Medical sources say that almost one in five people suffer or have suffered from a condition such as foot fungus.This disease is known almost everywhere on the planet.The disease appeared in the 19th century, and since then it has continued to expand its borders.The fungus affects the feet due to wearing leather shoes of different quality.There are many types of diseases.Damage to the nails, skin between the toes, and feet is common.
Diseases caused by parasitic microorganisms are called mycosis or onychomycosis.Doctors believe that people with neglected feet are more likely than others to contract them: with corns, cracked heels, calluses.Peeling or dry skin is also considered a major cause of foot infections.There are many varieties of mycoses, because in nature there are several hundred fungal pathogens that can parasitize the human body.The most common are: dermatophytes, yeasts and parasitic molds.
Many people wonder how to recognize the fungus in the early stages, during the period when painful symptoms appear, and what to do to quickly make the insidious disease disappear.There are many answers to the question.
Symptoms of the disease
The medical name for foot fungus is mycosis.The causative agent is believed to be a parasitic virus called a fungus.It tries to settle in the cracks of the feet, between the toes, on and under the nails.The disease is helped by sweat, through which it spreads the halo of its development on the legs.Any damage to the skin is susceptible to fungi.
The disease destroys keratin, responsible for the good health of the nail.The skin has a layer of fat, improper metabolism and lack of balanced nutrition lead to skin disorders.The fungus gets inside and problems appear.Restoring the protective function of the skin requires time and a specific care system.
Mushroom shapes
Doctors have identified four forms of mycosis.
- Interdigital.The first most common type of disease.Its outbreaks are observed in summer.The higher the temperature, the greater the number of patients recorded by doctors.Cracks and sores that appear between the toes can be dry or wet.There is constant itching.In the photo it is easy to see the appearance of the interdigital form of the disease.
- External.The skin of the foot underneath becomes covered with a crust resembling a callus.This is particularly visible in the photo at the heels, which are covered with cracks.Nails lose their normal appearance.They change color, shape and begin to develop poorly.It's difficult to deal with.
- Vesicular.The disease covers the skin of the leg down to the ankle.Reminder, clearly visible in the photo, of erosion.Ulcers penetrate deep into the body and require treatment prescribed by specialists and strictly following the prescriptions and requirements of doctors.
- Cleared.The skin of the foot looks like a surface dusted with flour.The cracks are almost invisible.This shape is difficult to see over time.Only close attention to the condition of the legs and the desire to maintain their healthy appearance leads to the timely initiation of treatment.
There are many varieties of the disease, each of which has its own symptoms and manifestations of the disease.You can see them in the photo after studying the signs and differences of each type.
- The fungal infection does not appear on both legs simultaneously.It is found first on one leg, then on the other.The first symptoms are itching and flaking.On the skin at the site of infection, you may see or touch blisters.If treatment is not started on time, they will turn into erosion and change their appearance.An unpleasant crust will appear between your fingers.Gradually, nail fungus begins to spread along the leg, the first thing it affects is the nails.At first you may notice stripes and yellow spots, then the nails change shape and start to get thick.Nail layers increase.The nail crumbles and loses its strength.
- Different types of diseases behave differently.There is a type of fungus (dermatophyte) that has no symptoms.And the disease immediately appears on the skin and nails.Urgent medical intervention is necessary.
- There are variants of the reverse course of the disease.The usual manifestation of the disease changes from the inside to the surface.The disease passes from the surface to the nail, the plaque becomes light and peels off.The nail becomes unusually white.
- The feet become covered with ulcers.They are small in size and yellow in color.Inflammation appears where the nail grows.The color becomes green, close to brown.The nail is quickly destroyed.These are signs of a species of yeast.
- You can check for the presence of such a type as rubromycosis using potassium permanganate.Healthy nails will change color from the solution and turn brown.Nails affected by the disease will not change color.The skin is also exposed to this type of virus.
Nail fungus
The disease very often occurs in people who play sports, are bright and active.They visit swimming pools, sports centers and saunas.Someone else's shoes, bare feet on a surface that was not treated after the previous visitor, lead to the appearance of nail fungus.The disease is contagious, it is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through contact with objects or shoes.It is always recommended to bring your own shoes, even when visiting places where shoes are shared.Families where personal hygiene comes first achieve excellent results.Each member of the family has their own towel and slippers.Towels for the face and feet, as well as a constant change of bedding will prevent the appearance of an unpleasant parasite on the feet.Toenail fungus can be caused by injuries to the feet, including tight shoes, excessive sweating, and flat feet.
Medical reasons
- Low and weak immunity;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Constant treatment with antibiotics;
- Poor blood circulation in the legs;
- Characteristics of the structure of the members.
Signs of nail fungus
- Structural change;
- Color change (white, gray, yellow, green, brown);
- Increase the thickness of the nail plate;
- Cracks in the nails;
- Unpleasant odor;
- The nail plate begins to collapse.
The parasitic microbe settles in the space between the nail and the base.The nail becomes higher than normal.The sore spot looks unpleasant, aesthetically ugly, protrudes unnaturally and becomes voluminous.
Preventive procedures
- Thorough cleaning of common areas.Bathrooms and toilets should be treated with disinfectants.Treat with products containing bleach, washcloths, sponges.
- Use special products to reduce foot sweating.It can be powders, talc.
- If a sick person appears in the family, others should take precautions.
- Wear comfortable, high-quality shoes.Avoid the appearance of calluses and wounds.
- Use foot creams.For dry skin - softening, for excessive sweating - refreshing.
- After washing, feet should be dried thoroughly
- Before visiting the bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna or places where you will have to groom yourself barefoot or with open shoes, treat your feet with antifungal sprays.The same can be done after going to these premises.
- Daily change of socks and tights.
- Shoe inner surface treatment, quick drying, maintenance.
- Don't try on other people's shoes.
A person suffering from this disease begins to experience many inconveniences.They are associated with changes in the appearance of the nails, physical illnesses and unpleasant sensations.It is not recommended to trigger the disease.Nail fungus does not stand still, it begins to spread over a larger area and there is a possibility of the disease entering the body.It is important to start treatment on time.It must be carried out competently and systematically.