The fungus first appears between the toes and then spreads to other areas.Fungal spores penetrate areas with delicate skin.Under the influence of parasites, the epidermis becomes wet and destroyed.This disease is also called mycosis.It occurs in 10% of the population, but is treatable.
The cause of this interdigital disease
Fungal disease of the skin between the toes is not uncommon.The cause of the disease may be hidden in the following:
- After illness, the body's defense mechanisms have decreased.
- The lower extremities are not supplied with blood, which leads to stagnation.
- Microtrauma of the skin between the toes.
- Wrong selection of shoes: They are tight and uncomfortable.
Important!Inadequate foot hygiene leads to the appearance of fungus.In addition, infection can occur during visits to swimming pools, baths or saunas.
What skin lesions look like: description and photo
The fungus starts from the nail bed: the plate loses its transparency.The condition of the skin changes under the influence of external factors and some pathological processes in the body.Between the toes the skin is thin and most sensitive.The fungus destroys the proteins in the dermis.It eats it, processes it and in return produces toxic products.
Scientists have found that men are more susceptible to fungal infections: they have a higher level of sweat.Among women, this problem is more common among athletes, as well as those who are too interested in pedicures, especially without proper treatment of the instrument.
In the following photo, you can see a fungal infection such as:
Form of disease
Attention!The acute form occurs when the immune system is suppressed by the infection.
A person feels itchy skin between the fingers, and peeling of the epidermis occurs there.Sweat and water procedures increase 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 types:
- When the form is deletedslight flaking is observed.
- For squamous- The affected area is covered with small scales, itching after getting wet.
- Diaper shapedIt is diagnosed by red and swollen skin between the fingers, which is immediately covered with cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- Pink skin can be seen under many blisters.
Various types of fungal infections
Fungal infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeast affects nails and skin.
- Mold needs high heat and 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 microorganisms.Pathogens acquire resistance to their environment.And microbial toxins suppress the immune system: the skin becomes very inflamed.
Risk of infection
PleaseFungal infections can be transmitted to healthy people from sick people, as well as from pets.
From school biology courses, we know that microbes always attack the skin, but not everyone gets sick.Athlete's foot is more common among those who are at risk, take a lot of antibiotics, or do not maintain good personal hygiene.
The risk of contracting a fungal infection increases with the following diseases:
- high blood sugar levels;
- Overweight;
- metabolic disorders;
- increased sweating;
- problems with the thyroid gland;
- hormonal imbalance.
Also, when examining the patient, the following factors cannot be taken into account:
- age (baby skin is very sensitive);
- systematic pressure;
- pregnancy;
- frequent contact with water;
- An 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 through:
- shoes;
- carpets;
- towels;
- washcloth;
- Manicure tools.
How to recognize this disease?
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 crack forms begins to peel.
- Then the disease manifests itself actively.Red spots and even bubble formations with a clear liquid appear on the skin.
- Corns start to form and the skin becomes rougher.Calluses form.
- Peeling accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks turn into erosions.
Important!In the early stages, the symptoms are mild, so many cannot track them and start a fungal infection.
Only timely treatment under the supervision of a specialist makes it possible to overcome this disease.If the patient had contact with other people before contacting the doctor, preventive treatment of all household members is necessary to prevent spread.
Treatment: What ointments, creams and other ways to apply?
Interdigital fungus takes a long time to heal.Treatment with internal medicine must be supported by external medicine (cream or ointment).Effective antiseptics and antimicrobial agents to treat this 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 cannot self-medicate, especially if there is no accurate diagnosis.This can only make things worse.Without treatment, the entire leg will become inflamed, and the pain will be felt not only when walking, but also at rest.Fungi increase the risk of bacterial infections and allergies.
What folk remedies are there to treat?
Attention!Drug therapy can be supported by folk remedies.
- Therapeutic bath.Add 2 teaspoons of soda or salt to a liter of warm water and soak your feet there for 30 minutes.We carefully process the steamed skin, removing dead particles.You can also use dried Celandine or Chamomile for the procedure.For 1 liter of liquid, you need 3 tablespoons of the mixture.You need to steam your feet in the medicinal infusion for at least 20 minutes.After the procedure, treat the infected skin with hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
- Lotion.We soak a piece of cotton wool in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the damaged area.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 area, cover it with a film and put on socks.In the morning, apply laundry soap to your feet and rinse well.
- The most accessible folk treatment for fungus is carried out with the help of iodine.We soak cotton in it and carefully go to the problem area.
Table vinegar helps with itchy skin and unpleasant foot odor.The acid changes the alkaline balance of the skin, which stops the growth of fungus.
Prevention
It is very easy to catch a fungal infection, but it takes a lot of time to cure it.Preventive measures will help prevent re-infection:
- Every day, wash your feet with warm water and then lubricate them with cream.
- You can't wear other people's shoes and walk barefoot in public places (sauna, bathhouse).
- We make sure that calluses do not 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 to only wear socks.The inside of the shoe is periodically treated with formaldehyde solution, and the socks are washed at a temperature not lower than forty degrees.In summer we often wear sandals.
- We lead an active lifestyle and strengthen our immune system.
- After the water procedure, it is important to dry the skin with a soft towel, paying special attention to the space between the fingers.
- Special sprays, lotions and powders reduce sweating.
Reference!For dry forms of fungus, ointments or creams help well.Before using the product, you need to take a warm shower.
No one is safe from mycosis.It is possible to catch it even if all hygiene rules are followed.In this situation, the main thing is not to hesitate and immediately consult a doctor.Specialists will develop a treatment algorithm.