Medical sources claim that almost every fifth person has or has experienced a disease such as athlete's foot.This disease is known almost all over the planet.This disease appeared in the 19th century, and since then it has not stopped expanding its boundaries.Fungus affects the feet due to wearing leather shoes of different quality.There are different types of diseases.Damage to toenails, skin between toes, and feet is common.
Diseases caused by parasitic microorganisms are called mycoses or onychomycosis.Doctors believe that people with neglected feet are more susceptible to infection than others: with corns, cracked heels, calluses.Flaky or dry skin is also considered a major cause of foot infections.There are many types of mycosis, because in nature there are several hundred fungal pathogens that can parasitize the human body.The most common are: dermatophytes, yeasts and mold parasites.
Many people wonder how to recognize the fungus in the first stage, in the period when painful symptoms appear, and what to do to make the dangerous disease disappear quickly.There are many answers to that question.
Disease symptoms
The medical name for athlete's foot is mycosis.The causative agent is considered to be a parasitic virus called a fungus.It tries to settle in between the legs, between the toes, above and below the nails.This disease is helped by sweat, where it develops its development halo on the legs.Any damage to the skin is exposed to the fungus.
This disease destroys keratin, which is responsible for healthy nails.The skin has a layer of fat, improper metabolism, and lack of balanced nutrition lead to skin disorders.Fungus gets inside and problems appear.Restoring the protective function of the skin requires time and a specific treatment system.
Fungal form
Doctors have identified four forms of mycosis.
- Interdigital.The first type of disease is the most common.The epidemic is observed in the summer.The higher the temperature, the greater the number of sick people recorded by the doctor.Cracks and sores that appear between the toes can be dry or wet.There is constant itching.In the photo, it is easy to see what the interdigital form of this disease looks like.
- External.The skin of the feet below is covered with a crust that resembles a callus.This is especially visible in the photo in the heel area, which becomes covered with cracks.Nails lose their normal appearance.They change color, shape, and begin to grow incorrectly.Difficult to treat.
- Vesicular.The disorder covers the skin of the feet up to the ankles.Reminds, clearly visible in the photo, about erosion.Ulcers go deep into the body and require treatment prescribed by a specialist, and strictly according to the doctor's prescription and requirements.
- Deleted.The skin of the feet resembles a surface sprinkled with flour.Cracks are almost invisible.This form is difficult to see in time.Only careful attention to the condition of the feet and the desire to maintain a healthy appearance leads to the timely start of treatment.
There are many types of diseases, each of which has its own symptoms and manifestations of the disease.You can see it in the photo, after studying the signs and differences of each type.
- Fungal infections do not appear on both feet at once.First it can be found on one leg, then on the other.The first symptoms are itching and peeling.On the skin, at the site of infection, you can see or touch blisters.If treatment is not started on time, they will turn into erosion and change their appearance.Unpleasant crusts will appear between your fingers.Gradually, nail fungus begins to spread along the legs, the first thing that affects is the nail.At first, you may see yellow stripes and spots, then the nail changes shape and begins to thicken.The nail layer increases.Nails crumble and lose strength.
- Different types of diseases behave differently.There is a type of fungus (dermatophyte) that has no symptoms.And the disease immediately appeared on the skin and nails.Immediate medical intervention is required.
- There is a reverse course variant of this disease.The usual manifestation of the disease from the inside to the surface changes.The disease goes from the surface into the nail, the plate becomes light and peeling.The nails become unusually white.
- Legs become covered with ulcers.They are small in size and yellow in color.Inflammation appears in the place where the nail grows.The color becomes green, almost brown.Nails quickly disintegrate.These are signs of yeast species.
- You can check the presence of something like rubromycosis using potassium permanganate.Healthy nails will change color from the solution and turn brown.Diseased toenails will not change color.The skin is also susceptible to this type of virus.
Nail fungus
This disease occurs very often in people who play sports, are bright and active.They visit the swimming pool, health sports center and sauna.Other people's shoes, standing with bare feet on surfaces that have not been treated after the previous visitor, lead to the appearance of nail fungus.This disease is contagious, it is transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person through contact with objects or shoes.It is always recommended to bring your own shoes, even when visiting places where shoes are shared.Families who prioritize personal hygiene get excellent results.Each family member has his own towel and slippers.Towels for the face and feet, and a constant change of bedding will prevent the appearance of unpleasant parasites on the feet.Toenail fungus can be caused by foot injuries, especially from tight shoes, excessive sweating, and flat feet.
Medical reasons
- Low and weak immunity;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Continued treatment with antibiotics;
- Improper blood circulation in the legs;
- Characteristics of the structure of the body.
Signs of toenail fungus
- Structural changes;
- Color changes (white, gray, yellow, green, brown);
- Increase the thickness of the nail plate;
- Cracks in the nails;
- Unpleasant smell;
- The nail plate begins to crumble.
Parasitic microbes settle in the space between the nail and the base.Nails become taller than usual.The sores look unpleasant, ugly in terms of aesthetics, stand out unusually and become large.
Preventive procedures
- Thorough cleaning of common areas.Bathrooms and toilets must be treated with disinfectants.Treat with products containing bleach, rags, sponges.
- Use special products to reduce foot sweat.This can be powder, talc.
- If a sick person appears in the family, the rest must take precautions.
- Wear comfortable and high quality shoes.Avoid the appearance of calluses and injuries.
- Use foot cream.For dry skin - softens, for excessive sweating - refreshes.
- After washing, feet must be thoroughly dried
- Before visiting a bathhouse, swimming pool, sauna, or places where you need to groom your bare feet or wear open shoes, treat your feet with an anti-fungal aerosol.The same can be done after going to this premise.
- Daily change of socks and tights.
- Treatment of the inner surface of shoes, drying in time, taking care of them.
- Don't try on other people's shoes.
A person suffering from this disease begins to experience many difficulties.They are associated with changes in the appearance of nails, physical ailments, and unpleasant sensations.It is not recommended to start this disease.The nail fungus does not stop, it begins to spread to a larger area, and there is a possibility that the disease enters the body.It is important to start treatment on time.It must be implemented efficiently and systematically.