In England, foot fungus is called "athlete's foot".Only every fifth person is such “athletes”.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 experiences skin fungus.Due to increased density and sweating, the skin on the feet is more susceptible to mycoses.Fungal infection manifests itself as peeling and itching, but can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of compactions (calluses, corns - hyperkeratosis on the heels and arches of the feet).
If left untreated, the infection spreads.A patient can infect others and spread germs throughout his own body.
Causes of fungus
So why the “athlete’s foot symptom”?The fungus reproduces most readily in a humid and warm environment, and it is also susceptible to skin microtraumas.And athletes always have an abundance of both – feet that are constantly chafed from training, plus socks that are always soaked in sweat.Ideal conditions for fungal growth.
You may have become infected in one of the public places with a warm and damp environment - a swimming pool, sauna, bathhouse, hotel bathtub.Or you walked in uncomfortable artificial shoes, in which your feet constantly chafed and sweated.Or maybe you inadvertently tried on the shoes of a person suffering from fungus.In addition, there is a high risk of infection in people with weakened immunity due to illness or vitamin deficiency.
Fungus symptoms
- The folds of the skin peel a little - as if sprinkled with flour;
- Cracks have appeared between the fingers, they itch and cause pain;
- Feet often sweat;
- Thickenings have formed on the skin of the sole;
- The nails have become uneven, possibly covered with growths, peeling, spots or stripes (gray or yellow) have appeared on them.Over time, the condition of the nails worsens and the spots increase in size.
If a crack occurs between the fingers, surrounded by peeling skin, you should definitely consult a dermatologist.The specialist will conduct an examination and determine symptoms not only at the site of injury, but also on other parts of the limb.
Fungus treatment
The most important thing in treating foot fungus is patience.Because fungus on the skin is cured after at least a month of treatment, and on the nails – after about a year.
It is better to ask your doctor about how to treat fungus between the toes.But if there is no opportunity to visit the clinic yet, the better 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 medications:
- Ointments.To treat fungus, ointments based on tolnaftate or miconazole are used.It is better to change the ointment every 10-14 days to avoid addiction.You need to use ointments until the fungus completely disappears, after which it is advisable to extend the treatment for another 2 weeks to avoid relapse.
- Compresses from a medicinal solution.Soak cotton swabs in the solution and place 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 with fungus are often prescribed immunostimulants.
After the treatment has been successfully completed, it is very important to disinfect all your shoes (ideally, replace them with new ones).Otherwise, there is a risk of becoming infected again – literally from yourself.To disinfect, take a 25% formaldehyde solution or 30% vinegar, thoroughly treat 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 in them, and the foot is often not comfortable - this causes “painful” sweating, abrasions, and wounds.
- When coming from the street, do not forget to treat your shoes with a special deodorizing spray.
- Do not wear or even 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 then 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 acid.
- To prevent the occurrence of fungus, you can use antifungal ointment.The ointment is applied to clean, dry feet.
- As already mentioned, the fungus is more 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!