Is the skin peeling off on your feet, and your nails have turned an ugly color? And fashionable nail polish doesn't save anymore? This is a fungus that requires immediate treatment.
The cause of this disease is dermatophytes and other types of yeast and mold fungi. The feet are the first to suffer. The skin between the fingers is peeling and itchy. Bubbles appear, which burst and turn into painful cracks. If urgent measures are not taken at this stage, the next target of damage will be the nail. It will begin to exfoliate, crumble, and change color. Many types of fungi synthesize toxic substances. If the disease is started, it will eventually lead to intoxication of the entire body.
You can get mycosis by trying on shoes at the store or stroking a stray cat. Also, fungi's favorite habitat is beaches, swimming pools, gyms, and saunas. Dermatophyte spores live in the sand or on the floor and easily stick to wet feet. Infection at home or at a party is possible – through carpets and household shoes.
Once on the skin, fungi instantly take root in the pores and begin to multiply. They prefer a warm and humid atmosphere. A weakened body also becomes a fertile environment for them. After all, in addition to pathogenic fungi that infect a healthy person, there are also conditionally pathogenic ones - they are activated only on the skin of people with poor immunity.
Heart failure, varicose veins, endocrine system disorders, diabetes mellitus, and obesity are diseases that double the risk of mycosis. Stress, smoking, overwork, alcohol abuse, prolonged use of antibiotics, poor nutrition and anemia can also trigger this disease.
Flat feet and excessively narrow shoes contribute to leg injuries. And any damage to the skin gives the fungus access to the inside of the body.
At a doctor's appointment
If you can't avoid infection, don't expect the fungus to disappear on its own. The sooner you see a dermatologist, the shorter the course of treatment will be. There are many types of fungal lesions. To prescribe the correct therapy, the doctor must perform a laboratory examination of the skin flakes.
Until recently, nail fungus was treated by removing a diseased nail. But a new nail often grew with the same lesions. Do not expect that you will be able to get rid of the infection with the help of one-time rubbing of the advertised gels. The treatment will be lengthy.
If the disease is not started, topical medications sometimes help: creams, lotions, aerosols, special antifungal varnishes. In case of serious ailments, pills are prescribed. They not only stop the development of mycosis, but also accumulate in the tissues, which reduces the duration of treatment. Such drugs are taken for 2-4 months. But keep in mind that they are not recommended for liver and kidney diseases. They should also not be taken by pregnant and lactating women. In addition, these medications have serious limitations in concomitant use with hormonal contraceptives.
And never again!
Do not forget that fungi are extremely resistant to external factors. They can tolerate heat and frost, and can survive the onslaught of disinfectants commonly used in public places.
In hot beach sand, dermatophytes persist for months. Therefore, on vacation, remember about prevention. Simple precautions will protect you from uninvited guests.:
- It is customary to take a shower in the pool and sauna. Don't take off your flip-flops for a minute. Make sure that no splashes from the floor get on your feet. Walk on the beach only in flip-flops.
- Do not use other people's pedicure and manicure supplies. If you have a fungus, do not treat both diseased and healthy nails with the same devices.
- Wear comfortable shoes that do not prevent air from reaching your feet.
- When visiting, avoid direct contact with slippers, bathroom mats, or floor coverings.
For prevention, treat the skin of the foot with antifungal drugs before going to the sauna or pool.
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