Beautiful, well-groomed legs are a source of pride for any woman and a source of adoration for men. And it's a shame when your nails turn yellow, cracks and stains appear. And the constant itching between my fingers bothers me. All of these unpleasant manifestations are symptoms of a fungal infection. The problem is serious, but completely solvable.
- According to statistics, one in five inhabitants of the Earth suffers from fungal diseases of the feet and nails. The reasons for its appearance are varied, from weakened immunity to incorrectly selected shoes.
- Open, uncomfortable shoes often cause not only swelling of the feet, but also 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 a minimum, to select the most effective drug available on the modern pharmaceutical market. There is a wide variety of products.
- One of the most "popular" places where you can get nail fungus are bathrooms and showers, swimming pools (outdoor and indoor), and other similar establishments. Use personal shoes, towels and robes, do not walk barefoot and do not borrow pumice from a neighbor - these are simple but very effective preventive measures against foot fungus for those who regularly visit gyms and public baths.
- What starts out as innocent signs of dry skin can end up being a fungus. Don't 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. In addition to the fact that purely aesthetic disease causes a lot of problems, treatment also requires serious and long-term treatment.
It all starts with the skin of the feet, most often with the interdigital folds. As a rule, the first symptom of foot fungus (more often called onychomycosis in medical circles) is peeling, accompanied by burning and itching. Then bubbles appear and burst, forming ulcers and cracks. You shouldn't think that everything will disappear by itself, you just need to have a little patience. If treatment is not started immediately, the fungus can spread to the nails and continue to grow and multiply. Little by little, foot fungus takes up more and more space.
The main symptoms of nail fungus:
- Cracks in the interdigital folds (usually between the first and second fingers and the fourth and fifth fingers);
- Thickening of the skin;
- Itching;
- Redness;
- Burning sensation;
- Thickening, brittleness or thinning of the nail.
Area of risk
Nail fungus is transmitted from person to person. And the main way the infection penetrates the skin is through microfissures. Why do they appear? For example, wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes, sand getting into the spaces between your toes on the beach. In the future, the disease causes inflammation of the skin and the formation of deep cracks. The risk of contracting a fungus is greater in people who have circulatory problems in the legs, deformed feet, excessive sweating in the feet, and people who are overweight. Stress, smoking and alcohol abuse can also lead to the development of fungal infections, as they contribute to a decrease in immunity.
The easiest way to get infected with fungus is in public places. For example, in a bathhouse, a swimming pool or in the showers of a gym, where a humid environment is constantly maintained, which microorganisms love so much. The whole family can suffer, in which all members of the household use the same bathroom and it is customary to share towels. By the way, those infected by family members represent more than 30% of all cases. Fungus is also transmitted through pedicure and manicure accessories, shoes and socks. You should also be careful during the holidays. In beach sand, fungi remain viable for months. The affected skin particles easily adhere to the wet foot.
Nail fungus: self-medication is cancelled.
The appearance of fungus cannot be hidden. If you encounter symptoms of this disease, under no circumstances should you postpone visiting the doctor. Self-medication is fraught with complications. Prolonged onychomycosis can cause an allergic reaction, weaken the immune system and lead to an exacerbation of chronic diseases. Unfortunately, without special diagnosis 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, avitaminosis and many other pathologies.
The correct diagnosis can only be made by a specialist based on scraping the nail for microscopic examination. Very often, these data are sufficient to prescribe treatment. True, there are special cases that require a culture test, when nail particles are taken and placed in special conditions for active fungal growth. This makes it possible to understand exactly which "pests" attacked the nail and which antifungal drugs fight them best.
The mycologist knows everything about the disease. It is true that it can hardly be found in public clinics. For inquiries, you should contact the dispensary for venereal and skin diseases (KVD). Another option is a dermatologist. This specialist is more accessible.
Treatment without sacrifices
Previously, radical methods were used to treat fungus: the affected nails were simply removed surgically, after which a long period of rehabilitation was carried out. Since then, medicine has taken a big step forward and a more suitable method is now used - hardware nail treatment. The device is a bit reminiscent of a dentist's drill. At the end of the device there is a drill that polishes the nail as much as necessary. After the procedure it doesn't hurt at all. Nails should be treated as they grow. And only the doctor can decide how many sessions will be necessary.
There are many fungi, the differences are related to the symptoms and routes of infection, but the treatment of all fungal infections is almost the same and lasts 3 to 6 months. And it is not necessary to believe the numerous stories of happy relief from the disease by traditional methods. Unfortunately, no home bath or wrap can kill the fungus.
Removal of the nail plate is only necessary if more than 40% of the surface is affected. At the initial stage of the disease, when the fungus has not yet begun to destroy the nail, external medications are sufficient: medicinal varnish or a special solution. If less than 40% of the nail plate is affected, treatment with antifungal medications is prescribed.
Disinfect it!
An important problem during and after the treatment of nail fungus is the antibacterial treatment of all places where particles of the affected skin may remain. The walls and bottom of the bathtub must be thoroughly cleaned with special disinfectants. Throw away your slippers, even if they are your favorite. Boots, shoes and sneakers can be treated with a special device that emits ultraviolet light. Alternatively, clean shoes with acetic acid (25%) or formaldehyde solutions. Wash socks, stockings, towels and bedding well and iron. Nail scissors are disinfected by dipping them in alcohol and heating them over a fire.
Nail fungus prevention methods.
If the treatment is carried out correctly, the disease does not recur. Reinfection is much more common. Therefore, the most effective remedy in the fight against nail fungus is prevention. Don't walk barefoot in public places. Always bring flip flops and your own towel to the beach. You can buy a special spray at the pharmacy that protects against fungus. 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 wear only your own shoes. 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 with special creams and sprays. And make a rule for yourself: when you visit, wear sneakers. So no mushroom is scary.