In England, foot fungus is called “athlete’s foot”.Only one in five people are such “athletes”.Fungus between the toes is a very common and unpleasant disease, but fortunately there are many effective ways to combat it.
Around 80% of the population suffers from skin fungi.Due to increased density and sweating, the skin on the feet is more susceptible to fungal infections.The fungal infection manifests itself as peeling and itching, but can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of compactions (calluses, corns - hyperkeratosis of the heels and arch).
If left untreated, the infection spreads.A patient can infect others and spread germs throughout their body.
Causes of fungus
So why the “athlete’s foot symptom”?The fungus reproduces more easily in a humid and warm environment and is also susceptible to skin microtrauma.And athletes always have both in abundance: feet constantly irritated from training and socks always drenched in sweat.Ideal conditions for fungal growth.
You may have become infected in one of the public places that provide a warm and humid environment - a swimming pool, sauna, public bathhouse, hotel bathtub.Or you walked in uncomfortable artificial shoes, in which your feet constantly irritated and sweated.Or maybe you inadvertently tried on the shoes of someone suffering from fungus.Additionally, there is a high risk of infection in people whose immunity is weakened due to illness or vitamin deficiency.
Fungal symptoms
- The folds of the skin peel a little - as if sprinkled with flour;
- Cracks have appeared between the fingers, they itch and cause pain;
- Feet often sweat;
- Thickenings have formed on the skin of the sole;
- The nails became uneven, possibly covered with growths, flaking, spots or stripes (gray or yellow) appeared on them.Over time, the condition of the nails deteriorates and the spots grow.
If a crack appears between the fingers, surrounded by peeling skin, you should definitely consult a dermatologist.The specialist will conduct an examination and determine the symptoms not only at the site of injury, but also on other parts of the limb.
Treatment of mushrooms
The most important thing in treating foot fungus is patience.Because fungus on the skin is cured after at least a month of treatment, and on the nails – after about a year.
It's best to ask your doctor how to treat fungus between the toes.But if it is not yet possible to go to the clinic, the better of both evils will be to self-medicate.The main thing to remember is that you cannot delay treatment of the fungus, otherwise it will spread to other parts of the body - thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chest.
Treatment of fungus between the toes is carried out using the following drugs:
- Ointments.To treat fungus, ointments based on tolnaftate or miconazole are used.It is best to change the ointment every 10 to 14 days to avoid dependence.You need to use ointments until the fungus completely disappears, after which it is advisable to extend the treatment for another 2 weeks to avoid relapses.
- Compresses from a medicinal solution.Dip cotton swabs in the solution and place them between your fingers.Hold for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Soda.Take a small amount of baking soda and dissolve it in water.Rub the affected areas with baking soda.
- Pills.If your nails are severely affected, you will likely receive general treatment.
- Immunostimulants.Patients with fungus are often prescribed immunostimulants.
Once the treatment has been successfully completed, it is very important to disinfect all of your shoes (ideally, replace them with new ones).Otherwise, you risk becoming infected again – literally by yourself.To disinfect, take a solution of 25% formaldehyde or 30% vinegar, carefully treat the shoes and place them in polyethylene for 2 hours.After the specified time, the shoes will need to be aired.
Prevention of fungal foot diseases
To prevent such an unpleasant disease as foot fungus from affecting you again, take the following precautions:
- If possible, wear only leather or suede shoes and avoid artificial materials.The skin does not breathe and the foot is often uncomfortable, causing “painful” sweating, abrasions and sores.
- Coming from the street, do not forget to treat your shoes with a special deodorizing spray.
- Do not wear or even try on someone else's shoes.Wear socks before trying on shoes in a store.
- After visiting the swimming pool, public baths or sauna, rinse your feet thoroughly and then dry them with a towel.The fungus does not grow in dry environments.Once the feet are dry, it would be a good idea to treat them with lemon juice – the fungus coagulates in the acid.
- To prevent the appearance of fungus, you can use antifungal ointment.The ointment is applied to clean, dry feet.
- As already mentioned, the fungus is more often acquired by a person with a weakened immune system.Therefore, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink fruit juices and herbal teas.
Take care of yourself and be healthy!