Even an avid mushroom picker will not be happy to find a mushroom on his feet. This is understandable: often, without causing discomfort, the disease disfigures the feet and nails, and going to the beach or simply wearing open shoes turns into forbidden fruit.
And if itching and painful sensations appear, it is difficult to walk, it's not a joke at all. In addition: when actively multiplying, mushrooms release toxic substances into the bloodstream that have a detrimental effect on human health and can cause serious 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 of 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 has attacked your feet, symptoms may vary:
- Redness appears on the skin of the foot, which then increases in surface area and begins to peel and flake. Usually the disease develops on 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 enlarge, merge and eventually burst, leading to 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, then the contents of the blisters become purulent, the patient complains of severe pain and general malaise.
- The fungus "settles" between the toes, leading to the formation of painful cracks that grow larger over time. It is difficult for the patient to walk on his foot, he feels severe pain. Erosion, ulcers and swelling may develop. In advanced cases, the patient's body temperature rises and his condition worsens.
- The fungus affects the nails, causing them to become deformed, thickened or thinned, brittle, discolored and overgrown in the skin. If the fungus 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 understands that he has contracted a mycosis. But not everyone makes the right decision and consults a doctor. To date, they are trying to treat the fungus with folk remedies, but it is very likely that this will not only bring little benefit, but even cause harm.
What will the doctor do? He will determine what type of fungus has affected you and prescribe the appropriate medications for that case. Trying to cope with misfortune at home according to your grandmother's recommendations, you can easily waste valuable time and put your feet in a sad state.
Mycosis is also dangerous because it can accompany a person for many years, periodically calming down and giving rise to false hopes 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, and the legs will take on an increasingly unpleasant appearance.
How can you become infected with a fungus?
This disease is transmitted from person to person.
Most susceptible to fungal infections:
- people with reduced immunity;
- those whose skin on their feet is damaged (after an unsuccessful pedicure, injuries or excessive effort 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 of these factors provide an environment conducive to the development of fungi.
How does mycosis "attack" a person?
- Through the floor or floor coverings crossed by a person with fungus. Therefore, you should not walk barefoot in unfamiliar places and even at home. Sun-heated beach sand or pebbles are virtually safe, and sea water is a great way to prevent fungus.
- 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.
- Do not wear shoes that have previously belonged to another owner: it does not matter whether you want to buy them at a flea market or simply try on a friend's shoes and assess how they fit you.
- Do not use other people's hygiene items - washcloths, towels, etc. Examine disposable hotel slippers carefully to ensure you get a brand new pair.
Fungal spores can remain viable for several years, so you can never be sure that the surface you decide to walk on or someone else's shoes are safe.
No fungus: we treat mycoses
Specialists of a professional clinic will conduct a series of studies that will help identify the type of fungus that affected your feet and develop treatment.
You will be offered medical treatment with modern antifungal drugs and you must respect 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 is likely that it has only receded for a while.
As an additional remedy, the doctor will recommend an ointment or cream for external use. There are special varnishes for treating nails. If you follow all the recommendations, the fungus will disappear forever.
We must also take into account the contagiousness of mycoses. During treatment, you should protect your family and friends from infection. For that:
- Wash your feet with products recommended by your doctor. After hygiene procedures, clean the bathtub thoroughly.
- Walk around the house in closed 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 carry out wet cleaning.
- After completing treatment, throw away the shoes, socks, towels, and washcloths you used during your illness.
Prevention: and no fungus!
Mycosis is an unpleasant disease that can be completely avoided. Just follow a number of simple rules:
- wash your feet carefully 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 regulations and rules;
- Wet or sweaty feet are your enemy, put on dry shoes immediately;
- socks - only clean socks;
- walking barefoot is excluded everywhere except on the maritime coast;
- Monitor your health and compliance with your daily routine - the fungus is dangerous for a weakened organism.
For those who take care of their feet, even contact of fungal spores with the skin does not lead to any consequences: the "parasite" simply cannot develop in unsuitable conditions.
What to do if a fungus develops on your feet? Without wasting time, make an appointment with a dermatologist in a professional clinic, and you will very quickly regain your former lightness of gait.