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 turns into a forbidden fruit.
And if itching and painful sensations arise, if it is difficult to walk, it is no joke at all. Furthermore: when actively multiplying, fungi release toxic substances into the blood that have a harmful 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 it at the initial stage, before microscopic fungi turn the feet into a "immobile".
Mycelium on 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, the symptoms may vary:
- Redness appears on the skin of the foot, which then increases in area and begins to peel and flake. The disease usually 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 increase in size, merge and eventually burst, causing erosion. The affected skin is itchy, 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, causing painful cracks to form that increase in size over time. It is difficult for the patient to step on the foot, he feels severe pain. Erosion, ulcers, and swelling may develop. In advanced cases, the patient's body temperature rises and the condition worsens.
- The fungus affects the nails, causing them to become deformed, thickened or thinned, brittle, discolored, and grow into the skin. If your yeast infection goes untreated for a long time, your nails may not return to their original appearance, depriving you of the opportunity to show off a pedicure for the rest of your life.
Often several types of fungi 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 on the skin, he himself understands that he has contracted mycosis. But not everyone makes the right decision and consults a doctor. To this day, they are trying to treat the fungus with folk remedies, but it is very likely that this will not only bring little benefit, but will also cause harm.
What will the doctor do? He will determine what type of fungus has affected you and prescribe the appropriate medications for this case. Trying to deal with misfortune at home according to your grandmother's advice, you can easily waste precious time and bring your feet into a sad state.
Mycosis is also dangerous because it can accompany a person for many years, periodically easing and instilling 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 products, 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.
More susceptible to mycosis:
- people with reduced immunity;
- those with damaged areas of the skin of the feet (after a failed pedicure, injury or excessive strain during hygiene procedures);
- wearing wet socks or shoes (especially in hot weather or when wearing winter shoes in a warm room);
- do not take foot and nail hygiene seriously.
All these factors provide a suitable environment for the development of the fungus.
How does mycosis "attack" a person?
- Through the ground or floor coverings crossed by a person suffering from fungi. Therefore, you should not walk barefoot in unfamiliar places and even at home. Sun-warmed beach sand or pebbles are practically safe, and sea water is an excellent means of preventing fungal infections.
- Swimming pools, saunas, showers in public places and hotels are very dangerous in terms of contagion. Don't forget to bring special shoes with you.
- Don't wear shoes that have previously belonged to another owner - it doesn't matter if you want to buy them in a second-hand shop or simply try on a friend's shoes and see how they fit.
- Do not use other people's hygiene items: wipes, towels, etc. Examine your disposable hotel slippers carefully to ensure you get a completely new pair.
Fungal spores can remain viable for several years, and so you can never be sure whether the surface you decide to walk on or someone else's shoes are safe.
No fungi: we treat mycosis
Specialists of a professional clinic will conduct a series of studies that will identify the type of fungus that has affected your feet and develop a course of treatment.
You will be offered drug treatment with modern antifungal drugs and you will need to follow the dosage and duration of taking the prescribed drugs. Don't stop 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.
It is also necessary to take into account the contagiousness of mycosis. During treatment, you need to protect your family and friends from infections. Because of this:
- Wash your feet using the products recommended by your doctor. After hygiene procedures, clean the tub thoroughly.
- Walk around the house with closed slippers.
- Wash clothes separately, treat shoes with antifungal agents, and change socks several times a day to keep your feet from sweating.
- Ventilate the apartment every day and carry out wet cleaning.
- After completing the treatment, throw away the shoes, socks, towels and washcloths that you used during the illness.
Prevention: and no mycosis!
Mycosis is an unpleasant disease that can be completely avoided. Just follow a few 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 enemies, put on dry shoes immediately;
- socks: clean only;
- walking barefoot is excluded everywhere except on the sea coast;
- Check your health and compliance with your daily routine: the fungus is dangerous for a weakened body.
For those who take care of their feet, even contact of fungal spores with the skin does not entail any consequences: the "parasite" simply cannot develop in unsuitable conditions.
What to do if you develop foot fungus? Without wasting time, make an appointment with a dermatologist in a professional clinic, and very soon you will regain your former lightness of gait.