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The sooner the symptoms of foot and nail fungus are detected, the easier it will be to treat this annoying ailment. Find out what symptoms should be causing you concern before it becomes serious.
Ringworm – a common ailment
Mycosis of the feet and nails is one of those diseases that can be infected very easily, but it is much harder to cure it effectively. This is favored by both the variety of ways and places in which we are susceptible to fungal infection, and its mild nature at the beginning – often confused with minor irritations.
Toenail fungus attacks the feet much more often than the hands, usually limited to the first and last toes, which are directly adjacent to the footwear. In the early detection of ringworm, it is extremely important to understand that onychomycosis and onychomycosis are closely related. Less than 42 percent suffer from the latter temporarily. of society, on the first even more than 20 percent. population.
By disregarding the symptoms of athlete’s foot, such as burning, itching and skin irritation, we contribute to its transmission to the nails, the treatment of which is more difficult and long-lasting. This is often because the first symptoms are identified with everyday skin ailments, caused by e.g. excessive drying of the epidermis, irritation from uncomfortable shoes, or an allergic reaction to daily hygiene measures. Unfortunately, in many cases this is how athlete’s foot manifests itself.
Mycosis of the feet – risk factors
In Poland, it is easiest to “catch” the infection in places where moisture is combined with increased temperature. Traditionally, these are changing rooms, swimming pools, baths, saunas, and sometimes – poorly run beauty salons. The fungus can also spread to our feet as a result of the careless use of someone else’s shoes, socks, towels, foot hygiene products and sleeping in the same bedding. It should also be remembered that the development of mycosis is favored by other diseases that reduce immunity, such as obesity, diabetes or long antibiotic or hormonal therapy.
Our caution should also be increased in all situations in which the skin of the foot or nail is damaged. Minor wounds, cracks in the epidermis or plaques are an ideal environment for the development of microorganisms. If we add tight sports shoes, socks made of synthetic materials and acrylic nail polishes – we have a ready scenario for the development of the disease. What does it start with?
Nail fungus – symptoms
Nail fungus is caused primarily by dermatophytes, although scientists have already detected over 250. species of fungi that can infect our body. The characteristic symptoms are a change in the color of the nail in at least three stages: from white, through yellow, to brown. The busy nail crumbles easily, its edges become jagged. At first, it increases in thickness, losing its transparency – the nail is difficult to cut. If we ignore the first symptoms, it may even come off.
The diagnosis of infection is also difficult due to the heterogeneous development of the disease. The fungus can be located both underneath and on the very surface of the nail. An alarm signal for us should also be the changing, unpleasant smell of feet. This is a signal that fungal deposits are accumulating under the nails.
When it comes to athlete’s foot, its early symptoms are more difficult to diagnose, especially if you do it yourself. Nevertheless, if we are at risk, i.e. we practice sports intensively, often go to the swimming pool, wear sports shoes, we must first of all pay attention to the following symptoms, which can be divided into three categories of athlete’s foot. The most common – interdigital, is characterized by burning skin, itching and reddening of the skin in point areas. The epidermis then tends to exfoliate and macerate, focused on the back of the foot and toes.
In addition to interdigital mycosis, there are also exfoliating and sweating mycosis. The former is most often located on the plantar and lateral parts of the feet. The skin becomes red at first, then it peels excessively and becomes keratinized. It is accompanied by painful ulcers, and the skin can also crack. The latter is less common. It manifests itself in numerous small blisters that burst, dry and exfoliate, leaving oozing surfaces on the skin of the feet.
If we notice one of these symptoms, we can use over-the-counter antifungal preparations available in pharmacies, which will help inhibit the development of the fungus in its early stage. For example, we recommend the Blue Cap body spray for skin inflammation, with anti-fungal and soothing properties.
However, if the bothersome symptoms persist, you should immediately visit a dermatologist. In the case of early development of mycosis of the feet, as important as detection, it is above all to prevent the situations that allow the disease to develop. Where possible, wear light and airy shoes, always keep feet dry, use only your own towel and hygiene equipment. Remember that mycosis will not heal itself, and even after a successful treatment it has a tendency to recur. Therefore, it’s best to get in the habit of controlling your feet, especially if they start to sting and the corners of the feet start to peel off. If we react quickly enough, strenuous and long-term therapy will be avoided.