There are a series of dermatological diseases called fungi. The general name for this infection is "mycosis. "If we talk about diseases of the skin of the legs, then it is dermatomycosis. If the nail plate is affected, the doctor diagnoses "onychomycosis. "This is one of the most common pathologies in humans.
Dermatologists distinguish several types of fungal infections in humans:
- anthropophiles;
- zooanthropophiles;
- candid.
The first cause infections in humans, the second in humans and animals, and the third, similar to yeast.
Causes of fungal pathologies.
Fungal spores are found in large quantities in soil, surfaces, and common areas. We return home by public transport, go to the swing with our children, buy food in the supermarket, work with people in the same room and communicate with pets. Why do some people get sick and others don't?
There are population groups that are more susceptible to fungal diseases than others. Let's look at them in more detail:
- People with reduced immunity.When the body is weakened by surgery or serious illness, it is less resistant to various infections, including fungal infections.
- Children and elderly people.Both groups are prone to pathologies due to age-related characteristics. A young body is not yet strong enough, and older people already suffer from a large number of chronic diseases that weaken the body.
- People with metabolic diseases.caused by disorders of the thyroid, pancreas, pituitary gland, and circulatory and lymphatic systems.
- Workers in hazardous industries involving high temperatures.In such an environment, conditions are created for the development and spread of foot fungus.
- Lovers of gyms, saunas, swimming pools.In themselves, these activities are very useful, but failure to comply with basic sanitary and hygienic standards regarding disinfection of these premises causes the appearance of a problem such as fungi.
Doctors distinguish the following types of fungal diseases of the feet: athlete's foot, trichophytosis and candidiasis. Men are believed to be most affected by fungus, although this is a controversial claim. They are less scrupulous about their health, so the disease is advanced.
Main signs of diseases
Visually determining the presence of foot fungus is not difficult at all. If you notice redness, your leg begins to itch very much, even painfully, blisters appear that burst, the skin peels off and an unpleasant odor appears, most likely you have contracted a fungal infection.
This could happen if you stepped barefoot on sports equipment, a gym floor, or caught an infection from a pet. After all, there are fungi that are transmitted from animals to their owners. Showering after a shift at a factory can also reward you with this hassle. Using other people's toiletries (soap, towels, washcloths) is not only unhygienic, but also dangerous.
The disease can start with the skin and then affect the nails and the area between the fingers. This is a very serious cosmetic defect. Irregularities in the shape of the nail plate. It begins to crumble, change color and may disappear completely. The nail bed becomes inflamed. This is not just a cosmetic defect, it is a pathology that brings physical suffering. Even a person finds it painful to walk.
How to identify foot fungus
To say exactly what type of dermatomycosis is present, to clarify whether it is really a fungus or a callus, an abrasion or a callus, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor conducts a visual examination and prescribes laboratory diagnostics: skin and nail samples are taken. This allows you to clarify what type of fungus has been detected. Only then is the appropriate therapy prescribed. Each type is treated differently.
You can identify the fungus yourself using potassium permanganate. This is done like this: dilute a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Place the limb in a container of solution and observe. Good, healthy nails darken, but infected nails remain the same color.
Treatment is usually conservative, at home. It consists of the following mandatory points:
- Taking drugs orallyto destroy fungal spores carried by blood and lymph.
- Local treatment.The use of special ointments, creams, liquids to eliminate dermatological manifestations of the fungus. The manipulations are carried out after the pedicure and cutting of the affected nails.
- Sanitary and hygienic measures.They consist of disinfecting clothing and footwear. This destroys the spores of the infection.
Fungi are complex and recurrent infections, so therapy must be effective. After a certain time, from two weeks to a month, with careful compliance with the recommendations, recovery occurs.