Even an avid mushroom picker will not be happy to find a mushroom on his feet. This is understandable: often the disease disfigures feet and nails without causing any discomfort, and going to the beach or simply wearing open shoes becomes a forbidden fruit.
And if itching and pain occurs when walking becomes difficult, it's no joke at all. In addition, when actively multiplying, mushrooms release toxic substances into the blood, which have a harmful effect on human health and can cause severe allergic reactions, including Quincke's edema.
Therefore, mycosis (that's what this disease is called) needs to be treated, preferably in the early stages, before microscopic fungi turn your feet into "real estate. "
Mycelium on legs: how to recognize it?
The disease affects both the skin of the feet and nails. Depending on the type of fungus that has affected your feet, symptoms may vary:
- Redness appears on the skin of the foot, which then increases in size and begins to peel and flake. Usually the disease develops in one leg, but if left untreated, it spreads to the other leg.
- Small blisters, 2 to 8 millimeters in diameter, form on the arch of the foot, gradually increasing in size, merging and eventually bursting, causing erosion. The affected skin itches and the fungus can spread to the bottom or top of the foot. Sometimes the fungal infection is accompanied by a bacterial infection, then the bladder contents become purulent and the patient complains of severe pain and general discomfort.
- The fungus "settles" between the toes, which leads to the formation of painful cracks that become larger over time. The patient finds it difficult to step on the foot and feels severe pain. Erosions, ulcers and swelling may occur. In advanced cases, the patient's body temperature rises and the condition worsens.
- The fungus attacks the nails, causing them to deform, thicken or thin, become brittle, discolored, and grow into the skin. If mycosis is not treated for a long time, your nails may not be able to return to their original appearance, depriving you of the opportunity to flaunt a pedicure for the rest of your life.
Often several types of fungus can be found on the foot at the same time, so that the symptoms of the disease are combined.
What to do about mushrooms? And what shouldn't you do?
Usually, when a person feels itching or sees redness on the skin, he himself understands that he has contracted mycosis. But not everyone makes the right decision and consults a doctor. To date, attempts are being made to treat the fungus with folk remedies, but it is very likely that this will not only bring little benefit, but even cause harm.
What will the doctor do? He will determine what type of fungus has affected you and prescribe you appropriate medication for this case. If you try to cope with misfortune at home according to your grandmother's recommendation, you can easily waste precious time and put your feet in a sad state.
Mycosis is also dangerous because it can accompany a person for many years, periodically resolving and giving rise to false hopes that the feet have gotten rid of the fungus. However, after a while the disease shows its character again, the body continues to be infected with waste products of fungi and the legs become more and more uncomfortable.
How can you become infected with a fungus?
This disease is transmitted from person to person.
Most susceptible to mycosis:
- people with reduced immunity;
- People with damaged areas of the skin of the feet (after an unsuccessful pedicure, injuries or excessive strain 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 of these factors provide a suitable environment for fungal development.
How does mycosis "attack" a person?
- Through soil or floor coverings through which a person with fungi has passed. Therefore, you should not walk barefoot in unfamiliar places or even at home. Beach sand or pebbles warmed by the sun are practically harmless, and sea water is an excellent means of preventing mycoses.
- Swimming pools, saunas, showers in public places and hotels are very dangerous in terms of infection. Don't forget to take special shoes with you.
- Don't wear shoes that already belonged to another owner: It doesn't matter if you buy them at a second-hand store or just want to try on a friend's shoes and judge how they look on you.
- Do not use other people's hygiene products - washcloths, towels, etc. Inspect disposable hotel slippers carefully to make sure you are getting a completely new pair.
Fungal spores can remain viable for several years. Therefore, you can never be sure that the surface you are walking on or another person's shoes are safe.
Not a fungus: we treat mycoses
Specialists at a professional clinic conduct a series of studies to identify the type of fungus that affected your feet and develop a method of treatment.
You will be offered medical treatment with modern antimycotics, but you must adhere to the dosage and duration of taking the prescribed medication. Do not interrupt the course if you feel that the mycosis has been defeated - it is likely that it has only receded for a while.
As an additional remedy, 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 disappear forever.
It is also necessary to take into account the risk of infection of mycoses. During treatment, you must protect your family and friends from infection. For that:
- Wash your feet with products recommended by your doctor. After the hygiene measures, clean the bathtub thoroughly.
- Walk around the house in closed slippers.
- Wash your clothes separately, treat your shoes with antifungal agents, and change your socks several times a day to prevent your feet from sweating.
- Ventilate the apartment daily and carry out wet cleaning.
- After treatment is complete, throw away the shoes, socks, towels, and washcloths that you used during your illness.
Prevention: and no mycosis!
Mycosis is an unpleasant disease that can be completely avoided. Just follow a few simple rules:
- Wash your feet thoroughly and regularly, but without excessive strain (so as not to damage the skin and nails);
- Shoes – only your own;
- Pedicure – exclusively with your own tools or in a salon that complies with all rules and regulations;
- Wet or sweaty feet are your enemy. Put on dry shoes immediately.
- Socks – only clean ones;
- Walking barefoot is forbidden everywhere except on the seashore;
- Monitor your health and compliance with your daily routine - the fungus is dangerous for a weakened body.
For those who care for their feet, even contact of fungal spores with the skin has no consequences: the "parasite" simply cannot develop in unsuitable conditions.
What to do if mycosis develops on your feet? Without wasting any time, make an appointment with a dermatologist in a professional clinic, and soon you will regain your former easy gait.