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 of the skin between the toes are not uncommon.The causes of the disease may be hidden in the following:
- After an illness, the body's defense mechanisms have decreased.
- The lower extremities do not receive enough blood, which causes stagnation.
- Microtrauma of the skin between the toes.
- Incorrect selection of shoes: they are tight and uncomfortable.
Important!Insufficient foot hygiene causes the appearance of fungus.Also, infection can occur during a visit to the pool, bath or sauna.
What does a skin lesion look like: description and photo?
The fungus begins in the nail bed: its plate loses its transparency.The condition of the skin changes under the influence of external factors and some pathological processes in the body.The skin between the toes is thinner and more sensitive.The fungus destroys the proteins in the dermis.It eats them, processes 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 those who are too fond of pedicures, especially without proper treatment of the instruments.
In the following photo you can see what a fungal infection looks like:
Forms of the disease.
Attention!The acute form occurs when the infection suppresses the immune system.
A person feels itchy skin between the fingers and the epidermis peels off there.Procedures with sweat and water increase discomfort.A characteristic odor may appear.In the acute form, scabs form between the fingers;body temperature increases.
The chronic form of the fungus has several varieties:
- When the form is deletedSlight flaking is observed.
- For flaky- the affected area is covered with small scales, it itches after getting wet.
- Diaper shapeIt is diagnosed by red, swollen skin between the fingers, which immediately becomes covered with cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- Reddish-pink skin can be seen under numerous blisters.
Variety of types of fungal infection.
Fungal infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeast affects the nails and skin.
- Mold requires heat and high humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the cause of mycosis: they represent 90% of infection cases.
Treatment of fungus on the skin between the toes is complicated not only by the variety of types of microorganisms.Pathogens acquire resistance to their environment.And microbial toxins inhibit the immune system: the skin becomes very inflamed.
Infection risks
Aid.A fungal infection can be transmitted to healthy people from sick people, as well as from pets.
From a school biology course we know 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 do not maintain good personal hygiene.
The risks of contracting fungal infections increase with the following diseases:
- elevated blood sugar levels;
- overweight;
- 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);
- 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.The 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 of all, small cracks appear between the fingers and also on the feet.
- The skin in the area where the cracks form begins to peel off.
- Then the disease manifests itself actively.Red spots and even bubble formations with a transparent liquid appear on the skin.
- Calluses begin to form and the skin becomes rougher.Calluses form.
- The peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks become erosions.
Important!At 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 had contact with other people before going to the doctor, preventive treatment for all members of the household is necessary to avoid contagion.
Treatment: what ointments, creams and other means to apply?
Interdigital fungus takes a long time to heal.Treatment with internal medications must 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 complete examination.
It is not advisable to self-medicate, especially if there is no precise diagnosis.This can only seriously aggravate the situation.Without treatment, the entire foot will become swollen and painful not only when walking, but also at rest.The fungus increases the risk of bacterial infection and allergies.
What home remedies are there to treat?
Attention!Drug therapy can be supported by home remedies.
- Therapeutic baths.Add 2 teaspoons of soda or salt to a liter of warm water and soak your feet there for 30 minutes.We carefully steam the skin, 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 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.We soak a piece of cotton well in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the damaged areas.Wrap your feet in plastic wrap and wait 5 minutes, then rinse them with warm water.Lotions can also be made from strong tea leaves.
- Homemade ointment.Take a tablespoon of vinegar, glycerin and olive oil.Mix all the components well.Rub the resulting mixture on the affected areas, cover them with film and put on socks.In the morning, apply washing soap to your feet and rinse them thoroughly.
- The most accessible folk treatment for fungus is carried out with the help of iodine.We soak a cotton swab and carefully go over the problem areas.
Table vinegar helps with itchy skin and unpleasant foot odor.The acid changes the alkaline balance of the skin, which stops the growth of the fungus.
Prevention
It is 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 other people's shoes or walk barefoot in public places (sauna, bathhouse).
- We make sure that no calluses form on our feet.
- We buy comfortable and high-quality shoes.It should not press, rub or cause discomfort.When buying a new pair, we try on only socks.The inside of the shoes is periodically treated with a formaldehyde solution, and the socks are washed at a temperature of not lower than forty degrees.In summer we usually 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 are of great help.Before applying the product it is necessary to take a warm bath.
No one is safe from mycosis.It is possible to contract 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.