In England, foot fungus is called "athlete's foot".Hardly every fifth person is such an "athlete".Fungus between the toes is a very common and unpleasant disease, but fortunately there are very effective ways to fight it.
About 80% of the population experiences skin fungus.Due to the increased density and sweating, the skin of the legs is more susceptible to mycoses.The fungal infection manifests itself as peeling and itching, but it can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of seals (calluses, calluses - hyperkeratosis on the heels and arches of the feet).
If left untreated, the infection spreads.The patient can infect others and spread germs in their own body.
Fungal agents
So why the "athlete's foot symptom"?Fungi multiply most easily in moist and warm environments, and are also susceptible to skin microtraumas.And athletes always have plenty of both – feet that are constantly chafing from training, plus socks that are always soaked with sweat.Ideal conditions for the development of fungi.
It is possible that you got infected in one of the public places with a warm and humid environment - swimming pool, sauna, bathroom, hotel bathtub.Or you've been wearing uncomfortable artificial shoes in which your feet constantly rub and sweat.Or maybe you've inadvertently tried on the shoes of someone with a fungal infection.In addition, there is a high risk of infection in people with weakened immunity due to illness or vitamin deficiency.
Symptoms of fungus
- The folds of the skin peel off a little - as if they were 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 streaks (gray or yellow) have appeared on them.Over time, the condition of the nails worsens and the spots increase in size.
If a crack appears between the fingers surrounded by scaly skin, you should definitely consult a dermatologist.The specialist will conduct an examination and determine the symptoms not only at the site of injury, but also at other parts of the limb.
Treatment of fungus
The most important thing in treating athlete's foot is patience.Because the 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 how to treat the fungus between the toes.But if there is still no opportunity to visit the clinic, the better of two evils will be self-medication.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, breasts.
The treatment of fungus between the toes is carried out with the help of the following drugs:
- Ointments.For the treatment of fungi, ointments based on tolnaftate or miconazole are used.It is better to change the ointment every 10-14 days to avoid addiction.You should use ointments until the fungus is completely gone, after which it is advisable to extend the treatment for another 2 weeks to avoid relapse.
- Compresses from 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 badly affected, you will most likely be given a general treatment.
- Immunostimulants.Patients with fungus are often prescribed immunostimulants.
After the successful completion of the treatment, it is very important to disinfect all your shoes (ideally, replace them with new ones).Otherwise, you risk re-infection – literally from yourself.For disinfection, take a 25% solution of formaldehyde or 30% vinegar, process the shoes well and place them in polyethylene for 2 hours.After the specified time, the shoes will need to be aired out.
Prevention of fungal diseases of the feet
To prevent the recurrence of such an unpleasant disease as foot fungus, 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 you come from the street, do not forget to treat your shoes with a special deodorizing spray.
- Do not wear or even try on other people's shoes.Wear socks before trying on shoes in a store.
- After visiting the pool, bath or sauna, rinse your feet well and dry them with a towel.The fungus does not grow in a dry environment.After drying the feet, it is good to smear them with lemon juice - the fungus coagulates in acid.
- To prevent the appearance of fungus, you can use an antifungal ointment.The ointment is applied to clean and dry feet.
- As already mentioned, the fungus is more often infected by people with a weakened immune system.Therefore, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink juices and herbal teas.
Take care of yourself and be healthy!