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 is manifested by peeling and itching, but it 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 throughout his own body.
Where did the fungus come from
Fungal microorganisms love a humid and warm environment and an abundance of nutrients. As "shelter" they use dense skin, prone to increased secretion of fat and sweat.
Human feet - 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 it could be measured by a person with mycosis of the feet.
Some internal factors also increase susceptibility to fungi:
- weakness of immunity - fungi reject the body's defenses, when they are 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 injuries - cracks, chafing of the feet, scratches and punctures can be the gateway for fungi;
- lack of hygiene - poor-quality foot washing, the use of dirty socks and airtight shoes contribute to fungal invasions on 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. 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 get on 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, on the 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 toes. Often, the pathological process begins on one limb, eventually spreads to a healthy one.
Mycosis begins with cracking of the skin between the toes or at the base of the phalanx on the foot. The size of the injury can be from 2-3 mm to 1 cm. The intensity of the symptoms depends on the area of the wound - the larger the injury, the stronger the pain. At the time of the appearance of the crack, the person experiences slight discomfort when walking, which is aggravated by hygiene procedures.
Unlike other injuries, the crack does not heal on its own. It becomes inflamed, exudes exudate. The surface between the fingers becomes wet, which further contributes to the spread of the fungus to larger areas of the skin. A "fringe" appears around the injury - it is steamed peeled skin. The detachment is rather thick, attempts to remove it with fingers end in injuries to healthy areas of the skin. Persistent peeling appears around the lesion. It can be lamellar or mealy. The scales are silvery, white, yellowish. These features depend on the strain of the fungus infecting the skin. After the crack heals, the intriginous form of mycosis turns into squamous - it manifests itself as extensive dry areas on the foot, with an abundance of exfoliated scales. The surface may be shiny or tissue-like.
What to do with fungal symptoms
If you have a crack between your fingers surrounded by loose skin, you should definitely see a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct an examination, determine the symptoms not only at the site of injury, but also on other parts of the limb.
Diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms alone. A microscopic examination of the skin scraping from the foot will be required to confirm the fungus. In case of resistant mycosis, it is supplemented 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 hepato- and nephrotoxic effects of such drugs, the patient should undergo blood and urine tests. Based on their results, the specialist evaluates the function of vital organs, selects a treatment regimen with systemic antimycotics.
Self-medication for fungal infections of the feet is permissible only in the early stages. You can get by with topical drugs that do not give systemic side effects.
Effective remedies against interdigital fungus
The features of 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 make it complete, doctors prescribe antifungal agents in the form of tablets or capsules.
When treating 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 interdigital space, a longer intake of antimycotics will be required.
Local remedies
For the treatment of interdigital fungus, drugs are prescribed on a moderately greasy or non-greasy basis (creams, solutions). Ointments can only be used at the initial stage when skin softening is necessary for quick healing of lesions. Along the way, antifungal drugs can be prescribed healing and antiseptic agents. They accelerate the regeneration process and additionally soften rough skin.
For the treatment of fungus on the feet, external agents with broad-spectrum fungicidal components are prescribed. Ideal for products based on:
- terbinafine;
- clotrimazole;
- ketoconazole;
- econazole;
- naftifina.
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. At the same time, it is necessary to disinfect shoes every 3-7 days. For this, fungicidal sprays are used. Regular replacement of socks, underwear, towels is required. It is necessary to wash used things at elevated temperatures separately from other accessories of the patient and his family members.
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.
Folk remedies
You can not be treated for a fungus only by folk methods. Baths are allowed in addition to medication. If the doctor advised the application of homemade ointments or 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 afternoon - homemade ointment. The most popular methods of treating a fungus among the people:
- oak bark baths- make a large volume of broth from oak bark (6 tablespoons per 1 liter), dilute in half with clean water, take baths for 15 minutes daily;
- 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 on 1 liter of water, take a bath for 15 minutes, apply pharmaceutical antifungal agents after wiping;
- 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 off with water;
- tea tree- areas affected by the fungus are abundantly lubricated with tea tree essential oil, washed off after 3 hours, with sensitivity, the oil is diluted in half with neutral fats.
A quick cure of the fungus is facilitated by the rejection of sweets, alcohol, fatty foods. The patient's diet should contain a lot of vegetables, fermented milk products, whole grain cereals.
To prevent fungus on the feet and between the toes, you should take good care of your foot hygiene. When visiting any public places, avoid walking barefoot, use means to prevent fungus - any antifungal ointments or sprays are applied after a shower. New shoes should be measured only in new socks; you should not give your slippers to anyone.