Absolutely everyone can become infected with a fungus on the skin of the legs, and those who often visit the sauna, gym, swimming pool and similar places where the disease develops quickly are especially at risk.Not everyone knows how to get rid of foot fungus, even in the early stages, when it is easier to eliminate the disease.
Fungal infection: how it can happen
It is simple and difficult to become infected with a fungus at the same time, since its transmission occurs from an infected person to a healthy person, however, if the immune system functions normally, this reduces the likelihood of infection many times over.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 frequently;
- Reduced immunity;
- Use of antibiotics;
- Damage of various types to the foot (e.g. calluses, wounds).
To protect yourself from nail and foot fungus, you must minimize the possibility of acquiring this infection.It is important not to forget in which places and under what circumstances the risk of infection arises.Keep in mind that nail fungus is an infectious pathology that can only be acquired 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 through relatives.The fungus spreads through household items: hygiene products, floor coverings, slippers, socks.To protect yourself from infections, you should only use your personal belongings and avoid walking around the apartment barefoot.
- There are many situations when fungal infection occurs in places where people relax en masse, without shoes.These places include: beaches, baths, wrestling sections (sometimes training is done barefoot).Don't forget, fungal spores are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and can remain on the ground for a long period of time, after which they end up on your feet.
- There are much fewer situations when infection occurs due to recently purchased socks or shoes.The fungus can take root even in the factory where these items were produced, but there is a high probability of contracting this infection when trying on these items.Think about it: 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 won't be so difficult to get rid of it.However, the issue is that nail fungus does not develop quickly on the feet, meaning it is difficult to detect.Only those who pay special attention to foot health and have some experience can clearly notice this in the early stages of its spread.
Initially, the nail receives almost imperceptible spots or stripes;they vary a little in color, but almost no one pays attention to it.There is no discomfort or other symptoms.At this stage, it is best to opt for traditional methods of combating fungal infections, rather than using medications.
As the disease spreads, 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 a little and becomes loose, sometimes cracking.At this stage, it is still possible to treat the infection at home.However, the more evident the symptoms of the fungus, the greater the likelihood of needing to consult a specialist.Next, the skin begins to turn red, its color changes, and the nail plate becomes so thick that it is simply impossible not to notice it.
When should you start treating fungus?
How to get rid of foot fungus?Treatment of a fungal infection takes a long time, and the results in case of late initiation of adequate therapy include both the presence of discomfort, as an aesthetic problem, and the continued impact of the infection on the body as a whole.
It is important to promptly identify an infection that presents the following signs:
- The feet itch, sometimes there is a burning sensation;
- Feet start to smell bad;
- Feet become dry and the skin flakes.
If such symptoms are noticed, it is necessary to urgently consult a dermatologist, who will prescribe some tests and make the correct diagnosis.After a complete examination, the doctor will advise you on how to eliminate the fungal infection as quickly as possible.
Yeast Infection: How to Completely Recover
Treatment of the disease with medication usually involves the use of antifungal medications, 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 combating fungal infections when taken orally have a large number of adverse reactions and contraindications for use, which is why their use must be monitored by a doctor.
Systemic therapy is combined with local treatment of a fungal disease and includes the use of various means, for example: solutions, gels, creams, ointments and so on.
Only with a low degree of skin damage due to fungus or if there is a contraindication to the use of any medication, treatment consists exclusively of the use of products for external use.
During treatment for a fungal infection on the feet, it is necessary to throw away all items that were in use before starting treatment and that could carry the fungus in the trash: foot brushes, bathroom rugs, pantyhose, socks and even your favorite sneakers.There is another option to properly disinfect these items using chlorine-containing compounds.To avoid “sharing” your problem with your family, use only personal hygiene items.
Therapeutic varnishes as a remedy for fungus
If a fungal infection has just been identified and its stage is not the most critical, treatment can only consist of using special varnishes.
Initially, this composition causes the nail plate affected by the infection to soften and, from then on, by influencing the fungal spores, it begins to eliminate them.
The main requirement when treating the nail plate with varnish is that you strictly follow the instructions, as they specify the nuances of using this product.
In most cases, they are as follows:
- Before using medicinal varnish, all peeling layers must be removed from the nail.To do this, you can use a special file - it comes with the varnish.
- 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 and comfortable shoes;
- Wash your feet daily;
- Pay due attention to the condition of your nails and the skin on your feet;
- When you are in public places, do not go barefoot.
As you may have noticed, it is better to prevent the appearance of a fungal infection or start treating it on time than to neglect it, because then the situation will only become more complicated and the treatment itself will take much longer.
Do you still think it's difficult to get rid of the fungus 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.
Under no circumstances should the disease be started!