Even an avid mushroom picker will not be happy to find a mushroom on his feet. This is understandable: often, without causing any discomfort, the disease disfigures the feet and nails, and going to the beach or simply wearing open shoes becomes a forbidden fruit.
And if there is itching and painful sensations, if it is difficult to walk, then it is no joke. Moreover: when actively multiplying, fungi release toxic substances into the blood that have a harmful effect on human health and can cause severe allergic reactions, including Quincke's edema.
Therefore, mycosis (this is the name of this disease) must be treated, and it is better to do it at the initial stage, before microscopic fungi turn your legs into "real estate".
Mycelium on the feet: how to recognize it?
The disease affects both the skin of the feet and the nails. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of fungus attacking your feet:
- Redness develops on the skin of the leg, then it grows in the area and begins to peel and peel. Usually the disease develops in one leg, but if not treated, it spreads to the other.
- Small bubbles with a diameter of 2 to 8 millimeters are formed in the arch of the foot, they gradually increase in size, merge with each other and eventually cause erosion. The affected skin itches, and the fungus can spread to the bottom or top of the foot. Sometimes a bacterial infection is added to the fungal infection, and then the contents of the blisters become purulent, the patient complains of severe pain and general malaise.
- The fungus "settles" between the toes, which leads to the formation of painful cracks that increase in size over time. It is difficult for the patient to step on his leg, 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, which leads to their deformation, thickening or thinning, brittleness, discoloration and penetration into the skin. If mycosis is not treated for a long time, then your nails may not return to their original appearance, which deprives you of the opportunity to have a pedicure for the rest of your life.
Often, several types of fungus can be found on the foot at the same time, and therefore the symptoms of the disease are combined.
What to do with mushrooms? And what not to do?
Usually, a person understands that he has mycosis when he feels itching or sees redness of the skin. But not everyone makes the right decision and goes to the doctor. To date, they are trying to treat the fungus with folk remedies, but it is likely that it will not only do little good, but even harm.
What will the doctor do? He will determine what type of fungus is affecting you and prescribe the appropriate medication for the condition. Trying to cope with the unhappiness at home on the advice of your grandmother, you can easily waste precious time and put your feet in a sad state.
Mycosis is also dangerous, because it can accompany a person for many years, periodically decrease and instill false hopes that the feet are free from the fungus. But after some time, the disease will show its character again, the body will continue to be infected with the waste products of the fungus, and the legs will take on an increasingly unpleasant appearance.
How can you get infected with a fungus?
This disease is transmitted from person to person.
Those who are most susceptible to mycosis:
- people with weak immunity;
- those with damaged areas of the skin of the feet (after an unsuccessful pedicure, injuries or excessive effort during hygiene procedures);
- wearing wet socks or shoes (especially when wearing winter shoes in hot weather or in a warm room);
- not taking the hygiene of feet and nails seriously.
All these factors provide a suitable environment for the development of the fungus.
How does mycosis "attack" a person?
- Through the soil or floor coverings that a person with fungus passes through. Therefore, you should not walk barefoot in unfamiliar places, even at home. Beach sand or pebbles warmed in the sun are practically safe, and sea water is an excellent means of preventing mycosis.
- Swimming pools, saunas, showers in public places and hotels are very dangerous in terms of infection. Do not forget to take special shoes with you.
- Do not wear shoes that previously belonged to another owner: it does not matter if you buy them from a second-hand store or just try on a friend's shoes and evaluate how they look on you.
- From other people's hygiene products - washcloths, towels, etc. don't use it. Check disposable hotel slippers carefully to make sure 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 is safe.
No fungus: we treat mycosis
In a professional clinic, specialists will conduct a series of studies that will determine the type of fungus affecting your feet and develop a course of treatment.
You will be offered drug treatment with modern antifungal drugs, and you must follow the dosage and duration of prescribed drugs. If it seems to you that mycosis has been defeated, do not interrupt the course - most likely, it has only regressed for a while.
As an additional tool, 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.
Contagiousness of mycosis should also be taken into account. During treatment, you need to protect your family and friends from infection. Because of this:
- Wash your feet with products recommended by your doctor. Thoroughly clean the bathtub after hygiene procedures.
- 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 so that your feet don't sweat.
- Ventilate the apartment and carry out wet cleaning every day.
- After completing the treatment, throw away the shoes, socks, towels and clothes that you used during the illness.
Prevention: and no mycosis!
Mycosis is an unpleasant disease that can be completely prevented. Just follow a few simple rules:
- wash your feet thoroughly and regularly, but without excessive effort (so as not to damage the skin and nails);
- shoes - only yourself;
- pedicure - only with your own tools or in a salon that complies with all rules and regulations;
- wet or sweaty feet are your enemy, switch to dry shoes immediately;
- socks - only clean ones;
- it is forbidden to walk barefoot anywhere except on the seashore;
- Monitor your health and daily routine - fungus is dangerous for a weakened body.
For those who take care of their feet, even the 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 mycosis develops on your feet? Without wasting time, make an appointment with a dermatologist at a professional clinic and you will soon regain the lightness of walking before.