In England, athlete's foot is called athlete's foot.Only every fifth person is such an "athlete".Fungus between the toes is a very common and unpleasant disease, but fortunately, there are many effective ways to combat it.
About 80% of the population suffers from skin fungus.Due to the increased density and sweating, the skin on the feet is more susceptible to mycoses.Fungal infection manifests itself as peeling and itching, but can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of compaction (callus, corn - hyperkeratosis on the heel and arch of the foot).
If left untreated, the infection will spread.The patient can infect others and spread the germs throughout his own body.
Fungal cause
So why "athlete's foot symptoms"?The fungus reproduces most easily in a moist and warm environment, and it is also prone to microtrauma of the skin.And athletes always have a lot of both - feet that are constantly chafing from training, plus socks that are constantly soaked in sweat.Ideal conditions for fungal growth.
You may have been infected in one of the public places with a warm and humid environment - swimming pools, saunas, bathhouses, hotel bathtubs.Or you walk in uncomfortable artificial shoes, where your feet constantly chafe and sweat.Or maybe you accidentally tried on the shoes of someone with fungus.In addition, there is a high risk of infection in people with weakened immunity due to illness or vitamin deficiency.
Fungal symptoms
- The folds of the skin peel off a little - as if sprinkled with flour;
- Cracks have appeared between the fingers, they itch and cause pain;
- Feet often sweat;
- A thickening has formed on the skin of the base;
- The nails have become uneven, may be covered with growths, peeling, spots or stripes (gray or yellow) have appeared on them.Over time, the condition of the nails worsens and the spots grow larger.
If cracks occur between the fingers, surrounded by peeling skin, you should definitely consult a dermatologist.The specialist will conduct an examination and determine the symptoms not only at the site of the injury, but also on other parts of the body.
Fungal treatment
The most important thing in treating foot fungus is patience.Because the fungus on the skin heals after at least a month of treatment, and on the nails – after about a year.
It is best to ask your doctor about how to treat fungus between the toes.But if there is no opportunity to visit the clinic again, the better of two evils is self-medication.The main thing to remember is that you cannot delay the treatment of the fungus, otherwise it will spread to other parts of the body - thighs, buttocks, stomach, chest.
Treatment of fungus between the toes is carried out using the following drugs:
- Ointment.To treat the fungus, an ointment based on tolnaftate or miconazole is used.It is better 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 advised to extend the treatment for another 2 weeks to avoid relapse.
- Compresses from medical solutions.Soak a cotton ball in the solution and place it between your fingers.Hold for 15-20 minutes.
- Soda.Take some baking soda and dissolve it in water.Scrub the affected area with baking soda.
- Pills.If your nails are severely affected, you will most likely be given general treatment.
- Immunostimulant.Patients with fungus are often given immunostimulants.
After the treatment has been successfully completed, it is very important to disinfect all your shoes (preferably, replace them with new ones).Otherwise, there is a risk of re-infection - literally from yourself.To disinfect, take a 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 aired.
Prevention of fungal foot disease
To prevent unpleasant diseases such as athlete's foot from affecting you again, take the following precautions:
- If possible, wear leather or suede shoes only and avoid artificial materials.The skin does not breathe inside, and the feet are often uncomfortable - this causes sweat, chafing, and "painful" wounds.
- When coming from the street, do not forget to treat your shoes with a special deodorant spray.
- Do not wear or try on other people's shoes.Put on socks before trying on shoes in the store.
- After visiting the swimming pool, bathhouse or sauna, rinse your feet thoroughly and then dry them with a towel.Fungi do not grow in dry environments.After the feet have dried, it is a good idea to treat them with lemon juice - the fungus freezes in the acid.
- To prevent the occurrence of fungus, you can use antifungal ointment.Ointment is used on clean and dry feet.
- As already mentioned, fungus is more often acquired by a person with a weak immune system.Therefore, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink juices and herbal teas.
Take care of yourself and be healthy!