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 ringworm.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 be hidden in the following:
- After an illness, the body's defense mechanisms decrease.
- The lower extremities do not receive enough 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 causes the appearance of fungus.Also, 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 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.Between the toes the skin is thinner and more sensitive.The fungus destroys proteins in the dermis.It eats them, processes them and in return produces toxic products.
Scientists have discovered that men are more susceptible to fungal infections: they experience higher levels of sweating.Among women, this problem is more common among athletes, as well as among those who are very fond of 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.Sweat and water procedures increase discomfort.A characteristic odor may appear.In the acute form, crusts form between the fingers;body temperature increases.
The chronic form of the fungus has several varieties:
- When the form is deletedslight peeling is observed.
- For flaky- the affected area is covered with small scales, itches after getting wet.
- Diaper-shaped shapeIt is diagnosed by the reddened and swollen skin between the fingers, which is immediately covered with cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- reddish-pink skin can be seen under numerous blisters.
Variety of fungal infection types
Fungal infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeasts affect nails and skin.
- Mold requires heat and high humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the causes of mycoses: they are responsible for 90% of infection cases.
Treatment of fungus on the skin between the toes is complicated not only by the variety of types of microorganisms.Pathogens acquire resistance to their environment.And microbial toxins suppress the immune system: the skin becomes very inflamed.
Infection risks
Help.A fungal infection can be transmitted to healthy people, both from sick people and from pets.
We know from our school biology course that microbes constantly attack the skin, but not everyone gets sick.Foot fungus is most common among those who are at risk, take a lot of antibiotics or don't maintain good personal hygiene.
The risks of contracting fungal infections increase with the following diseases:
- high blood sugar levels;
- overweight;
- 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's skin is especially sensitive);
- systematic stress;
- pregnancy;
- frequent contact with water;
- unbalanced diet.
It is very easy to get a fungal infection, especially if personal hygiene rules are not followed.Interdigital fungus is transmitted through:
- shoes;
- carpets;
- towels;
- cloths;
- manicure tools.
How to recognize the disease?
The interdigital fungus has several stages of development:
- First, small cracks appear between the fingers and also on the feet.
- The skin in the area where the cracks form begins to peel.
- Then the disease actively manifests itself.Red spots and even blister formations with clear liquid appear on the skin.
- Calluses begin to form and the skin becomes rougher.Calluses form.
- The peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks turn into erosions.
Important!At the initial stage, the symptoms are mild, many cannot track them and a fungal infection begins.
Only timely treatment under the supervision of a specialist makes it possible to cope with the disease.If the patient has had contact with other people before seeing a doctor, preventive treatment for all family members is necessary to prevent spread.
Treatment: what ointments, creams and other means to apply?
Interdigital fungus takes a long time to heal.Treatment with internal medicines must be supported by external medicines (creams or ointments).Effective antiseptics and antimicrobial agents for treating the disease are:
- iodine tincture;
- salicylic alcohol;
- boric acid;
- fucorcin;
- sulfur ointment.
In difficult and advanced situations, an additional series of tablets 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 will become inflamed and pain will be felt not only when walking but also at rest.The fungus increases the risk of bacterial infections and allergies.
What folk remedies are there to treat it?
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 dry 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 with warm water.Lotions can also be made with strong tea leaves.
- Homemade ointment.Take a tablespoon of vinegar, glycerin and olive oil.Mix all components well.Rub the resulting mixture into the affected areas, cover them with film and put on socks.In the morning, apply washing powder to your feet and rinse well.
- The most affordable popular treatment for fungus is iodine.We dip a cotton swab into it and carefully examine the problem areas.
Table vinegar helps with itchy skin and unpleasant foot odor.The acid alters the alkaline balance of the skin, which prevents the fungus from growing.
Prevention
It's easy to get a fungal 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 lubricate them with cream.
- It is not allowed to wear other people's shoes and walk barefoot in public places (sauna, bathhouse).
- We make sure that no calluses form on our feet.
- We buy comfortable, 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 shoes is periodically treated with a formaldehyde solution, and the socks are washed at a temperature not lower than forty degrees.In summer we usually wear sandals.
- We lead an active lifestyle and strengthen our immune system.
- After water procedures, it is important to dry your skin with a soft towel, paying special attention to the spaces between your fingers.
- Special sprays, lotions and powders reduce sweating.
Reference!For the dry form of the fungus, ointments or creams help a lot.Before applying the product, you must take a warm shower.
No one is safe from ringworm.It is possible to contract it even if you follow all hygiene rules.In this situation, the main thing is not to hesitate and immediately consult a doctor.The specialist will develop a treatment algorithm.