In summer, excessive sweating and synthetic shoes cause diseases such as fungi. Between the toes there are ulcers that cause discomfort and an unpleasant odor. How to recognize the disease in time and get rid of it? What preventive measures will help you to forget about the disease once and for all?
The main symptoms and forms of the disease
The interdigital fungus on the feet can be identified by the following signs:
- in certain places, the skin becomes dry, scales, cracks appear;
- small bubbles appear, as in an allergic reaction, which periodically open and the exudate is released;
- the diaper rash appears between the toes and the side of the foot;
- convergence of the upper layers of the skin in the lesions;
- itching, discomfort, pain can occur.
To make an accurate diagnosis, you still need to see a doctor, because with different forms of ringworm, the symptoms can be different. Subsequent treatment of the interdigital fungus depends on the type of disease:
- Weak shape. It is characterized only by increased skin dryness, peeling and cracking.
- Scaly-hyperkeratotic. When the disease takes this form, the upper layer of the skin converges on the affected areas, resulting in redness, diaper rash, which causes itching and burning. If toes are affected, hard yellow calluses develop.
- Intertriginous form. Swelling and severe erosion occur between the toes.
- Dyshidrotic. Crying areas appear, bubbles with transparent content are formed. External symptoms are accompanied by very severe itching.
What does the fungus look like on the toes? In a mild way, it appears that the affected areas have been sprinkled with flour. If the disease also affects the nail plate, it is possible to notice a thickening and yellowing of the nail, with more advanced forms - its deformation. In other stages, the skin is moist, ulcers and redness are clearly visible.
Causes of the disease
Most of the time, tight synthetic shoes lead to athlete's foot.
Fungi between and under the toes do not happen by chance. The most common reasons for its appearance:
- Diabetes.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system, blood circulation, veins.
- Decreased immunity.
- Synthetic tight shoes.
- Excessive sweating of the limbs.
- Infection through pedicure tools, shared towels, bath mats.
Sometimes it is enough to try on the patient's shoes to catch an unpleasant illness himself. To prevent this from happening, carefully monitor your hygiene, take vitamins, don't buy shoes at thrift stores.
Which doctor should I consult?
If you experience the symptoms described above yourself, 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 type of fungus caused the disease. Without this, the doctor will not be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment.
A laboratory study of scraping dead scales allows you to answer the following questions:
- Is fungus the cause of skin changes?
- What type of ringworm caused the disease?
On average, a detailed study of sowing takes about two weeks. After that, certain topical preparations (gels, ointments) and tablets are prescribed.
Traditional medicine
For the treatment of interdigital fungi on the legs, the following are prescribed:
- Antifungal Creams
- Ointments
- Pills and capsules
- Local antiseptics
Allows to relieve inflammation, reduce flaking, provide deep penetration of antimycotic agents under the skin. They form a film that prevents reinfection.
Effectively destroys fungal spores, thanks to the active ingredients.
Suppress the development of the disease. The active substances through the blood enter the horny tissues, accumulate in them and destroy the spores of the fungus. It should not be taken without a prescription, as the pills are individually selected and have an extensive list of contraindications. For patients with liver disease, the use of such drugs is strictly prohibited.
Hydrogen peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfuric ointment.
Treatment for interdigital fungi on the feet aims to eradicate the infection that led to ringworm. Properly selected medications and adherence to all medical prescriptions will help prevent the disease from recurring in the future. In this case, it is essential to have a complete 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 fungi between the fingers will greatly speed up the healing process. Home treatment involves the use of several baths and compresses:
- Based on celandine.
- Coffee bath.
- Soft drink products.
- Vinegar baths and lotions.
- We removed the fungus with aloe juice.
- Effective compresses.
Celandine is an herb widely used to treat skin problems. The affected areas can be lubricated with plant sap. A bath based on this herb will help to cure the fungus on the feet. Freshly cut Celandine is poured with boiling water, cooled to room temperature and the feet are immersed in the water. After the procedure, it is necessary to let the feet dry naturally, then dry with a towel, apply an antifungal ointment and put on clean cotton socks. You need to perform these manipulations every day before bed.
Five tablespoons of ground coffee are poured into a liter of boiling water. After the mixture has cooled slightly, the feet are lowered, in turn, for 30 minutes. each one. Do not dry or wash your feet. This remedy relieves itching and inflammation of the skin between the toes almost immediately. After a month, the symptoms of the fungus will go away.
A bath of two tablespoons and grated washing powder will help to smooth out rough skin and remove fungi. After the procedure, the keratinized skin is removed with the aid of a manicure tool. These manipulations need to be performed daily, as there are fungal spores in the dead areas of the skin. You can prepare this remedy in another way - dilute the baking soda with water until it reaches the porridge state and apply it to the affected areas.
It is useful to add a few tablespoons of vinegar essence to the water every time you wash your feet. To get rid of the fungus on the leg 9% table vinegar lotions will help, but be prepared for painful sensations during the procedure. However, this remedy is extremely effective. Remove the compress after 10-15 minutes, spread an ointment and put on clean socks.
Agave (scarlet) leaves are cut, wrapped in paper and left in the refrigerator for a week. Then, squeeze the juice and lubricate the affected areas of the skin in the morning and evening. It should be used in combination with trays and ointments.
You can buy the basic lead acetate solution at the pharmacy. For the treatment of ringworm, this agent is applied to gauze, applied to the affected area and wrapped in plastic wrap. The exposure time is not more than 20 minutes.
The treatment of moist fungi between the fingers requires a special approach. All manipulations are carried out in several stages:
- cleaning the area with bubbles with hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate solution;
- medical bath;
- using a cream or ointment.
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 ringworm. The use of talcum powder is also shown to dry the affected area.
Treating the fungus between the toes with folk remedies is only effective in combination with medications. By relying on unconventional methods, you are at risk of removing symptoms, but not of eliminating the cause of the disease.
Preventive measures
To prevent the fungus cured on the toe skin from returning, follow our recommendations:
- Go to a beauty salon with your tool. When performing a hardware pedicure procedure, ask for disinfection to be done with you.
- Never take someone else's towels, shoes, socks.
- Buy a special UV shoe dryer and use it every day.
- Get 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 your immune system and take vitamins, walk outdoors and eat enough fruits and vegetables.
The fungus on the skin of the toes is treatable, but it is a long process that requires a responsible approach on the part of the patient and strict compliance with all medical prescriptions. Pay close attention to your health and don't let the disease run its course!