Athlete's foot is an infectious disease that is transmitted from person to person. Athlete's foot is the most common type of fungus in adults. Both women and men and even children are sick with it.
Mycosis (fungus) is a skin disease caused by parasitic fungi. It can easily be infected by contact with an infected person or through objects and things with which the patient has had contact. Fungi are very fond of warm and humid environments, so public places such as saunas, baths, water parks, beaches and swimming pools are considered potentially dangerous. English doctors call this disease "athlete's foot symptom", because athletes use closed, poorly breathable shoes, inside which moisture accumulates.
Mycoses are very insidious, despite the apparent simplicity of the disease, they are difficult to treat and prone to relapse.
Recognize as early as possible
The treatment of mycosis is a rather long and complicated process, so it is important to determine as early as possible what the fungus on the feet looks like, the reasons for its appearance and to start acting. Fungus usually first appears between the toes. Then, if left untreated, the infection invades the nail plate, causing the nail to break down. If the cause is an infection in a pedicure salon, the disease begins with the nail plates.
Often, after infection, the fungus is felt soon enough, and you immediately understand that "something" is wrong. But the manifestations of foot fungus can be of a different nature: hidden or expressed. That is why it is necessary to understand how foot fungus begins, howwhat they look like and how to recognize them.
What are the first symptoms of toe fungus?
After contact with the skin, foot fungus goes through an incubation period (depending on the person's immunity, 3-14 days), during which time the disease does not manifest itself.
The first symptoms that should make you think about visiting a dermatologist can be:
- The skin on the legs looks red or covered with spots, itching, burning. This causes terrible discomfort, you constantly want to scratch your feet. This sign of foot fungus is noted in 99% of cases of the disease.
- Thickening or roughness of the skin on the feet. Often this sign of toe fungus is overlooked as it looks like calluses or calluses.
- Blisters of fluid on the affected areas of the skin. If the patient combs them, an infection can get into them, after which the bubbles burst, suppurate and erosions, ulcers, abscesses appear on the skin.
- Cracks appear between the toes. Most often, the defeat of the fungus on the feet begins in the spaces between the toes (between the first and second or fourth and fifth). Cracks can cause discomfort or even pain.
- If not treated promptly, the skin on the feet becomes rough and scaly, and excessively dry skin on the feet is observed - a sure sign that you have a fungus. Later, the affected areas of the skin (toes, heel, foot) appear softened, covered with a whitish plaque.
- Feet smell bad.
- The skin on the legs looks pathologically shiny.
- Swelling occurs. This suggests that you have chronic foot fungus.
Interdigital infection
The onset of interdigital infection begins with the skin between the toes appearing too pale, soft and wet and can present with symptoms such as burning skin and a faint foot odor. If the infection is not treated, then a bacterial infection is added to the fungal infection. And this, in turn, leads to the appearance of bad foot odor.
Interdigital infection can become complicated even with treatment. Cracks and peeling develop until the skin becomes very tight and thick.
If measures are not taken, then the infection passes to the nail plates, which contributes to their rejection and fall.
Vesicular infection
A less common type of fungal infection of the feet. It usually begins with the fact that under the skin of the legs suddenly appear areas filled with liquid contents, resembling blisters. Blisters most often develop on the back of the foot, although they can also appear between the toes or in the heel area, as well as on the sole of the foot.
This type of disease can develop after the primary infection. In addition, the secondary infection can affect both the same areas as the primary one (the skin of the legs) and other parts of the body. The skin in these cases, as a rule, begins to peel.
moccasin-like mushroom
This fungus starts with pain in the foot. Then, during the course of the disease, the skin of the sole gradually thickens and then begins to crack.
Fungal diseases in this form often affect the nails, which subsequently thicken, begin to crumble or even fall out completely.
Manifestation of symptoms and type of fungus
The manifestations of toenail fungus symptoms depend on the type, as well as the degree and depth of the fungal infection.
Symptoms of nail fungus include the following manifestations:
- the nail polish looks cloudy, loses its shine;
- the color of the nail changes from yellow to black;
- the surface looks rough, and the nail itself begins to crumble;
- the nail is pathologically thickened or, on the contrary, thinned to an extreme degree;
- there is a painful distortion of the nail plate;
- the cuticle around the diseased nail is either unaffected by the fungus or appears slightly inflamed.
With fungal diseases, it becomes very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to cut the nails without prior preparation, because they are too thick. If the thickened nail presses on the skin underneath, pain may occur.
Fungal infection is a very complex disease, it is not easy to eliminate, especially if the disease is in progress. Therefore, if you notice that "something" is happening, you should immediately consult a doctor, since only the initial stages of this disease are treated more easily and quickly.
See a doctor urgently!
If you notice signs of foot fungus in yourself, don't expect everything to go away on its own. The longer you have foot fungus, the harder it is to treat and the worse it is for the whole body. Prolonged mycosis can cause weakening of immunity, allergic reactions and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Therefore, at the first suspicions, contact a dermatologist or mycologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, determine the extent of the disease, the structure of the affected skin or nail, and make tissue scrapings for analysis. Thus, the doctor will determine the presence of a fungal infection of the legs, its type and prescribe appropriate treatment, tablets, syrups or injections (in the most difficult cases).
So if your feet hurt a lot, maybe an old fungus has resurfaced, seek medical attention immediately. It is very important to start treating the fungus immediately to recover from a nasty disease yourself and to protect others.
Initial stage of nail fungus
Onychomycosis is a common pathology in which pathogenic microorganisms multiply in the depths of the nails and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate is gradually deformed. The initial stage of nail fungus can be effectively treated.
If the recommendations are followed, patients recover within a few months. Additional preventative measures will help keep your nails healthy.
How is the initial stage
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease look the same on both hands and feet. Initially, the nail plate changes color. From pink, it becomes yellowish and matte, sometimes passing into a grayish color. It is possible to change the structure of the plate - tubercles or other bumps appear on it.
In the future, longitudinal stripes, yellow spots or spots are noticed on the nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, while at the same time becoming brittle. The skin next to the nail also suffers from fungus, becomes inflamed and reddened. Most often, the spore infection appears on the feet, first of all, onychomycosis develops on the big toe (but there are exceptions).
In the initial stage of the disease, the fungus affects only one side of the nail plate. There are the following types of lesions:
- distal form - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- side view - the sponge is located on the side of the plate;
- surface lesion - the surface of the plate suffers;
- proximal form - the nail roll is affected.
In the photo you can see the appearance of the nails, in the initial stage of onychomycosis.
How is the treatment going?
If you suspect onychomycosis, you should seek help from a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nails, if necessary, take a scraping for the presence of mycelial fungi. After making the diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Local therapy is aimed at eliminating inflammation, restoring blood supply to the diseased nail. Preparations can be in the form of varnishes, sprays, lotions. They are applied to the affected nail plates, to the skin around them.
The most famous antifungal agents:
- varnishes. Apply several times a week. The active substances penetrate deep into the nail. They are among the most powerful antifungal agents;
- cream. Intended for the treatment of skin and periungual edges. Healthy nails are treated to prevent the penetration of the fungus;
- drops. Medicines are applied to sick nails. 1 - 2 drops;
- the lotion kills the fungus on the surface layers of the nail.
Sprays are used as a convenient prophylactic against onychomycosis. They treat the soles of the feet, toes and shoes.
In addition to local treatment, doctors conduct systemic therapy. The patient takes antifungal tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help to quickly deal with the pathology.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - impact on microorganisms by means of laser beams. In the initial stages of the disease, it is enough for the patient to undergo only three to four procedures. The method not only kills pathogenic fungi, but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone therapy - an injection of ozone is injected into the skin near the affected nail plates. The cells are saturated with ozone, resisting infections. Immunity increases in the body. But this procedure is effective only in the initial stages of the disease.
Both methods only supplement traditional treatment in the initial stage. They are prescribed along with pills and topical treatment.
How traditional medicine can help
To cure the fungus in the early stages, the advice of traditional healers will help. Their advantage is that they use natural products without chemical additives.
The main methods of treatment include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute it in equal proportions with warm water. Take a bath, take it for 15 minutes. Do the procedure every day until all symptoms disappear. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for treating toenail fungus.
- In the first stages of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively suppresses the fungus. Soak your fingers in water with the addition of soda (a tablespoon per two liters of hot water). Soak cotton swabs in peroxide, place them on the affected nails and fix with a band-aid. Wear the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps in healing. This antiseptic is used as an additional medicine in all degrees of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract into the affected nail plates, do not wash off the oil. Carry out therapy for 2 weeks until complete healing. But this method is not suitable for children and women in an interesting position.
- Soda baths help fight fungus. Dilute a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or grated laundry soap) in two liters of hot water. Dip your hands or feet in the solution. Keep them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medicines or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of nail plates with iodine helps to get rid of onychomycosis. Every day lubricate the nail with iodine solution. You can make antiseptic baths - add a bottle of iodine to three liters of water, keep your feet or hands in it for 10 minutes.
After baths and other folk remedies, nails, fingers and the skin between the fingers should be thoroughly dried. Then put on the socks.
What are the complications
If the problem is neglected, the fungus will not disappear by itself, microorganisms will constantly multiply.
This is fraught with consequences:
- complete deformation of the nail plate;
- the disease becomes chronic;
- the infection will spread to healthy nail plates;
- the immune system will decrease, a favorable environment will be created for the development of other viral or bacterial infections.
Prevention rules
Treatment of onychomycosis is long-term and requires financial investment. Preventive measures will help you protect yourself from the fungus, although they cannot be called a panacea for the disease.
They include:
- don't wear other people's things or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with antifungal drugs;
- use only personal hygiene products - towels, scissors, nail files;
- in public places (saunas, baths or pools) walk only in rubber shoes;
- don't try on new shoes in a store or market with bare feet, wear socks.
Relapse is common. It is observed in 6 - 8% of cases out of the number of recoveries.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases affect people regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in the early stages and does not attach importance to the changes in the nails. Treatment in the initial stage of the disease is easy, new and healthy ones grow in place of the affected nails.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, a comprehensive course of treatment with antimycotic drugs is carried out. In the initial stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines, folk recipes can be used.