Mycosis or fungus is an unpleasant disease caused by parasitic microorganisms - fungi. It is quite common and can occur in both adults and children. The fungus can appear on different parts of the body, but most commonly affects the skin of the feet and hands, as well as the nails. It causes physical discomfort and the affected areas are extremely unattractive.
The fungus is not a "harmless" disease. Its waste products are toxic, can weaken the immune system and can even lead to allergies. Therefore, you need timely treatment, which should be prescribed by a doctor. to deal with the problem at home.
Why the mushroom appears
The appearance and development of the skin fungus is related to the presence of pathogens in the skin that multiply very quickly. The fungus is most commonly localized between the fingers and can also affect the heels, feet, palms, and nails. There may be several reasons for its appearance. The mushroom loves humid and warm environments. Increased sweating of the feet creates all the conditions for the infection to "settle" in the skin.
Visiting public places such as swimming pools, saunas, gyms, changing rooms and shared showers is the main way to infect mycosis. However, there is no need for direct contact with one person or the things of others: the spores of the fungus are volatile and present in the air. In addition, the fungus occurs due to a lack of proper personal care and personal hygiene.
Poor quality shoes that do not allow the skin of the foot to breathe can also be a factor in the incidence of the disease. The disease can also develop in people whose work involves constant contact with yeast (confectioner, chef, winemaker). The fungus may also appear as a background of weakened immunity due to chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis).
The fungus begins on the skin of the foot between the toes. There are symptoms such as itching, redness, peeling. Then cracks appear, the skin thickens and scales appear. Liquid blisters can also appear on the skin, which will rupture and heal poorly. If left untreated, the infection can multiply quickly 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 may change color, crack and peel off. In general, the symptoms of the fungus on the hands and feet are the same. Symptoms that indicate the appearance of the fungus on the nails: the infection begins to touch from the edge of the nail and then reaches the base. The nail plate becomes cloudy, thickens, the nail changes shape, deforms. There are also symptoms such as the appearance of streaks on the nail and a change in color: from white, yellow to brown or even black.
Mushrooms are a problem that the body begins to fight. As a result, allergic symptoms may occur in the form of blisters and skin erosions.
Causes of fungal growth in children
Mushrooms on the feet and hands are a fairly common problem in children. This is primarily due to the fact that children’s immune systems are not yet sufficiently developed and may be exposed to a variety of effects, including fungal infections. In addition, the susceptibility of children to various fungal diseases is determined by the characteristics of their skin: low bactericidal activity of the sweat and sebaceous glands, increased water absorption.
In the process of getting to know the world, the child is in close contact with the environment in which the pathogens of fungal diseases are widespread (for example, after contact with a sick animal or soil, the disease can manifest itself). In addition, in kindergarten or school, the child comes into contact with many other children who may also be carriers of the skin condition.
Infection of children can occur both through direct contact and after the use of household items containing fungal spores: toys, towels, someone else's shoes. It’s enough to run barefoot or try someone else’s thing - and the disease can already manifest itself. The symptoms of the disease are no different from those of adults.
The factors that cause the appearance of fungal diseases in children are the lack of a culture of beriberi, poor ecology and personal hygiene. Parents should listen to the child’s complaints and examine the skin regularly. Treatment of the fungus is absolutely necessary because this disease can cause allergies and weaken the immune system in children.
Prevention and preventative measures prevent your child from becoming ill. Therefore, you should consult a dermatologist as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.
mushroom treatment
If you or your children notice any signs or symptoms of fungus appearing on your legs or arms, consult a specialist immediately. Only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis and determine the methods for removing the fungus on the legs and hands. Proper diagnosis is essential because the external symptoms of the infection may overlap with the symptoms of other diseases (such as psoriasis).
Depending on the pathogen of the disease, the neglect of the disease, and the patient's medical condition, the doctor will prescribe local, systemic (taking tablets) or mixed treatment. Topical application means the use of a special ointment, varnish or spray. If the patient has no contraindications, the doctor will prescribe antifungal pills to help kill the fungus "from the inside. "Of course, it is best to use combination therapy if the problem is treated in all directions.
In some cases of fungal infection, your doctor may recommend the removal of your nails. But simply removing the nail will not solve the problem because the fungus will still be present in the body and will manifest over time. This procedure makes the treatment more effective because antifungal agents penetrate the lesion more easily. Today, this procedure is painless and does not require surgery.
There are special products that stick to your nails and "dissolve" within 3-4 days. The treatment of the fungus on the legs and arms is quite difficult. The treatment itself can take up to 1 year. should be done based on some recommendations.
- Complete disinfection of the living space. Do general cleaning at your place of residence. Particular attention should be paid to the bathroom. Wash the bathtub and the floor and walls with detergent. Rinse the tank with hot water after each wash. The carpet on the bathroom floor should be rubber so that no mushrooms can settle in it.
- It is necessary to wash the feet with household or tar soap. Soaps of this type have antifungal and disinfectant properties. They also help to dry out the wounds caused by the fungus.
- After the wet procedures, dry your feet with a hair dryer or dry them thoroughly with a paper towel as the fungus may remain normal.
- Do not walk barefoot in the house or sit with your feet on the upholstered furniture.
- Throw away your old slippers. Walk around the house in either natural socks or open rubber slippers.
- Treat the rest of the shoe with apple cider vinegar or formalin.
- The items in the manicure set should be unique and should not be used by any member of the family. Wipe the scissors and nail file with alcohol after each use.
- Sleep in cotton socks that need to be changed daily.
- Bed linen must be changed at least once a week.
- Socks, stockings or tights - change daily. Wash in hot water. After washing the socks can be ironed well with an iron.
Of course, it is better to prevent the disease than to treat it later. Therefore, prevention is necessary in order to best protect yourself from the disease. When using swimming pools, saunas and other public places, use only your personal belongings (towels, washcloths). Never go barefoot. Even when showering in a public place, do not take off your slippers. They are made of rubber, not sponge materials.
After visiting the pool at home, the slippers should be washed thoroughly with soap and dried. Choose shoes made of quality, natural and breathable materials for everyday wear. The foot in the impermeable shoe sweats, which creates a favorable environment for the development of a fungal disease.
Prevention of fungal infections includes careful self-care, regular water treatments, and timely change of underwear and bedding.
Get rid of the fungus at home
Among other things, you can use traditional medicine at home. Combined with the treatment prescribed by your doctor, this will help remove the fungus quickly.
- Apple cider vinegar is a cure with antiseptic and fungicidal properties. Apply vinegar on a cotton swab and apply to the affected areas. If there are open sores and wounds on the skin, do not make such creams. In this case, prepare a foot bath with a weak solution of apple cider vinegar.
- The foot bath can also be done with sea salt. This requires 3 tablespoons. l. salt per liter in warm water. It is better to use salt that does not contain dyes and flavors. Soak your feet in this solution for 10-15 minutes. It can be used as a compress in the affected areas.
- Traditional healers know how to remove the fungus at home on the legs and arms using an ordinary onion. Grate the onion and unscrew the juice. Dampen a cotton ball with juice and apply to the affected areas. Do not rinse, but leave until the juice dries. The procedure should be performed daily.
- Clay is another way to fight fungi. Take pharmacy clay (sold as a powder) and dilute with cold water to a thick sour cream texture. Apply the product to the affected areas until it is completely dry. Then rinse with water.
- Celandine juice is a universal cure for many skin conditions at home. If you break the branch of celandine, orange juice will appear from it. This juice should be applied to the areas affected by the fungus. The procedure should be performed twice a day.
- The pharmacy sells another effective cure - birch tar. After showering, apply to sore areas and leave on 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, dilute with water to a suspension. It should be applied daily from this slurry for 15 minutes.
- Among the recommendations for home remedies for foot fungus are tips on using ammonia. 1 st. l. dilute the ammonia in a glass of water. Dampen a handkerchief with the solution and wrap the affected limb with it. Place the bag on top and secure with socks. The procedure is best done at night.
Prevention can protect you from a fungal infection. However, if you continue to experience alarming symptoms in yourself or your children, contact your doctor immediately. Only the doctor knows how to get rid of the fungus in the shortest possible time and will be able to make the correct diagnosis without damaging the body.
Do not self-medicate. Self-care at home can not only harm but exacerbate the problem. Traditional medicine can be effective, but only if treatment with alternative methods is approved and approved by your doctor.