Beautiful well-groomed legs are a source of pride for every woman and a source of adoration for men. And it's a pity if your nails turn yellow, cracks and stains appear on them. And besides, I have a constant itch between my toes. All these unpleasant manifestations are symptoms of a fungal infection. The problem is serious, but completely solvable.
- According to statistics, every fifth inhabitant of the Earth suffers from fungal diseases of the feet and nails. The reasons for its appearance are different - from weakened immunity to incorrectly chosen shoes.
- Open, uncomfortable shoes often lead not only to swelling of the feet, but also to the development of a fungal infection.
- Even if you decide to cure nail fungus yourself, an initial consultation with a specialist is still necessary. At the very least, in order to choose the most effective drug available on the modern pharmaceutical market. There is a large selection of products.
- One of the "most popular" places where you can get nail fungus are bathtubs and showers, swimming pools (outdoor and indoor) and other similar facilities. Use personal shoes, towels and bathrobes, don't walk barefoot and don't borrow pumice stones from a neighbor - they are simple, but very effective preventive measures against foot fungus for those who regularly visit fitness centers and public baths.
- What starts out as innocent signs of dry skin can turn out to be a fungus. Do not delay treatment!
Nail fungus - what kind of "beast" is this?
A healthy nail plate should be smooth, pink and shiny. And if at least one of these requirements is not met, then there is a problem. According to statistics, 50% of all nail diseases are fungal infections. Apart from the fact that the disease causes many problems purely aesthetically, the treatment also requires serious and long-term treatment.
It all starts from the skin of the feet, more often from the interdigital folds. As a rule, the first symptom of fungus on the feet (in medical circles it is more often called onychomycosis) is peeling, followed by burning and itching. Then bubbles appear, which burst, creating ulcers and cracks. You should not think that everything will pass by itself, you just need to be a little patient. If treatment is not started immediately, the fungus can spread to the nails and continue to grow and multiply. Slowly but surely, foot fungus is taking up more and more space.
The main symptoms of nail fungus:
- Cracks in the interdigital folds (usually between the 1st-2nd and 4th-5th toes);
- Thickening of the skin;
- Itching;
- Redness;
- Burning sensation;
- Thickening, brittleness or thinning of the nail.
Risk zone
Nail fungus is transmitted from person to person. And the main way for the infection to penetrate the skin is through microcracks. Why do they appear? For example, wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes, sand getting into the spaces between the toes on the beach. In the future, the disease leads to inflammation of the skin and the formation of deep cracks. The risk of fungal infection is higher in people who have problems with circulation in the legs, deformed feet, excessive sweating of the feet and those who are overweight. Stress, smoking and alcohol abuse can also cause the development of fungal infections, as they contribute to a decrease in immunity.
The easiest way to get infected with the fungus is in public places. For example, in the bathroom, swimming pool or in the showers of fitness clubs, where a moist environment is constantly maintained, which microorganisms love so much. The whole family can suffer, where everyone in the household uses the same bathroom and sharing towels is common. By the way, those who got infected from relatives make up more than 30% of all cases. Fungi are also transmitted through pedicure and manicure accessories, shoes and socks. You should be careful even on vacation. In beach sand, mushrooms remain viable for months. Affected skin particles easily stick to a wet foot.
Nail fungus: self-treatment is cancelled
The appearance of fungi cannot be hidden. If you experience symptoms of this disease, you must not delay visiting a doctor under any circumstances. Self-medication is fraught with complications. Long-term onychomycosis can cause an allergic reaction, weaken the immune system and lead to worsening of chronic diseases. Unfortunately, without special diagnostics, it is impossible to determine the exact cause of changes in the structure of the nail plates. There are several dozen varieties of fungal infections. In addition, it may not be a fungus, but a manifestation of allergies, vitamin deficiency and many other pathologies.
The correct diagnosis can only be made by a specialist based on scraping the nail for microscopic examination. Most often, these data are sufficient to prescribe treatment. True, there are special cases that require culture examination, when nail particles are taken and placed in special conditions for the active growth of fungi. This makes it possible to understand exactly which "pests" have attacked the nail and which antimycotic drugs fight them best.
A mycologist knows everything about the disease. True, it is difficult to find in public clinics. For consultations, contact the Dispensary for Skin and Venereal Diseases (KVD). Another option is a dermatologist. This specialist is more affordable.
Victimless treatment
Previously, radical methods were used to treat fungus: the affected nails were simply surgically removed, followed by a long period of rehabilitation. Since then, medicine has made a big step forward and now a more adequate method is used - hardware nail treatment. The unit is somewhat reminiscent of a dental drill. At the end of the device there is a drill, which grinds the nail as much as necessary. Nothing hurts after the procedure. Nails should be treated as they grow. And only the doctor can decide how many sessions will be needed.
There are many fungi, the differences relate to symptoms and ways of infection, but the treatment of all fungal infections is almost the same and lasts from 3 to 6 months. And you don't have to believe in the numerous stories about happy relief from illness using traditional methods. Unfortunately, no amount of homemade baths or compresses can kill fungus.
Removal of the nail plate is only necessary if more than 40% of the surface is affected. In the initial stage of the disease, when the fungus has not yet started to destroy the nail, external drugs are sufficient: medical varnish or a special solution. If less than 40% of the nail plate is affected, a course of antifungal drugs is prescribed.
Disinfect it!
An important problem during and after the treatment of nail fungus is the antibacterial treatment of all places where infected skin particles could remain. The walls and bottom of the bathtub must be thoroughly cleaned with special disinfectants. Throw away the slippers, even if they are your favorite. Boots, shoes and sneakers can be treated using a special device that emits ultraviolet light. Alternatively, wipe the shoes with solutions of acetic acid (25%) or formaldehyde. Wash socks, stockings, towels and bedding and iron well. Nail scissors are disinfected by immersing them in alcohol and heating them on fire.
Methods of preventing nail fungus
If the treatment is carried out correctly, the disease does not return. Reinfection is much more common. Therefore, the most effective medicine in the fight against nail fungus is prevention. Do not go barefoot in public places. Always bring flip flops and your own towel to the beach. At the pharmacy, you can buy a special spray that protects against fungi. They can be used to treat shoes and feet. Very convenient for visiting swimming pools or fitness rooms.
It's easy to avoid nail fungus infection in your family - just follow simple hygiene rules and use only your own footwear. But it is best to simply monitor the health of your feet, wear comfortable, not tight shoes, and regularly care for the skin of your feet and nails using special creams and sprays. And make a rule for yourself: when you visit, take your slippers with you. Then no mushroom is scary.