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 on 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 have decreased.
- The lower extremities are insufficiently supplied with blood, which leads to stagnation.
- Microtrauma of the skin between the toes.
- Wrong selection of shoes: they are tight and uncomfortable.
Important!Insufficient foot hygiene provokes the appearance of fungus.In addition, the infection can occur during a visit to the pool, bathhouse or sauna.
What does a skin lesion look like: description and photo
The fungus starts 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.Between the toes the skin is thinnest and most sensitive.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 have higher levels of sweating.Among women, this problem is more common among athletes, as well as those who are too keen on pedicures, especially without proper treatment of the instruments.
In the following 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 itchy 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 erasedslight peeling is observed.
- For squamous- the affected area is covered with small scales, it itches after getting wet.
- Diaper-shaped formIt is diagnosed by reddened and swollen skin between the fingers, which immediately becomes covered with cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- pink-red skin can be seen under numerous blisters.
Variety of types of fungal infection
Fungal infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeasts affect the nails and skin.
- Mold requires heat and high humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the cause of mycosis: 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 acquire resistance to their environment.And microbial toxins suppress the immune system: the skin becomes very inflamed.
Risks of infection
Reference.A fungal infection can be transmitted to healthy people from sick people, as well as from pets.
From a school biology course, we know that microbes constantly attack the skin, but not all people get sick.Foot fungus is more common among those who are at risk, take a lot of antibiotics, or do not maintain good personal hygiene.
The risks of contracting fungal infections increase with the following diseases:
- elevated blood sugar levels;
- excess weight;
- metabolic disorder;
- increased sweating;
- problems with the thyroid gland;
- hormonal imbalances.
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 personal hygiene rules are not followed.Interdigital fungus is transmitted through:
- shoes;
- rugs;
- towels;
- washcloths;
- manicure tools.
How to recognize the 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 cracks form begins to peel off.
- Then the disease manifests itself actively.Red spots and even bubble formations with clear liquid appear on the skin.
- Corns begin to form and the skin becomes rougher.Calluses form.
- Peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks turn into erosions.
Important!At the initial stage, 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 cope with the disease.If the patient had contact with other people before contacting a doctor, preventive treatment of all household members is necessary to avoid spread.
Treatment: what ointments, creams and other means to apply?
Interdigital fungus takes a long time to heal.Treatment with internal medications must be supported by external medications (creams or ointments).Effective antiseptics and antimicrobial agents for treating 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 aggravate the situation.Without treatment, the entire foot will become inflamed, and pain will be felt not only when walking, but also at rest.The fungus increases the risk of bacterial infection and allergies.
What folk remedies are there to treat?
Attention!Drug therapy can be supported by folk remedies.
- Therapeutic baths.Add 2 teaspoons of soda or salt to one 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 will 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 film and wait 5 minutes, then rinse them 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 components thoroughly.Rub the resulting mixture into the affected areas, cover them with 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 a cotton swab in it and carefully go over problem areas.
Table vinegar helps with itchy skin and unpleasant 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 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 cannot wear someone else'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 purchasing a new pair, we try on only wearing socks.The inside of the shoes is periodically treated with a formaldehyde solution, and 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 towel, 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 need to take a warm bath.
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.The specialist will develop a treatment algorithm.