Fungal diseases are very often diagnosed in dermatology. Walking barefoot on the beach, lack of interchangeable shoes when visiting saunas and baths, trying on other people's shoes, boots, etc. , contribute to the wide spread of the disease on the toes. start with the thumb. This is due to the peculiarity of the anatomical structure of the nail and a large subungual space. If you seek timely medical help, the disease will not bring much discomfort and will turn out to be nothing more than a temporary cosmetic defect.
Disease symptoms
Passing under the nail plate, the fungal infection quickly finds a nutrient medium for itself and begins active reproduction. During this period, a person may experience no symptoms, or a slight itch, redness in the nail area appears. In addition, the growth of colonies of pathogens leads to more pronounced signs, they are the reason why one should consult a medical institution. If you treat the nail fungus on the big toe at the initial stage, you can avoid many unpleasant complications. The main symptoms include:
- nail color change;
- the appearance of spots under it;
- lack of natural shine;
- increased fragility;
- nail deformity.
The longer the disease is not treated, the more negative the effect of the fungus: the nail body becomes thick, its shape changes significantly. Such a finger causes pain when trying to put on tight shoes or in case of accidental mechanical injury. In the future, the nail completely loses its healthy appearance, crumbles, exfoliates and can detach from the nail bed.
Causes of fungus on the big toe
The causative agent of the disease consists of three groups of pathogenic fungi: yeasts, molds and dermatomycetes. Their prevalence in the environment is extremely high, so there can be many ways of infection. However, not all people are infected by a dangerous contact, because immunity acts to protect health. Treatment of big toe fungus is often necessary for people with reduced resistance to infections of this type. In addition, the disease can be provoked by:
- frequent thumb injury;
- non-compliance with hygiene standards;
- the presence of fungal skin lesions;
- Diabetes;
- Overweight;
- vascular diseases;
- varicose veins of the lower limbs.
Low immunity occupies a special place among the predisposing factors. Past viral infections, frequent colds, sore throats, poisoning deprive the body of its defenses against fungal infection and increase the risk of infection. In addition, the lack of nutrients and the frequent formation of cracks and other injuries in the big toe area reduce local immunity and can cause disease.
Which doctor should I contact?
If you have begun to worry about the unpleasant symptoms associated with nails, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Itching, redness, discoloration may indicate impending illness. Qualified assistance in this area will be provided by a doctor.
He specializes in various skin diseases and will help to competently treat big toenail fungus. First of all, a full diagnosis is carried out, including the collection of anamnesis, examination and the passage of certain laboratory tests. For a more complete assessment of the patient's condition, the dermatologist can define several
questions:
- How long have you noticed changes in your nails?
- What was the first thing you worried about?
- Has the nail plate changed color?
- How long did it take for the form to change?
- What kind of activity do you do?
- Do you often visit saunas, baths?
- Have you ever had a fungal infection of the body?
After passing additional examinations, the patient will have to consult a dermatologist again. Based on the obtained results and the clinical picture, the doctor prescribes the treatment of the disease.
Treatment
The effectiveness and duration of treatment of the disease directly depends on early seeking medical help and the correct scheme. At the initial stage of the disease, ointments and gels for external use containing an antifungal component are effective means. In this case, it is important to correctly identify the pathogen and treat it. Other treatments are also possible:
- complex therapy;
- physiotherapeutic effect;
- laser therapy;
- nail removal;
- elimination of comorbidities.
In more complex cases of pathology, an integrated approach is shown, including antifungal drugs for local and internal use, a general tonic. A diet low in sugar is a complement to drug treatment. It is he who creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of parasitic fungi. For a faster recovery process, we recommend:
- taking vitamin complexes;
- lead an active lifestyle;
- perform daily disinfection procedures;
- strictly follow the treatment regimen;
- refuse bad habits.
An important place in the final stage of therapeutic measures is the prevention of relapses and the strengthening of immunity. Patients are advised not to walk barefoot on the beach, try on other people's shoes, and sweaty feet frequently.
Possible complications
A cosmetic defect is far from all that a fungus is capable of. In advanced conditions, the nail becomes excessively large, extremely painful, grows into the adjacent skin, it is possible that a secondary infection and a purulent lesion will join. Treatment of nail fungus in this case will be a long and laborious process. In addition to the local negative impact, pathogens have a devastating effect on the whole organism, the following is possible:
- allergies;
- dermatitis;
- blood poisoning;
- poisoning;
- somatic diseases.
When strains of fungi reach large numbers, their waste products become poisonous, poisoning a person and depriving his immune system of defenses. In this state, the probability of various viral or bacterial lesions is very high. There is a marked deterioration in overall health and performance.