Factors that increase the likelihood of “catching” ringworm

Both too rare and too frequent washing are conducive to mycoses. In the first case, insufficient hygiene obviously means that the fungus has good conditions for development, especially between the toes or around the nails. On the other hand, washing too often deprives the skin of its natural protective flora. What’s more, it can lead to skin dryness, which is easier for fungi to penetrate. What’s the golden mean? We should wash our feet at least once a day, but not more than twice. It is especially important to dry them well afterwards, especially in the spaces between the fingers.

Mycosis is also favored by inappropriate footwear. Especially synthetic materials that make the foot sweat more and cannot breathe freely, and thus create an ideal environment for the growth of fungi. Moreover, the shoes must not be too tight or too tight. The abrasions also make it easier for pathogens to penetrate the skin. It’s best to wear leather shoes, and whenever the temperature is right, wear sandals that allow your feet to breathe freely.

Sweating is another risk factor that can lead to mycosis – especially when combined with inappropriate footwear. A moist environment between the toes is a great place for fungi to grow. In this case, it is worth considering whether hyperhidrosis is not just a symptom of another ailment that can be treated. People who are not struggling with hyperhidrosis itself, and their feet get wet simply as a result of frequent physical exertion, also have a problem. In English, tinea pedis is even called “athlete’s foot”. The athletes will be helped by appropriate footwear and talk. In addition, it is worth using special aerosols to prevent mycosis.

As with all diseases, mycosis is also easier to develop when the immune system is disturbed. An inoperable immune system cannot fight the fungal infection. Therefore, after illness, we should avoid the swimming pool – not only because of the risk of catching a cold, but also mycosis, which will probably stay with us for longer than a runny nose.

For the same reason, immunosuppressants promote the development of an infection. They are given, for example, after a transplant to suppress the immune system and thus avoid organ rejection. These types of pharmaceuticals are also prescribed for some autoimmune conditions. Long-term antibiotic therapy also increases the risk of mycosis. This is because the natural bacterial flora is also lost with pathogenic bacteria, thus creating a convenient niche for fungi to develop. This applies to both oral antibiotics and topical ointments. Cytostatic drugs, i.e. agents used during anti-cancer treatment, also make the body more susceptible to mycosis. Taking steroids also increases the risk of developing mycosis.

Mycoses are also more common in people who have … cold feet. More specifically, it concerns circulatory disorders that may result, for example, from diabetes. In this case, the feet are less well supplied with oxygen and nutrients. As a result, the skin on the feet is dry, which favors the penetration of fungi into it. In addition, in people with circulatory disorders, all wounds and abrasions heal more slowly, which gives the fungus more time to penetrate the skin.

Do you think that if you forgot your flip-flops this one time, nothing will happen? You may indeed be lucky, but it’s not worth the risk. You should always wear flip-flops in the swimming pool, in the sauna, in the thermal baths or in the gym shower. Even if an infected person wears safety shoes themselves, the fungus can spread through the water to the floor. Then all you have to do is step barefoot and the infection is almost ready. If there is an abrasion that you forgot to put a plaster on, you can be almost sure that you will get sick. Better to go home and pick up the forgotten flip-flops. Also in hotel rooms and bathrooms, even if it is a high standard hotel, you should never go barefoot.