Mycosis, or fungus, is an unpleasant disease caused by parasitic microorganisms - fungi. It is very common and can occur in both adults and children. The fungus can appear on different parts of the body, but most often affects the skin of the feet and hands, as well as the nails. This causes physical discomfort and the affected areas look extremely attractive.
Mushrooms are not a "harmless" disease. Its waste is toxic, weakens the immune system and can even cause allergies. Therefore, it needs timely treatment, which should be prescribed by a doctor. Many people are worried about how to get rid of fungus on the legs, what treatment can be used to treat the problem at home.
Why mushrooms appear
The appearance and development of skin fungus is associated with the presence of pathogens that multiply very quickly on the skin. The fungus is most often localized between the toes and can also affect the heels, feet, palms and nails. There may be several reasons for its appearance. Mushrooms love a moist and warm environment. Increased sweating of the legs creates all the conditions for the infection to "settle" on the skin.
Visiting public places such as swimming pools, saunas, gyms, locker rooms and public showers is the main way to get rid of mycosis. At the same time, direct contact with one person or other people's belongings is not necessary: fungal spores are volatile and present in the air. Also, the fungus is caused by a lack of proper personal care and personal hygiene.
Poor quality footwear that does not allow the skin of the feet to breathe can also be a factor in the development of the disease. The disease can also develop in people who are in constant contact with the yeast activity (confectioner, cook, winemaker). The fungus can also appear against the background of weakened immunity due to chronic diseases (diabetes, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis).
The fungus starts on the skin of the feet between the toes. There are symptoms such as itching, redness of the skin, peeling. Then cracks appear, the skin thickens, scales appear. There may also be blisters on the skin that explode and heal poorly. In the absence of treatment, the infection multiplies rapidly and can spread to the nails and hands. The skin of the hands affected by the fungus is very dry and covered with scales.
The skin between the fingers can change color, crack and peel. In general, the symptoms of fungus on the hands and feet are the same. Symptoms of the appearance of a fungus on the nails: the infection begins to affect the nail from the outside and then reaches the base. The nail plate becomes cloudy, thickens, changes the shape of the nail, is deformed. There are also symptoms such as the appearance and discoloration of the stripes on the nail: white, yellow to brown or even black.
Fungus is a problem that the body begins to fight. For this reason, allergic symptoms in the form of blisters and erosions on the skin are possible.
Causes of fungus in children
Fungus on the feet and hands is a very common problem in children. First of all, this is due to the fact that children's immune systems are not yet sufficiently developed and therefore can be exposed to various influences, including fungal infections. In addition, the susceptibility of children to various fungal diseases is determined by their skin characteristics: low bactericidal activity of sweat and sebaceous glands, increased ability to absorb water.
In the process of learning the world, children come into close contact with the environment in which the pathogens of fungal diseases are widespread (for example, the disease can manifest itself after contact with a sick animal or soil). In addition, in kindergarten or school, a child comes in contact with many other children who may be carriers of skin disease.
In children, the infection can occur both in direct contact and after using household items that contain fungal spores: toys, towels, someone else's shoes. It is enough to run barefoot or try someone else's things - and the disease can already manifest itself. The symptoms of the disease do not differ from those of adults.
Factors that provoke the appearance of fungal diseases in children are beriberi, poor ecology, lack of personal hygiene culture. Parents should listen to the child's complaints and check the skin regularly. Treatment of the fungus is necessary, because it is a disease that causes allergies in children and can weaken the immune system.
Prevention and preventive measures will protect your child from getting sick. Therefore, you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. The doctor will be able to diagnose and prescribe the right treatment.
mushroom treatment
If you or your children see any signs or symptoms of a fungal appearance on their legs or arms, you should contact a specialist immediately. Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis and determine how to remove the fungus on the feet and hands. Proper diagnosis is important because the outward symptoms of the infection may overlap with the symptoms of other diseases (such as psoriasis).
Depending on the cause of the disease, the severity of the disease and the patient's own state of health, the doctor prescribes local, systemic (pill-taking) or combined treatment. Topical application involves the use of a special ointment, varnish or spray. If the patient has no contraindications, the doctor prescribes a course of antifungal tablets that will help to destroy the fungus "from the inside. "Of course, when the problem is treated in all directions, it is better to use combination therapy.
In some cases of fungal infections, the doctor may recommend removing the nail. However, simply removing the nail will not solve the problem, because the fungus will still be in the body and will show itself over time. This procedure makes treatment more effective because antifungal drugs can more easily penetrate the lesion. Today, this procedure is painless and does not require surgery.
There are special products that stick to the nail and "dissolve" it in 3-4 days. Fungus on the legs and arms is very difficult to treat. The treatment itself can last up to 1 year. In addition to the therapy prescribed by a doctor, fungal treatment at home should be carried out using some recommendations.
- Complete disinfection of the living space. Carry out general cleaning in your area. Pay special attention to the bathroom. Wash the tub, as well as the floor and walls with a cleaner. Rinse the container with warm water after each wash. The carpet on the bathroom floor should be rubber so that there are no fungi.
- Feet should be washed with household or tar soap. These soaps have antifungal and disinfectant properties. In addition, they will help to dry out the wounds that may be visible due to the fungus.
- After water treatments, dry your feet with a hair dryer or dry them thoroughly with a paper towel, as the fungus may remain in its usual place.
- Do not walk around the house barefoot, do not sit with your feet on the upholstered furniture.
- Throw away your old shoes. Walk around the house either in socks made of natural materials or in rubber open shoes.
- Treat the rest of the shoes with apple cider vinegar or formalin.
- Items in the manicure set should be individual and should not be used by any member of the family. Wipe the scissors and nail files with alcohol after each use.
- Lie down in cotton socks that need to be changed daily.
- Bedding should be changed at least once a week.
- Socks, stockings or tights - change daily. They should be washed in warm water. After washing, the socks can be ironed well.
Of course, it is better to prevent the disease than to treat it later. Therefore, prevention is necessary to protect yourself from the disease as much as possible. Use only your personal belongings (towels, laundry) when visiting swimming pools, saunas and other public places. Never go barefoot. Even if you use the shower in a public place, do not take off your shoes. They should be made of rubber, not sponge material.
After visiting the pool, shoes should be thoroughly washed and dried with laundry soap at home. Choose quality shoes made of natural and breathable materials for everyday wear. Wearing non-breathable shoes will make your feet sweat, which creates favorable conditions for the development of fungal diseases.
Prevention of fungal infections includes careful self-care, regular water procedures, and timely replacement of underwear and bedding.
Get rid of fungus at home
Among other things, at home, you can use traditional medicine. This, along with the treatment prescribed by your doctor, will help to get rid of the fungus quickly.
- Apple cider vinegar is a tool with disinfectant and antifungal properties. Apply vinegar to a cotton swab and apply to the affected areas. If there are open sores and wounds on the skin, then you should not make such lotions. In this case, take a foot bath with a weak solution of apple cider vinegar.
- Foot baths with sea salt can also be done. For this you need 3 tablespoons. l. liter of hot water salt. It is better to use salt that does not contain dyes and flavors. Keep your feet in this solution for 10-15 minutes. It can be applied as a compress to the affected areas.
- Traditional healers know how to get rid of fungus on the feet and arms at home with the help of an ordinary onion. Grate the onion and squeeze the juice through it. Moisten a cotton swab with water and apply to the affected areas. Do not rinse, but leave the water to dry. The procedure should be performed every day.
- Clay is another way to fight fungus. Take pharmacy clay (sold in powder form) and dilute with cool water until a thick creamy consistency. Apply the product to the affected areas until completely dry. Then rinse with water.
- Celandine juice is a universal tool for the treatment of many skin diseases at home. If you break a celandine branch, orange juice will start to appear from it. It is necessary to lubricate the areas affected by the fungus with this juice. The procedure should be performed twice a day.
- Another effective remedy is sold in pharmacies - maple tar. After the shower, rub it on the sore spots and keep it with clean socks. The procedure is best done at night.
- You can also get rid of the fungus with the help of ordinary soda. Take a small amount of soda, sour cream with water. It is necessary to apply this cuttings every day, leave for 15 minutes.
- Among the tips on how to treat foot fungus at home are tips on using ammonia. 1 st. l. ammonia is diluted in a glass of water. Moisten a towel with the solution and wrap the affected area with it. Place the bag on top and secure with socks. The procedure is best done at night.
Prevention can protect you from fungal infections. However, if you or your children still have disturbing symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Only a doctor who knows how to get rid of the fungus as soon as possible and without harm to the body, will be able to make a correct diagnosis.
Do not self-medicate. Self-medication at home can not only harm, but also exacerbate the problem. Traditional medicine can be effective, but only if alternative treatments are allowed and approved by a doctor.