About 80% of the population is affected by yeast infections of the skin. Due to the increased density and sweating, yeast infection is more affected by the skin of the feet. Fungal infection is manifested by peeling and itching, but it can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of seals (calluses, corns - hyperkeratosis on the heels and the arch of the foot). If left untreated, the infection spreads. The patient can infect others, spreading germs throughout his body.
Where does the mushroom come from
Fungal microorganisms like a humid, warm environment and an abundance of nutrients. As "shelter" they use dense skin, prone to increased secretion of fat and sweat.
Human feet - still act as a breeding ground for mycobacteria, and poor quality socks and shoes help.
You can get infected in a public place - on the beach, in the sauna, in the swimming pool. You can bring the infection on by trying on new shoes, as a person with yeast infection the day before might measure it.
Some internal factors also increase susceptibility to fungi:
- weak immunity - fungi reject the body's defenses, when weakened, it is easier for microorganisms to enter the skin;
- endocrine disorders - diabetes mellitus and hormonal imbalances change the composition of skin secretions, turning them into a breeding ground for bacteria;
- persistent injuries - cracks, rubbing, scratches and punctures can be the gateway to fungi;
- lack of hygiene - poor-quality foot washing, the use of dirty socks and waterproof shoes contribute to fungal invasions of the limbs.
Infection is also possible from a loved one - if there is a patient in the house or a carrier of the fungus with an asymptomatic course of the disease. Conflicts of pathogenic microorganisms spread to household appliances, personal belongings, sex (if the patient goes barefoot). When washing the belongings of all residents of the house, mycobacteria settle on the clothes of healthy family members, they can cause yeast infection not only on the feet, but also on other parts of the body (in the folds, groin, on hairy areas of the body).
Why does the fungus appear between the fingers
Interdigital fungus is a particular clinical form of yeast infection of the feet. Doctors call it intertriginous. With this course, the skin is affected between 3 and 4 or 4 and 5 toes. Often the pathological process begins on a limb and eventually spreads to a healthy limb.
The yeast infection begins with a cracking of the skin between the toes or at the base of the phalanx of the foot. The size of the wound can range from 2-3 mm to 1 cm. The intensity of symptoms depends on the area of the wound - the larger the injury, the greater the pain. When the crack appears, the person experiences a slight discomfort when walking, which is accentuated with hygiene procedures.
Unlike other injuries, the crack does not heal on its own. It becomes inflamed, exudates exudates. The surface between the fingers becomes wet, which further contributes to the spread of the fungus to larger areas of the skin. A "fringe" appears around the wound - this is steam peeled skin. The peel is rather thick, attempts to remove it with the fingers result in injuries to healthy areas of the skin. Persistent desquamation appears around the lesion. It can be lamellar or mealy. The scales are silvery, white, yellowish. These characteristics depend on the strain of the fungus infecting the skin. After the crack heals, the intriguing form of mycosis turns into scaly - it manifests as large dry areas on the foot, with an abundance of exfoliated scales. The surface can be shiny or fabric-like.
What to do with fungal symptoms
If you have a crack between your fingers surrounded by loose skin, you should definitely see a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct an examination, determine the symptoms not only at the site of the injury, but also on other parts of the limb.
The diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms alone. A microscopic examination of the skin scratching the foot will be needed to confirm the fungus. In case of resistant mycosis, it is supplemented by PCR analysis or culture inoculation to determine the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to fungicidal drugs.
In advanced cases of fungus or extensive damage to the dermis, systemic drugs will be needed. Due to the likelihood of hepato- and nephrotoxic effects of these drugs, the patient should have blood and urine tests. Based on their results, the specialist assesses the function of vital organs, selects a treatment regimen with systemic antimycotics.
Self-medication for fungal infections of the feet is allowed only in the early stages. You can get by with topical medications that don't cause systemic side effects.
Effective remedies for interdigital fungus
The characteristics of treatment depend on the individual patient data, the degree of mycosis, the area of the lesion, the presence of secondary infection or the resistance of the pathogen.
Systemic drugs
To speed up the treatment and make it complete, doctors prescribe antifungal agents in the form of tablets or capsules.
When treating with drugs of systemic action, it is undesirable to consume alcohol, fatty foods and other foods that create a load on the liver. If the infection has spread to the nails from the interdigital space, a longer use of antimycotics will be necessary.
Local remedies
For the treatment of interdigital fungus, drugs are prescribed on a medium oily or non-oily basis (creams, solutions). Ointments can only be used at the initial stage when softening of the skin is required for rapid healing of lesions. Along the way, antifungal drugs may be prescribed healing agents and antiseptics. They speed up the regeneration process and additionally soften rough skin.
For the treatment of fungus on the feet, external agents with broad-spectrum fungicidal components are prescribed. Ideal for products based on:
- terbinafine;
- clotrimazole;
- ketoconazole;
- econazole;
- naftifina.
The price does not affect the success of treatment, it is important to choose the right active ingredient of the drug.
Creams and solutions are applied to the skin 1-2 times a day after hygienic procedures. After processing, the product is allowed to fully absorb and wear cotton socks. At the same time, it is necessary to disinfect the shoes every 3 to 7 days. For this, fungicidal sprays are used. Regular replacement of socks, underwear, towels is mandatory. It is necessary to wash used items at high temperatures separately from other patient and family accessories.
With trichophytosis and microsporia, doctors recommend special treatment regimens. For example, treatment with iodine solution in the morning and sulfuric, sulphurous or salicylic ointment in the evening.
Folk remedies
You cannot be treated for a fungus only by folk methods. Baths are allowed in addition to medication. If the doctor has advised the application of ointments or homemade formulations, they should be used separately from pharmaceutical preparations. For example, in the morning and in the evening use a ready-made medicine, and in the afternoon - a homemade ointment. The most popular methods of treating a fungus among the population:
- oak bark baths- make a large volume of broth from oak bark (6 tablespoons per 1 liter), dilute in half with clean water, take baths for 15 minutes a day;
- with sea salt- prepare a strong solution of sea salt, take a bath for 10 minutes, do not wash off the salt, put on cotton socks immediately after the procedure;
- with soda- dilute a tablespoon of soda in 1 liter of water, take a bath for 15 minutes, after wiping, apply pharmaceutical antifungal agents;
- egg ointment- 1 chicken egg is mixed with a tablespoon of oil and vinegar, mixed until smooth, applied for 3-4 hours under the bag, washed off with water;
- tea plant- the areas affected by the fungus are abundantly lubricated with essential oil of tea tree, washed after 3 hours, with sensitivity, the oil is diluted by half with neutral fats.
Rapid healing of the fungus is facilitated by the rejection of sweets, alcohol, fatty foods. The patient's diet should contain a lot of vegetables, fermented dairy products, whole grains.
To avoid fungus on the feet and between the toes, you need to take care of your foot hygiene. When visiting public places, avoid walking with bare feet, use means to avoid fungus - all anti-fungal ointments or sprays are applied after a shower. New shoes should only be measured in new socks; you must not give your slippers to anyone.