When folks discuss fungal foot infection, they are generally referring to one of two chief kinds of foot fungus: infection of the skin (athlete’s foot), or infection of the toenails (onychomycosis). Both are extremely common, but athlete’s foot is usually much easier to eliminate. Both sorts of foot fungus result in the organism invading and start to multiply on the foot.
Fungus
The fungus gets nutrients from keratin, a form of protein that’s found in skin tissues and nails. As it breaks down keratin, skin gets wrinkled and scaly and nails begin to crumble and discolor. The exact sort of fungus, most commonly one called Trichophyton rubrum, can cause both sorts of foot fungal disease, though some other kinds of and various yeasts normally only invade the nails. Knowing a couple of foot fungus facts can help remove the infection faster.
First, a fungal disease should always be properly diagnosed by a doctor: other things can cause flaking skin and deformed nails. Second, all kinds of foot fungus are normally present in the surroundings: you don’t have to be exposed to someone with a disease to catch yourself. Your body’s immune system fights off many types of foot fungus by itself, but if you do see signs, you need to act immediately before it becomes too complex.
Did you know?
There are other significant foot fungus facts, regarding infections, treatment options, and what to expect with a variety of remedies. There are prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, homeopathic preparations and home remedies. Antifungal drugs will work against all types of foot fungus, though your physician may decide on a different treatment for a nail infected with yeast. On the skin, most types of foot fungus clear up very fast using a topical therapy (creams, ointments, powders), while fungal nail infections are often difficult to cure because topical treatments do not get to the growth beneath the thick nail.
Treatment may have to be continued for several months. Knowing these foot fungus facts will keep you from getting discouraged if you do not see treatment results as fast as you expected. Practice a few basic things to help your body fight off all types of foot fungus. Fungi like moist warm states, so keep your feet clean and be sure you dry them well after bathing. Wear shoes in wet public areas like swimming pool decks and decks, but if your feet are usually sweaty, avoid wearing shoes for lengthy periods – your feet require an opportunity to dry.
Final note
Change and launder your socks frequently and use an antifungal powder in your shoes. Some kinds of foot fungus are common in soil, but it is fine to go barefoot as long as you do not have cuts or irritated skin which could allow a parasite entrance. In actuality, it’s very good for the feet to get fresh air. Finally, recall your foot fungus facts, keep your nails trimmed, apply first aid immediately to any foot injury, and keep an eye on your skin and nails so you spot a growing fungal foot infection straight away.