In summer, excessive sweating and synthetic tight shoes cause diseases such as fungus. Weeping sores appear between the toes, causing discomfort and an unpleasant odor. How to recognize the disease in time and get rid of it? What preventative measures will help you forget about the disease once and for all?
The main symptoms and forms of the disease
Interdigital foot fungus can be identified by the following signs:
- in certain places the skin becomes dry, scales and cracks appear;
- small blisters appear, as in an allergic reaction, which periodically opens and exudate is released;
- diaper rash appears between the toes and on the side of the foot;
- in lesions there is a convergence of the upper layers of the skin;
- itching, discomfort, pain may occur.
To make an accurate diagnosis, however, you should see a doctor, as different forms of mycosis may have different symptoms. Subsequent treatment of interdigital fungi depends on the type of disease:
- Weak form. It is characterized only by increased dryness of the skin, peeling and cracking.
- Squamous-hyperkeratotic. When the disease takes this form, there is a convergence of the upper layer of skin in the affected areas, the appearance of redness, diaper rash, which causes itching and burning. If the big toes are affected, hard, yellow calluses develop.
- Intertriginous form. Swelling and severe erosion between the toes occur.
- Dyshidrotic. Areas of crying appear, bubbles with transparent content are formed. External symptoms are accompanied by very severe itching.
What does the fungus on the toes look like? In mild form, the affected areas appear to be sprinkled with flour. If the disease also affects the nail plate, you may notice thickening and yellowing of the nail, with more advanced forms - its deformation. At other stages, the skin becomes moist, ulcers and redness are clearly visible.
Causes of the disease
Most often, narrow synthetic shoes lead to the athlete's foot.
Fungus between and under the toes does not just happen. The most common reasons for its appearance:
- Diabetes.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system, blood circulation, veins.
- Decreased immunity.
- Synthetic tight shoes.
- Excessive sweating of the limbs.
- Infection through pedicure instruments, shared towels, shower mats.
Sometimes it is enough to try on the patient's shoes so that he can catch an unpleasant disease himself. To prevent this from happening, carefully monitor your hygiene, take vitamins, do not buy shoes from thrift stores.
Which doctor should I go to?
If you find the symptoms described above in yourself, you should immediately contact a dermatologist or mycologist. After the interview and visual examination, the doctor will prescribe the necessary tests. Without laboratory tests, it is impossible to determine exactly which type of fungus caused the disease. Without this, the doctor will not be able to prescribe adequate treatment.
Laboratory examination of scraping dead scales allows you to answer the following questions:
- Are fungi the cause of skin changes?
- What type of mycosis caused the disease?
An average detailed study of sowing takes about two weeks. Then some topical preparations (gels, ointments) and tablets are prescribed.
Traditional Medicine
For the treatment of interdigital fungus on the feet are prescribed:
- Antifungal creams
- Ointments
- Tablets and capsules
- Local antiseptics
Allows to relieve inflammation, reduce flaking, ensure deep penetration of antifungal agents under the skin. They form a film that prevents re-infection.
Effectively destroys fungal spores, thanks to the active ingredients.
Suppress the development of the disease. The active substances enter the horny tissues through the blood, accumulate in them and destroy the spores of the fungus. You should not take it without a prescription, as the tablets are selected individually and have an extensive list of contraindications. For patients with liver disease, the use of such drugs is strictly prohibited.
Hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur ointment.
Treatment of interdigital fungus on the feet is aimed at eliminating the infection that led to mycosis. Properly selected medications and adherence to all medical prescriptions will help prevent the disease from recurring in the future. In this case, it is mandatory to undergo a full course of treatment, the duration of which can be from one to eight months, depending on the degree of the disease.
Folk remedies
Foot baths are very useful.
The use of folk remedies for the treatment of fungus between the toes will significantly speed up the healing process. Home treatment includes the use of various baths and compresses:
- Based on celandine.
- Coffee bathroom.
- Soda-based products.
- Vinegar baths and lotions.
- Remove the fungus with aloe juice.
- Effective compresses.
Celery is an herb that is often used in skin diseases. Affected areas can be lubricated with vegetable juice. A bath based on this herb will help cure foot fungus. Freshly chopped celandine is poured boiling water, cooled to room temperature and the feet are immersed in water. After the procedure, you should let your feet dry naturally, then soak up with a towel, apply antifungal ointment and wear clean cotton socks. You should perform such manipulations every day before bedtime.
Five tablespoons of ground coffee are poured with a liter of boiling water. After the mixture has cooled slightly, the legs are lowered in turn for 30 minutes. each one. Do not dry or rinse your feet. This medicine relieves itching and inflammation of the skin between the toes almost immediately. After a month, the symptoms of the fungus will disappear.
A bath of two tablespoons and grated laundry soap will help soften rough skin and remove fungus. After the procedure, the keratinized skin is removed with a manicure tool. Such manipulations should be performed daily, as there are fungal spores in the dead areas of the skin. You can prepare this remedy in another way - dilute baking soda with water to a paste and apply on the affected areas.
It is useful to add a few tablespoons of vinegar essence to the water every time you wash your feet. To get rid of the fungus on the feet will help lotions of 9% vinegar for the table, but be prepared for painful sensations during the procedure. However, this drug is extremely effective. Remove the compress after 10-15 minutes, apply ointment and put on clean socks.
The leaves of agave (scarlet) are cut, wrapped in paper and left in the refrigerator for a week. Then squeeze the juice and lubricate the affected areas of skin in the morning and evening. It should be used in combination with trays and ointments.
You can buy a stock solution of lead acetate at the pharmacy. To treat mycosis, this agent is applied to gauze, applied to the affected area and wrapped with cling film. Exposure time is no more than 20 minutes.
The treatment of wet fungus between the toes requires a special approach. All manipulations are performed in several stages:
- cleaning the area with bubbles of hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate solution;
- medical bath;
- using a cream or ointment.
In advanced cases, it is possible to apply a sterile dressing to prevent infection from entering the open wound and to prevent the spread of mycosis. The use of talcum powder to dry the affected area is also shown.
Treatment of fungus between the toes with folk remedies is effective only in combination with drugs. By relying on unconventional methods, you risk eliminating the symptoms, but not eliminating the cause of the disease.
Precautions
To prevent the cured fungus from returning to the skin of your toes, follow our recommendations:
- Go to the nail salon with your tool. When performing a pedicure hardware procedure, ask to have your disinfection performed.
- Never take other people's towels, shoes, socks.
- Buy a special UV shoe dryer and use it every day.
- Get a pedicure on time and remove dead skin.
- Buy only high quality shoes in size.
- Pay close attention to foot hygiene.
- Use herbal baths for prevention.
It is also important to strengthen the immune system and take vitamins, walk in the fresh air and eat enough fruits and vegetables.
Fungus on the skin of the toes is treatable, but it is a long process that requires a responsible approach by the patient and strict adherence to all prescriptions of the doctor. Pay enough attention to your health and do not let the disease go its own way!