Mycosis of the feet is the most common fungal infection of the skin today. There are three main types of foot mycosis or foot fungus, as it is also called. And each type is located in different parts of the foot and looks different.
How can you get a foot fungus?
Mycosis of the feet is caused by a fungus that grows on or on the top layer of the skin. The fungus thrives best in warm, humid locations. For example, in the area between the toes. Foot fungus spreads very easily. It is enough to touch the fingers or toes of an infected person so that they also get sick with a high probability. But, more often, fungal infection occurs when people walk barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in the locker rooms of the same pool, gym and other similar objects. The fungus can remain on your shoes, especially if the shoes are too narrow and air cannot circulate around your feet.
If you touch an object on which there is a fungus, after that, it can also become a distributor and infect other people. Also, even if you infect others, this does not mean that you will definitely infect yourself. Doctors don't know why this happens, but everyone's predisposition to yeast infection of the feet is different. And if you have already had mycosis, there is a high chance of re-infection.
2. Symptoms of the fungus
Symptoms of fungal feet can be burning and itching of the skin between the toes. The skin can peel off and crack. Other foot fungus symptoms may differ depending on the type of athlete's foot that is diagnosed.
The first type is an infection that usually causes symptoms between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin becomes flaky, peeling, and cracked. In some cases, a bacterial infection can join the fungal infection, making the skin condition worse.
The second type of fungus is a disease that can begin with mild pain in the leg area. Then the skin on the heel or sole of the foot becomes thicker and may crack. As the fungus progresses on the feet, it also affects the nails. With nail fungus, it can thicken, break, or even fall off. As a rule, fungal infections of the nails and the skin of the feet should be treated differently.
Vesicular infection is the third type of athlete's foot. Typically, this type of foot fungus begins with fluid-filled blisters under the skin. Bubbles usually form on the sole of the foot, but can be found elsewhere on the foot. A concomitant bacterial infection can also develop with this type of foot fungus.
3. Diagnosis of mycosis
To diagnose a fungus on the foot, a doctor, as a rule, only needs to examine the patient and study the medical history (symptoms, previous diseases). If the fungus on your feet is rare or does not respond to treatment, your doctor may take a sample of your skin or nail to check for fungus.
Not all foot skin problems are fungal infections of the feet. If you suspect you have a fungus, but have never had one, it actually makes sense to see a good dermatologist.
4. Treatment of the disease
To treat a foot fungus, special lotions, creams or sprays are usually sufficient. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe prescription pills or topical remedies to treat toenail fungus. It is necessary to receive treatment for the fungus as much as directed by the doctor. This will be a guarantee that it was really possible to cure the fungus completely. In addition to the general treatment of mycosis of the feet, it is imperative that the feet are clean and dry. The fungus needs warm and humid places to grow.
To prevent mycosis and the reappearance of foot fungus, you should wear your own special shoes when you go to the gym, swimming pool and similar places. To keep your feet dry, you can use talcum powder or special products. Sandals or shoes that are not too tight will provide adequate air circulation and absorb moisture.