Our article will tell the whole truth about the fungus of the feet.
Do you know, that:
- more than 1. 5 million mushrooms and 69, 000 species are currently known. More than 500 of them are pathogenic to humans;
- Paleontological excavations show that the fungi probably existed in the Precambrian, about a billion hundred million years ago;
- According to researchers, one fifth of the world's population is affected by fungal diseases;
- Immunity to the fungus is not developed: we get sick as often as we become infected;
- the fungus is extremely hardy. A curious fact is known: scientists took off slippers from a patient with a fungus and put them in a storage room. And after 20 years, the spores of the fungus remained completely intact.
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot (mycosis of the foot) is the most common skin disease that can easily become infected in public places: in saunas, showers, gyms and gyms, on the beach, in swimming pools. Infection with a fungus often occurs in the family as well: through common shoes, less often through other household items.
A few simple steps to preventing athlete's foot:
- Do not go barefoot in public places: in the swimming 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 daily;
- After washing, wipe your feet dry, especially between your toes;
- treat dystrophic altered nails (they are more prone to the introduction of infectious agents), avoid microtraumas and calluses, which act as "entry gates" for infection;
- Avoid excessive dryness or moisture in the feet and use a special cream or powder / talcum powder for excessive sweating and diaper rash.
What are the signs of athlete's foot?
Some infected people show no signs of the fungus at all. Others claim that they only have dry skin on their feet as the fungus manifests itself only by peeling the skin. Most often, the symptoms of the fungus are reduced to itching and burning. The skin is flaky, sometimes even cracking, causing pain and bleeding. And very rarely do bubbles appear. Symptoms can appear not only between the toes and the sole of one or both feet, but also on the lower part of the toes, on the sides of the foot, and even on the arch of the foot.
There are three types of athlete's foot:
- plantar form (squamous cell hyperkeratosis), in which the soles of the feet are affected;
- interdigital form (intertriginous), in which the skin between the fingers is damaged;
- dyshidrotic form is the rarest form, in which itchy blisters and inflammation appear on the skin.
The discomfort associated with fungal symptoms significantly affects the quality of life, so eliminating itching, redness and burning sensation is a top 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 extremities;
- Use of certain medications: different groups of antibiotics, cortisone medication, certain contraceptives.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Athlete's foot is caused by an infectious agent called fungus, so it is potentially infectious. However, for reasons unknown, some people do not develop the fungus upon contact with contaminated objects.
How is athlete's foot treated?
It is important to notice the appearance of the fungus in a timely manner. In no case should you endure the symptoms: you should choose the right treatment, and also pay attention to hygiene.
Treating a fungus has two parts. First and foremost, you should create conditions in which the mushroom can least be cultivated. That means your feet stay clean and dry.
Shoes made of water-repellent materials make your feet wet and create the best conditions for fungal growth. To avoid this, use cotton socks that absorb excess moisture.
Remember that using traditional medicine and self-medication can only make the situation worse and cause a relapse.
The second component of treatment is the use of antifungal drugs. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medication choices. As a rule, treatment should be continued for 2-4 weeks. In no case should treatment be stopped after symptoms have resolved.
You can find a large amount of antifungal ointments and creams in the pharmacy. 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 find out more about the treatment here. Treatment for fungal infections lasts at least 2 weeks, but symptoms such as itching, redness, and burning sensation are eliminated within the first day.
In more severe cases, or if the infection persists, antifungal drugs 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, these should also be treated, otherwise they can become a new source of infection. The presence of fungus on the nails can extend the required duration of treatment up to 3-4 months after taking the pills.
How to treat athlete's foot during pregnancy
Pregnant women can use clotrimazole cream twice a day to treat athlete's foot for 2-3 weeks. Antifungal pills are not recommended due to the possible effect on the fetus. Be sure to check with your obstetrician / gynecologist before taking any medication during pregnancy.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding, or the infection does not respond to conventional medication, see your doctor. If there is a bacterial infection, you may need to take tablets. Also see your doctor if you have nail fungus, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
What are the possible complications of athlete's foot?
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 often, elsewhere. This will result in a long debilitating treatment.
Risk factors are:
- older age;
- Diseases that weaken the immune system;
- People with diabetes.
Which Doctor Can Help Cure Athlete's Foot?
Skin diseases are treated by a dermatovenerologist. Alternatively, you can visit your family doctor, family doctor, pediatrician, and mycologist.