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 lie in the following:
- After an illness, the body's defense mechanisms are reduced.
- The lower limbs are insufficiently supplied with blood, which leads to stagnation.
- Microtrauma of the skin between the toes.
- Wrong choice of shoes: narrow and uncomfortable.
important!Insufficient foot hygiene provokes the appearance of fungus.In addition, the infection can occur during a visit to a pool, bath or sauna.
What a skin lesion looks like: description and photo
Fungi start from 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 the thinnest and most sensitive.The fungus destroys the proteins in the dermis.It eats them, processes them and produces toxic products in return.
Scientists have found that men are more susceptible to fungal infections: they have higher levels of sweating.In women, this problem is more common in athletes, as well as in those who are too keen on pedicures, especially without proper handling of the tools.
In the next 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 on the skin between the fingers, and peeling of the epidermis occurs there.Sweat and water procedures increase the discomfort.A characteristic odor may appear.In the acute form, crusts form between the fingers;body temperature rises.
The chronic form of the fungus has several varieties:
- When the form is deletedslight peeling is observed.
- For squamous- the affected area is covered with small scales, itches after getting wet.
- Diaper shaped shapeIt is diagnosed by reddened and swollen skin between the fingers, which is immediately covered with cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- pink-red skin can be seen under numerous blisters.
A variety of types of fungal infections
Fungal infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeast affects nails and skin.
- Mold requires heat and high humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the cause of mycosis: they account for 90% of infection cases.
The treatment of fungus on the skin between the toes is complicated not only because of the variety of types of microorganisms.Pathogens acquire resistance to the environment.And microbial toxins suppress the immune system: the skin becomes very inflamed.
Risks of infection
Help.Fungal infection can be transmitted to healthy people from sick people, as well as from pets.
We know from a school biology course that germs constantly attack the skin, but not all people get sick.Toenail fungus is more common in people who are at risk, take a lot of antibiotics or do not maintain good personal hygiene.
The risk of contracting fungal infections increases with the following diseases:
- increased blood sugar levels;
- overweight;
- metabolic disorder;
- increased sweating;
- thyroid problems;
- hormonal imbalance.
Also, when examining a patient, the following factors cannot be taken into account:
- age (baby skin is especially sensitive);
- systematic stress;
- pregnancy;
- frequent contact with water;
- unbalanced diet.
It is quite easy to catch a fungal infection, especially if the rules of personal hygiene are not followed.Interdigital fungus is transmitted by:
- shoes;
- carpets;
- towels;
- towels for washing;
- 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 off.
- Then the disease manifests itself actively.Red spots and even bubbles with a clear liquid appear on the skin.
- Calluses begin to form and the skin becomes rougher.Calluses form.
- Peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks become erosions.
important!In 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 allows you to cope with the disease.If the patient has had contact with other people, before contacting a doctor, preventive treatment of all household members is necessary to avoid the spread.
Treatment: what ointments, creams and other means to apply?
Interdigital fungus is treated for a long time.Treatment with internal drugs should be supported by external drugs (creams or ointments).Effective antiseptics and antimicrobials 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 comprehensive examination.
You should not self-medicate, especially if there is no accurate diagnosis.This can only seriously worsen the situation.Without treatment, the whole leg will become inflamed and the pain will be felt not only when walking, but also at rest.Fungi increase the risk of bacterial infection and allergies.
What folk remedies are there for treatment?
attention!Drug therapy can be supported by folk remedies.
- Therapeutic baths.Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda or salt to one liter of warm water and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes.We carefully process the steamed skin, removing dead particles.You can also use dry celandine or chamomile for the procedure.For 1 liter of liquid, you will need 3 tablespoons of the mixture.You should soak your feet in the medicinal tincture for at least 20 minutes.After the procedure, treat the infected skin with hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
- Lotions.We thoroughly soak a piece of cotton wool in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the damaged areas.Wrap your feet in film and wait 5 minutes, then rinse 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 the components thoroughly.Rub the resulting mixture on the affected areas, cover them with a film and put on socks.In the morning, apply laundry soap to your feet and rinse well.
- The most affordable folk treatment for fungus is carried out using iodine.Wet a cotton swab and carefully go over the problem areas.
Table vinegar helps with itchy skin and foot odor.The acid changes the alkaline balance of the skin, which stops the growth of the fungus.
Prevention
It's easy to catch a yeast infection, but it takes a long time to cure it.Preventive measures will help prevent re-infection:
- Every day, wash your feet with warm water and then apply cream.
- You cannot wear other people's shoes and go barefoot in public places (sauna, bath).
- We take care not to form calluses on our feet.
- We buy comfortable and quality shoes.It should not press, rub or cause discomfort.When buying a new pair, we only try on socks.The inside of the shoes is periodically treated with a formaldehyde solution, and the socks are washed at a temperature not lower than forty degrees.In the 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 cloth, 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 should take a warm bath.
No one is immune to mycosis.It is possible to get infected even if all hygiene rules are followed.In this situation, the most important thing is not to hesitate and consult a doctor immediately.The specialist will develop a treatment algorithm.