Yeast infection of the feet is a fungal infection of different types. Each variety has its own characteristics and requires individually selected treatment methods. Fingernails, the area around the edges, the area between the fingers, and the feet can become infected.
Everyone is at risk for foot fungus. Yes, most cases are observed in people who regularly visit public baths, showers, swimming pools and beaches. But there is a risk of transmitting the fungus by household means. Infection is carried out through towels, common pedicure tools, slippers or even carpets. Animals can also be a source of disease.
To successfully get rid of harmful microorganisms, you need to know what the fungus looks like on your feet, what it comes from, and how to deal with it.
What does foot fungus look like?
Foot fungus has the following characteristics:
- skin redness;
- increased sweating in the legs;
- peeling is possible;
- the formation of small cracks, especially on the bottom of the feet and soles;
- itching, tingling, burning.
Occasionally, a blistering rash occurs on the feet. Especially clearly observed peeling phenomenon in the area \u200b\u200b thumb. When trying to scratch the itch on the leg, the patient often injures the thin and dry skin, the wound takes a long time to heal. There is a risk of entry through small skin lesions of secondary infection.
Without proper medical treatment, the fungus will spread and affect the calves, thighs, groin, and buttocks. The rash is red with slightly raised edges.
Infected nails will change color, turning yellow. There is a noticeable thickening, deformation, and then complete separation. Patients sometimes complain of bad odors emanating from their feet and nails.
A typical fungus on the feet cannot be confused with anything. Symptoms may vary slightly, as the disease is caused by many different types of parasitic fungi. But in rare cases, doctors still have to distinguish fungus from psoriasis. Symptoms of psoriasis in the early stages resemble those of a fungal infection. You can even differentiate these diseases yourself by carefully examining the affected areas. Is there redness and flaking in these areas that are circular or circular? Then it's most likely a fungus. In psoriasis, the affected areas (psoriatic plaques) will have a gray or silvery crust. In addition, for fungal infections, rapid spread without appropriate treatment is more characteristic.
Progression of the disease
From the moment the fungal pathogen enters the body, the incubation period begins. Depending on the activity of the human immune system and the type of pathogen, it lasts from several weeks to several months.
- Initial stage. The first signs appear: itching, mild burning, redness. Sometimes the symptoms are somewhat weakened when the patient applies moisturizing and antiseptic creams.
- The disease is progressing. Appears large areas of scabs, cracks on the feet, soles of the feet. The affected nail thickens, begins to leaf, or separates the nail from the nail bed. There is usually mild redness and swelling. The feeling of discomfort is increasing. At this stage, qualified medical assistance is needed.
- Without proper therapy, the fungus can become chronic. In such cases, after treatment, the disease goes into remission, but after a while, exacerbations occur again. To avoid recurrence of the disease, the patient needs to continuously adhere to preventive measures.
Toe fungus can go almost anywhere on the body. To prevent this from happening, you need to follow these simple precautions:
- when washing should choose modes with a temperature of at least 75 ° C;
- have their own foot towels;
- Wash your hands with soap, because by scratching the affected foot we transfer the scabs under the nail.
An antiseptic foot bath with chamomile, sea salt or soda will not be superfluous.
Diagnose
When making a diagnosis, it is important for the doctor to take an accurate medical history. You need to know what factors can lead to a fungal infection.
It is also possible to confirm the disease by physical examination, but additional studies will be needed: blood tests and scaling of the teeth. Shaving can be done both from the nails and from the affected skin areas. Weighing is necessary for diagnosis, because on it there is a high content of pathogens. So in no case do not try to remove the scales. You risk not only complicating the diagnosis, but also injuring yourself. In the laboratory, the biological material is examined, the type of pathogen is determined. Based on this information, the specialist will select the optimal treatment method.
Mycoses require complex therapy. Not only topical medications, but general medications should also be prescribed. And after successful treatment, it is necessary to follow precautions: keep feet clean, keep shoes clean and well ventilated, use socks made of natural materials, wear slippers made of waterproof materials when coming homepublic bath or swimming pool. Shoes should usually be made of natural materials and not tight. Walking barefoot will help, but choose the safest places for this.