About 80% of the population is affected by skin fungus. Due to increased density and sweating, mycoses are more affected by the skin on the feet. Fungal infection manifests itself by scaling and itching, but can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of seals (calluses, corns - hyperkeratosis on the heels and arches of the feet). If left untreated, the infection spreads. The patient can infect others, spread germs through his own body.
Where did the mushroom come from
Fungal microorganisms love a warm, humid environment and a wealth of nutrients. As a "refuge" they use dense skin, prone to a greater secretion of fat and sweat.
Human feet: they always act as a favorable breeding ground for mycobacteria, and poor quality socks and shoes contribute to this.
You can get infected in a public place: on the beach, in the sauna, in the pool. You can bring the infection when trying on new shoes, because the day before, a person with mycosis of the feet could measure it.
Some internal factors also increase susceptibility to fungi:
- weak immunity - fungi reject the body's defenses, when weakened, it is easier for microorganisms to penetrate the skin;
- endocrine disorders - diabetes mellitus and hormonal imbalances change the composition of skin secretions, turning them into a breeding ground for bacteria;
- persistent lesions: cracks, scrapes, scratches and punctures can be the gateway to fungi;
- Lack of hygiene - Poor-quality foot washing, wearing dirty socks and airtight shoes contribute to the invasion of fungus in the extremities.
Infection is also possible from a loved one, if there is a patient in the house or a carrier of the fungus with an asymptomatic course of the disease. Disputes of pathogenic microorganisms spread to household appliances, personal belongings, gender (if the patient moves barefoot). When washing the belongings of all residents of the house, mycobacteria stain the clothes of healthy family members, they can provoke mycosis not only on the feet, but also on other parts of the body (in the folds, groin, in hairy areas of the body).
Why does the fungus appear between the fingers?
Interdigital fungus is a special clinical form of mycosis of the feet. Doctors call it intertriginous. With this course, the skin is affected between 3 and 4 or 4 and 5 fingers. Often the disease process begins in one limb and eventually spreads to a healthy one.
Mycosis begins with cracking of the skin between the toes or at the base of the phalanx of the foot. The size of the lesion can be 2-3 mm to 1 cm. The intensity of the symptoms depends on the area of the wound: the greater the injury, the stronger the pain. At the time of the appearance of the fissure, the person experiences a slight discomfort when walking, which increases with hygiene procedures.
Unlike other injuries, the crack does not heal on its own. It becomes inflamed, exudes exudate. The surface between the toes becomes wet, further contributing to the spread of the fungus to larger areas of the skin. A "fringe" appears around the lesion: it is steamed peeled skin. The detachment is quite thick, attempts to remove it with the fingers end in lesions in healthy areas of the skin. Persistent peeling appears around the lesion. It can be laminar or floury. The scales are silvery, white, yellowish. These characteristics depend on the strain of fungus that infects the skin. Once the crack heals, the intriguing form of the mycosis becomes scaly, manifesting as extensive dry areas on the foot, with an abundance of exfoliated scales. The surface can be shiny or fabric-like.
What to do about yeast symptoms
If you have a crack between your fingers surrounded by sagging skin, you should definitely see a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct an examination, determine the symptoms not only at the site of the injury, but also in other parts of the limb.
The diagnosis cannot be made based solely on symptoms. A microscopic examination of the skin scraped from the foot will be required to confirm the fungus. In case of resistant mycosis, it is complemented with PCR analysis or culture inoculation to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to fungicidal drugs.
In advanced cases of fungus or extensive lesions of the dermis, systemic drugs will be required. Due to the likelihood of hepatic and nephrotoxic effects of these drugs, the patient should undergo blood and urine tests. Based on their results, the specialist assesses the function of vital organs, selects a treatment regimen with systemic antifungals.
Self-medication for fungal foot infections is only allowed in the early stages. You can get by with topical medications that do not produce systemic side effects.
Effective remedies against interdigital fungi.
The characteristics of the therapy depend on the individual data of the patient, the degree of mycosis, the area of the lesion, the presence of a secondary infection or the resistance of the pathogen.
Systemic drugs
To speed up the treatment and complete it, doctors prescribe antifungal agents in the form of tablets or capsules.
When dealing with drugs of systemic action, it is undesirable to consume alcohol, fatty foods and other foods that create a load on the liver. If the infection has spread to the nails from the web space, a longer use of antifungals will be required.
Local remedies
For the treatment of interdigital fungi, drugs are prescribed on a moderately greasy or non-greasy basis (creams, solutions). Ointments can only be used in the initial stage when it is necessary to soften the skin for rapid healing of lesions. Along the way, antifungal medications and healing and antiseptic agents may be prescribed. They accelerate the regeneration process and also smooth rough skin.
For the treatment of foot fungus, external agents with broad-spectrum fungicidal components are prescribed. Ideal for products based on:
- terbinafine;
- clotrimazole;
- ketoconazole;
- econazole;
- naphthyphin.
The price does not affect the success of the treatment, it is important to choose the correct active ingredient of the drug.
Creams and solutions are applied to the skin 1-2 times a day after hygiene procedures. After processing, the product is allowed to fully absorb and wear cotton socks. In parallel, it is necessary to disinfect the shoes every 3-7 days. For this, fungicidal sprays are used. Regular replacement of socks, underwear, and towels is required. It is necessary to wash used things at high temperatures separately from other accessories for the patient and her family.
With trichophytosis and microsporia, doctors recommend special treatment regimens. For example, treatment with iodine solution in the morning and sulfuric, sulfur tar or salicylic ointment in the evening.
Home remedies
You can not treat a fungus only by folk methods. Bathrooms are allowed in addition to medications. If the doctor advised the application of ointments or homemade formulations, they should be used separately from pharmaceutical preparations. For example, in the morning and in the evening, use a ready-made medicine, and in the evening - homemade ointment. The most popular methods of treating a fungus among people:
- oak bark baths- make a large volume of broth with oak bark (6 tablespoons per 1 liter), dilute by half with clean water, take baths for 15 minutes a day;
- with sea salt- prepare a strong solution of sea salt, take a bath for 10 minutes, do not wash off the salt, put on cotton socks immediately after the procedure;
- with soda- dilute a tablespoon of soda in 1 liter of water, take a bath for 15 minutes, after cleaning, apply pharmaceutical antifungal agents;
- egg ointment- 1 chicken egg is mixed with a tablespoon of oil and vinegar, mixed until smooth, applied for 3-4 hours under the bag, washed with water;
- Tea tree- The areas affected by the fungus are abundantly lubricated with essential tea tree oil, washed after 3 hours, with sensitivity, the oil is diluted in half with neutral fats.
A rapid cure of the fungus is facilitated by the rejection of sweets, alcohol and fatty foods. The patient's diet should contain a lot of vegetables, fermented dairy products, whole grains.
To prevent fungus on the feet and between the toes, you must take good care of the hygiene of your feet. When visiting any public place, avoid walking barefoot, use means to prevent fungus - any antifungal ointment or spray is applied after showering. New shoes should be measured in new socks only; you must not give your slippers to anyone.