Beautiful, well-groomed legs are a source of pride for any woman and a source of adoration for men. And it's a shame if your nails turn yellow, cracks and stains appear. Also, the constant itching between my fingers bothers me. 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 the occurrence are diverse - from weakened immunity to incorrectly selected shoes.
- Open and 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, an initial consultation with a specialist is still necessary. At the very least, to select the most effective medicine 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 bathtubs and showers, swimming pools (outdoor and indoor) and other similar establishments. Wear personal shoes, towels and robes, do not walk barefoot and do not borrow pumice stone from a neighbor - these 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 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 disease causing many purely aesthetic problems, treatment also requires serious and lengthy treatment.
It all starts on the skin of the feet, most often in the interdigital folds. As a rule, the first symptom of foot fungus (more often referred to in medical circles as onychomycosis) is peeling, accompanied by burning and itching. Blisters then appear and burst, forming ulcers and cracks. You shouldn't think that everything will pass by itself, just have a little patience. 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 (generally between the 1st-2nd and 4th-5th fingers);
- Thickening of the skin;
- Itch;
- Redness;
- Burning sensation;
- Thickening, fragility 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 your toes on the beach. In the future, the disease leads to inflammation of the skin and the formation of deep cracks. The risk of contracting fungus is greater in people with circulatory problems in the legs, deformed feet, excessive foot sweating 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 become infected with fungi is in public places. For example, in a changing room, in a swimming pool or in gym showers, where a humid environment, which microorganisms love so much, is constantly maintained. The whole family can suffer, as all members of the household use the same bathroom and it is common to share towels. In fact, those who were infected by relatives represent more than 30% of all cases. Fungi are also transmitted through pedicure and manicure accessories, shoes and socks. You should also be careful while on vacation. In beach sand, fungi remain viable for months. The affected skin particles easily adhere to the wet foot.
Nail fungus: self-medication is canceled
The appearance of the fungus cannot be hidden. If you experience symptoms of this disease, under no circumstances should you postpone seeing a doctor. Self-medication brings many complications. Prolonged onychomycosis can provoke an allergic reaction, weaken the immune system and lead to exacerbation 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. Moreover, 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 by scraping the nail for microscopic examination. Most often, these data are sufficient to prescribe treatment. It is true that there are special cases that require a culture test, when nail particles are removed and placed in special conditions for active fungal growth. This makes it possible to understand exactly which "pests" have attacked the nail and which antimycotics combat them best.
The mycologist knows everything about the disease. True, it can hardly be found in public clinics. For consultation, you should contact the dispensary for skin and venereal 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 there was a long period of rehabilitation. Since then, medicine has made a big step forward and now a more suitable method is used - nail treatment with hardware. The unit is somewhat reminiscent of a dentist's drill. At the end of the device there is a drill that grinds the nail as much as necessary. After the procedure nothing hurts. Nails must 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 takes 3 to 6 months. And you don't need to believe the countless stories of happy relief from illness using traditional methods. Unfortunately, no homemade bath or wrap can kill the fungus.
Removal of the nail plate is necessary only 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, a course of antimycotic medications is prescribed.
Disinfect it!
An important problem during and after 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 bath must be thoroughly cleaned with special disinfectants. Throw away your flip-flops, 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, socks, towels and bedding and iron them well. Nail scissors are disinfected by immersing them in alcohol and heating them over a fire.
Prevention methods for nail fungus
If the treatment is carried out correctly, the disease does not return. Reinfection is much more common. Therefore, the most effective remedy to combat nail fungus is prevention. Don't walk barefoot in public places. Always take 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 prevent nail fungus infection in your family - just follow simple hygiene rules and only wear your own shoes. But the best thing is 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 set a rule for yourself: when you go to visit, take flip-flops with you. So no fungus is scary.