The fungus first appears between the toes and then spreads to other areas.Fungal spores penetrate areas with sensitive 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 infections of the skin between the toes are not uncommon.The causes of the disease may be hidden in the following:
- After an illness, the body's defense mechanisms are weakened.
- The lower extremities do not receive adequate blood flow, leading to stagnation.
- Microtrauma of the skin between the toes.
- Wrong choice of shoes: They are tight and uncomfortable.
Important!Inadequate foot hygiene leads to the development of fungi.In addition, the infection can occur when visiting the swimming pool, bathhouse or sauna.
What does a skin lesion look like: description and photo
The fungus begins in 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 is thinnest and most sensitive between the toes.The fungus destroys proteins in the dermis.It eats them, processes them and in return produces toxic products.
Scientists have found that men are more susceptible to fungal infections: they sweat more often.In women, this problem is more common among athletes, but also among those who are too interested in pedicure, especially without the proper treatment of the instruments.
You can see what a fungal infection looks like in the photo below:
forms of the disease
Danger!The acute form occurs when the immune system is weakened by the infection.
A person feels itchy skin between the fingers and peeling of the epidermis occurs there.Sweat and water treatments increase the symptoms.A characteristic odor may appear.In the acute form, crusts form between the fingers;the body temperature rises.
The chronic form of the fungus comes in several variants:
- When the form is deletedSlight flaking can be observed.
- In squamous cell carcinoma- The affected area is covered with small scales, it itches when you get wet.
- Nappy shapeThe diagnosis is red and swollen skin between the fingers, which is immediately covered in cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- Pink skin can be seen under numerous blisters.
Different types of fungal infections
Fungal infections are caused by three types of bacteria:
- Yeast fungi affect nails and skin.
- Mold needs heat and high humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the cause of mycoses: they account for 90% of cases of infection.
Treatment of fungus on the skin between the toes is complicated not only because of the variety of types of microorganisms.Pathogens develop resistance to their environment.And microbial toxins suppress the immune system: the skin becomes severely inflamed.
Infection risks
Help.A fungal infection can be transmitted to healthy people from both sick people and pets.
From a biology course at school, we know that microbes constantly attack the skin, but not all people get sick.Athlete's foot is more common in vulnerable people who take a lot of antibiotics or don't maintain good personal hygiene.
The risk of a fungal infection increases with the following diseases:
- increased blood sugar levels;
- obesity;
- metabolic disorder;
- increased sweating;
- Thyroid problems;
- hormonal imbalances.
In addition, when examining a patient, the following factors cannot be taken into account:
- age (baby skin is particularly sensitive);
- systematic stress;
- Pregnancy;
- frequent contact with water;
- unbalanced diet.
It is quite easy to contract a fungal infection, especially if personal hygiene rules are not followed.Interdigital fungus is transmitted by:
- Shoes;
- carpets;
- towels;
- washcloth;
- Manicure tools.
How do you 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 where the cracks form begins to peel off.
- Then the disease actively manifests itself.Red spots and even blisters with clear fluid appear on the skin.
- Corns form and the skin becomes rougher.Calluses form.
- Peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks become erosions.
Important!In the early stages, symptoms are mild, so many do not recognize them and can trigger a fungal infection.
Only timely treatment under the supervision of a specialist allows the disease to be managed.If the patient had contact with other people before contacting a doctor, preventive treatment of all household members is necessary to prevent spread.
Treatment: Which ointments, creams and other remedies to use?
Interdigital fungus takes a long time to heal.Treatment with internal medications must be supported by external medications (creams or ointments).Effective antiseptics and antimicrobials used to treat 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 entire foot becomes inflamed and pain occurs not only when walking but also at rest.The fungus increases the risk of bacterial infections and allergies.
What folk remedies are there for treatment?
Attention!Drug therapy can be supported by folk remedies.
- Therapeutic baths.Add 2 teaspoons of soda or salt to a liter of warm water and soak your feet 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.
- lotions.We soak a piece of cotton wool well in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the damaged areas.Wrap your feet in foil, wait 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.Lotions can also be made with strong tea leaves.
- Homemade ointment.Take a tablespoon each of vinegar, glycerin and olive oil.Mix all components thoroughly.Rub the resulting mixture into the affected areas, cover with foil and put on socks.In the morning, apply laundry soap to your feet and rinse well.
- The most accessible folk treatment against fungus is with the help of iodine.We soak a cotton swab in it and carefully walk the problem areas.
Table vinegar helps with itchy skin and unpleasant foot odor.The acid changes the alkaline balance of the skin, stopping the growth of the fungus.
Prevention
It is easy to catch a fungal infection, but it takes a long time to heal.Preventive measures will help prevent reinfection:
- Wash your feet daily with warm water and then lubricate them with cream.
- In public places (sauna, bathhouse), you are not allowed to wear other people's shoes and walk barefoot.
- We make sure that no calluses form on our feet.
- We buy comfortable and high-quality shoes.It should not press, rub or cause discomfort.When we buy a new pair, we only try on socks.The inside of the shoes is regularly treated with a formaldehyde solution, and the socks are washed at a temperature not lower than 40 degrees.We often wear sandals in summer.
- We lead an active lifestyle and strengthen our immune system.
- After water treatments, it is important to dry the skin with a soft towel, paying particular attention to the spaces between the fingers.
- Special sprays, lotions and powders reduce sweating.
Reference!Ointments or creams help well with the dry form of the fungus.Before applying the product, you must take a warm bath.
Nobody is safe from mycosis.Infection is possible even if all hygiene regulations are adhered to.In this situation, the most important thing is not to hesitate and see a doctor immediately.The specialist will develop a treatment algorithm.