In the UK, foot fungus is known as "athlete's foot".Only one in five people are such "athletes."Fungus between the toes is a very common and unpleasant condition, but luckily there are many effective ways to combat it.
About 80% of people suffer from dermatomycoses.The skin of the feet is more susceptible to fungal infections due to increased density and sweating.Fungal infections present with peeling and itching, but can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of compactions (calluses, corns - hyperkeratosis of the heels and arches).
If left untreated, the infection can spread.Sufferers can infect others and spread the bacteria throughout their own bodies.
fungal causes
So why do "athlete's foot symptoms" appear?Fungi thrive best in moist and warm environments and are also susceptible to skin microinjuries.Athletes always have a lot going on - feet that are constantly bruised from training, plus socks that are always soaked with sweat.Ideal conditions for fungal growth.
You can become infected in one of the public places where the environment is warm and humid - swimming pool, sauna, bathhouse, hotel bathtub.Or you walk in uncomfortable artificial shoes and your feet constantly rub and sweat.Or maybe you accidentally tried on the shoes of someone with fungus.In addition, people with weakened immunity due to illness or vitamin deficiencies are also at high risk of infection.
fungal symptoms
- The folds of the skin peeled off a little—as if they had been dusted with flour;
- Cracks appear between fingers, itching and pain;
- Feet often sweat;
- The sole skin has thickened;
- Nails become uneven and may be covered with growths, flakes, spots, or streaks (gray or yellow).Over time, the condition of the nails will worsen and the spots will become larger.
If you develop cracks between your fingers and the surrounding skin is peeling, you should definitely consult a dermatologist.A specialist will examine and determine symptoms not only in the injured area, but also in other parts of the limb.
fungal treatment
The most important thing in treating athlete's foot is patience.Fungus on the skin requires at least a month of treatment to cure, while fungus on the nails takes about a year to cure.
It's best to ask your doctor about treating fungus between your toes.But if you haven't had the opportunity to visit a clinic, self-treatment would be the better of two evils.The most important thing to remember is that treatment of the fungus cannot be delayed, otherwise it will spread to other parts of the body - thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chest.
Use the following medications to treat fungus between the toes:
- ointment.To treat fungi, use ointments based on tolnaftate or miconazole.It is best to change the ointment every 10-14 days to avoid addiction.You need to use the ointment until the fungus is completely gone, after which it is recommended to extend the treatment for another two weeks to avoid recurrence.
- Compressed from liquid medicine.Dip a cotton swab into the solution and place it between your fingers.Leave on for 15-20 minutes.
- soda.Take a small amount of baking soda and dissolve it in water.Rub the affected area with baking soda.
- pill.If your nails are severely affected, you will most likely receive general treatment.
- Immune booster.Patients with fungi often take immunostimulants.
After successfully completing treatment, it is important to disinfect all shoes (ideally, replace them with new ones).Otherwise, there is a risk of reinfection - literally to yourself.When disinfecting, take 25% formaldehyde solution or 30% vinegar, treat the shoes thoroughly, and place them in polyethylene for 2 hours.After the specified time, the shoes need to be dried.
Prevent foot fungus
To prevent unpleasant illnesses like foot fungus from affecting you again, take these precautions:
- If possible, wear only leather or suede shoes and avoid artificial materials.The skin cannot breathe and the feet are often uncomfortable - which can lead to "painful" sweating, abrasions and cuts.
- When coming back from the street, don't forget to treat your shoes with a special deodorizing spray.
- Don't wear or even try on someone else's shoes.Put on socks before trying on shoes in the store.
- After visiting the pool, bathhouse or sauna, rinse your feet thoroughly and dry them with a towel.This fungus does not grow in dry conditions.Once your feet are dry, it's best to treat them with lemon juice - the fungus will solidify in the acid.
- To prevent the occurrence of fungus, antifungal ointments can be used.Apply the ointment to clean, dry feet.
- As mentioned before, people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to fungal infections.Therefore, eat more fruits and vegetables and drink juices and herbal teas.
Take care of yourself and stay healthy!