There are two types of fungus, the causes of which are quite similar as they are caused by the same virus. Let's find out more about the treatment and prevention of each of them.
Foot fungus
Foot fungus is the most common fungal infection, affecting about 15% of the world's population.
As a rule, men are more susceptible to this infection and the likelihood of developing a foot fungus only increases with age.
The good news is that you can get rid of foot fungus with proper and timely treatment. It must be started immediately after the first symptoms of the fungus appear.
If your foot fungus begins to cause you severe discomfort and pain, you should see your doctor.
How does foot fungus develop
Foot fungus or mycosis gets its name from the environment in which the fungus bacteria are most comfortable (namely, in a warm, humid environment, for example, in athletes' sneakers).
However, any footwear in which the feet sweat a lot and in which the skin is unable to breathe can potentially contribute to the development of fungus.
What are the symptoms of the spread of infection
The most common symptoms of a foot fungus include itching, swelling, redness, and skin flaking. Most often, foot fungus appears between the toes. Fortunately, the fungus only affects the outer layers of the skin.
How the infection spreads
Foot fungus spreads quite easily and quickly. Infection in affected cells can remain viable for up to two years.
The easiest way to catch an infection is in a humid and warm environment.
Pools, changing rooms and showers are examples of such places. Therefore, it is so important to wear changeable shoes and not go barefoot in such public places.
People with diabetes can also be easy targets for foot fungus.
How to prevent foot fungus
Wash your feet regularly in warm water and soap, and make sure you dry them thoroughly and remove any moisture from your skin, especially in the area between your toes. Also, try not to use other people's towels.
Special foot powder absorbs excess moisture from leather and shoes. Try to keep your feet, socks and shoes clean.
Wear open shoes made from breathable materials as often as possible, because the skin pores on the legs of an adult in the summer produce an amount of sweat per day, comparable in volume to an egg.
Opt for natural fabrics when choosing socks and shoes. Change your socks every day and change your shoes so that they can completely dry inside.
If you've figured out that a particular pair is causing you to encounter fungus over and over again, wouldn't it be easier to throw it out? Even if these are your favorite shoes, they are too much of a hassle for you.
Which treatment to choose
In pharmacies, you can find a huge selection of various means to combat fungus and, in particular, foot fungus. It is important to complete the full course of treatment even after the symptoms of the fungus are no longer bothering you. This will help ensure that the fungal infection is completely eradicated.
Nail fungus
Nail fungus(onychomycosis) affects the keratin component of the nails. In some cases, it can damage the entire nail, including the nail plate, bed and nail root, while in others it can be limited to only part of the nail.
In total, from 2% to 18% of the entire population of the Earth suffers from this type of fungus.
A nail fungus infection spreads slowly, so you may not even notice symptoms at first. As a rule, this ailment is not painful, and you can easily cope with it at home.
It's important to know
Nail fungus bacteria, also known as dermatophytes, cause fungus. Sometimes another type of fungal infection known as candida can also be the cause.
Foot fungus can easily develop into nail fungus, so it is important to act quickly to stop the infection early.
Symptoms of nail fungus
Early signs of nail fungus include discoloration, thinning, and splitting of the nails.
Over time, the nail can become brittle and even detach from the toe. The skin around the nail can become inflamed and cause pain and discomfort.
How to prevent the development of fungus
Avoid wearing shoes that sweat a lot on your feet, trim your toenails regularly, and follow simple hygiene practices.
How to treat nail fungus
Means that fight fungal infection help create unbearable conditions for it, destroy the cause of the disease and prevent the spread of infection.
First and foremost, make it a rule to trim your toenails every week, and use a fungus treatment every day for a month.
After that, you need to treat your nails every week with a special tool to get rid of the infection for another 9 months so that the fungus does not make itself felt again after a few days.
In 9 months, you can restore your nails to a healthy state and completely get rid of the symptoms of the fungus. It is very important to complete the full course of treatment. More detailed instructions for use can be found in the product annotation.