Throughout our lives, we often encounter various diseases.Some of these are dangerous and require immediate treatment.And there are those that, it would seem, do not cause much harm to health, and with which we sometimes live for years without taking any measures to get rid of the disease.These diseases include foot skin fungus and toenail fungus.
In fact, they cannot be called deadly.However, they must be fought because, firstly, they slowly “undermine” the immune system and destroy the body's defense system, and secondly, they do not look aesthetically pleasing, which leads to whole complexes in the infected person.How do you recognize athlete's foot?Let's take a look at the main signs of athlete's foot.
Foot skin fungus: How it can manifest itself
The first signs of a fungus that has “fixed” on the feet can sometimes go unnoticed for a long time, especially if the person has a fairly strong immune system and the body tries to cope with the invading “foreigner” for a certain time on its own.Signs of athlete's foot include:
- skin redness, itching;
- blisters or blisters on the feet;
- Cracked heels that take a long time to heal.
Most often, the first symptoms are expressed as follows: the skin between the toes begins to itch, pimples appear and the skin turns red.The person experiences severe itching that worsens at night.No creams or baths with medicinal herbs will help cope with the problem.I'm worried about severe peeling of the skin.
Sometimes the fungus “attacks” from the heels.In this case, cracks in the heels cannot be cured with folk remedies or medicines.If you encounter this problem, you should know that these are signs of a fungal infection and not just the result of scratches or mild inflammation, for example after rubbing your feet with uncomfortable shoes.
Toenail fungus requires mandatory treatment.The carrier of the disease not only runs the risk of contracting an additional infection that can easily penetrate through damaged skin, but also becomes a carrier of the disease.It is not uncommon for symptoms of athlete's foot to be observed in literally all family members living together.
Signs of athlete's foot should not be ignored.However, it is not always possible to recognize the disease itself, especially when itching and other unpleasant phenomena are just beginning.Therefore, if you experience any suspicious symptoms, you should consult a dermatologist.He knows how to recognize athlete's foot and what methods you can use to combat it.
How to recognize it and what to do
So, we know the manifestations of athlete's foot and will now examine ourselves carefully, especially after frequent visits to swimming pools or saunas.
There is another type of disease that, unfortunately, does not immediately attract the attention of the victim.This is a nail fungus.
Sometimes athlete's foot spreads to the nail plate and the skin and nail need to be treated at the same time.However, it happens that a person only notices damage to the nail, while the skin remains clean.How does nail fungus develop?
As soon as you decide to take a foot bath, you may notice a slight change in the color of the nail plate.Most often, only one nail is initially affected - the one on the thumb.The nail looks yellowed and dull.Usually the color of the nail is pink, the plate is quite thin, but there is no increased fragility or brittleness.When the fungus “visits” you, the nail:
- turns yellow (usually at the edges);
- becomes significantly thicker;
- There are strange stains on the plate.
Carefully examine the neighboring fingers: are there similar changes there?How does the fungus initially appear?If there is no accompanying disease of the skin of the feet, it can remain only a cosmetic defect for a long time: there is no itching or pain, and there are no symptoms.In this case, the person does not pay attention to the symptoms and thinks that he simply damaged the nail, for example by wearing shoes that were too tight.How do you know if it is a fungus?
You will not be able to diagnose the disease yourself with 100 percent certainty.In addition, a doctor does not need a visual examination to make a diagnosis.If he suspects that the disease is fungal, he will refer the patient for tests.The nail plate is scraped - this is the only way to detect the presence of a pathogenic fungus.
Signs of athlete's foot are a gradual worsening of the situation: without treatment, the affected nail begins to change more and more.The yellowing affects ever larger areas.Then you might see:
- Inflammation of the skin near the nail;
- further color change - to greenish, gray, even black;
- increased fragility and brittleness.
Even if the nail becomes very thick and is difficult to cut with nail scissors, it will crumble.Small pieces can break off.
If you continue to act as if nothing is happening, the fungus can “migrate” to neighboring fingers.In addition, the appearance of sharp edges due to the periodic breaking off of pieces of nail leads to a complication called “ingrown nail”.The sharp edge cuts into the roll of skin on the side and gradually grows into it, causing pain when walking.The skin becomes red and inflamed.
Over time, toenails become thicker and discolored.A person experiences significant discomfort because he cannot go to the pool in the summer and wear open shoes.
How can you get infected?
If you notice suspicious signs in yourself, remember whether you have recently been to the sauna or bathhouse.The fungus “loves” a warm, moist environment – it can multiply very well there.
Maybe you tried on shoes in a store without “marks” or not so long ago a friend gave you her sandals, which she wore, but then bought new ones?Or do you often swap slippers with members of your household at home?
Any of these cases can cause an infection.A microscopic crack or wound is enough for fungal spores to penetrate the skin or nail.At the same time, the one who “gave” you the disease may not even suspect that he is its carrier: if he has a strong immune system, the fungus will not bother him.
If you think you have been infected with a fungus, the first thing you should do is see a dermatologist.You should not self-medicate: Firstly, there are different pathogens that are sensitive to different medications.Secondly, it may not be a fungus at all, but another disease.In both cases, self-medication may not give results or it “drives” the disease deeper, and then it becomes difficult to cope with it.
This is especially true for nail fungus.Sometimes dystrophic changes in the nail plate, which occur as a result of wearing tight shoes and can lead to deformation of the nail, can be confused with a fungus.Another reason for changes not related to a fungal infection is venous diseases, which lead to a deterioration in the blood supply.As a result, the nail becomes brittle, the color changes and the person begins intensive treatment with gels and varnishes, believing that they are infected.Of course, such “treatment” will be ineffective.
What to do if you suspect a fungal infection?
If suspicious symptoms occur, you should not run to the pharmacy to get medication, but rather see a doctor and get tested.Until the reasons are clarified, special caution is required to avoid becoming a source of infection for others: refuse to visit the swimming pool or sauna and do not wear shoes that are not your own.
If a pathogenic fungus is diagnosed, you must undergo treatment.If the skin is affected, it lasts about one to two months;If there are problems with the nail plates, it can take up to a year.If the disease has progressed far enough, it may be necessary to take antifungal medications internally in addition to external agents.
Be attentive to yourself: any disease is easiest to cure in the initial stages.This also applies to fungal infections.Be healthy!