Absolutely everyone can become infected with skin fungus on the legs, and those who often go to the sauna, gym, swimming pool and similar places where this disease develops quickly are especially at risk.Not everyone knows how to get rid of foot fungus, even at the beginning, when it is easier to eliminate the disease.
Fungal infection: how it can happen
It is simple and difficult to become infected with a fungus at the same time, since its transmission occurs from an infected person to a healthy person.However, if the immune system is functioning normally, this reduces the risk of infection several times.The following factors increase the risk of infection:
- Stressful situations;
- Wear wet shoes that are not completely dry;
- If your feet sweat a lot and often;
- Reduced immunity;
- Antibiotic use;
- Foot damage of various natures (e.g. calluses, sores).
To protect yourself against nail and foot fungus, you need to minimize the risk of contracting this infection.It is important not to forget where and under what circumstances the risk of infection arises.Keep in mind that nail fungus is an infectious condition that can only be contracted by someone who already has it.The most common infection variants are:
- The people you live with.In most cases, the infection comes from relatives.The fungus is spread through household items: hygiene products, floor coverings, slippers, socks.To protect yourself from infection, you should use only your personal belongings and avoid moving around the apartment barefoot.
- There are many situations where a fungal infection occurs in places where people are relaxing en masse, without shoes.These places include: beaches, baths, wrestling sections (sometimes training takes place barefoot).Remember that fungal spores are very resistant to temperature fluctuations and can stay on the ground for a long time, after which they end up on your feet.
- There are much fewer situations where infection occurs from socks or shoes purchased not so long ago.The fungus can take hold even in the factory where these items were produced, but there is a high probability of contracting this infection when testing these products.Think about it: you don't know if a healthy person has tried on the shoes or sneakers you liked.
Diagnostic measures for suspected fungal infection
Many people want to detect an infection when it will not be so difficult to get rid of it.However, the fact is that nail fungus does not develop quickly on the feet, that is, it is difficult to detect.Only those who pay close attention to the health of their feet and have some experience can clearly see it in the early stages of its spread.
At first, the nail has barely noticeable spots or scratches;their color varies a lot, but almost no one pays attention to it.There is no discomfort or other symptoms.At this stage, it is better to opt for traditional methods of combating fungal infections rather than using medications.
With the spread of the disease, previously appeared spots 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 a little and becomes loose, sometimes cracking.At this stage, it is still possible to treat the infection at home.However, the brighter the symptoms of the fungus, the more likely it will be necessary to consult a specialist.Then the skin begins to blush, its color changes, and the nail plate thickens so much that it is simply impossible not to notice it.
When should you start treating mushrooms?
How to get rid of foot fungus?Treatment of a fungal infection takes a long time, and the results of untimely initiation of proper treatment include both the presence of discomfort, as well as a cosmetic problem and the continued impact of the infection on the body as a whole.
It is important to quickly identify an infection that shows the following signs:
- The feet itch, sometimes there is a burning sensation;
- The feet start to smell bad;
- The feet become dry and the skin peels off.
If such symptoms are noted, it is necessary to urgently consult a dermatologist who will prescribe certain tests and make the correct diagnosis.After a complete examination, the doctor will advise you on how to eliminate the fungal infection as quickly as possible.
Fungal infection: how to recover completely
Treatment of the disease with medication usually involves the use of antifungal drugs, which include the following substances:
- Ketaconazole;
- Griseofulvin;
- Terbinafine;
- Fluconazole.
The duration of treatment is quite long and can reach 6 months in very advanced situations.Medicines whose effect is aimed at combating fungal infections when taken orally have a large number of side effects and contraindications for use, therefore their use should be monitored by a doctor.
Systemic therapy is associated with local treatment of a fungal disease and includes the use of various means, for example: solutions, gels, creams, ointments, etc.
Only in case of a low degree of skin damage caused by fungi or if there are contraindications to the use of medications, treatment consists exclusively in the use of products for external use.
When treating a fungal infection of the feet, it is necessary to throw into the trash all items that were used before the start of the treatment procedure and which may well be carriers of the fungus: foot brushes, bathroom rugs, tights, socks and even your favorite sneakers.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 the nail plate affected by the infection to soften, and then, influencing the fungal spores, it begins to eliminate them.
The key requirement when treating the nail plate with varnish is that you must strictly adhere to the instructions, since they specify the nuances of using this product.
In most cases these are:
- Before using medicinal varnish, you must remove all peeling layers from the nail.For this you can use a special file - it is included with the varnish.
- Next, you need to disinfect the surface - for this, use a solution of alcohol and water.
- Only after all the processes described above can you apply varnish to the infected nail.
Fungus on the feet: preventive measures
Here are some tips for preventing fungus:
- You should only buy comfortable and high-quality shoes;
- Wash your feet daily;
- Pay special attention to the condition of your nails and the skin of your feet;
- 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 only become more complicated, and the treatment procedure itself will take much longer.
Do you still think it is difficult to get rid of mushrooms quickly?
An advanced stage of the disease can lead to irreversible consequences, such as gangrene, blood poisoning.Often, a person's life in advanced stages can only be saved by amputation of a limb.
Under no circumstances should the disease be triggered!