Medical sources claim that almost one in five people has or has had a disease such as foot fungus.This disease is known throughout almost the entire planet.The disease appeared in the 19th century and since then it has not stopped expanding its borders.The fungus affects the feet due to the use of leather shoes of different quality.There are many types of diseases.It is common for toenails, the skin between the toes, and the feet to be damaged.
Diseases caused by parasitic microorganisms are called mycoses or onychomycosis.Doctors believe that people with neglected feet are more susceptible than others to getting them: calluses, cracked heels, corns.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 so that the insidious disease quickly disappears.There are quite a few 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 crevices of the feet, between the toes, above and under the nails.The disease is favored by sweat, through which it expands the halo of its development in the legs.Any damage to the skin is susceptible to fungus.
The disease destroys keratin, which is responsible for the healthy state of the nail.The skin has a fatty layer, improper metabolism and lack of balanced nutrition lead to skin disorders.The fungus enters and problems appear.Restoring the skin's protective function requires time and a specific treatment system.
mushroom shapes
Doctors have identified four forms of mycosis.
- Interdigital.The first most common type of disease.Its buds are observed in summer.The higher the temperature, the greater the number of sick people registered by doctors.Cracks and sores that appear between your toes may 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 on the bottom foot becomes covered with a scab that resembles a callus.This is especially visible in the photo in the area of the heels, which are covered with cracks.The nails lose their normal appearance.They change color, shape and begin to grow incorrectly.It is difficult to treat.
- Vesicular.The disorder covers the skin of the leg up to the ankle.It is reminiscent, clearly visible in the photo, of erosion.Ulcers penetrate deep into the body and require treatment prescribed by specialists and strict compliance with doctors' prescriptions and requirements.
- Erased.The skin of the foot resembles a surface dusted with flour.The cracks are almost invisible.This shape is difficult to see in time.Only careful attention to the condition of the legs and the desire to maintain their healthy appearance leads to the timely start of treatment.
There are many varieties of the disease, each of them has its own symptoms and manifestations of the disease.You can see them in the photo, having studied the signs and differences of each type.
- Fungal infection does not appear on both legs at the same time.It can be found first on one leg and then on the other.The first symptoms are itching and peeling.On the skin at the site of infection, blisters can be seen or touched.If treatment is not started in time, they will erode and change their appearance.An unpleasant scab will appear between your fingers.Little by little, nail fungus begins to spread along the leg, the first thing it affects is the nails.At first, you may notice yellow streaks and spots, then the nails change shape and begin to thicken.Nail layers increase.The nail crumbles and loses strength.
- Different types of diseases behave differently.There is a type of fungus (dermatophyte) that does not present symptoms.And the disease immediately appears on the skin and nails.Urgent medical intervention is required.
- There are variants of the reverse course of the disease.The usual manifestation of the disease from the inside to the surface changes.The disease passes from the surface to the nail, the plate becomes light and falls off.The nail becomes unusually white.
- The feet are covered with ulcers.They are small in size and yellow in color.Inflammation appears at the place where the nail grows.The color becomes green, close to brown.The nail is destroyed quickly.These are signs of a type of yeast.
- You can check for the presence of a type such as rubromycosis using potassium permanganate.Healthy nails will change color due to the solution and turn brown.Toenails 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 health centers and saunas.Someone else's shoes, barefoot on a surface that has not been treated after the previous visitor, provoke the appearance of nail fungus.The disease is infectious, it is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through contact with things or shoes.It is always recommended to bring your own shoes, even when visiting places where footwear is shared.Families where personal hygiene comes first obtain excellent results.Each family member has their own towel and slippers.Face and foot towels and constantly changing bedding will prevent the appearance of an unpleasant parasite on the feet.Toenail fungus can be caused by foot injuries, especially tight shoes, excessive sweating, and flat feet.
Medical reasons
- Low and weak immunity;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Constant treatment with antibiotics;
- Inadequate blood circulation in the legs;
- Features of the structure of the limbs.
Signs of toenail fungus
- Structure 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 crumble.
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 enlarges.
Preventive procedures
- Thorough cleaning of common areas.Bathrooms and toilets should be treated with disinfectants.Treat with products containing bleach, wipes, sponges.
- Use special products to reduce foot sweating.They can be powders, talcum powder.
- If someone is sick in the family, the rest must take precautions.
- Wear comfortable, high-quality shoes.Prevents the appearance of calluses and lesions.
- Use foot creams.For dry skin - softening, for excessive sweating - refreshing.
- After washing, the feet should be dried well.
- Before visiting a bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna or those places where you will need to groom yourself barefoot or in open shoes, treat your feet with antifungal sprays.The same can be done after going to these places.
- Daily change of socks and stockings.
- Treatment of the inner surface of shoes, timely drying, care for them.
- 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 start the disease.Nail fungus does not stop, it begins to spread to a larger area and it is possible for the disease to enter the body.It is important to start treatment on time.It must be carried out competently and systematically.