Prevention of fungus on the feet

The chances of contracting nail fungus or, scientifically, onychomycosis are very high: every tenth person is sick with it. The older you get, the more likely you are to become infected. You can get infected both in a public place and at home, so everyone needs to know the principles of preventing fungus. In this article, we will consider the prevention of fungal disease.

Diseases to which the fungus can "join"

Fungal diseases of the nails and skin of the feet are rare in hot climates and are common in cold and damp areas, since the infection is promoted by wearing warm and tight shoes. Legs sweat in it, rubbing and calluses form on wet feet, the causative agent of the fungus gets the opportunity to enter the body through microtraumas of the skin. Residents of large industrial cities suffer from this disease more often than residents of villages.

Diseases against which the fungus is actively developing:

• injuries to feet or toenails;
• diabetes;
• weakened immunity;
• Varicose veins;
• diseases of the skin of the legs (for example, psoriasis, ringworm).

For some people, nail fungus is an occupational disease. At risk are:

• workers of showers, baths, beauty salons;
• massage therapists;
• orthopedists;
• athletes;
• military.

Be careful!

Most often, people become infected with this infection through household items that were previously used by patients: shoes, rugs, manicure tools. The causative agent of the disease first enters the skin, then penetrates into the nail plate. Symptoms of the disease may not appear immediately after the first contact with the infection, but after several months or even years.

The fungus lives for a long time and multiplies well where it is humid and warm. Places where infection occurs frequently:

• swimming pools;
• bathrooms;
• baths;
• gyms;
• beaches.

Few people think that the beach can be a source of infection, but sand and pebbles are a comfortable environment for the preservation and reproduction of the fungus.

Factors that contribute to infection

The main reason for the introduction of a fungal infection into the nail area is damage to the nail plates and skin of the feet. They can occur in the following cases:

• with frequent contact with water, detergents;
• while wearing uncomfortable synthetic shoes;
• with increased sweating of the legs;
• if you rarely trim your toenails (the nail should not protrude beyond the tip of the toe);
• with an illiterate pedicure;
• if the foot has deformities or anatomical features, for example, flat feet.

How to protect yourself from infection in public places?

Observe the hygiene of the feet - must be clean, dry, without calluses, cracks, flaky areas. If you suffer from excessive sweating of the legs, you need to find out the causes of it from your doctor and solve this problem.

Be sure to change your shoes for a more comfortable one, made from natural materials. It should not squeeze the leg or rub the skin of the feet. Do not forget to change your socks daily, do not go for a long time in wet shoes.

If you visit public places with high levels of humidity (baths, showers, swimming pools), observe the following rules:

• wear only your own shoes;
• dry your feet thoroughly after washing, do not skip the space between your toes;
• put on clean and dry socks after washing;
• use removable shoes.
• carry out the so-called medical pedicure - it heals the skin, is effective as a prophylaxis and in the complex treatment of fungal diseases.

Choose nail salons carefully. Sources of fungal infection can be files, pushers, foot baths. Make sure the salon is licensed and the tools are processed.

If a salon or a private master does not inspire confidence in you, take your own set of tools for the manicure or pedicure procedure.

Have you noticed increased dryness of the skin of your feet, brittle nails? Perhaps the reason is the wrong diet. Eat foods containing gelatin, rich in trace elements and vitamins, primarily vitamin A.

What to buy for the prevention of fungus?

• shoe spray (Mikostop, Salton);
• antifungal shoe dryer (Timson, Lacona);
• antiperspirant products (hygiene sprays, antiperspirants for the skin of the feet, special insoles).

Antifungal drugs for external use (drops, varnishes, ointments) can be used to prevent fungus. Apply them to your nails when you return from public places where the risk of infection is high.

Proper hygiene is the key to healthy feet!

Fungus of the nails is called a family disease because it is easy to get it from people with whom you live under the same roof.

Members of the same family wash in a shared bath or shower, can use the same washcloths, rugs, towels, slippers. Fungus spores live on household items for years, it is not easy to get rid of them.
If there are people with fungus in your family, the rules of prevention will be as follows for you:

• wash your feet with soap and water every day and dry them thoroughly;
• treat with an antifungal agent all surfaces with which the patient's feet are in contact;
• do not use the same shoes with the patient;
• do not go barefoot at home, wear socks or slippers;
• remove carpets from the floor;
• trim your nails in a timely manner, keep them clean;
• purchase an individual manicure set for each family member;
• Wet clean every day using anti-fungal detergents such as Chemipharm Des New.

And, of course, insist that your relative treat the fungus under the supervision of a dermatologist.