Absolutely everyone can get a dermatophyte infection on their legs, but those who frequent saunas, gyms, swimming pools and similar places where the disease develops quickly are particularly susceptible.Not everyone knows how to get rid of foot fungus, even in the initial stages when it is easiest to eliminate the disease.
Fungal infections: how they happen
Infection with a fungus is both easy and difficult because it is spread from an infected person to a healthy person, but if the immune system is functioning properly, the likelihood of infection is reduced exponentially.The following factors increase the likelihood of infection:
- stressful situations;
- Wearing wet shoes that are not completely dry;
- If your feet often sweat;
- Reduced immunity;
- use of antibiotics;
- Various foot injuries (e.g. calluses, wounds).
To protect yourself from nail and foot fungus, you should minimize your chances of contracting this infection.It is important not to forget where and under what circumstances the risk of infection arises.Remember, onychomycosis is a contagious condition that can only be acquired from someone who already has onychomycosis.The most common infection variants include:
- The people you live with.Most often, the infection is passed on from a relative.Fungi are spread through household items: hygiene products, floor coverings, slippers, socks.To protect yourself from infection, you should only use personal items and avoid walking around the apartment barefoot.
- In many cases, fungal infections occur in places where people relax collectively without wearing shoes.These places include: beaches, baths, wrestling arenas (sometimes training is done barefoot).Don’t forget that fungal spores are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and can remain on the floor for a long time before they settle on your feet.
- It is much less common to develop an infection from socks or shoes that were purchased not too long ago.Even in the factories where these items are produced, fungi can take hold on them, but the likelihood of contracting this infection while trying on these items is high.Think about it - you don't know if healthy people have tried on your favorite shoes or sneakers.
Diagnostic measures for suspected fungal infection
Many people would like to be able to detect an infection when it is not that difficult to eliminate it.However, the important thing is that onychomycosis does not grow quickly on the feet, which means it is difficult to detect.Only people who pay special attention to foot health and have certain experience can see clearly in the first stage of its spread.
Initially, there are few noticeable spots or streaks on the nails; they vary greatly in color, but almost no one notices this.No discomfort or other symptoms.At this stage, it is better to opt for traditional methods of fighting fungal infections rather than using medications.
As the disease spreads further, previously appearing spots become different colors, 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 cracking.At this stage, the infection can still be treated at home.However, the more obvious the fungus symptoms are, the more likely it is that you will need to see a specialist.Next, the skin begins to turn red, its color changes, and the nail plate thickens to the point where it is simply impossible not to notice it.
When should you start treating fungus?
How to get rid of foot fungus?Treatment of fungal infections takes a significant amount of time, and if appropriate treatment is not initiated promptly, the consequences include discomfort, cosmetic issues, and the ongoing effects of the infection throughout the body.
It is important to promptly recognize an infection with the following signs:
- Itching and sometimes burning sensation in the feet;
- The feet begin to smell bad;
- The feet become dry and the skin flakes off.
If you notice such symptoms, you must immediately see a dermatologist who will perform certain tests and make a correct diagnosis.After a thorough examination, your doctor will advise you on how to get rid of the fungal infection as quickly as possible.
Fungal Infections: How to Get Fully Recovered
Treating the disease with medication usually involves the use of antifungal drugs, which include the following:
- Ketoconazole;
- Griseofulvin;
- Terbinafine;
- Fluconazole.
The treatment process is quite long, up to 6 months in very severe cases.Oral medications designed to fight fungal infections have a large number of adverse effects and contraindications for use, so their use should be monitored by a physician.
Systemic treatment is combined with local treatment of fungal diseases and includes the use of various means, such as solutions, gels, creams, ointments, etc.
Treatment consists of the use of topical products only if the degree of skin damage caused by the fungus is low or if there are contraindications to the use of any medication.
During the treatment of a foot fungal infection, it is necessary to throw into the trash any items that were used before treatment began (and are likely to 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 family, use only personal hygiene products.
Therapeutic varnish for fungus treatment
If the fungal infection has just been discovered and its stage is not the most critical, then treatment can only include the use of special varnishes.
Initially, the composition causes the softening of the nail plate affected by the infection, after which, affecting the fungal spores, begins to eliminate them.
The key requirement when treating the nail plate with varnish is that the instructions must be strictly followed, since it specifies the nuances of using the product.
In most cases, these situations are as follows:
- Before applying medicated varnish, all flaky layers on the nails should be removed.For this, you can use a special file - it is included in the varnish.
- Next, you need to disinfect the surface - for this, use a solution of alcohol and water.
- Only after completing all the above-mentioned procedures can you apply varnish to the infected nails.
Fungus on feet: preventive measures
Here are some fungus prevention tips:
- You should only buy high-quality and comfortable shoes;
- Wash your feet every day;
- Pay due attention to the condition of your nails and skin on your feet;
- Don't walk barefoot when in public places.
You may have noticed that it is better to prevent the appearance of a fungal infection or to start treatment promptly rather than ignoring it, since then the situation will only become more complicated and the treatment process itself will take longer.
Do you still think fungus is difficult to get rid of quickly?
The late stage of the disease can cause irreversible consequences, such as gangrene and blood poisoning.Often, the lives of terminally ill patients can only be saved through amputation.
Under no circumstances should this disease begin!