Mycosis of the feet is the most common fungal infection of the skin today. There are three main types of mycosis of the foot, or fungus on the feet, as it is also called. And each type is localized on 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 in the upper 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 to also get sick with a high probability. But most often, fungal infection occurs when people walk barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in the changing rooms of the same pool, gym and other similar objects. The fungus can then remain in your shoes, especially if the shoes are very narrow and air cannot circulate around your feet.
If you touch an object on which there is a fungus, after that you can also become a distributor of it and infect other people. Moreover, even if you infect others, this does not mean that you will definitely become infected yourself. Doctors do not know why this happens, but everyone's predisposition to infection with fungus on their feet is different. And if you have already had mycosis, there is a high probability of getting infected again.
2. Symptoms of the fungus
The symptoms of mycosis of the feet can be burning and itching in the skin between the toes. The skin may peel off and crack. Other symptoms of foot fungus may differ depending on which type of athlete's foot is diagnosed.
The first type is an infection that most commonly causes symptoms between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin becomes scaly, peeling and cracking. In some cases, a bacterial infection can join mycosis, and the skin condition worsens even more.
The second type of fungus is a disease that can start with mild soreness in the leg area. Then the skin on the heel or bottom of the foot thickens and may crack. As the fungus on the feet progresses, it also affects the nails. With nail fungus, it can thicken, break, or even fall out. Fungal infections on the nails and on the skin of the feet need to be treated differently, as a rule.
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 bottom of the foot, but they can be found anywhere else on the foot. A concomitant bacterial infection can also develop with this type of foot fungus.
3. Diagnosis of mycosis
To diagnose a foot fungus, a doctor, as a rule, only needs to examine the patient and study the medical history (symptoms, previous illnesses). If the fungus on your feet is uncommon or does not respond to treatment, your doctor may take a sample of your skin or nail to test for fungus.
Not all foot skin problems are mycosis, or foot fungus. If you suspect that you have a fungus, but you have never had one before, it actually makes sense to see a good dermatologist.
4. Treatment of the disease
To treat a fungus of the foot, 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 be treated for the fungus as much as the doctor says. 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, humid places to grow.
To prevent mycosis and the reappearance of foot fungus, you should use your own special shoes when you go to the gym, 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 moisture wicking.