Our article will tell the whole truth about the fungus of the feet.
![contact with other people's feet can cause fungal infection](/images/articles/218/contact%20with%20other%20people's%20feet%20can%20cause%20fungal%20infection.jpg)
Do you know that:
- more than 1. 5 million mushrooms and 69, 000 species are currently known. More than 500 of them are pathogenic for humans;
- paleontological excavations show that fungi probably existed in the Precambrian period, that is, somewhere a billion hundred million years ago;
- according to researchers, a fifth of the world's population is affected by fungal diseases;
- immunity to the fungus is not developed: we get sick with it as many times as we get infected;
- the fungus is extremely hardy. An interesting fact is known: scientists took slippers from a patient with a fungus and placed them in a storage room. And after 20 years, the spores of the fungus remained completely unharmed.
What is foot fungus?
Foot fungus (mycosis of the feet) is the most common skin disease that can be easily contracted in public places: in saunas, showers, gyms and gyms, on the beach, in the pool. Also, fungal infection often occurs in the family: through shared shoes, less often through other household items.
A few simple steps to prevent foot fungus:
- do not go barefoot in public places: in the pool, in the sauna, on the beach;
- use only a personal towel, your own scissors and a comb;
- do not wear someone else's shoes;
- change stockings and socks every day;
- after washing, wipe your feet dry, especially between the toes;
- treat dystrophic altered nails (they are more susceptible to the introduction of infectious agents), avoid microtrauma and calluses, which serve as "entry gates" for infection;
- avoid excessive dryness or moisture of the feet, and in case of excessive sweating and diaper rash, use a special cream or powder / talcum powder.
What are the signs of foot fungus?
Some infected people show no signs of the fungus at all. Others think that they just have dry skin on their feet, since the fungus is manifested only by peeling of the skin. Most often, the symptoms of the fungus are reduced to itching and burning. The skin flakes, sometimes even cracking, which causes pain and the appearance of blood. And very rarely bubbles appear. Symptoms can appear not only between the toes and on the sole of one or both feet, but also on the lower part of the toes, on the lateral surfaces of the foot, and even on the arch.
There are three types of foot fungus:
- plantar form (squamous-hyperkeratosis), in which the soles are affected;
- interdigital form (intertriginous), in which the skin between the fingers is damaged;
- dyshidrotic form is the rarest, in which itchy blisters and inflammation appear on the skin.
The discomfort associated with fungal symptoms significantly impairs quality of life, so getting rid of itching, redness, and burning is a top priority.
The main factors contributing to the development of the disease:
- weakened immunity (at risk - young children and the elderly);
- vascular diseases, varicose veins, scratches and wounds, frostbite of the extremities;
- taking certain medications: various groups of antibiotics, cortisone drugs, certain contraceptives.
Is foot fungus contagious?
Foot fungus is caused by an infectious agent called a fungus, so it is potentially infectious. However, for unknown reasons, some people do not develop the fungus upon contact with contaminated objects.
How is foot fungus treated?
It is important to notice the appearance of the fungus in time. In no case should you endure the symptoms: you should choose the right treatment, and also observe hygiene.
There are two parts to treating a fungus. First and foremost, you should create conditions in which the fungus is least convenient to grow. This means keeping your feet clean and dry.
Shoes, which are made of water-repellent materials, make the feet wet and create the best conditions for the growth of fungus. To avoid this, use cotton socks that absorb excess moisture.
Remember that the use of traditional medicine and self-medication can only aggravate the situation and cause a relapse.
The second component of treatment is the use of antifungal agents. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your choice of medication. Usually, treatment should be continued for 2-4 weeks. In no case should the treatment be stopped after the symptoms have disappeared.
In the pharmacy, you will find a huge amount of antifungal ointments and creams. The most effective use of two-component drugs, consisting of two drugs: clotrimazole (a highly effective agent that destroys various fungi) and beclomethasone. You can find out more about the treatment here. Treatment of fungal infections takes at least 2 weeks, but the removal of symptoms such as itching, redness and burning occurs within the first day.
In more severe cases or if the infection persists, antifungal pills may be needed. Before you start taking these pills, you will need 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 can become a new source of infection. The presence of fungus on the nails can extend the required period of treatment up to 3-4 months of taking the pills.
How to treat foot fungus during pregnancy?
Pregnant women can use clotrimazole cream twice a day for 2-3 weeks to treat foot fungus. Antifungal pills are not recommended due to the possible effect on the fetus. Be sure to check with your obstetrician-gynecologist before using any medication during pregnancy.
When should you seek medical attention?
If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding, or if the infection does not respond to conventional medications, see your doctor. If there is a bacterial infection, then you may need to take pills. Also see your doctor if you have nail fungus, have diabetes, or have a weakened immune system.
What are the possible complications of foot fungus?
If left untreated, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body or to other people, including family members. The infection can occur on the feet, fingernails, toenails, hands, or, less commonly, elsewhere. This will lead to a long debilitating treatment.
Risk factors are:
- elderly age;
- diseases that weaken the immune system;
- people with diabetes.
Which doctor can help cure foot fungus?
Skin diseases are dealt with by a dermatovenerologist. Alternatively, you can see your family doctor, general practitioner, pediatrician and mycologist.