In England, foot fungus is called "athlete's foot".Only one in five people is such an “athlete”.Fungus between the toes is a very common and unpleasant disease, but fortunately there are many effective ways to combat it.
About 80% of the population suffers from fungus on the skin.Due to increased density and sweating, the skin of the feet is more susceptible to mycosis.The fungal infection manifests itself with scaling and itching, but can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of compactions (calluses, calluses - hyperkeratosis on the heels and arches of the feet).
If left untreated, the infection spreads.A patient can infect others and spread germs in their own body.
Causes of fungi
So why the “athlete's foot symptom”?The fungus reproduces more easily in a humid and warm environment and is also susceptible to skin microtraumas.And athletes always have plenty of both: feet that are constantly sore from training and socks that are always soaked in sweat.Ideal conditions for mushroom growth.
You may have become infected in one of the public places with a hot and humid environment: a swimming pool, a sauna, a bathhouse, a hotel bathtub.Or you walked in uncomfortable artificial shoes, in which your feet constantly rubbed and sweated.Or perhaps you have inadvertently tried on the shoes of a person suffering from fungus.Additionally, there is a high risk of infection in people with weakened immune systems due to illness or vitamin deficiency.
Fungus symptoms
- The folds of the skin peel slightly, as if sprinkled with flour;
- Cracks have appeared between the fingers, they itch and cause pain;
- Feet often sweat;
- Thickening has formed on the skin of the sole;
- The nails have become uneven, possibly covered with growths, peeling, spots or streaks (gray or yellow) have appeared on them.Over time, the condition of the nails worsens and the spots increase in size.
If you experience a crack between your 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 the lesion, but also in other parts of the limb.
Fungal treatment
The most important thing in treating foot fungus is patience.Because fungi on the skin heal after at least a month of treatment, and on nails – after about a year.
It is best to ask your doctor how to treat fungus between your toes.But if there is still no possibility to visit the clinic, the best of two evils will be to self-medicate.The main thing to remember is that you cannot delay the 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 fungi, ointments based on tolnaftate or miconazole are used.It is better to change the ointment every 10-14 days to avoid addiction.It is necessary to use ointments until the fungus disappears completely, after which it is advisable to extend the treatment for another 2 weeks to avoid relapses.
- Compresses from a medicinal solution.Dip the cotton swabs into the solution and place them between your fingers.Hold for 15-20 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 most likely be given general treatment.
- Immunostimulants.Patients suffering from fungi are often prescribed immunostimulants.
After the treatment has been successfully completed, it is very important to disinfect all shoes (ideally replace them with new ones).Otherwise there is a risk of contracting the infection again, literally from yourself.To disinfect, take a solution of 25% formaldehyde or 30% vinegar, carefully process 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 not comfortable: this causes sweating, abrasions and "painful" wounds.
- When you come from the street, do not forget to treat your shoes with a special deodorizing spray.
- Don't wear or try on someone else's shoes.Wear socks before trying on shoes in a store.
- After visiting the pool, bathhouse or sauna, rinse your feet thoroughly and dry them with a towel.The fungus does not grow in dry environments.After the feet have dried, it would be a good idea to treat them with lemon juice - the fungus coagulates in the acid.
- To prevent the appearance of fungi, you can use an antifungal ointment.The ointment is applied to clean, dry feet.
- As already mentioned, the fungus is often acquired by a person with a weakened immune system.Therefore, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink juices and herbal teas.
Take care of yourself and be healthy!