The fungus first appears between the toes and then spreads to other areas.Fungal spores penetrate areas with sensitive skin.Under the influence of parasites, the epidermis becomes moist and destroyed.This disease is also called mycosis.It occurs in 10% of the population, but it can be treated.
Causes of this interdigital disease
Fungal diseases of the skin between the toes are not uncommon.The causes of the disease can be hidden in the following:
- After illness, the body's defense mechanisms are reduced.
- The lower extremities are insufficiently supplied with blood, which leads to stagnation.
- Microtrauma of the skin between the toes.
- Wrong choice of shoes: they are narrow and uncomfortable.
Important!Insufficient foot hygiene causes the appearance of fungi.In addition, infection can occur when visiting a swimming pool, bath or sauna.
What a skin lesion looks 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.The skin between the toes is the thinnest and most sensitive.The fungus destroys proteins in the dermis.It eats them, processes them and in turn produces toxic products.
Scientists have discovered that men are more susceptible to yeast infections: they have a higher level of sweating.In women, this problem is more common in athletes, as well as those who are too eager for pedicures, especially without proper treatment of the instruments.
In the following photo you can see what a yeast infection looks like:
Forms of the disease
Attention!The acute form occurs when the immune system is suppressed by infection.
The person feels itching of the skin between the fingers and there is peeling of the epidermis.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 variants:
- When the form is deletedslight peeling is observed.
- For squamous- the affected area is covered with small scales, itches after getting wet.
- Form in the form of a diaperIt is diagnosed by redness and swollen skin between the fingers, which is immediately covered with cracks.
- Dyshidrotic- pink-red skin can be seen under numerous blisters.
Different types of yeast infections
Yeast infections are caused by 3 types of bacteria:
- Yeasts affect nails and skin.
- Mold needs warmth and high humidity to grow.
- Dermatophytes are the causative agents of mycosis: they account for 90% of infection cases.
The treatment of fungi on the skin between the fingers 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
Help.Fungal infection can be transmitted to healthy people from sick people, as well as from pets.
We know from the school biology course that microbes constantly attack the skin, but not all people get sick.Fungus on the feet is more common in 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;
- thyroid problems;
- hormonal imbalances.
Also, when examining a patient, the following factors cannot be taken into account:
- years (children's skin is especially sensitive);
- systematic stress;
- pregnancy;
- frequent contact with water;
- unbalanced diet.
It is quite easy to get a yeast infection, especially if you do not follow the rules of personal hygiene.Interdigital fungi are transmitted by:
- shoes;
- rugs;
- towels;
- wash cloths;
- manicure tools.
How to recognize the disease?
Interdigital fungus has several stages of development:
- First, small cracks appear between the toes, but also on the feet.
- The skin at the place where the cracks appear begins to peel.
- Then the disease manifests actively.Red spots and even blisters with a clear liquid appear on the skin.
- Corns begin to form and the skin becomes rougher.Blisters form.
- Peeling is accompanied by itching and sometimes burning.
- Cracks turn into erosions.
Important!In the initial phase, the symptoms are mild, so many cannot follow them and start a fungal infection.
Only timely treatment under the supervision of a specialist allows you to cope with the disease.If the patient had contact with other people before contacting the doctor, preventive treatment of all household members is necessary to avoid the spread.
Treatment: what ointments, creams and other means to use?
Interdigital fungus takes a long time to heal.Treatment with internal drugs must be supported by external drugs (creams or ointments).Effective antiseptics and antimicrobial agents for the treatment of diseases are:
- tincture of iodine;
- salicylic alcohol;
- boric acid;
- fucorcin;
- sulfur grease.
In severe and advanced situations, an additional course of tablets is taken.Drug therapy is prescribed only after a comprehensive examination.
You should not self-medicate, especially if there is no correct diagnosis.This can only seriously worsen the situation.Without treatment, the entire foot will become inflamed, and the pain will be felt not only when walking, but also at rest.Fungi increase the risk of bacterial infection and allergies.
What folk remedies are there for treatment?
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 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 should steam your feet in medicinal infusion for at least 20 minutes.After the procedure, treat the infected skin with hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
- Lotions.Soak a piece of cotton wool in hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the damaged areas.Wrap your feet in foil and wait 5 minutes, then rinse them with warm water.Lotions can also be made with strong tea leaves.
- Homemade grease.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 a film and put on socks.In the morning, apply laundry soap to your feet and rinse well.
- The most affordable folk treatment for fungus is carried out with the help of iodine.Dip a cotton swab in it and carefully go over the 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 fungi.
Prevention
It's easy to get a yeast infection, but it takes a long time to heal.Preventive measures will help prevent re-infection:
- Every day, wash your feet with warm water and then apply cream.
- You cannot wear other people's shoes and walk barefoot in public places (sauna, bathroom).
- We make sure that our feet don't get blisters.
- We buy comfortable and high-quality footwear.It must not press, rub or cause discomfort.When buying a new pair, we only try on the socks.The inside of the shoes is occasionally treated with a formaldehyde solution, and the socks are washed at a temperature not lower than forty degrees.We often wear sandals in the summer.
- We lead an active lifestyle and strengthen the 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!Ointments or creams are good for the dry form of fungus.Before applying the product, it is necessary 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.