Are you at higher risk of fungal nail or athlete’s foot?

Recognize fungal nail or athlete’s foot symptoms and know what to do to prevent and treat it. Fungal nail and athlete’s foot are a common ailment that causes discomfort. Not sure if you suffer from fungal nail or athlete’s foot? Then take the test right here.

Fungal test
Answer 4 short questions whether or not you suffer from fungi and what you can do about it.

What is a fungal infection?

Always treat fungal infections!

Fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a disease caused by fungi. Different types are traditionally divided according to the part of the body affected.

Fungal nails are the most common problem for the feet. Fungal nails are nails (on the toe or fingers) that are infected with a fungus or yeast. Fungal nails are also called onychomycosis. There are several causes that can lead to a fungal nail. Athlete’s foot is a condition which is caused by a fungus that likes to embed itself in a humid environment. In crowded showers and locker rooms there may be traces of the fungi present, because they are frequented by people potentially suffering from athlete’s foot.

Causes fungal infection

Fungi thrive in a dark, warm and humid environment.

The organisms that cause a fungal nail or athlete’s foot live in a warm, humid environments. That is why you can get a fungus that causes fungal nails and athlete’s foot in public, humid places such as sauna’s, gyms. Public showers and swimming pools.

A fungal nail is often caused by athlete’s foot, which is a fungal infection on the skin. If athlete’s foot is not treated in time, the fungus can spread to the nails and develop fungal nails.

Fungi are very contagious and do not disappear on their own. There is a great chance that you get a fungal infection from a family member. That is why you need to treat fungal infections seriously to prevent further infection or worse, like a fungal nail.

Other causes for getting a fungal infection are:

A different pH-value of the skin
Not drying properly after bathing or sport
A weakened immune system

Fungal infection symptoms

Do you have a fungal nail or athlete’s foot?

Recognize the symptoms and know what to do to prevent and treat it. A fungal nail doesn’t look pleasant and can sometimes be very painful. Are you unsure if you have a fungal nail? Then take the fungal nail test here.
In doubt if the itch you experience between your toes might be athlete’s foot? Take the athlete’s foot test here.

Fungal Nail recognition

A fungal nail infection, usually starts with a discolored area in the corner of the nail and slowly spreads towards the nail bed. The visible changes to the nail are easy to recognize, so it is important to inspect your feet regularly so you can react in a timely manner to the development of this fungal infection.

There are different forms of fungal nail infections, but the most common form of a fungal nail infection starts at the nail edge and extends towards the nail bed.

The most common symptoms of a fungal nail infection include:

Thickening
Discoloration – white, yellow and/or brown
Brittleness – nail can break off
Scaling
Deformation of the nail

Athlete’s foot recognition

Fungi prefer to live in warm and humid environments. If your skin is moist or damaged, the fungi can penetrate your skin. Athlete’s foot can therefore occur in several places on your foot but usually nests between your toes.

The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot are:

The skin of the feet, especially between the toes, starts to flake
Cracks Itching, pain, or a burning sensation
The skin may sometimes feel soft
Blisters may appear from which clear liquid comes out
Under the scales, the skin may be red and painful
Sometimes the nails become discolored and thick and brittle. This is also called a fungal nail

Protect your feet

When to protect your feet?
Once you have successfully treated a fungal nail or athlete’s foot you want to protect your feet against recontamination. But not only when you have suffered from a fungal infection before, you want to avoid fungal infections in general.

A good way to start is to ensure an optimal foot and shoe climate, by keeping your feet dry and clean. Shower after getting dirty or sweaty feet, make sure to dry your feet with a clean towel, also between the toes.

Frequently attend (public) swimming pools, sauna’s or locker rooms, don’t walk barefoot but use sandals or flipflops. And if you, your partner or child suffer from a fungal infection, pay attention to sharing a shower. Fungi easily spread and multiply in moist environments. So catching an infection by sharing a shower is a common issue.

You can also help in the control of fungal growth on feet by using protection products. Like Mycosan Foot Deo Spray product page and the Mycosan Foot & Shoe Powder. Safe to use without damaging socks or shoes.

Are you familiar with the Mycosan products? Mycosan offers everything for fungus free feet!

Mycosan tips to protect your feet

Taking good care of your feet is the first important step in the prevention of fungal nail and athlete’s foot!

Inspect your feet regularly and pay attention to changes in color, texture and appearance.
Take care of your feet; wash and dry off carefully between the toes.
Hydrate the skin. Hot weather and open shoes can cause damaged and changed skin, such as chapped skin. It is wise to regularly moisturize to keep the water balance of the skin of the feet stable.
Purchase the right size shoes. The measurements of shoes can difference per shoe brand and producers. It is best to buy the shoes in the afternoon, when the feet are often at their widest size. Always choose shoes that are comfortable.
Wear clean socks every day, preferably cotton or woollen. It is important that socks can absorb transpiration (moist) and keep the skin dry.
Take foot pain seriously! Symptoms that worsen or do not go away in a foreseeable timeframe would be best shown to a podiatrist. Cut toenails horizontally. Do not cut of corners because this can cause an ingrown nail. Use a file for the sharp edges and corners. Prevent biting or tearing the cuticles; this creates additional chances for an infection or irritation.
Keep moving. Walking around is a way to keep weight under control and a good manner to train the feet.
Change shoes daily. Feet contain sweat glands, the moisture from the glands are absorbed by the shoes. Shoes therefore need to be completely dry when wearing them again. Avoid synthetic fabrics.
Always wear sandals or flip-flops in and around swimming pools, changing rooms or public areas to protect your feet against fungal infections. Fungi live in warm, humid surroundings.
Protect your feet with sun lotion to prevent sunburn. Even when wearing sandals!
Choose cotton or woollen socks to keep your feet dry and fresh. Change your socks daily or even more often when you experience a high level of sweat.
Treat nail fungus infections immediately, the infection can spread to other toes/nails and Athlete’s Foot. In case of an infection, it is advised to wear socks and shoes that are treated with an anti-fungal product

Fungal infections

Fungal nail and athlete’s foot occur often. What most people don’t know is that fungal nail and athlete’s foot are caused by the same fungi, the Trichophyton species. One out of two people suffers from a fungal infection at least once a year.