Our article will tell the whole truth about foot fungus.
do you know:
- There are currently more than 1. 5 million species of mushrooms and 69, 000 species. More than 500 of them are pathogenic to humans;
- Paleontological excavations indicate that this fungus may have existed in the Precambrian period, which is somewhere one billion years ago;
- According to researchers, one-fifth of the world’s population is affected by fungal diseases;
- Immunity to fungi has not yet formed: we are sick as many times as we are infected;
- This fungus is very hardy. A strange fact is well known: Scientists took slippers from a patient with fungus and placed them in the storage room. After 20 years, the spores of the fungus were completely unharmed.
What is athlete's foot?
Foot fungus (foot fungal disease) is the most common skin disease and is easily infected in public places: in saunas, showers, gyms and gymnasiums, on the beach, in swimming pools. In addition, fungal infections often occur in families: through sharing shoes, and less often through other household items.
A few simple steps to prevent foot fungus:
- Do not go barefoot in public places: in the swimming pool, sauna, beach;
- Use only personal towels, your own scissors and comb;
- Don't wear other people's shoes;
- Change stockings and socks every day;
- After washing, dry your feet, especially between the toes;
- Treat malnourished nails (they are more susceptible to pathogens), avoid microtraumas and calluses, which are the "entrance" of infection;
- Avoid excessive dryness or dampness of the feet, if excessive sweating and diaper rash, please use a special cream or powder/talcum powder.
What are the symptoms of foot fungus?
Some infected people show no signs of fungus at all. Others think that they are just dry skin on their feet, because the fungus only manifests through peeling of the skin. In most cases, the symptoms of the fungus will be reduced to itching and burning. The skin peels off and sometimes even ruptures, causing pain and bleeding. And there are few bubbles. Symptoms not only appear between the toes and on the soles of one or both feet, but also appear on the lower toes, the sides of the feet, and even the arches of the feet.
There are three types of foot fungi:
- Plantar form (squamous hyperkeratosis) in which the sole is affected;
- Intertriginous form (intertriginous), in which the skin between the fingers is damaged;
- Hyperhidrosis is the rarest, with itchy blisters and inflammation on the skin.
The discomfort associated with fungal symptoms can significantly affect the quality of life, so getting rid of itching, redness and burning is a top priority.
The main factors leading to the development of the disease:
- Weakened immunity (at risk-young children and the elderly);
- Vascular diseases, varicose veins, scratches and wounds, frostbite of limbs;
- Taking certain drugs: various antibiotics, cortisone drugs, certain contraceptives.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Foot fungus is caused by an infectious agent called fungus, so it is potentially infectious. However, for unknown reasons, some people do not produce fungi when they touch contaminated objects.
How to treat foot fungus?
It is important to pay attention to the appearance of fungi in time. Under no circumstances should you tolerate these symptoms: you should choose the right treatment and pay attention to hygiene.
There are two parts to treating fungi. First, you should create the most inconvenient conditions for the growth of fungi. This means keeping your feet clean and dry.
Shoes made of waterproof materials can moisten the feet and create the best conditions for the growth of fungi. To avoid this, use cotton socks that absorb excess water.
Remember, the use of traditional medicine and self-medication will only aggravate the condition and lead to relapse.
The second component of treatment is the use of antifungal agents. Discuss your choice of medicine with your doctor or pharmacist. Generally, treatment should last for 2-4 weeks. Under no circumstances should treatment be stopped after symptoms disappear.
In the pharmacy, you will find a large number of antifungal ointments and creams. The most effective use of two-component drugs is composed of two drugs: clotrimazole (a highly effective agent that destroys various fungi) and beclomethasone. You can learn more about treatment here. Treatment of fungal infections takes at least 2 weeks, but symptoms such as itching, redness, and burning will disappear 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 need to have a blood test to assess the condition of your liver.
If the infection has spread to the nails, then they should also be treated, otherwise they will become a new source of infection. The presence of fungus on the nails can extend the required treatment time to 3-4 months after taking the tablets.
How to treat foot fungus during pregnancy?
Pregnant women can use clotrimazole cream twice a day for 2-3 weeks to treat foot fungus. Due to the possible effects on the fetus, antifungal drugs are not recommended. Before using any medication during pregnancy, be sure to consult your obstetrician and gynecologist.
When should I seek medical attention?
If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding, or if the infection does not respond to regular medications, see your doctor. If there is a bacterial infection, then you may need to take medication. If you have nail fungus, diabetes or a weakened immune system, please also see a doctor.
What are the possible complications of foot fungus?
If left untreated, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body or other people, including family members. The infection may occur on the feet, fingernails, toenails, hands, or other places that are less common. This will lead to long-term debilitating treatment.
The risk factors are:
- Advanced age
- Diseases that weaken the immune system;
- Diabetics.
Which doctor can help treat foot fungus?
Skin diseases are handled by a dermatologist. Or, you can see your family doctor, general practitioner, pediatrician, and mycologist.