In summer, excessive sweating and tight synthetic shoes cause diseases such as fungus. Crying sores appear between the toes, which cause discomfort and unpleasant odor. How to recognize the disease in time and get rid of it? What preventative measures will help you forget about the disease once and for all?
The main symptoms and forms of the disease
Interdigital foot fungus can be identified by the following signs:
- in certain places, the skin becomes dry, flakes appear, cracks;
- small blisters appear, as in an allergic reaction, which periodically opens and exudate is released;
- diaper rash appears between the toes and on the side of the foot;
- convergence of the upper layers of the skin is observed in lesions;
- itching, discomfort, pain may appear.
To make an accurate diagnosis, you need to see a doctor, because with different forms of mycosis, the symptoms can vary. Subsequent treatment of interdigital fungi depends on the type of disease:
- Poor form. It is characterized only by increased dryness of the skin, peeling and cracking.
- Squamous-hyperkeratotic. When the disease takes this form, there is a convergence of the upper layer of the skin in the affected areas, the appearance of redness, diaper rash, which causes itching and burning. If the big toes are affected, strong, yellow calluses develop.
- Intertriginous form. Severe scratching and erosion occur between the toes.
- Dyshidrotik. Areas for crying appear, bubbles with transparent contents are formed. External symptoms are accompanied by very severe itching.
What does the fungus look like on the toes? With a smooth shape, it appears that the affected areas are sprinkled with flour. If the disease also affects the nail plate, you may notice a thickening and yellowing of the nail, with more advanced forms - its deformation. In other stages, the skin becomes moist, ulcers and redness are clearly visible.
Causes of the disease
Most often, tight synthetic shoes lead to the athlete's foot.
Fungi between and below the toes do not just happen. The most common reasons for its occurrence:
- Diabetes.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system, blood circulation, veins.
- Reduced immunity.
- Tight synthetic shoes.
- Excessive sweating of the limbs.
- Infection through pedicure tools, shared towels, shower mats.
Sometimes it is enough to try on the patient's shoes in order to catch an unpleasant disease yourself. To prevent this from happening, carefully monitor your hygiene, take vitamins, do not buy shoes from flower shops.
Which doctor should I go to?
If you find yourself experiencing the symptoms described above, you should contact a dermatologist or mycologist immediately. After the interview and visual examination, the doctor will prescribe the necessary tests. Without laboratory research, it is impossible to find out exactly what kind of fungus caused the disease. Without this, the doctor will not be able to prescribe adequate treatment.
A laboratory study of dead scale removal allows you to answer the following questions:
- Is fungus the cause of skin changes?
- What type of mycosis caused the disease?
On average, a detailed planting study takes about two weeks. After that, certain topical preparations (gels, oils) and tablets are prescribed.
Traditional medicine
For the treatment of interdigital foot fungus, the following are described:
- Antifungal creams
- ointment
- Tablets and capsules
- Local antiseptics
Allow to relieve inflammation, reduce flaking, ensure deep penetration of antifungal agents under the skin. They form a film that prevents re-infection.
Effectively destroy fungal spores, thanks to the active ingredients.
Suppress the development of the disease. Active substances through the blood enter the horny tissues, accumulate in them and destroy fungal spores. You should not take it without a doctor's prescription, as the tablets are selected individually and have an extensive list of contraindications. For patients with liver disease, the use of such drugs is strictly prohibited.
Hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur ointment.
Treatment for interdigital fungus on the foot aims to eradicate the infection that led to mycosis. Properly selected medications and adherence to all doctor prescriptions will help prevent recurrence of the disease in the future. In this case, it is necessary to undergo a full course of treatment, the duration of which can be from one to eight months, depending on the degree of the disease.
Folk remedies
Foot baths are very useful.
Using folk remedies for fungus between the fingers will greatly speed up the healing process. Home treatment includes the use of various baths and compresses:
- Based on celandine.
- Coffee baths.
- Soda-based products.
- Vinegar baths and lotions.
- We remove the fungus with aloe juice.
- Effective compresses.
Celandine is an herb often used for skin diseases. The affected areas can be lubricated with plant juice. A bath based on this herb will help cure foot fungus. The cut celandine is just poured with boiling water, cooled to room temperature and the feet are immersed in water. After the procedure, you should let your feet dry naturally, then wipe with a towel, spread with irregular oil and wear clean cotton socks. You should perform such manipulations every day before bedtime.
Five tablespoons of ground coffee are poured with a liter of boiling water. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, lower the legs in turn, for 30 minutes. every man. Do not dry or rinse your feet. This medicine relieves itching and inflammation of the skin between the fingers almost immediately. After a month, the symptoms of the fungus will disappear.
A two-spoon bath and integrated laundry soap will help soothe rough skin and remove fungus. After the procedure, keratinized skin is removed using a manicure tool. Such manipulations should be performed daily because there are fungal spores in areas of dead skin. You can prepare this medicine in another way - dilute baking soda with water in a severe condition and apply on the affected areas.
Useful It is useful to add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the water every time you wash your feet. To get rid of foot fungus will help lotions with 9% table vinegar, but be prepared for painful sensations during the procedure. However, this medicine is extremely effective. Remove the compress after 10 - 15 minutes, spread with oil and put on clean socks.
Agave leaves (red flame) are cut, wrapped in paper and left in the refrigerator for a week. Then squeeze the liquid and lubricate the affected areas of the skin in the morning and evening. Should be used in combination with trays and oils.
You can buy lead acetate tincture at the pharmacy. For the treatment of mycosis, this agent is applied to gauze, applied to the affected area and wrapped in cling film. Exposure time is not more than 20 minutes.
Treating wet fungus between the toes requires a special approach. All manipulations are performed in several stages:
- cleaning the area with bubbles with hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate solution;
- medical baths;
- using a cream or oil.
In advanced cases, it is possible to apply a sterile dressing to prevent the infection from entering an open wound and to prevent the spread of mycosis. The use of talcum powder is also indicated in order to dry the affected area.
Treatment of fungus between the fingers with folk remedies is effective only in combination with medication. By relying on unconventional methods, you run the risk of removing the symptoms, but not eliminating the cause of the disease.
Preventive measures
To prevent the fungus from returning to the skin of your fingers, follow our recommendations:
- Go to a nail salon with your tool. When performing an equipment pedicure procedure, ask for the disinfection to be done with you.
- Never take someone else's towels, shoes, socks.
- Buy a special UV dryer for shoes and use it every day.
- Do a pedicure on time and remove dead skin.
- Buy only high quality shoes by size.
- Pay close attention to foot hygiene.
- Use herbal baths for prevention.
It is also important to strengthen the immune system and get vitamins, walk in the fresh air and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Fungi on the skin of the fingers are curable, but this is a long process that requires a responsible approach on the part of the patient and strict compliance with all doctor's prescriptions. Pay enough attention to your health and do not let the disease take its course!