Athlete's foot is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person. Athlete's foot is the most common type of fungus among adults. Both women and men and even children are sick with it.
Mycosis (fungus) is a skin disease caused by parasitic fungi. It can be easily acquired through contact with an infected person or through objects and things that have been touched by the patient. Fungi love warm, moist environments, so public places like saunas, baths, water parks, beaches and pools are considered potentially dangerous. British doctors call this disease "athlete's foot symptoms", because athletes use closed and non-breathable shoes, in which moisture accumulates.
Mycoses are very dangerous, despite the simplicity of the disease, they are difficult to cure and tend to relapse.
Get to know as early as possible
The treatment of mycosis is a rather long and complex process, so it is important to determine as early as possible what the fungus looks like on the feet, the reason for its appearance and start acting. Fungus usually appears first between the toes. Then, if not treated, the infection attacks the nail plate, which leads to the destruction of the nail. If the cause is an infection in the pedicure salon, the disease begins with the nail plate.
Often, after an infection, the fungus makes itself felt soon, and you immediately understand that "something" is wrong. But the manifestation of fungus on the feet can have a different character: hidden or pronounced. That is why it is necessary to know how the fungus on the feet starts, what it looks like and how to recognize it.
What are the early symptoms of toenail fungus?
After contact with the skin, the fungus on the feet goes through an incubation period (depending on a person's immunity, 3-14 days), during which time the disease is not apparent.
The first symptoms that should make you think about visiting a dermatologist may be:
- The skin on the legs looks red or covered with spots, itches, burns. This causes severe discomfort, you always want to scratch your feet. This sign of foot fungus is noted in 99% of cases of this disease.
- Thickening or roughness of the skin of the feet. Often these signs of toe fungus are overlooked because they look like calluses or corns.
- Foam with liquid on the affected skin area. If the patient brushes it, the infection can get into it, and then the blisters burst, fester and erosion, ulcers, abscesses appear on the skin.
- Cracks appear between the toes. Most often, the defeat of foot fungus begins in the space between the toes (between the first and second or fourth and fifth). Cracks can cause discomfort or pain.
- If timely treatment is not started, the skin of the feet becomes rough and looks like scales, while excessively dry skin of the feet is observed - a sure sign that you have fungus. Later, the affected skin area (toes, heels, feet) appears soft, covered with a whitish coating.
- Stinky feet.
- The skin of the legs looks pathologically shiny.
- Edema appears. This indicates that you have chronic fungus on your feet.
Interdigital infection
The onset of interdigital infection starts with the skin between the toes looking too pale, soft and wet, and may present with symptoms such as burning skin and a bad foot odor. If the infection is not treated, then the bacterial infection is added to the fungal infection. And this, in turn, leads to the appearance of foot odor.
Interdigital infections can be complicated even with treatment. Cracks and peeling develop until the skin becomes very dense and thick.
If no measures are taken, then the infection moves to the nail plate, which contributes to rejection and fall.
Vesicular infection
A less common type of fungal infection of the feet. It usually begins with the fact that under the skin of the feet suddenly appears an area filled with liquid content, resembling a blister. Most often, blisters develop on the back of the feet, although they can also appear between the toes or in the heel area, as well as on the soles of the feet.
This type of disease can develop after the primary infection. In addition, secondary infections can affect both the same area as the primary one (on the skin of the feet) and other parts of the body. The integument in this case, as a rule, begins to be grasped.
moccasin-like fungi
This fungus begins with the manifestation of pain in the legs. Then, during the course of the disease, the skin on the sole gradually thickens, and then begins to crack.
Fungal diseases in this form often affect the nails, which then thicken, begin to crumble, or even fall off altogether.
Manifestation of symptoms and types of fungi
Manifestations of toenail fungus symptoms depend on the type, as well as the level and depth of the fungal infection.
Symptoms of nail fungus include the following manifestations:
- nails look cloudy, lose their shine;
- nail color changes from yellow to black;
- the surface looks rough, and the nail itself begins to crumble;
- nails are pathologically thickened or, on the contrary, thinned to an extreme degree;
- there is a painful curvature of the nail plate;
- the cuticle around the diseased nail is either unaffected by the fungus, or appears slightly inflamed.
With fungal diseases, it becomes very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to trim the nails without prior preparation, because they are too thick. If the thickened nail presses on the skin underneath, pain may occur.
Fungal infection is a very complex disease, it is not easy to get rid of it, especially if the disease is ongoing. Therefore, if you notice that "something" is happening, you should immediately see a doctor, because only the early stages of the disease are easier and faster to treat.
Immediately to the doctor!
If you see signs of athlete's foot in you, don't expect everything to go away on its own. The longer you have fungus on your feet, the harder it is to cure and the worse it is for the rest of the body. Prolonged mycosis can cause weakened immunity, allergic reactions and exacerbation of chronic diseases. That is why at the first suspicion, contact a dermatologist or mycologist. The doctor will conduct an examination, determine the extent of the disease, the affected skin or nail structure, and make a tissue scraping for analysis. Therefore, the doctor will determine the presence of a fungal infection on the foot, its type and prescribe the appropriate treatment, tablets, syrup or injection (in the most difficult cases).
Therefore, if you have very painful feet, maybe the old fungus has resumed, immediately seek medical help. It is very important to start treating the fungus immediately to recover from the unpleasant disease and to protect others.
Early stages of nail fungus
Onychomycosis is a common pathology in which pathogenic microorganisms multiply in the depth of the nail and adjacent tissues. As a result, the nail plate gradually changes shape. Early stages of nail fungus can be treated effectively.
Subject to recommendations, the patient recovers within a few months. Further preventive measures will help keep your nails healthy.
How is the initial stage
Symptoms in the early stages of the disease appear the same in both arms and legs. At first, the nail plate changes shade. From pink, it becomes yellowish and dull, sometimes turning to gray. It is possible to change the structure of the plate - tubercles or other bulges appear on it.
In the future, longitudinal stripes, yellow spots or stains appear on the nails. The plate begins to expand and thicken, at the same time it becomes brittle. The skin next to the nail also suffers from fungus, becoming inflamed and red. Most often, spore infections occur on the feet, first of all, onychomycosis develops on the big toe (but there are exceptions).
In the early stages of the disease, the fungus affects only one side of the nail plate. There are the following types of lesions:
- distal form - the upper part of the nail is affected;
- side view - the fungus is located on the side of the plate;
- shallow wounds - the surface of the plate suffers;
- proximal form - affected periungual roller.
In the photo you can see what the nails look like, in the early stages of onychomycosis.
How is the treatment
If you suspect onychomycosis, you should seek help from a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the nail, if necessary, take a scraping for the presence of mycelial fungus. After making a diagnosis, the doctor will tell you how to treat the disease.
Local therapy aims to eliminate inflammation, restore blood supply to the diseased nail. Preparation can be in the form of varnish, spray, lotion. They are used on the affected nail plate, on the skin around it.
The most famous antifungal agents:
- varnish. They are used several times a week. Active ingredients penetrate deep into the nail. They are among the most powerful anti-fungal agents;
- cream. Designed for the treatment of periungual skin and ridges. They are treated with healthy nails to protect them from fungal penetration;
- drip. Medicines are used on diseased nails. 1 - 2 drops;
- The lotion kills the fungus on the surface layer of the nail.
The spray is used as a simple prophylaxis against onychomycosis. They process soles, fingers and shoes.
In addition to local treatment, doctors conduct systemic therapy. The patient is taking antimycotic tablets or capsules. They kill the infection and help to quickly overcome the pathology.
Other treatments
- Laser therapy - effect on microorganisms by laser beam. In the early stages of the disease, it is enough for the patient to undergo only three to four procedures. This method not only kills pathogenic fungi, but also improves blood circulation.
- Ozone therapy - an injection of ozone is injected into the skin near the affected nail plate. Cells saturated with ozone, resistant to infection. Immunity increases in the body. But this procedure is effective only in the early stages of the disease.
Both methods only complement traditional treatment in the early stages. They are prescribed along with pills and topical treatments.
How traditional medicine can help
To cure the fungus in the early stages will help the advice of traditional medicine practitioners. Their advantage is that natural products are used, without chemical additives.
The main methods of treatment include:
- Apple cider vinegar - dilute in equal proportions with warm water. Shower, take for 15 minutes. Do the procedure every day until all symptoms disappear. But apple cider vinegar is only suitable for treating toenail fungus.
- In the first stage of onychomycosis, ordinary hydrogen peroxide actively suppresses the fungus. Soak your fingers in water with the addition of soda (one tablespoon per two liters of hot water). Soak a cotton pad in peroxide, place it on the affected nail and secure with a band-aid. Apply the compress for at least 40 minutes.
- Tea tree essential oil helps in the treatment. This antiseptic is used as an additional medicine at all stages of the disease. Rub a few drops of the extract into the affected nail plate, do not wash off the oil. Carry out therapy from 2 weeks until complete recovery. But this method is not suitable for children and women in attractive positions.
- Bath soda helps in the fight against fungus. Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of liquid soap (or dish soap) in two liters of hot water. Dip your hands or feet in the solution. Keep them for 15-20 minutes. Then treat your nails with medicines or antiseptics.
- Regular treatment of the nail plate with iodine helps to get rid of onychomycosis. Every day, lubricate the nails with iodine solution. You can make an antiseptic bath - add a bottle of iodine to three liters of water, keep your feet or hands in it for 10 minutes.
After bathing and other folk remedies, nails, fingers, and the skin between the fingers should be thoroughly dried. Then put on your socks.
What are the complications?
If the problem is ignored, the fungus will not disappear by itself, microorganisms will constantly multiply.
This is fraught with consequences:
- complete deformation of the nail plate;
- the disease becomes chronic;
- the infection will spread to a healthy nail plate;
- the immune system will decrease, a good environment will be created for the development of viral or other bacterial infections.
Preventive rules
Onychomycosis treatment is long and requires financial investment. Preventive measures will help protect yourself from fungus, although they cannot be called a cure for this disease.
This includes:
- don't wear other people's clothes or shoes. As a last resort, treat them with an antifungal medication;
- use only personal hygiene products - towels, scissors, nail file;
- in public places (sauna, bath or swimming pool) walking only with rubber shoes;
- don't try on new shoes in the store or market with bare feet, wear socks.
Relapse is a common occurrence. It is observed in 6 - 8% of cases out of the number of people who recover.
Conclusion
Fungal diseases affect people, regardless of age and gender. Not everyone knows what the fungus looks like in the early stages and does not care about the changes in the nails. Treatment in the early stages of the disease is simple, a new and healthy one grows in the place of the affected nail.
Therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist, in addition to local methods, a comprehensive course of treatment with antimycotic drugs is carried out. In the early stages of onychomycosis, along with traditional medicines, folk recipes can also be used.