The fungus first appears between the toes and then spreads to other areas.Fungal spores penetrate areas with delicate skin.Under the influence of the parasite, the epidermis becomes damp and destroyed.This disease is also called mycosis.It occurs in 10% of the population, but is treatable.
Causes of this interdigital disease
Fungal diseases of the skin between the toes are not uncommon.The causes of the disease can be hidden in the following:
- After an illness, the body's defense mechanisms decrease.
- The lower limbs are insufficiently supplied with blood, which leads to stagnation.
- Microtrauma of the skin between the toes.
- Poor shoe selection: They are tight and uncomfortable.
Important!Insufficient foot hygiene causes the appearance of fungus.In addition, infection can occur during a visit to the swimming pool, bathhouse or sauna.
What a skin lesion looks like: description and photo
The fungus starts from the nail bed: its plate loses its transparency.The condition of the skin changes under the influence of external factors and certain pathological processes in the body.Between the toes, the skin is thinnest and most sensitive.The fungus destroys proteins in the dermis.It eats them, transforms them and produces toxic products in return.
Scientists have discovered that men are more susceptible to fungal infections: they sweat more.In women, this problem is more common among athletes, as well as among those who are too fond of pedicures, especially without proper instrument treatment.
In the following photo you can see what a fungal infection looks like:
Forms of the disease
Attention !The acute form occurs when the immune system is weakened by the infection.
A person feels itchy skin between the fingers and peeling of the epidermis occurs there.Sweating and water procedures increase discomfort.A characteristic odor may appear.In the acute form, scabs form between the fingers;body temperature increases.
The chronic form of the fungus has several varieties:
- When the form is cleareda slight peeling is observed.
- For the flaky- the affected area is covered with small scales, it itches after being wet.
- Layer-like shapeIt is diagnosed by reddened and swollen skin between the fingers, which immediately becomes covered with cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- pink-red skin is visible under numerous blisters.
Variety of types of fungal infections
Fungal infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeasts affect nails and skin.
- Mold needs heat and high humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the cause of mycoses: they represent 90% of cases of infection.
Treatment of fungus on the skin between the toes is complicated not only because of the variety of types of microorganisms.Pathogens acquire resistance to their environment.And microbial toxins suppress the immune system: the skin becomes very inflamed.
Risks of infection
Help.A fungal infection can be transmitted to healthy people from sick people, as well as from pets.
We know from a school biology class that microbes are constantly attacking the skin, but not everyone gets sick.Foot fungus is more common in people at risk, who take a lot of antibiotics or who do not maintain good personal hygiene.
The risks of contracting fungal infections increase with the following diseases:
- high blood sugar levels;
- excess weight;
- metabolic disorder;
- increased sweating;
- problems with the thyroid gland;
- hormonal imbalances.
Additionally, when examining a patient, the following factors cannot be taken into account:
- age (baby’s skin is particularly sensitive);
- systematic stress;
- pregnancy;
- frequent contact with water;
- unbalanced diet.
It is quite easy to catch a fungal infection, especially if personal hygiene rules are not followed.The interdigital fungus is transmitted by:
- shoes;
- carpet;
- towels;
- washcloths;
- manicure tools.
How to recognize the disease?
The interdigital fungus has several stages of development:
- First, small cracks appear between the toes but also on the feet.
- The skin in the area where the cracks form begins to peel off.
- Then the disease actively manifests itself.Red spots and even bubble formations containing clear liquid appear on the skin.
- Corns begin to form and the skin becomes rougher.Callus shape.
- The peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- The cracks turn into erosions.
Important!At the initial stage, the symptoms are mild, so many cannot follow them and trigger a fungal infection.
Only timely treatment under the supervision of a specialist allows you to cope with the disease.If the patient has had contact with other people before seeking medical attention, preventive treatment of all members of the household is necessary to prevent spread.
Treatment: what ointments, creams and other means to apply?
Interdigital fungus takes a long time to heal.Treatment with internal medications should be supported by external medications (creams or ointments).Antiseptics and antimicrobial agents effective in treating the disease are:
- tincture of iodine;
- salicylic alcohol;
- boric acid;
- fucorcin;
- sulfur ointment.
In difficult and advanced situations, an additional course of pills is taken.Drug treatment is prescribed only after a complete examination.
You should not self-medicate, especially if there is no accurate diagnosis.This can only seriously aggravate the situation.Without treatment, the entire foot will become inflamed and pain will be felt not only when walking, but also when resting.The fungus increases the risk of bacterial infection and allergies.
What folk remedies are there to treat?
Attention!Drug therapy can be supported by folk remedies.
- Therapeutic baths.Add 2 teaspoons of soda or salt to a liter of warm water and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes.We carefully process the steamed skin, removing dead particles.You can also use dried celandine or chamomile for the procedure.For 1 liter of liquid you will need 3 tablespoons of the mixture.You need to steam your feet in the medicinal infusion for at least 20 minutes.After the procedure, treat the infected skin with hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
- Lotions.We soak a piece of cotton wool well in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the damaged areas.Wrap your feet in film and wait 5 minutes, then rinse them with lukewarm water.Lotions can also be made with strong tea leaves.
- Homemade ointment.Take a tablespoon of vinegar, glycerin and olive oil.Mix all components thoroughly.Rub the resulting mixture into the affected areas, cover them with a film and put on socks.In the morning, apply laundry soap to your feet and rinse well.
- The most accessible folk treatment against fungus is carried out using iodine.We dip a cotton swab into it and carefully examine the problem areas.
Table vinegar helps relieve itchy skin and unpleasant foot odor.The acid changes the alkaline balance of the skin, which stops the growth of the fungus.
Prevention
It's easy to get a fungal infection, but it takes a long time to cure it.Preventive measures will help prevent reinfection:
- Every day, wash your feet with warm water and then lubricate them with cream.
- You cannot wear someone else's shoes and walk barefoot in public places (sauna, bathhouse).
- We ensure that no calluses form on our feet.
- We buy comfortable and high-quality shoes.It should not press, rub or cause discomfort.When buying a new pair, we try to wear socks only.The inside of the shoes is periodically treated with a formaldehyde solution, and the socks are washed at a temperature not lower than forty degrees.In summer we often wear sandals.
- We lead an active lifestyle and strengthen our immune system.
- After water procedures, it is important to dry the skin with a soft towel, paying special attention to the spaces between the fingers.
- Special sprays, lotions and powders reduce sweating.
Reference!For the dry form of the fungus, ointments or creams are very useful.Before applying the product, you must take a warm bath.
No one is safe from mycosis.It is possible to catch it even if all hygiene rules are followed.In this situation, the main thing is not to hesitate and immediately consult a doctor.The specialist will develop a treatment algorithm.