Thumbnail Mushrooms: A Guide to Fighting

Miniature fungus is an infectious pathology. This is manifested by the weakening of the body's protective functions and lack of hygienic measures. Fungal microorganisms damage the nail plate and move to nearby areas.

Photo of a miniature mushroom

Causes of finger nail fungus

Improper hygiene is a major cause of infection. You can often get it from another person. So if you do not follow preventive measures, everyone around the infected can get pathology. The photo shows an example of a toenail fungus.

The finger plate is prone to onychomycosis due to its structural characteristics. Mycelial fibers spread in it faster than in other environments. The reason is the large concentration of blood vessels and nerve endings.

Defeat can develop against the background of certain predisposing factors:

• endocrine pathologies;
• varicose veins;
• hormonal imbalance;
• Slow metabolism (especially for the elderly);
• circulatory disorders;
• psoriasis;
• dermatitis (inflammation);
• Eczema;
• pathology of the immune system;
• severe pathologies such as hepatitis and HIV infection;
• General use of hygiene items;
Frequent wearing of unsuitable shoes (tight, low quality materials).

Onychomycosis is rare in children. The main group susceptible to the disease are the elderly. This is caused by changes in the body and a reduction in its protective capabilities. The second group includes pregnant and lactating women, as well as women during menopause.

Also at risk are people who live in humid climates or frequent sports clubs, baths, swimming pools and saunas. About 30% of cases are contaminated with non-sterile pedicure instruments.

Symptoms of Miniature Fungi

Despite the specific characteristics of the types of toenail fungi, 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 injury. Gradually, as the infection penetrates deeper, cracks and blisters appear between the fingers, creating open foci.

The following stages of defeat can be distinguished:

1. Detection of whitish or yellow spots (sometimes streaks) on the nail plate, thickening of the plate, itching;
2. Thickening of the plate and blurring of its color, appearance of unpleasant odor, redness of the skin, inflammation and swelling.
3. Destruction of the nail, the appearance of open sores in the surrounding area, discomfort while walking.

The affected nail may start to grow inside the pillow. Pus often appears in the corners of the nail. If the disease is neglected, the nail will completely disperse.

Color changes vary by pathogen type:

• Dermatophyte - yellowish or whitish streaks that eventually turn into a uniform color;
Yeast type - brownish tinge, corrugated structure of the plate;
• Shape type - black or green color of the nail.

With a fungal infection, the top layer becomes rough and harmful microorganisms instantly move to other parts of the body. They penetrate deep inside, damaging the skin and the rest of the foot. The form of pathology becomes chronic. Others become more infected.

Miniature fungus treatment

How to cure a fungus on the toe, only a doctor can know. The hospital determines 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 prescribes therapeutic measures. The following is taken into account when developing a treatment:

• affected area;
• depth of infection penetration;
• duration of illness;
• Mushroom character.

Therapy course may include:

• Varnishes and solutions. Antifungals. Suitable for the initial stage of infection. The composition is used to cover the damaged area and forget about it for a while. The drug is used 3-5 times a week. Then take a break and use the same remedy again. The total duration of therapy varies from 6 to 12 months.
• Ointments, gels, sprays and creams. Antifungal purpose. They are used on the affected areas and can be used at any stage of the 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. Should be prescribed by a doctor.
• Immunostimulants and vitamins. It is recommended to add both external and internal antifungals. These include supplements and preparations that contain magnesium and iron, B vitamins, folic acid and zinc and selenium. They stimulate the body's protective functions. Useful for all stages of finger nail fungus.
• Laser. Indicated for recessed nails. This does not completely eliminate the fungus, however, it will prevent recurrence of the fungus.

Fungal medicines are designed to completely eliminate the infection. They destroy harmful microorganisms and prevent them from spreading quickly. They usually have a cumulative effect and accelerate the course of the therapeutic course. Properly covered, it will withstand a great deal of adverse conditions.

Complete cure of fungal infection is achieved in 2-4 months. Sometimes, therapy takes more than six months.

If the nail tissue damage is severe, the nail can be removed. Removal is performed using special aggressive compounds or surgical intervention. It is this method that is most reliable and completely eliminates pathology.

The

procedure has no side effects. The algorithm can be described as follows: The finger with the affected nail is treated with an antiseptic. The doctor then applies a tourniquet and performs anesthesia.

After removing the nail plate with various surgical instruments, the nail layer is freed from dead tissue and treated with iodine solution. At the end, an antiseptic compress is applied to the finger.

During well-chosen therapy, the manifestations of the disease should be reduced, the skin should be free of damage, and the nail plate should return to its natural healthy appearance. However, it is possible to find out about the departure of parasites reliably only with the help of laboratory tests. They are administered 14 days after the course of treatment and one month later.

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 aggravates the situation. Especially if the therapy is carried out only by independent efforts.

However, there are many recipes that can ease the course of the disease. The most common tools are:

• Tea tree oil. Proven antiseptic. Partially eliminates harmful bacteria and has antifungal action.
• Potato broth. Prepared from potato peeling. Foot baths are made from the composition for 20 minutes. The procedure is daily.
• Lemon. Citrus slices 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.
• A mixture of water and acid. In identical proportions, 70% acetic acid and pure water are combined. The composition is removed from 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 a liter of hot water with 20 grams of sea salt. Stir and lower the legs there. Do it every day for 14 days.
• Aspen broth. Take 100 grams of aspen bark, grind it, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. In the composition, the affected feet evaporate. To increase the effectiveness, the skin can be pre-covered with a mixture of soda and ordinary washing soap, without additives. The procedure is daily.

It is important to note:Foot bathing is contraindicated for women. High water temperatures cause blood to circulate in the pelvic organs. This can lead to premature birth. 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 local treatment with simple natural antiseptics.

For example, herbal tea, brilliant green, iodine or hydrogen peroxide. If onychomycosis persists for a long time, the patient needs system-wide and well-thought-out complex therapy of topical medications. Unconsciously, many patients resort to only external antifungals, which are limited to folk recipes, gels and ointments. However, this path does not work in most cases.

Prophylactic 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:

• Follow the rules of personal hygiene. Especially when it comes to choosing shoes and pedicure tools.
• Do not wear other people's clothes. Shoes and socks should only be your own.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as baths or beaches.
• Avoid damaging nails and plate areas.
• Treatment with antiseptic. Especially if the skin is damaged.
• If you suspect a fungal infection, contact a hospital immediately.

Medium preventive measures are aimed at preventing the recurrence of the disease. In order not to get nail fungus a second time, you should consider the following recommendations:

• Strictly follow medical instructions;
• Limit your time in the water;
• Do not go to public places such as the beach or sauna;
• Disinfect personal manicure tools;
• to drop shoes and feet when in contact with a fungus contaminated body;
• Disinfect shoes using special compounds.

In addition, you need to control your diet properly, avoid prolonged stress, and try to neglect physical activity.

Thus, it is not difficult to acquire fungi and start the disease. But treatment can take quite a lot of time, effort and material expenditure. At the first sign of defeat you should not delay a visit to the doctor. Early therapy is simpler and faster. If the disease has started, the nail will have to be removed.