compounds.
In addition, you should monitor your diet properly, avoid prolonged stress and try not to neglect physical activity.
Therefore, it is not difficult to get a fungus and start a disease. But processing can take quite a long time, effort and material waste. At the first symptoms of defeat, you should not postpone the visit to the doctor. Early treatment is easier and faster. If the disease starts, the nail should be removed.