Absolutely any person can become infected with a skin fungus on the legs, especially those who often go to the sauna, gym, swimming pool and similar places where this disease develops quickly are at risk.Not everyone knows how to get rid of athlete's foot, even in the initial stages, when the disease is easiest to get rid of.
Fungal infection: how it can happen
It is easy and difficult to become infected with a fungus at the same time, as transmission occurs from an infected person to a healthy person.However, when the immune system functions normally, the likelihood of infection is reduced several times.The following factors increase the likelihood of infection:
- stressful situations;
- wearing wet shoes that are not completely dry;
- If your feet sweat a lot and often;
- Reduced immunity;
- use of antibiotics;
- Damage to the foot of various kinds (e.g. calluses, wounds).
To protect yourself from nail and athlete's foot, you should minimize the risk of contracting this infection.It is important not to forget in which places and under what circumstances there is a risk of infection.Remember that nail fungus is an infectious disease that can only be transmitted by a person who has already suffered from it.The most common infection variants include the following:
- The people you live with.In most cases, infection occurs through relatives.The fungus spreads through household items: hygiene items, floor coverings, slippers, socks.To protect yourself from infection, you should only use your personal belongings and avoid moving around the apartment barefoot.
- There are many situations when a fungal infection occurs in places where people en masse relax without shoes.These places include: beaches, baths, wrestling sections (sometimes training is carried out barefoot).Do not forget that fungal spores are very resistant to temperature changes and can remain on the ground for a long period of time before getting to your feet.
- There are much fewer situations when infection occurs through socks or shoes purchased not so long ago.The fungus can settle on them even in the factory where these items were manufactured, but there is a high chance of contracting this infection while 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 if a fungal infection is suspected
Many people have a desire to recognize an infection when it is not so difficult to get rid of it.However, the point is that nail fungus on the feet does not develop quickly, so it is difficult to detect.Only those who pay particular attention to the health of their feet and have a certain amount of experience can clearly recognize the first stages of spread.
The nail initially has barely noticeable spots or stripes;They vary quite a bit in color, but almost no one pays attention to it.There are no complaints or other symptoms.At this stage, it is best to opt for traditional methods of fighting fungal infections instead of using medications.
As the disease continues to spread, the spots that appeared before take on a different color and their size only increases.Discomfort appears and the skin around the nail plate begins to itch.The nail plate becomes a little thicker and loosens, sometimes it breaks.At this stage it is still possible to treat the infection at home.However, the more pronounced the symptoms of the fungus, the greater the likelihood that a visit to a specialist will be necessary.Next, the skin begins to turn red, its color changes, and the nail plate becomes so thick that you simply cannot miss it.
When should fungal treatment begin?
How to get rid of athlete's foot?Treatment of a fungal infection takes a lot of time and the consequences in case of untimely initiation of appropriate therapy are both the presence of discomfort, an aesthetic problem, and the persistent effects of the infection on the entire body.
It is important to recognize in time an infection that has the following signs:
- Feet itch, sometimes there is a burning sensation;
- Feet start to smell bad;
- The feet become dry and the skin peels off.
If such symptoms are detected, it is urgent to consult a dermatologist who will prescribe certain tests and make the correct diagnosis.After a comprehensive examination, the doctor will advise you on how to get rid of the fungal infection as quickly as possible.
Fungal Infection: How to Recover Fully
Drug treatment of the disease usually includes the use of antifungal drugs, which include the following substances:
- ketaconazole;
- griseofulvin;
- terbinafine;
- Fluconazole.
The course of therapy is quite long, reaching 6 months in very advanced situations.Medicines whose action is aimed at combating fungal infections have a large number of side effects and contraindications when taken orally.For this reason, their use should be supervised 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, etc.
Only in the case of minor skin damage caused by fungi or if there are contraindications to taking medication, treatment consists exclusively in the use of products for external use.
During the treatment of a fungal infection of the feet, it is necessary to throw into the trash all items that were used before the start of treatment and may be carriers of the fungus: foot brushes, carpets in the bathroom, tights, socks and even your favorite sneakers.There is another way to properly disinfect these items using chlorine-containing compounds.In order not to “share” your problem with your household, use only personal hygiene items.
Therapeutic varnishes as remedies against fungi
If a fungal infection has just been detected and its stage is not the most critical, treatment can only consist in the use of special varnishes.
This composition first causes softening of the nail plate affected by the infection, and then, affecting the fungal spores, begins to eliminate them.
The most important condition when treating the nail plate with varnish is strict adherence to the instructions, as they determine the nuances of using this product.
In most cases these are the following:
- Before using the medical varnish, you should remove all peeling layers from the nail.You can use a special file for this purpose - it is included with the paint.
- Next, you need to disinfect the surface.To do this, use a solution of alcohol and water.
- Only after all the procedures described above can you apply varnish to the infected nail.
Fungus on the feet: preventive measures
Here are some fungus prevention tips:
- You should only buy high-quality and comfortable shoes;
- Wash your feet daily;
- Pay careful attention to the condition of your nails and the skin of your feet.
- Do not go barefoot in public places.
As you may have noticed, it is better to prevent the occurrence of a fungal infection or start treatment 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 that it is difficult to get rid of the fungus quickly?
An advanced stage of the disease can have irreversible consequences such as gangrene or blood poisoning.Often the life of a person in advanced stages can only be saved by amputating a limb.
In no case should the disease be started!