Even an avid mushroom picker will not be happy to find a fungus on his feet. This is understandable: often, without causing discomfort, the disease disfigures the feet and nails, and going to the beach or simply wearing open shoes turns into forbidden fruit.
And if there is itching and pain, if it is difficult to walk, it is not a joke at all. What's more: when actively multiplying, mushrooms release toxic substances into the blood that have a harmful effect on human health and can cause severe allergic reactions, including Quincke's edema.
Therefore, mycosis (this is the name of this disease) must be treated, and it is better to do it at the initial stage, before microscopic fungi turn your feet into "real estate".
Mycelium on the legs: how to recognize it?
The disease also affects the skin of the feet and nails. Depending on the type of fungus that has attacked your feet, the symptoms may vary:
- Redness appears on the skin of the feet, which then increases and begins to peel and peel. Usually the disease develops in one leg, but if left untreated, it spreads to the other.
- Small bubbles with a diameter of 2 to 8 millimeters appear on the arch of the foot, which gradually increase in size, merge and eventually burst, which leads to erosion. The affected skin is itchy, and the fungus can spread to the bottom or top of the foot. Sometimes a bacterial infection is added to the fungal infection, and then the contents of the blisters become purulent, the patient complains of severe pain and general weakness.
- The fungus "settles" between the toes, which leads to the formation of painful cracks that increase in size over time. It is difficult for the patient to stand on his leg, he feels severe pain. Erosions, ulcers and swelling may develop. In advanced cases, the patient's body temperature rises and the condition worsens.
- The fungus affects the nails, which leads to their deformation, thickening or thinning, brittleness, discoloration and growing into the skin. If mycosis is not treated for a long time, your nails may not return to their original appearance, depriving you of the opportunity to flaunt pedicures for the rest of your life.
Often, several types of fungi can be found on the foot at once, so the symptoms of the disease are combined.
What to do with fungus? And what not to do?
Usually, when a person feels itching or sees redness of the skin, he himself realizes that he has got mycosis. But not everyone makes the right decision and consults a doctor. To this day, they try to treat the fungus with folk remedies, but it is very likely that it will not only be of little benefit, but will even cause harm.
What will the doctor do? He will determine which type of fungus has affected you and will prescribe the appropriate medication for this case. Trying to deal with an accident at home as recommended by your grandmother, you can easily waste precious time and put your feet in a sad state.
Mycosis is also dangerous because it can follow a person for many years, occasionally abating and giving false hope that the feet have gotten rid of the fungus. However, after some time, the disease will show its character again, the body will continue to be infected with fungal waste products, and the legs will take on an increasingly unpleasant appearance.
How can you get a yeast infection?
This disease is transmitted from person to person.
The most susceptible to mycosis:
- persons with reduced immunity;
- people with damaged parts of the skin of the feet (after an unsuccessful pedicure, injuries or excessive effort during hygiene procedures);
- wearing wet socks or shoes (especially in hot weather or when wearing winter shoes in a warm room);
- they do not take foot and nail hygiene seriously.
All these factors provide a suitable environment for the development of fungi.
How does mycosis "attack" a person?
- Through the soil or floor coverings that the person with the fungus has passed through. Therefore, you should not walk barefoot in unfamiliar places, and even at home. Sun-warmed sand or pebbles on the beach are practically safe, and seawater is an excellent means of preventing mycosis.
- Swimming pools, saunas, showers in public places and hotels are very dangerous in terms of infection. Do not forget to bring special shoes with you.
- Don't wear shoes that were previously owned by another owner: it doesn't matter if you want to buy them at a second-hand store or just try on a friend's shoes and judge how they look on you.
- Do not use other people's hygiene items - washcloths, towels, etc. Carefully inspect the disposable hotel slippers to ensure that you have received a brand new pair.
Fungal spores can remain viable for several years, so you can never be sure that the surface you choose to walk on or one's footwear is safe.
Without fungi: we treat mycosis
Specialists in a professional clinic will conduct a series of studies that will identify the type of fungus that has affected your feet and develop a course of treatment.
You will be offered medical treatment with modern antifungal drugs, and you must adhere to the dose and duration of taking the prescribed drugs. Do not stop the course if it seems to you that mycosis is defeated - it is likely that it has receded only for a while.
As an additional medicine, the doctor will recommend an ointment or cream for external use. There are special varnishes for treating nails. If you follow all the recommendations, the fungus will disappear forever.
It is also necessary to take into account the contagiousness of mycosis. During treatment, you must protect your family and friends from infection. For this:
- Wash your feet using products recommended by your doctor. After hygiene procedures, thoroughly clean the bathtub.
- Walk around the house in closed slippers.
- Wash your clothes separately, treat your shoes with antifungal agents and change your socks several times a day to prevent your feet from sweating.
- Ventilate the apartment every day and carry out wet cleaning.
- After the treatment, throw away the shoes, socks, towels and washcloths that you used during the illness.
Prevention: and without mycosis!
Mycosis is an unpleasant disease that can be completely avoided. Just follow a few simple rules:
- thorough and regular washing of the feet, but without excessive effort (so as not to damage the skin and nails);
- shoes - only your own;
- pedicure - exclusively with own tools or in a salon that respects all regulations and rules;
- wet or sweaty feet are your enemy, change into dry shoes immediately;
- socks - clean only;
- walking barefoot is prohibited everywhere except on the seashore;
- Monitor your health and adherence to daily routine - fungus is dangerous for a weakened body.
For those who take care of their feet, even the contact of fungal spores with the skin does not lead to any consequences: the "parasite" simply cannot develop in inappropriate conditions.
What to do if mycosis develops on the feet? Without wasting time, make an appointment with a dermatologist in a professional clinic and you will very quickly regain the former ease of walking.