Fungus of the foot and nails. How to treat?

Toenail fungus (foot and nail fungus) is an infection of the skin and toenails caused by various kinds of fungi.

The appearance of fungus on the feet and nails can bring a lot of trouble to its owner. It is rather an aesthetic discomfort. Fungi undergo multiplication, as a result of which they emit toxic substances. Toxins enter the bloodstream and mix with the body. Until they are completely eliminated, toxins negatively affect the immune system and internal organs of a person.

Fungal diseases affect a large number of people around the world. Statistics provide information on ¼ percent of the population of our planet. At the same time, for many patients, the fact of the presence of the disease is a surprise that they do not even know about. The fungus is an imperceptible phenomenon, but constantly multiplying.

The process of introducing a fungal infection of the foot

Direct route of infection:

• by contact with soil or plants;
• from a sick person;
• transmission from an animal with a fungal disease.

Indirect route of infection:

• through household items from a sick person;
• through inventory for sick animals.

There are several factors that are associated with the possibility of infection with a fungus:

1. Age features - children have weak immunity and skin, it is easier for them to catch the disease;
2. Immunity - a weakened "shield" of the body cannot withstand possible infection;
3. Central nervous system and thyroid gland - associated with immunity;
4. Infections - contribute to the weakening of the body, a decrease in the immune system and the development of diseases;
5. Sweating - Thyroid problems can be tricky. sweating of the feet is fraught with fungal diseases;

By the way, sweat glands can themselves become a "fertilizer" for pathogens. Changes in secretion are directly related to the roles of bacteria - pathogens of candidiasis quickly turn into dangerous microorganisms.

The appearance of the fungus and its causes

• Weakening of immunity.
• Violation of the nail structure (after the pedicure procedure, the cuticles on the nails are practically inactive).
• Wearing wet shoes or socks.
• Lack of hygiene.
• Excessive hydration of the skin.
• Excessive use of drugs against bacteria.

Fungal bacteria can enter the human body through cracks in the skin between the toes. Dry skin, wearing uncomfortable shoes and moisture in the feet are the result of a violation of the daily routine. It is enough for the fungus to find a humid and warm place for itself. Any shoes that have not been purchased in a store have such conditions. Therefore, try not to wear someone else's clothes and do not rent someone else's wardrobe. Better to be safe than to suffer from itching on the legs. As already mentioned, a person may not even be aware of the presence of a fungus. And if he passes the disease on to another person, then in fact, there will be nothing to do with it. It may also be that the carrier of the fungal infection has strong immunity. But the one to whom he will give the "gift" may require medical assistance due to insufficient protection of the body.

Diseases of the endocrine system also lead to the immediate spread of fungal infection. In the presence of varicose veins, diabetes and flat feet, it is not difficult to pick up the fungus. Try not to be stressed if possible.

Never use other people's "soapy" accessories: towels, washcloths, sponges, comb and cosmetics. It is not recommended to wear someone else's clothes, even for a short time. Be careful in public places such as a sauna, swimming pool or steam room. There are ideal conditions for the growth of the fungus. The infection lays under the nail and then begins to grow in size. Having reached the first peak, the fungus eats away at the nail and begins to spread to the skin. A fungal infection looks like this: cracks appear between the toes and the skin begins to peel off. After a few days, the person feels itching and observes red spots in the area of ​​the nails.

In case of violation of sanitary and hygienic standards in showers, the fungus can settle there too. Chlorine should be a lethal weapon against pathogens. And if it is not there, then nothing will interfere with the reproduction of the fungal infection.

But visiting the beach is completely harmless: sand and salt water do not give the fungus a single chance. Therefore, it is unlikely to catch an infection on the beach.

Types of fungus on the feet

• sponges, towels and washcloths;
• clothes;
• medical supplies;
• equipment for the hall.

Epidermophytosis is observed in men who suffer from sweating on the legs.

• sponges, washcloths, towels;
• shoes and clothing of the carrier of the infection;
• sports supplies.

Despite the widespread nature of trichophytosis, children practically do not suffer from the disease. The teenage peak is 20%, and boys are at risk. In adults, the fungus can develop professionally. If a person works in a mine or at a factory, then the infection can lie in wait for him there. Sauna workers and athletes usually get trichophytosis in showers.

1. Candidiasis Is a rather rare disease. The causative agents are pathogenic activators of candidiasis. At first, bacteria do not cause a reaction, but only manifest themselves after a decrease in immunity. Pathogens are present on common items. They enter the body and along with food. The risk category includes meat products and milk (including fermented milk products).

The development of candidiasis may include concomitant factors:

• Disease factor - pathogens of a certain type may not manifest themselves until a specific moment. We call such fungi conditionally pathogenic flora, which coexists peacefully with other microorganisms. With normal body defense, the disease will not make itself felt.
• Weakening of immune properties - chronic infections, tumors, sexually transmitted diseases and other troubles contribute to the violation.
• Violation of the cutaneous epithelium - the skin can be subject to injury, burns, oxidation and other pathological phenomena. These are mainly chemical attacks.
• Sweating and excessive greasy skin.
• Inhalation of airborne fungi (for example, in confectionery shops).

Signs and symptoms of foot fungus

• dark spots on the nails;
• fragility of nails and flaking of plates;
• violation of the nail shape;
• painful sensations;
• a pungent smell of rot.

At the first stage of the infection, the patient experiences an itchy sensation in the area of ​​the foot. Sometimes a person cannot sleep, because itching bother him even at night. This is another reason not to start the disease, so as not to suffer with it every day.

In the next stage, the skin becomes covered with a dry crust, and cracks form on the heels. Their depth may depend on the level of the patient's immunity. The nails become dark and unhealthy.

The third stage is associated with changes in the shape of the nails, which can grow strongly under the skin. Sometimes they crumble or ooze in the area of ​​the plate.

As soon as the fungus makes itself felt, take action immediately. There is no need to start the disease, otherwise it will begin to spread over the skin of the feet. A neglected fungus gives an increased risk of damage to internal organs. If at first only the nails will suffer, then in the future the disease will only worsen.

The fungus test can be done at home. Prepare potassium permanganate and warm water. Mix the crystals with the liquid and wait until the water turns purple. Place both feet in the tub and wait. Healthy areas of the legs will turn brown, while areas with fungus will remain white.

Better yet, see a dermatologist. Scraping will help determine the presence of fungus. After receiving confirmation of the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe treatment. Your health will be in good hands.

Fungus (mycosis) treatment - Preparations

Video " Treatment of foot and nail fungus "

Treatment of fungus on the feet with folk remedies

Traditional medicine knows a lot of remedies for the treatment of fungal infections. All of them were used by our ancestors. Then there were no pharmacies and medicines. Traditional medicine and herbal treatment helped out. Such methods will be discussed in this section:

Prepare a compress from celandine. You will need dry plant stems that are easy to grind. For a thick mixture, mix the herb with tea tree oil. Apply compresses to your nails to eliminate the fungus. A new plate usually grows to replace the old nail. This result will be a consequence of the benefits of celandine.

If a family member becomes infected, action must be taken. Otherwise, one person will re-infect all relatives and friends. Collective treatment of the fungus delivers little pleasure.

• Until the patient gets rid of the fungus, he should not walk with bare feet around the house. While sitting, you should not throw your feet back on the sofa or chairs.
• After the patient takes a bath or shower, thoroughly wipe the enamel with a chlorine-based product. This will kill the fungus that remains on the surface of the bathtub.
• Treat cosmetic items used by the patient with alcohol.
• If a family member has a fungus, consider the patient's sleep schedule. A person should go to bed in cotton socks, on clean bed sheets and bedspreads.
• Don't forget about your shoes: wipe the insoles and lining with apple cider vinegar.

Prevention of fungus on the feet

Try not to wear someone else's shoes or slippers that may be offered to you. Better to limit yourself to your own shoes or socks.

Do not overheat your legs or overcool your feet - no debate should be allowed, otherwise the fungus will feel a comfortable environment.

When going to public bathing places, take rubber flip flops with you. Do not sit on wooden benches in the steam room, but always place a sheet on them.

Never walk barefoot on public floor or sand. Otherwise, there is a risk of catching a fungal infection. It is on the beach that other people's old nails and fungi can be found. They disguise themselves in the sand, and then fall on the skin of a person resting near the water.

It is advisable to replace the fabric mats with rubber ones. This will protect against fungi that settle in the tissue folds. The rubber mat is rinsed with water and cleaned again.

As we said, the fungus loves moisture and warmth. Therefore, after showering, dry both feet (especially the grooves between the toes). No moisture should remain. In this way, you can deprive the fungus of its usual greenhouse conditions.

Change your stockings or socks regularly. Do not in any way give your "soap-ryl" accessories to other people. This will protect you from the possibility of picking up the fungus out of the blue.

Dry your shoes thoroughly, especially during winter. When shopping for shoes, do not wear them on bare feet without a sock.

Avoid arguing and sweating your feet. Eliminate calluses in time and watch for cracks. If you find such a phenomenon, take action immediately.

At the slightest suspicion of a fungus, do not give the disease a single chance. Play it safe, and treat your feet with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar in advance. Wipe your limbs with rubbing alcohol or wash your heels with tar soap.

It is better to take care of prevention in advance than to run to doctors and buy medicines for the fungus. Forewarned is forearmed!

In conclusion, I would like to cite a few reviews.

Video "Foot fungus"

Foot fungus treatment reviews

On my own I will add a little about relapses and smell. It's all the fault of the shoes, in which the fungus multiplies. It is useless to make baths and drink infusion - shoes spoil everything! Anatoly wrote about disinfection with vinegar: only with leather shoes and in a poorly ventilated room, such tricks will not work :)) Modern people have long since switched to silver compounds like citrate. But silver nitrate is not worth taking, it's not in the right steppe. In general, I advise you to treat the fungus with your remedy, and treat your shoes with a silver compound. All my friends, suffering from sweat, have been cured long ago. For fun, you can treat one of the two sweaty shoes, wait 1 hour and smell the inside. You will not smell any sweat smell, it is checked !!!

I had a chance to catch a fungus and cracks in my legs, as a result they got itchy. I prepared a tincture of salt and water. He moistened a cotton swab and rubbed his heels and fingers with it. There was no pain, no pinching. But in 2 weeks the fungus disappeared! For prevention, I mixed glycerin and vinegar. I rubbed this ointment between my toes every day. The fungus doesn't bother me anymore! But I had to spend a whole month on treatment. I do not advise this disease to anyone. Good luck with your treatment!

*** Anatoly