How to Identify Foot Fungus

There are a number of dermatological diseases called fungi. The general name for such an infection is "mycosis". If we talk about skin diseases of the legs, these are dermatomycosis. If the nail plate is affected, the doctor makes a diagnosis of "onychomycosis". It is one of the most common pathologies in humans.

Dermatologists distinguish several types of fungal infections in humans:

• anthropophiles;
• zooanthropophiles;
• candidiasis.

The first cause infections in humans, the second in humans and animals, and the third are yeast-like.

Causes of fungal pathologies

Fungal spores are found in large quantities in soil, on surfaces and in common areas. We go home by public transport, go to the swing with our children, shop at the supermarket, work with people in the same room and communicate with pets. Why do some people get sick and others don't?

Certain population groups are more susceptible to fungal diseases than others. Let's look at them in more detail:

1. People with reduced immunity.When the body is weakened by surgery or a serious illness, it is less resistant to various infections, particularly fungal ones.
2. Children and the elderly.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.
3. People with metabolic diseasescaused by disorders of the thyroid, pancreas, pituitary gland and circulatory and lymphatic systems.
4. Workers in hazardous industries involving high temperatures.In such an environment, conditions are created for the development and spread of foot fungus.
5. Lovers of gyms, saunas, swimming pools.In themselves, these activities are very useful, but failure to comply with basic sanitary and hygienic standards regarding the disinfection of these premises leads to the emergence of a problem such as fungus.

Doctors distinguish the following types of fungal foot diseases: athlete's foot, trichophytosis and candidiasis. Men are thought to be most commonly affected by fungi, although this claim is controversial. They are less scrupulous about their health, so the disease is advanced.

Main signs of diseases

Visually determining the presence of fungus on the feet is not at all difficult. If you notice redness, your leg begins to itch badly or even painfully, blisters appear that burst, the skin peels off, and an unpleasant odor appears, you have probably contracted a fungal infection.

This can happen if you walk barefoot on sports equipment, on the floor of a fitness club, or if you get an infection from a pet. After all, there are fungi that are transmitted from animals to their owners. Taking a shower after working in a factory can also reward you for this nuisance. Using other people's toiletries - soap, towels, washcloths - is not only unsanitary, but also dangerous.

The disease can begin with the skin, and later the nails and the area between the fingers are affected. This is a very serious aesthetic defect. Irregularities in the shape of the nail plate. It begins to crumble, change color and may even disappear completely. The nail bed becomes inflamed. It is not just an aesthetic defect, it is a pathology that causes physical suffering. It even becomes painful for a person to walk.

How to Identify Foot Fungus

In order to find out exactly what type of dermatomycosis is present, to clarify whether it is really a fungus or a callus, abrasion or corns, you need to consult 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 was detected. Only then is appropriate treatment prescribed. Each type is treated differently.

You can identify the fungus yourself using potassium permanganate. It is done like this: dilute a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Place the limb in a bowl of solution and observe. Healthy nails darken, but infected nails stay the same color.

Treatment is generally conservative, at home. It is made up of the following mandatory points:

• Taking medication by mouthto 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 pedicure and cutting of affected nails.
• Sanitary and hygienic measures.They consist of disinfecting clothes and shoes. This destroys the infection spores.

Fungi are complex and recurrent infections, so treatment must be effective. After a while, from two weeks to a month, with strict adherence to the recommendations, recovery occurs.