Even an avid mushroom picker won't be happy to find a fungus on his feet. This is understandable: many times, without causing any discomfort, the disease disfigures the feet and nails, and going to the beach or simply wearing open shoes becomes forbidden fruit.
And if sensations of itching and pain arise, if it is difficult to walk, it is no joke. In addition: when actively multiplying, fungi release toxic substances into the blood that have a detrimental 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 this at the initial stage, before microscopic fungi turn your feet into "real estate. "
Mycelium on the legs: how to recognize it?
The disease affects both the skin of the feet and the nails. Depending on the type of fungus that attacked your feet, the symptoms may vary:
- Redness appears on the skin of the foot, which then increases in area and begins to peel and fall off. The disease usually 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 finally burst, causing erosion. The affected skin is itchy and the fungus may 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 malaise.
- The fungus "sits" between the fingers, causing the formation of painful cracks that increase in size over time. The patient finds it difficult to step on the foot, he feels severe pain. Erosion, ulcers and swelling may develop. In advanced cases, the patient's body temperature rises and the condition worsens.
- The fungus affects the nails, causing them to become deformed, thickened or thinned, brittle, discolored, and grow into the skin. If mycosis is left untreated for a long time, your nails may not return to their original appearance, depriving you of the opportunity to flaunt a pedicure for the rest of your life.
Often, several types of fungus can be found on the foot at once and therefore the symptoms of the disease are combined.
What to do with mushrooms? And what not to do?
Usually, when a person feels itching or sees redness of the skin, he himself realizes that he has contracted mycosis. But not everyone makes the right decision and consults a doctor. To this day, they are trying to treat the fungus with folk remedies, but it is very likely that this will not only have little benefit, but will even cause harm.
what will the doctor do? He will determine what type of fungus has affected you and will prescribe the appropriate medications for this case. If you try to deal with misfortune at home following your grandmother's recommendations, you can easily waste precious time and put your feet in a state of sadness.
Mycosis is also dangerous because it can accompany a person for many years, periodically subsiding and giving false hope that the feet have gotten rid of the fungus. However, after a while, the disease will again manifest its character, the body will continue to be infected with fungal waste products, and the legs will acquire an increasingly unpleasant appearance.
How can you get infected with a fungus?
This disease is transmitted from person to person.
More susceptible to mycosis:
- people with reduced immunity;
- those with damaged areas of the skin on the feet (after an unsuccessful pedicure, injuries or excessive strain during hygiene procedures);
- wearing wet socks or shoes (especially in hot weather or when wearing winter shoes in a warm room);
- Not taking foot and nail hygiene seriously.
All these factors provide a suitable environment for the development of the fungus.
How does mycosis "attack" a person?
- Through the floor or floor coverings that a person with fungus has passed through. Therefore, it is not advisable to walk barefoot in unfamiliar places and even at home. Sand or beach pebbles heated by the sun are practically safe, and sea water is an excellent means of preventing mycosis.
- Swimming pools, saunas, showers in public places and hotels are very dangerous in terms of infection. Don't forget to take special shoes with you.
- Don't wear shoes that previously belonged to 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 evaluate how they fit.
- Do not use other people's hygiene items: wipes, towels, etc. Examine disposable hotel slippers carefully to ensure you get a brand new pair.
Fungal spores can remain viable for several years and therefore you can never be sure that the surface you choose to walk on or someone else's shoes are safe.
Without fungi: we treat mycosis
Specialists at 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 pharmacological treatment with modern antifungal medications and must observe the dosage and duration of taking the prescribed medications. Do not interrupt the course if it seems to you that the mycosis has been defeated; It's likely he's just regressed for a while.
As an additional remedy, the doctor will recommend an ointment or cream for external use. There are special varnishes for nail treatment. If you follow all the recommendations, the fungus will disappear forever.
It is also necessary to take into account the contagion of mycosis. During treatment, it is necessary to protect your family and friends from infections. For this:
- Wash your feet using products recommended by your doctor. After hygiene procedures, thoroughly clean the bathtub.
- Walk around the house in closed-toe 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 do wet cleaning.
- After completing treatment, throw away any shoes, socks, towels, and washcloths you used during your illness.
Prevention: and without mycosis!
Mycosis is an unpleasant disease that can be completely avoided. Just follow a series of simple rules:
- wash your feet thoroughly and regularly, but without excessive effort (so as not to damage the skin and nails);
- shoes - only yours;
- pedicure - exclusively with your own tools or in a salon that complies with all standards and rules;
- Wet or sweaty feet are your enemy, change immediately into dry shoes;
- socks, only clean;
- walking barefoot is excluded everywhere except on the sea coast;
- Monitor your health and compliance with your daily routine: the fungus is dangerous for a weakened body.
For those who take care of their feet, even contact of fungal spores with the skin is of no consequence: the "parasite" simply cannot develop in unsuitable conditions.
What to do if mycosis develops on the feet? Without wasting time, make an appointment with a dermatologist in a professional clinic and very soon you will regain your former lightness of walk.