Absolutely every person can be infected with a skin fungus on the legs, and those who often go to the sauna, gym, swimming pool and similar places where this disease develops rapidly are especially at risk.Not everyone knows how to get rid of foot fungus, even in the initial stages, when it is easier to eliminate the disease.
Fungal infection: how it can happen
It is simple and at the same time difficult to get a fungus, since its transmission occurs from an infected person to a healthy person, however, if the immune system works normally, this reduces the likelihood of infection many times.The following factors increase the likelihood of infection:
- Stressful situations;
- Wear shoes that are wet and not completely dry;
- If your feet sweat a lot and often;
- Reduced immunity;
- Use of antibiotics;
- Foot damage of various kinds (e.g. calluses, wounds).
To protect yourself from nail and toe fungus, you should minimize the chance of contracting this infection.It is important not to forget in which places and under what circumstances the risk of infection occurs.Keep in mind that nail mycosis is an infectious disease that can only be contracted by a person who already has it.The most common variants of infection include the following:
- The people you live with.In most cases, infection occurs from relatives.The fungus spreads through household items: hygiene products, floor coverings, slippers, socks.To protect yourself from infection, you should use only your belongings and avoid moving around the apartment barefoot.
- There are many situations where fungal infection occurs in places where people are relaxing en masse, without shoes.These places include: beaches, baths, wrestling sections (sometimes training occurs barefoot).Don't forget that fungal spores are highly resistant to temperature changes and can remain on the floor for a long period of time, after which they end up on your feet.
- There are much fewer situations when infection occurs from socks or shoes purchased not so long ago.The fungus can take root on them even in the factory where they were produced, but there is a high chance of contracting this infection when trying these items.Think about this: You don't know if a healthy person 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.The point, however, is that toenail fungus does not develop quickly, so it is difficult to detect.Only those who pay particular attention to the health of their feet and have some experience can see it clearly in the early stages of its spread.
Initially, the nail receives barely noticeable spots or streaks;they vary quite a lot in color, but almost no one pays attention to this.There are no discomforts or other symptoms.At this stage it is better to opt for traditional methods of fighting fungal infections, rather than resorting to drugs.
With the further spread of the disease, the 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 slightly and becomes loose, sometimes cracks.At this stage it is still possible to treat the infection at home.However, the brighter the symptoms of the fungus, the higher the likelihood that it will be necessary to visit a specialist.Subsequently, the skin begins to turn red, changes color, and the nail plate thickens so much that it is simply impossible not to notice it.
At what point should you start treating mushrooms?
How to get rid of foot fungus?Treatment of a fungal infection takes a long time, and the results in case of premature initiation of adequate therapy include both the presence of discomfort, and a cosmetic problem, and the continued impact of the infection on the body as a whole.
It is important to promptly identify an infection with the following signs:
- The feet itch, sometimes there is a burning sensation;
- Feet begin to smell;
- The feet dry out and the skin peels off.
If you notice such symptoms, you need to urgently visit a dermatologist, who will prescribe some tests and make the correct diagnosis.After a comprehensive examination, the doctor will advise you on how to get rid of the fungal infection as quickly as possible.
Fungal infection: how to heal completely
Treatment of the disease with drugs usually involves the use of antifungal drugs, which include the following substances:
- Ketaconazole;
- Griseofulvin;
- Terbinafine;
- Fluconazole.
The course of therapy is quite long and in very advanced situations reaches 6 months.Medicines whose effect is aimed at fighting fungal infections when taken orally have a huge number of adverse reactions and contraindications for use, for this reason their use should be monitored by a doctor.
Systemic therapy is combined with local treatment of fungal disease and involves the use of a variety of means, for example: solutions, gels, creams, ointments and so on.
Only in case of mild skin damage by fungi or in the presence of contraindications to the use of drugs, the 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 garbage all those items that were in use before the start of the treatment procedure and which may be carriers of the fungus: foot brushes, mats in the bathroom, 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 family, use only personal hygiene items.
Therapeutic paints as a remedy against fungi
If a fungal infection has just been identified and its stage is not the most critical, treatment can only consist in the use of special paints.
Initially, this composition causes the softening of the nail plate affected by the infection, after which, influencing the fungal spores, it begins to eliminate them.
The basic requirement when treating the nail plate with varnish is the need to strictly adhere to the instructions, as they specify the nuances of using this product.
In most cases these are the following:
- Before using medicinal varnish, it is necessary to remove all peeling layers from the nail.For this purpose you can use a special file - it is included in the paint.
- 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.
Foot fungus: preventive measures
Here are some tips for preventing fungus:
- You should buy only high-quality, comfortable shoes;
- Wash your feet every day;
- Pay due attention to the condition of the nails and skin of the feet;
- Do not walk barefoot in public places.
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.
Still think it's difficult to get rid of mushrooms quickly?
An advanced stage of the disease can cause irreversible consequences, such as gangrene, blood poisoning.Often the life of a person in an advanced stage can only be saved by amputating a limb.
In no case should the disease begin!