How to identify foot fungus

There are numerous dermatological diseases called fungi. The general name of 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". This is one of the most common pathologies in humans.

Dermatologists distinguish several types of fungal infections in humans:

• anthropophiles;
• zooanthropophiles;
• candida.

The first causes infections in humans, the second in humans and animals and the third as yeast.

Causes of fungal diseases

Fungal spores are found in large quantities in soil, on surfaces and in common areas. We go home on public transport, go on 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?

There are groups of the population that 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 serious illness, it is less resistant to various infections, including fungal ones.
2. Children and the elderly.Both groups are subject 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 and circulatory and lymphatic systems.
4. Workers in dangerous industries involving high temperatures.In such an environment, conditions are created for the development and spread of foot fungus.
5. Lovers of gyms, saunas and swimming pools.In themselves, these activities are very useful, but failure to comply with basic sanitary and hygienic standards relating to the disinfection of these premises leads to the emergence of a problem such as fungi.

Doctors distinguish the following types of fungal foot diseases: athlete's foot, ringworm and candidiasis. It is believed that men are often affected by mushrooms, although this is a controversial statement. They are less scrupulous about their health, so the disease is in an advanced stage.

Main signs of diseases

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

This could happen if you walked barefoot on exercise equipment, on the floor of a fitness club, or if you caught an infection from a pet. After all, there are fungi that are transmitted from animals to their owners. Even taking a shower after your factory shift can reward you with this annoyance. Using other people's toiletries: soap, towels, washcloths is not only unhygienic, but also dangerous.

The disease may start with the skin and later the nails and the area between the fingers are affected. This is a very serious cosmetic defect. Irregularities in the shape of the nail plate. It begins to crumble, changes color and may 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

To find out exactly what type of dermatomycosis is present, to clarify whether it is really a fungus or a callus, an abrasion or a callus, you need to visit 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 the appropriate therapy prescribed. Each type is treated differently.

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

Treatment is usually conservative, at home. It consists of the following mandatory points:

• Taking medications orallyto destroy fungal spores carried by blood and lymph.
• Local treatment.The use of ointments, creams, special liquids to eliminate dermatological manifestations of the fungus. Manipulations are performed after pedicure and cutting of affected nails.
• Health and hygiene measures.They consist of disinfecting clothes and shoes. This destroys the spores of the infection.

Fungi are complex and recurrent infections, so therapy must be effective. After a certain time, from two weeks to a month, with careful observance of the recommendations, recovery occurs.