In the past, fungal infections on the feet were so common that few were able to prevent the infection. Fortunately, since the 60s and 70s, medications have been available that actually cure patients, not just relieve them. However, to date, foot mycosis remains the most common fungal skin disease, followed by ringworm.
The folds of skin between the toes and the surface of the feet (especially the soles of the feet) are most often affected, but in rare cases even the hands may be involved. The appearance of the disease on the hands is explained mainly not by a direct infection, but by the action of fungicides circulating in the bloodstream. On the other hand, when scratching the soles of the feet, the microorganism ends up under the nail, from where it can be transferred to other parts of the body, including. and on the scalp. The simplest and most common mode of transmission of this infection must be taken into account by people who are susceptible to mycosis.
Risk groups include athletes and people who frequently visit public swimming pools and showers, people who do not follow basic hygiene rules.
The reasons
Foot mycoses are caused by several types of parasitic fungi. These microorganisms are abundant on the floors in swimming pools and saunas, as well as in public baths in sports complexes. Someone who walks barefoot in such a place is just asking for an infection.
Wearing other people’s shoes and sharing towels as well as other hygiene products is the second most common method of delivery.
If a person has ever had a fungal disease, re -infection occurs very easily.
Fungal growth is supported by a lack of proper foot hygiene: wearing socks and boots on wet feet, reusing dirty socks, inadequate shoe drainage between uses.
Symptoms
Foot mycosis manifests itself in very diverse ways. The first signs of fungal disease may be the appearance of cracks, painful or itchy abrasions, diaper rash, and rough skin such as corns. Then the affected part of the skin softens, whitens and begins to peel off the flakes. Sometimes, due to a bacterial infection, the existing vesicles turn into abscesses or sores.
Itching and burning sensation are almost constant symptoms of athlete’s feet, sometimes patients complain of pain and unpleasant foot odor.
What can you do
If signs of a fungal infection appear, you should see a dermatologist. The doctor who must prescribe his treatment. We only provide general guidelines and tips.
If you are already sick, remember that foot mycosis is a fungal infection, and the fungus grows and multiplies only in a humid environment. By removing moisture, you prevent these parasites from multiplying and spreading.
Try to protect your family members from infection. To do this, explain to them that now you can not walk barefoot in the apartment, especially in the bathroom. If possible, use a shower, not a shower. After bathing, be sure to treat the bathtub or shower tray and bathroom floor with disinfectant.
Every day before bed, wash your feet with regular soap and warm water, making sure the skin is not too moist and soft. With a napkin, collect and remove a piece of fallen skin, while making sure that none of it touches your nails.
Using toilet paper or a hair dryer, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. Then apply an antifungal cream (if blisters break or ooze) or ointment (if the affected area is dry). Continue treatment for four weeks even if the external manifestations disappear more quickly.
If the skin is severely inflamed, do not use antifungal creams or ointments. Use the powder in the morning. If antifungal powder is also irritating, use essential powder or talcum. It’s also great to incorporate this powder into your shoes every day.
Remember that antifungal creams and ointments are self -irritating and should only be used on dry skin. If your feet tend to sweat, shoes should not be worn until the medication is absorbed.
Wear cotton socks, preferably white, and clean them daily. While washing, soak the socks in a solution of chlorine bleach (not soap) or boil for 10 minutes. This will kill the fungus on your clothes. Otherwise, healing is almost impossible, as re -infection will always occur. Shoes must also be disinfected with antifungal spray and then left to ventilate for a few days (preferably in the sun).
If your hands are affected, do not use antifungal medication until your skin is examined and diagnosed. Because if microorganisms are not present, antifungal agents will not be effective. When the disease in the feet has passed, the manifestations in the hands will also disappear.
What a doctor can do
If necessary, the doctor can give strong and specific medications, as well as prescriptions for a mixture of powders to prepare a disinfectant solution for the feet.
In severe cases, it may be advisable to use combination therapy, which also includes physiotherapy procedures, as well as oral medications.
If a secondary bacterial infection develops (penetrating the skin through cracks and wounds), your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for local or systemic use.
Preventive measures
Pay attention to hygiene: never go barefoot, especially in public baths and changing rooms, wear fresh socks every day, after washing and drying your foot and foot space thoroughly, ventilate your shoes well between uses.
Be sure to shower before and after swimming in the pool, and wear rubber slippers as soon as you get out of the water. In addition, you can consult your doctor about the use of various preventive measures.