About 80% of the population suffers from tinea versicolor. Due to increased density and perspiration, the skin of the feet is affected more than the skin of the feet. Fungal infection presents with peeling and itching, but it can also be asymptomatic, causing only calluses (calluses, stratum corneum - hyperkeratosis on the heels and arches of the feet). If left untreated, the infection will spread. An infected person can infect others, spreading the pathogen throughout his or her own body.
Where do mushrooms come from?
Microorganisms in fungi prefer moist and warm environments and are rich in nutrients. As a "shelter" they use dense skin, prone to increased fat secretion and perspiration.
The human foot - has always served as a favorable breeding ground for mycobacteria, and poor-quality socks and shoes contribute to this.
You can get it in public - on the beach, in a sauna, in a swimming pool. You can get an infection when trying on new shoes, because back in the day, someone with foot fungus could measure it.
Several internal factors also increase susceptibility to fungi:
- weakening of immunity - fungi deny the body's defenses, when they are weakened it is easier for microorganisms to penetrate the skin;
- endocrine disorders - diabetes and hormonal imbalance change the composition of secretions in the skin, making them a breeding ground for bacteria;
- persistent injuries - cracks, fissures, abrasions and punctures can be gateways for fungus;
- lack of hygiene - poor-quality foot washing, use of dirty socks and airtight shoes contribute to the entry of fungus into the limbs.
It is also possible to get the infection from a close relative - if there is a patient in the home or a carrier with an asymptomatic episode. Disputes about pathogenic microorganisms spread to household utensils, personal belongings, gender (if the patient walks barefoot). When washing the furniture of all the inhabitants of the house, mycobacteria get on the clothes of healthy family members, which can cause fungal diseases not only on the feet but also on other parts of the body. body (in the folds, groin, on the hairy areas of the body).
Why does the fungus appear between the fingers
Toenail fungus is a specific clinical form of mycosis of the feet. Doctors call it intertriginous. With this procedure, the skin is affected from 3 to 4 or 4 and 5 toes. Usually, the pathological process begins in one limb, eventually spreading to a healthy limb.
Mycosis begins with cracking of the skin between the toes or at the base of the phalanx on the foot. The size of the wound can be from 2-3 mm to 1 cm, the intensity of symptoms depends on the area of the wound - the larger the wound, the stronger the pain. At the time of the appearance of the fissure, the patient will experience slight discomfort when walking, which will increase when performing hygienic procedures.
Unlike other wounds, fissures do not heal on their own. It becomes inflamed, exuding fluid. The surface between the fingers becomes wet, which further causes the fungus to spread to wider areas of the skin. A "margin" appears around the wound - that is, the skin is peeled off by steaming. The split is quite thick, trying to remove it with your fingers will injure the healthy skin. Around the lesion appeared persistent peeling. It can be in sheet or powder form. Scales silver, white, slightly yellow. These characteristics depend on the strain of the fungus infecting the skin. After the fissure heals, the underlying fungal form turns into scabs - it manifests as large dry areas on the feet, with lots of flaking scales. The surface can be shiny or tissue-like.
What to do with fungal symptoms?
If you have a crack between your fingers surrounded by loose skin, you should definitely see a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct an examination and identify the symptoms not only at the site of the injury but also in other parts of the limb.
Diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms alone. Microscopic examination of skin scrapes from the feet will be required to confirm fungus. In the case of resistant fungi, it is supplemented by PCR analysis or bacterial culture to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to the fungicide.
In cases of advanced fungus or extensive lesions of the dermis, systemic medication will be required. Because of the potential for liver and kidney toxicity of these drugs, patients should have blood and urine tests done. Based on his results, the specialist assesses the function of vital organs, selects a treatment regimen with systemic antipyretics.
It is only allowed to self-purchase medicines to treat fungal infections of the feet in the early stages. You can use topical medications that do not cause systemic side effects.
Effective remedies against leaf fungus
Features of therapy depend on the individual patient data, the extent of the fungus, the area of the lesion, the presence of secondary infection or the resistance of the pathogen.
Whole body medicine
To speed up the treatment process and make it complete, doctors prescribe antifungal drugs in the form of tablets or capsules.
During treatment with systemic drugs, it is not recommended to drink alcohol, fatty foods and other foods that create a load on the liver. If the infection has spread to the nail from the spacer, a longer antipyretic will need to be used.
Local remedies
For the treatment of interstitial fungus, drugs are prescribed on a moderately oily or non-greasy basis (cream, solution). Ointments can only be used at an early stage when it is necessary to soften the skin for rapid healing of lesions. Along the way, antifungal medications may be prescribed healing and antiseptic agents. They promote regeneration and soften rough skin.
For the treatment of fungus on the feet, external agents with broad-spectrum fungicidal components are prescribed. Ideal for products based on:
- terbinafine;
- clotrimazole;
- ketoconazole;
- econazole;
- naftifina.
The price does not affect the success of the treatment, it is important to choose the right active ingredient of the drug.
Creams and solutions are applied to the skin 1-2 times a day after hygienic procedures. The product after being treated can be completely absorbent and cotton socks are worn. At the same time, it is necessary to disinfect shoes every 3-7 days. For this, fungicidal sprays are used. Change socks, underwear, and towels often. Clothes should be washed at high temperatures separately from other items belonging to the patient and family.
With trichophytosis and microsporia, doctors recommend special treatment regimens. For example, treat with an iodine solution in the morning and a sulfuric, tar, or salicylic ointment in the evening.
Folk remedies
You can not treat fungus only with folk methods. In addition to taking medicine is also allowed to take a bath. If the doctor recommends using homemade ointments or formulations, they should be used separately from pharmaceutical preparations. For example, in the morning and evening use ready-made ointments, and in the afternoon - homemade ointments. The most popular methods of treating fungus among people:
- oak bark bath- Make a large amount of broth from oak bark (6 tablespoons per 1 liter), dilute in half with clean water, bathe for 15 minutes a day;
- with sea salt- Prepare a concentrated solution of sea salt, take a bath for 10 minutes, do not wash off the salt, wear cotton socks immediately after the procedure;
- with soda- dilute a tablespoon of soda per 1 liter of water, take a bath for 15 minutes, after wiping, apply a pharmaceutical antifungal agent;
- egg ointment- Egg 1 egg mixed with a tablespoon of oil and vinegar, mix until smooth, cover under the bag for 3-4 hours, rinse with water;
- Tea tree- The areas affected by the fungus are abundantly lubricated with tea tree essential oil, washed off after 3 hours, with sensitivity, the oil is half diluted with triglycerides.
A quick cure of the fungus is accomplished by refusing sweets, alcohol, fatty foods. The patient's diet should include plenty of vegetables, fermented dairy products, and whole grains.
To prevent fungus on your feet and between your toes, you should take good care of your feet. When going to any public place, avoid going barefoot, use means to prevent fungus - any antifungal ointment or spray applied after bathing. New shoes should only be measured with new socks, you should not give your sandals to anyone.