About 80% of the population is affected by skin fungus. Due to the increased density and sweating, mycoses are more affected by the skin of the foot. Fungal infection is manifested by peeling and itching, but can be asymptomatic and can only cause the appearance of seals (calluses, corneal hyperkeratosis on the corners and arches). If left untreated, the infection will spread. The patient can infect others and spread bacteria in their own body.
Where did the mushrooms come from?
Fungal microorganisms love humid and warm environments and an abundance of nutrients. They use dense skin as a "shelter, " prone to increased excretion of fat and sweat.
Human feet - are always 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 you try on new shoes because the person with foot mycosis was able to measure it the day before.
Some internal factors also increase susceptibility to fungi:
- weakness of immunity - fungi reject the body's defenses when they weaken, microorganisms penetrate the skin more easily;
- endocrine disorders - diabetes and hormonal imbalances change the composition of skin secretions, making them a breeding ground for bacteria;
- permanent damage - cracks, abrasions, scratches and defects can be the gate of the fungus;
- lack of hygiene - poor quality foot washing, use of dirty socks and airtight shoes contribute to fungal invasion of the limbs.
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. Discussions of pathogenic microorganisms extend to household appliances, personal items, gender (if the patient moves barefoot). When washing the belongings of all the inhabitants of the house, mycobacteria get on the clothes of healthy family members, not only on the legs, but also on other parts of the body (in the folds, groin, hairy areas) can cause mycosis from the body).
Why the mushroom appears between the fingers
The interdigital fungus is a special clinical form of foot mycosis. Doctors call it intertriginous. With this course, the skin between 3 and 4 or 4 and 5 toes is affected. Often, the pathological process begins in a limb and eventually spreads to a healthy one.
Mycosis begins with a crack in the skin between the toes or at the base of the phalanx of the foot. The size of the lesion can range from 2-3 mm to 1 cm. The intensity of the symptoms depends on the area of the wound - the greater the injury, the more severe the pain. At the time of the appearance of the crack, the person experiences a slight discomfort while walking, which increases with hygienic procedures.
Unlike other injuries, the crack does not heal on its own. It ignites, releases secretions. The surface between the fingers will be moist, which further contributes to the spread of the fungus over larger areas of the skin. A "fringe" appears around the lesion - it's steamed, peeled skin. Detachment is quite thick, removal with fingers attempts to damage healthy areas of skin. Permanent peeling appears around the injury. It can be lamellar or floury. The scales are silvery, white, yellowish. These properties depend on the strain of the fungus that infects the skin. After the crack heals, the intricate form of mycosis changes to flat - manifested in extensive dry areas of the foot, with plenty of exfoliating scales. The surface can be glossy or fabric-like.
What to do with fungal symptoms
If there is a crack between your fingers that is surrounded by loose skin, be sure to see a dermatologist. The specialist will perform an examination to determine the symptoms not only at the site of the injury but also in other parts of the limb.
Diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms alone. Microscopic examination of the skin that can be scraped from the foot will be required to confirm the fungus. In the case of resistant mycosis, it is supplemented by PCR analysis or culture inoculation to determine the type and susceptibility of the pathogen to fungicides.
If there is extensive lesion of the fungus or dermis, systemic medications will be needed. Due to the likelihood of hepato- and nephrotoxic effects of such drugs, the patient should be tested for blood and urine. Based on their results, the specialist evaluates the function of vital organs and chooses a treatment regimen with systemic antimycotics.
Self-treatment of fungal infections of the foot is allowed only at an early stage. You can get it with topical medications that do not give you systemic side effects.
An effective cure for the interdigital fungus
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 and complete treatment, doctors prescribe antifungal agents in the form of tablets or capsules.
When treated with systemic drugs, it is not desirable to consume alcohol, fatty foods, and other foods that burden the liver. If the infection has spread to the nails from the interdigital space, longer use of antifungals is required.
Local remedies
For the treatment of interdigital fungi, drugs are prescribed on a moderately greasy or non-greasy basis (creams, solutions). Ointments should only be used in the initial stages when skin softening is needed for quick healing of injuries. Along the way, antifungal medications can be prescribed with healing and antiseptic agents. They speed up the regeneration process and soften rough skin.
External agents containing a broad spectrum of fungicidal components are prescribed for the treatment of foot fungus. Ideal for products based on the following products:
- 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. After processing, the product should be completely absorbed and wear cotton socks. In parallel, the shoes should be disinfected every 3-7 days. Fungicide sprays are used for this purpose. Socks, underwear and towels need to be changed regularly. Used items should be washed at high temperatures, separate from accessories for the patient and their family members.
For trichophytosis and microsporia, doctors recommend a special treatment regimen. For example, treatment with iodine solution in the morning, sulfur, sulfur tar or salicylic acid ointment in the evening.
Folk remedies
It cannot be treated with mushrooms only by folk methods. Baths are allowed in addition to medication. If your doctor has advised you to use homemade ointments or preparations, they should be used separately from medicines. For example, use finished medicine in the morning and evening, and homemade ointment in the afternoon. The most popular methods of treating fungi among humans are:
- oak bark baths- make a large amount of soup from oak bark (6 tablespoons per 1 liter), dilute in half with clean water, take a bath for 15 minutes a day;
- with sea salt- make a strong sea salt solution, bathe for 10 minutes, do not wash the salt, put on cotton socks immediately;
- with soda- dilute a tablespoon of soda in 1 liter of water, bathe for 15 minutes, after wiping apply pharmaceutical antifungal agents;
- egg ointment- Mix 1 chicken egg with a tablespoon of oil and vinegar, mix until smooth, smear under the bag for 3-4 hours, wash with water;
- tea fa- the areas affected by the fungus are lubricated abundantly with tea tree essential oil, washed after 3 hours, sensitively, the oil is half-diluted with neutral fats.
The rapid healing of the mushroom is facilitated by the rejection of sweets, alcohol, fatty foods. The patient's diet should include lots of vegetables, fermented dairy products, and whole grains.
To prevent fungi, you need to take careful care of foot hygiene on your feet and between your toes. When visiting public places, avoid walking barefoot, use means to prevent fungus - any antifungal ointment or spray should be applied after showering. New shoes should only be measured in new socks; do not give the slippers to anyone.