The fungus first appears between the toes and then spreads to other areas.Fungal spores penetrate areas with delicate skin.Under the influence of the parasite, the epidermis becomes wet and destroyed.This disease is also called mycosis.It occurs in 10% of the population, but is treatable.
The causes of this interdigital disease
Fungal diseases of the skin between the toes are not uncommon.The causes of the disease can be hidden in the following:
- After an illness, the body's defense mechanisms are lowered.
- The lower limbs are insufficiently supplied with blood, which leads to stagnation.
- Microtrauma of the skin between the fingers.
- Wrong choice of shoes: they are tight and uncomfortable.
Important!Insufficient foot hygiene provokes the appearance of fungus.In addition, infection can occur during a visit to the pool, bath or sauna.
What a skin lesion looks like: description and photo
The fungus starts from the nail bed: its plate loses transparency.The condition of the skin changes under the influence of external factors and some pathological processes in the body.Between the toes, the skin is thinner and more sensitive.The fungus destroys the proteins in the dermis.It eats them, processes them and produces toxic products in return.
Scientists have discovered that men are more susceptible to fungal infections: they have higher levels of sweating.In women, this problem is more common in athletes, as well as in those who are very prone to pedicures, especially without proper handling of the instruments.
In the picture below you can see what a fungal infection looks like:
Forms of the disease
Watch out!The acute form occurs when the immune system is suppressed by the infection.
A person feels itching of the skin between the fingers and there is peeling of the epidermis.Sweat and water procedures increase discomfort.A characteristic odor may appear.In the acute form, crusts form between the fingers;body temperature rises.
The chronic form of fungus has several types:
- When the shape is hiddena light skin is observed.
- For squamous- the affected area is covered with small scales, itches after getting wet.
- Diaper-shaped formIt is diagnosed by the reddened and swollen skin between the fingers, which is immediately covered with cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- Pinkish-red skin can be seen under numerous blisters.
Different types of fungal infections
Fungal infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeasts affect nails and skin.
- Mold requires high heat and humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the cause of mycosis: they account for 90% of infection cases.
Treatment of fungus on the skin between the toes is complicated not only because of the variety of types of microorganisms.Pathogens acquire resistance to their environment.And microbial toxins suppress the immune system: the skin becomes very inflamed.
Risks of infection
Help.A fungal infection can be transmitted to healthy people from sick people, as well as from pets.
From a biology course at school, we know that germs constantly attack the skin, but not all people get sick.Toenail fungus is more common in those who are at risk, take too many antibiotics or do not maintain good personal hygiene.
The risk of contracting fungal infections increases with the following diseases:
- high blood sugar levels;
- excess weight;
- metabolic disorder;
- increased sweating;
- problems with the thyroid gland;
- hormonal imbalances.
Also, when examining a patient, the following factors cannot be taken into account:
- age (baby's skin is especially sensitive);
- systemic stress;
- pregnancy;
- frequent contact with water;
- unbalanced diet.
It is quite easy to catch a fungal infection, especially if the rules of personal hygiene are not respected.Interdigital fungi are transmitted through:
- shoes;
- carpets;
- towel;
- washcloths;
- manicure tools.
How to recognize the disease?
Interdigital fungi have several stages of development:
- First, small cracks appear between the toes and also on the feet.
- The skin in the area where the cracks are formed begins to peel.
- Then the disease manifests actively.Red spots and even blisters with clear liquid appear on the skin.
- Corns begin to form and the skin becomes rougher.Calluses form.
- Peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks turn into erosions.
Important!In the initial stage, the symptoms are mild, so many cannot trace them and start a fungal infection.
Only timely treatment under the supervision of a specialist makes it possible to cope with the disease.If the patient has had contact with other people before contacting a doctor, preventive treatment of all family members is necessary to avoid spread.
Treatment: what ointments, creams and other means to apply?
Interdigital fungus takes a long time to heal.Treatment with internal medications should be supported by external medications (creams or ointments).Antiseptics and antimicrobial agents effective for the treatment of the disease are:
- tincture of iodine;
- salicylic alcohol;
- boric acid;
- fucorcin;
- sulfur ointment.
In difficult and advanced situations, an additional course of pills is taken.Drug therapy is prescribed only after a comprehensive examination.
You should not self-medicate, especially if there is no correct diagnosis.This can only seriously worsen the situation.Without treatment, the entire leg will become inflamed and the pain will be felt not only when walking, but also at rest.Mushrooms increase the risk of bacterial infection and allergies.
What folk remedies are there to treat?
Watch out!Drug therapy can be supported by folk remedies.
- Therapeutic baths.Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda or salt to a liter of warm water and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes.Carefully process the steamed skin, removing the dead particles.You can also use dried celandine or chamomile for the procedure.For 1 liter of juice you will need 3 tablespoons of the mixture.You should steam your feet in the medicinal infusion for at least 20 minutes.After the procedure, treat the infected skin with hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
- Lotions.Wet a piece of cotton wool well with hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the damaged areas.Wrap your feet in cling film and wait 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.Lotions can also be made with strong tea leaves.
- Homemade ointment.Take one tablespoon each of vinegar, glycerin and olive oil.Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.Rub the resulting mixture on the affected areas, cover with film and wear socks.In the morning, apply laundry soap to your feet and rinse well.
- The most accessible folk treatment for fungus is carried out with the help of iodine.We soak a cotton swab in it and carefully go over the problem areas.
Table vinegar helps with itchy skin and foot odor.The acid changes the skin's alkaline balance, which stops the fungus from growing.
Preventing
It's easy to catch a yeast infection, but it takes a long time to cure it.Preventive measures will help prevent re-infection:
- Wash your feet every day with warm water and then apply the cream.
- You cannot wear someone else's shoes and walk barefoot in public places (sauna, bath).
- We make sure that calluses do not form on our feet.
- We buy comfortable and high quality shoes.It should not press, rub or cause discomfort.When we buy a new pair, we try to only wear socks.The inside of the shoes is periodically treated with a formaldehyde solution, and the socks are washed at a temperature not lower than forty degrees.In summer we often wear sandals.
- We lead an active lifestyle and strengthen our immune system.
- After water procedures, it is important to dry the skin with a soft towel, paying special attention to the spaces between the fingers.
- Special sprays, creams and powders reduce sweating.
Reference!For the dry form of the fungus, ointments or creams help well.Before applying the product, you should take a warm bath.
No one is safe from mycosis.You can catch it even if all hygiene rules are followed.In this situation, the main thing is not to hesitate and immediately consult a doctor.The specialist will develop a treatment algorithm.