Underestimated, it can lead to recurrences and even spread among household members. Foot fungus is an embarrassing problem that no one talks about out loud, although it can affect up to 20% of Poles. Cracking, peeling and itchy skin can lead to more serious lesions over time. Find out how to not only combat, but also prevent the condition.
Shameful foot fungus - where does it come from?
Wearing tight, non-breathable footwear that promotes sweating is the most common cause of this recurrent condition. Such conditions favor the growth of fungi - dermatophytes. They can attack not only the space between the toes, but also the sole or metatarsal area. The skin becomes red and itchy in these areas, over time it begins to crack and form painful blisters. If left untreated, the condition successfully spreads to the nails, causing hardening and yellowing of the nail plate.
Not everyone who struggles with foot fungus realizes that it is recurrent and contagious. Wearing sweaty socks and tight, impermeable footwear promotes the spread of the disease in the immediate environment, such as in the shower or at the pool. Among those who are particularly vulnerable to dermatophytes are athletes (due to frequent sweating and wearing tight footwear) and senior citizens (due to weakened bodies resulting from other illnesses).
How to combat an embarrassing condition?
In the case of an infection that involves only a small part of the skin, you can rely on topical action. To do this, reach for antifungal products based on natural essential oils. If the disease has spread over a larger area and includes the nails, action will need to be extended to soaking feet and washing socks in antifungal salts, as well as oral supplements with antifungal properties.
Can athlete's foot fungus be prevented?
It is enough to take proper care of hygiene, change shoes to ones that are air permeable, and wear cotton socks enriched with silver ions. You can also use special creams or ointments thus taking care of prevention. It is also worth taking care of healthy skin outside the home: in a shoe store, try on a disposable sock, and at the pool, sauna or locker room, wear flip-flops.
