Absolutely every person can become infected with a fungus on the skin of the legs, and those who frequently go to the sauna, gym, swimming pool and similar places where this disease develops rapidly are especially at risk.Not everyone knows how to get rid of foot fungus, even in the initial stages, when it is easier to eliminate the disease.
Fungal infection: how it can happen
Getting infected with a fungus is simple and difficult at the same time, since its transmission occurs from an infected person to a healthy person, however, if the immune system functions normally, this reduces the likelihood of infection many times.The following factors increase the likelihood of infection:
- Stressful situations;
- Wearing wet shoes that are not completely dry;
- If your feet sweat a lot and frequently;
- Reduced immunity;
- Use of antibiotics;
- Damage to the foot of various kinds (for example, calluses, wounds).
To protect yourself from nail and foot fungus, you must minimize the chance of acquiring this infection.It is important not to forget in which places and under what circumstances the risk of infection appears.It must be taken into account that nail fungus is an infectious pathology that can only be acquired from a person who already suffers from it.The most common infection variants include the following:
- The people you live with.In most cases, infection occurs through family members.The fungus spreads through household items: hygiene products, floor coverings, slippers, socks.To protect yourself from infection, you should only use your personal belongings and avoid moving around the apartment barefoot.
- There are many situations when fungal infection occurs in places where people relax en masse, without shoes.These places include: beaches, baths, wrestling sections (sometimes training is done barefoot).Don't forget that fungal spores are very resistant to changes in temperature and can remain in the soil for a long period of time, after which they end up on your feet.
- There are much fewer situations when infection occurs from socks or shoes purchased not so long ago.The fungus can take root on them even in the factory where these items were produced, but there is a high probability of getting this infection when trying them.Think about this: You don't know if a healthy person tried on the shoes or sneakers they liked.
Diagnostic measures if fungal infection is suspected.
Many people want to detect an infection when it won't be so difficult to get rid of.However, the thing is that toenail fungus does not develop quickly, meaning it is difficult to detect.Only those who pay special attention to the health of their feet and have some experience can see it clearly in the early stages of its spread.
Initially, the nail receives barely noticeable spots or stripes;They vary quite a bit in color, but almost no one pays attention to it.There are no discomfort or other symptoms.At this stage, it is better to opt for traditional methods to combat fungal infections, rather than using medications.
With further spread of the disease, the spots that appeared earlier acquire a different color and their size only increases.Discomfort occurs and the skin around the nail plate begins to itch.The nail plate thickens slightly and loosens, sometimes cracking.At this stage, it is still possible to treat the infection at home.However, the brighter the symptoms of the fungus, the greater the likelihood that it will be necessary to visit a specialist.In addition, the skin begins to turn red, its color changes, and the nail plate thickens so much that it is simply impossible not to notice it.
When should you start treating fungi?
How to get rid of foot fungus?Treatment of a fungal infection takes a long time and the results, in case of late initiation of adequate therapy, include both the presence of discomfort and an aesthetic problem and the continued impact of the infection on the body as a whole.
It is important to quickly identify an infection that presents the following signs:
- The feet itch, sometimes there is a burning sensation;
- Feet start to smell bad;
- The feet dry out and the skin peels off.
If such symptoms are noticed, it is necessary to urgently visit a dermatologist, who will prescribe certain tests and make the correct diagnosis.After a complete examination, the doctor will advise you how to eliminate the fungal infection as quickly as possible.
Fungal infection: how to recover completely
Treatment of the disease with medications usually involves the use of antifungal medications, which include the following substances:
- Ketaconazole;
- griseofulvin;
- terbinafine;
- Fluconazole.
The course of therapy is quite long, and in very advanced situations it reaches 6 months.Medicines whose effect is aimed at combating fungal infections when taken orally have a large number of adverse reactions and contraindications for use, therefore their use must be controlled by a doctor.
Systemic therapy is combined with local treatment of a fungal disease and includes the use of a variety of means, for example: solutions, gels, creams, ointments, etc.
Only with a low degree of fungal skin damage or if there are contraindications for the use of any medication, the treatment consists exclusively of the use of products for external use.
During the treatment of a foot fungal infection, it is necessary to throw away all those items that were in use before starting the treatment procedure and that may well be carriers of the fungus: foot brushes, bath mats, stockings, socks and even your favorite slippers.There is another option to properly disinfect these items using chlorine-containing compounds.In order not to "share" your problem with your household, use only personal hygiene items.
Therapeutic varnishes as a remedy for fungus.
If a fungal infection has just been identified and its stage is not the most critical, treatment can only consist of the use of special varnishes.
Initially, this composition causes softening of the nail plate affected by the infection and then, influencing the fungal spores, begins to eliminate them.
The key requirement when treating the nail plate with varnish is that the instructions must be strictly followed, as they specify the nuances of using this product.
In most cases these are the following:
- Before using medicinal varnish, you must remove all the layers that come off the nail.To do this, you can use a special file, which is included with the varnish.
- Next, you must disinfect the surface;To do this, use a solution of alcohol and water.
- Only after all the processes described above can varnish be applied to the infected nail.
Foot fungus: preventive measures.
Here are some tips to prevent fungus:
- You should buy only high-quality, comfortable shoes;
- Wash your feet daily;
- Pay due attention to the condition of the nails and skin of the feet;
- When in public places, do not walk barefoot.
As you may have noticed, it is better to prevent the appearance of a fungal infection or start treating it in time than to neglect it, because then the situation will be complicated and the treatment procedure itself will take much more time.
Do you still think that it is difficult to get rid of fungus quickly?
An advanced stage of the disease can lead to irreversible consequences, such as gangrene and blood poisoning.Often, the life of a person in an advanced stage can only be saved by amputation of a limb.
Under no circumstances should the disease be started!