Our article will tell the whole truth about foot fungus.
You know:
- Currently more than 1. 5 million fungi and 69, 000 species are known. More than 500 of them are pathogenic for humans;
- Paleontological excavations show that fungi probably existed in the Precambrian period, that is, somewhere a billion to hundreds of millions of years ago;
- According to the researchers, a fifth of the world's population is affected by fungal diseases;
- immunity to the fungus does not develop: we get sick as many times as we get it;
- the fungus is extremely resistant. A curious fact is known: the scientists took a pair of slippers from a patient with a fungus and placed them in a storage room. And after 20 years, the spores of the fungus remained completely unharmed.
What are foot fungus?
The foot fungus (mycosis of the feet) is the most common skin disease that can be easily contracted in public places: in saunas, showers, gyms and gyms, on the beach, in the swimming pool. Also, yeast infection often runs in the family: through shared shoes, less often through other household items.
Some simple steps to prevent foot fungus:
- do not go barefoot in public places: in the pool, in the sauna, on the beach;
- use only a personal towel, your own scissors and a comb;
- do not wear someone else's shoes;
- change stockings and socks every day;
- After washing, dry your feet, especially between the toes;
- treat dystrophic altered nails (they are more susceptible to the introduction of infectious agents), avoid microtrauma and callus, which serve as "entry gates" for infection;
- Avoid excessively dry or wet feet and, in case of excessive sweating and diaper rash, use a special cream or powder / talcum powder.
What are the signs of foot fungus?
Some infected people do not show any signs of the fungus. Others think that they only have dry skin on their feet, since the fungus manifests itself only by peeling of the skin. Most often, the symptoms of the fungus are reduced to itching and burning. The skin flakes, sometimes it can even crack, causing pain and blood. And very rarely bubbles appear. Symptoms can appear not only between the toes and on the soles of one or both feet, but also on the bottom of the toes, on the lateral surfaces of the foot, and even on the arch.
There are three types of foot fungus:
- plantar form (squamous hyperkeratosis), in which plants are affected;
- interdigital (intertriginous) form, in which the skin between the fingers is damaged;
- The dyshidrotic form is the rarest, in which itchy blisters and inflammation appear on the skin.
The discomfort associated with fungal symptoms significantly affects quality of life, so getting rid of the itchiness, redness, and burning is a priority.
The main factors that contribute to the development of the disease:
- weakened immunity (at risk: young children and the elderly);
- vascular diseases, varicose veins, scratches and wounds, frostbite of the limbs;
- taking certain medications: various groups of antibiotics, cortisone medications, certain contraceptives.
Are foot fungus contagious?
Foot fungus is caused by an infectious agent called a fungus, making it potentially infectious. However, for unknown reasons, some people do not develop the fungus when they come into contact with contaminated objects.
How are foot fungus treated?
It is important to notice the appearance of the fungus in time. In no case should you bear the symptoms: you need to choose the appropriate treatment, and also observe hygiene.
There are two parts to treating a fungus. First of all, you need to create conditions in which the fungus is less convenient to grow. This means keeping your feet clean and dry.
The shoes, which are made of water-repellent materials, wet the feet and create the best conditions for fungus growth. To avoid this, wear cotton socks that absorb excess moisture.
Remember that the use of traditional medicine and self-medication can only aggravate the situation and provoke a relapse.
The second component of treatment is the use of antifungal agents. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your choice of medicine. Treatment should generally be continued for 2-4 weeks. In no case should treatment be interrupted after the symptoms have disappeared.
In the pharmacy, you will find a large number of antifungal ointments and creams. The most effective use of two-component drugs, consisting of two drugs: clotrimazole (a highly effective agent that destroys various fungi) and beclomethasone. You can learn more about the treatment here. Treatment of yeast infections takes at least 2 weeks, but elimination of symptoms such as itching, redness, and burning occurs within the first day.
In more severe cases or if the infection persists, antifungal pills may be needed. Before you start taking these pills, you will need a blood test to assess the condition of your liver.
If the infection has spread to the nails, they must also be treated, otherwise they may become a new source of infection. The presence of nail fungus can extend the required treatment period up to 3-4 months after taking the pills.
How to treat foot fungus during pregnancy?
Pregnant women can use clotrimazole cream twice a day for 2-3 weeks to treat foot fungus. Antifungal pills are not recommended due to the possible effect on the fetus. Be sure to check with your OB-GYN before using any medications during pregnancy.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding, or if the infection does not respond to conventional medications, see your doctor. If there is a bacterial infection, you may need to take pills. Also see your doctor if you have nail fungus, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
What are the possible complications of foot fungus?
If left untreated, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body or to other people, including family members. The infection can occur on the feet, fingernails, toenails, hands, or, less commonly, elsewhere. This will lead to a long and debilitating treatment.
The risk factors are:
- advanced age;
- diseases that weaken the immune system;
- people with diabetes.
What doctor can help cure foot fungus?
Skin diseases are treated by a dermatovenerologist. Alternatively, you can consult your family doctor, general practitioner, pediatrician, and mycologist.