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.
Causes of this interdigital disease
Fungal diseases on 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 decrease.
- The lower extremities are not sufficiently supplied with blood, which leads to stagnation.
- Microtraumas of the skin between the toes.
- Wrong choice of shoes: they are narrow and uncomfortable.
Important!Insufficient foot hygiene causes the appearance of fungi.Also, infection can occur during a visit to the pool, bathhouse or sauna.
What does a skin lesion look 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 proteins in the dermis.It eats them, transforms them and in return produces toxic products.
Scientists have found that men are more susceptible to fungal infections: they have higher levels of sweating.Among women, this problem is more common among athletes, as well as among those who are too fond of pedicures, especially without proper treatment of the tools.
In the following photo you can see what a fungal infection looks like:
Forms of the disease
Attention!The acute form occurs when the immune system is suppressed by the infection.
A person feels itching of the skin between the fingers and peeling of the epidermis occurs there.Procedures with sweat and water increase discomfort.A characteristic odor may appear.In the acute form, crusts form between the fingers;body temperature increases.
The chronic form of the fungus has several varieties:
- When the form is deleteda slight flaking is observed.
- For scaly- the affected area is covered with small scales, it itches after getting wet.
- Diaper shapeIt is diagnosed by red, swollen skin between the toes, which immediately becomes covered in cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- pink-red skin is visible under numerous blisters.
Variety of types of fungal infection
Fungal infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeasts affect the nails and skin.
- Mold requires heat and high humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the cause of mycoses: they represent 90% of cases of infection.
Treatment of fungi on the skin between the toes is complicated not only due to 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 and pets.
We know from a school biology course that microbes constantly attack the skin, but not all people get sick.Foot fungus is more common among those who are at risk, take a lot of antibiotics, or don't maintain good personal hygiene.
The risks of contracting fungal infections increase with the following diseases:
- high blood sugar levels;
- excess weight;
- metabolic disorder;
- increased sweating;
- problems with the thyroid gland;
- hormonal imbalances.
In addition, when examining a patient, the following factors cannot be taken into account:
- age (baby skin is particularly sensitive);
- systematic stress;
- pregnancy;
- frequent contact with water;
- unbalanced diet.
It is quite easy to get a fungal infection, especially if personal hygiene rules are not followed.Interdigital fungus is transmitted through:
- shoes;
- carpets;
- towels;
- wipes;
- manicure tools.
How to recognize the disease?
The interdigital fungus has several stages of development:
- First, small cracks appear between the toes and also on the feet.
- The skin in the area where the cracks form begins to peel.
- Then the disease manifests itself actively.Red spots and even bubble formations with clear liquid appear on the skin.
- Calluses begin to form and the skin becomes rougher.Form of calluses.
- Peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks turn into erosions.
Important!In the initial stage, the symptoms are mild, so many fail to track them and start a fungal infection.
Only timely treatment under the supervision of a specialist allows you to cope with the disease.If the patient has had contact with other people before seeking medical attention, 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 drugs must be supported by external drugs (creams or ointments).Effective antiseptics and antimicrobial agents for the treatment of the disease are:
- iodine;
- salicylic alcohol;
- boric acid;
- fucorcina;
- 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 accurate diagnosis.This can only seriously aggravate the situation.Without treatment, the entire foot will become inflamed, and the pain will be felt not only when walking, but also at rest.The fungus increases the risk of bacterial infections and allergies.
What folk remedies exist to treat?
Attention!Drug therapy can be supported by folk remedies.
- Therapeutic baths.Add 2 teaspoons of soda or salt to a liter of warm water and soak your feet for 30 minutes.We carefully process the skin with steam, removing dead particles.You can also use dried celandine or chamomile for the procedure.For 1 liter of liquid you will need 3 tablespoons of the mixture.You need to 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.We immerse a piece of cotton wool well in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the damaged areas.Wrap your feet in cling film and wait 5 minutes, then rinse them 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 components thoroughly.Rub the resulting mixture into the affected areas, cover them with cling film and put on socks.In the morning, apply laundry soap to your feet and rinse well.
- The most accessible folk treatment for mushrooms is carried out with the help of iodine.We soak a cotton swab and carefully examine the problem areas.
Table vinegar helps with itchy skin and unpleasant foot odor.The acid changes the alkaline balance of the skin, blocking the growth of the fungus.
Prevention
It's easy to get a fungal infection, but it takes a long time to cure.Preventive measures will help prevent reinfection:
- Every day wash your feet with warm water and then lubricate them with cream.
- You cannot wear someone else's shoes and walk barefoot in public places (sauna, bathhouse).
- We make sure that no calluses form on our feet.
- We buy high quality, comfortable shoes.It should not press, rub or cause discomfort.When we buy a new pair, we try to wear only socks.The inside of the shoes is periodically treated with a solution of formaldehyde, 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, lotions and powders reduce sweating.
Reference!For the dry form of the fungus, ointments or creams help well.Before applying the product you need to take a warm bath.
No one is safe from mycosis.It is possible to 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.