Even an avid mushroom picker will not be happy to find a mushroom at his feet. This is understandable: often, without causing discomfort, the disease disfigures the feet and nails, and going to the beach or simply wearing open shoes turns into forbidden fruit.
And if itching and painful sensations arise, if it is difficult to walk, it is no joke. In addition: when actively multiplying, mushrooms release toxic substances into the blood that have a harmful effect on human health and can cause severe allergic reactions, including Quincke's edema.
Therefore, mycosis (this is the name of this disease) must be treated, and it is better to do this at the initial stage, before microscopic fungi turn your feet into "real estate".
Mycelium on the feet: how to recognize it?
The disease affects both the skin of the feet and the nails. Depending on the type of fungus that attacked your feet, the symptoms may vary:
- The rash appears on the skin of the leg, which then rises to the surface and begins to peel and melt. Usually the disease develops in one leg, but if not treated, it spreads to the other.
- Small bubbles with a diameter of 2 to 8 millimeters appear on the arch of the foot, which gradually increase in size, merge together and eventually burst, leading to erosion. The affected skin itches and the fungus can spread to the bottom or top of the foot. Sometimes a bacterial infection is added to the fungal infection, and then the contents of the blisters become purulent, the patient complains of severe pain and general malaise.
- The fungus "settles" between the toes, which leads to the formation of painful cracks that increase in size over time. It is difficult for the patient to step on his leg, he feels severe pain. Erosion, ulcers and swelling may develop. In advanced cases, the patient's body temperature rises and the condition worsens.
- The fungus affects the nails, which leads to their deformation, thickening or thinning, fragility, discoloration and their growth on the skin. If mycosis is not treated for a long time, then your nails may not return to their original appearance, depriving you of the opportunity to display a pedicure for the rest of your life.
Often, several types of fungi can be found on the feet at the same time, and therefore the symptoms of the disease are combined.
What to do with mushrooms? And what not to do?
Usually, when a person feels itching or reddening of the skin, he himself understands that he is affected by mycosis. But not everyone makes the right decision and consults a doctor. To date, they are trying to treat the fungus with folk remedies, but it is very likely that this will not only have little benefit, but also cause harm.
What will the doctor do? He will determine what type of mold has affected you and prescribe appropriate medications for this case. Trying to cope with the disaster at home according to the recommendation of your grandmother, you can easily lose precious time and lead your feet to a sad state.
Mycosis is also dangerous because it can accompany a person for many years, sitting down periodically and giving rise to false hope that the feet have gotten rid of the fungus. However, after some time, the disease will show its character again, the body will continue to be infected with the remains of the fungus, and the feet will take on an increasingly unpleasant appearance.
How can you get infected with fungi?
This disease is transmitted from person to person.
More susceptible to mycosis:
- persons with reduced immunity;
- those with damaged areas of the skin of the feet (after an unsuccessful pedicure, injuries or excessive efforts during hygiene procedures);
- wearing wet socks or shoes (especially in hot weather or when wearing winter shoes in a warm room);
- not taking foot and nail hygiene seriously.
All these factors provide a suitable environment for the development of fungi.
How does mycosis "attack" a person?
- Through the soil or floor coverings that a person with the fungus has passed. Therefore, you should not walk barefoot in unfamiliar places and even at home. Beach sand or pebbles warmed by the sun are practically safe, and sea water is an excellent means of preventing ringworm.
- Swimming pools, saunas, showers in public places and hotels are very dangerous in terms of infection. Do not forget to take special shoes with you.
- Do not wear shoes that were previously owned by another owner: it does not matter if you want to buy them in a second-hand store or just try on a friend's shoes and evaluate how they look on you.
- Do not use other people's sanitary items - washcloths, towels, etc. Check the available hotel slippers carefully to make sure you get a brand new pair.
Fungal spores can remain viable for several years, and therefore you can never be sure that the surface you choose to walk on or someone else's shoes are safe.
No fungus: we treat mycosis
Specialists in a professional clinic will conduct a series of studies that will identify the type of fungus that has affected your feet and develop a course of treatment.
You will be offered drug treatment with modern antifungal drugs and you must follow the dose and duration of taking the prescribed drugs. Do not interrupt the course if it seems to you that mycosis has been defeated - it is likely that it has withdrawn only for a while.
As an additional medicine, the doctor will recommend an ointment or cream for external use. There are special varnishes for nail treatment. If you follow all the recommendations, the fungus will go away forever.
It is also necessary to consider the adhesion of mycoses. During treatment, you must protect your family and friends from infection. For this:
- Wash your feet using products recommended by your doctor. After hygienic procedures, thoroughly clean the bathtub.
- Walk around the house in closed slippers.
- Wash clothes separately, treat shoes with antifungal agents and change socks several times a day to prevent sweaty feet.
- Ventilate the apartment every day and do wet cleaning.
- After the treatment is over, throw away the shoes, socks, towels and napkins you used during the illness.
Prevention: and no mycoses!
Mycosis is an unpleasant disease that can be completely avoided. Just follow a number of simple rules:
- wash your feet thoroughly and regularly, but without excessive effort (so as not to damage the skin and nails);
- shoes - only yours;
- pedicure - exclusively with your own means or in a salon that complies with all regulations and rules;
- wet or sweaty feet are your enemy, change to dry shoes immediately;
- socks - only clean;
- walking barefoot is excluded everywhere, except for the seashore;
- Monitor your health and compliance with your daily routine - mushrooms are dangerous for a weakened body.
For those who take care of their feet, even the contact of fungal spores with the skin does not lead to any consequences: the "parasite" simply cannot develop in unsuitable conditions.
What should you do if ringworm develops on your feet? Without wasting time, make an appointment with a dermatologist at a professional clinic, and then very soon you will regain the former ease of walking.