Fungal lesions of the skin and stratum corneum are extremely unpleasant. But these infections are quite common: omniscient statistics state that a fifth of humanity has experienced all the "charm" of knowing them. One type of pathology is a fungus between the toes, which without the necessary treatment will soon spread to the nails. It won't be easy to face, but liberation is still possible. Complex therapy will help in the fight against the disease, but it must be carried out with patience and skill.
What is interdigital fungus on the feet and what does it look like?
Three types of fungi cause finger infections: molds, yeasts and dermatophytes. Each of them has their own preferences. Microorganisms from the mold family settle in those areas of the legs where it is warm and humid, so they usually appear where a similar lesion is already present. Yeast fungus does not disdain either nails or skin. Dermatophytes are the most common culprits of mycosis; fungus on the thumb and interdigital pathology are their "specialization". What all species have in common is a preference for heat and high humidity.
The symptoms of the fungus in the initial stage are quite mild. It may be suspected if the following signs are present:
- cracks that suddenly appear on the foot and toes, most often the medical history begins with the little toe;
- the skin around the cracks peels off;
- slight itching, which disappears without a trace after hygiene procedures.
When the fungus begins to actively multiply, the symptoms can no longer be ignored: red spots appear, intense peeling, burning and itching are possible. The formation of bubbles with transparent contents cannot be excluded. As the cracks deepen, they become erosions. The inflammatory process leads to tissue swelling.
If this period is ignored, the advanced stage of the fungus begins:
- transparent blisters between the toes turn into ulcers that burst and form wounds;
- itching, burning intensify, intense pain appears;
- Mycosis, spreading to the nails, begins to destroy them.
It is no longer possible to ignore such symptoms. Going to the doctor becomes the only option to regain health.
Causes of interdigital mycosis
Fungus between the toes has no shortage of victims; indeed, the number of infected people is even growing. The reason for this sad picture is ignorance of hygiene rules. Since these pathogenic organisms love high humidity and heat and their entry point is skin wounds, the risk increases if the following factors are present:
- visiting public places where a person walks barefoot or uses other people's shoes, towels or washcloths;
- tight shoes leading to microtraumas;
- excessive sweating combined with a negligent attitude towards hygiene procedures;
- decreased immunity;
- varicose veins;
- hormonal imbalance;
- dysbiosis.
Danger of fungal infection
Some people don't think foot fungus is a serious problem. But this opinion is wrong. The greatest danger is the chronic form of the disease, leading to damage to the nails, which in itself significantly affects the quality of life. A person suffering from mycosis is a source of infection that can "reward" the whole family, and a fungus between the toes of a child or an elderly person is fraught with major health problems.
If the disease is left to chance, the body will suffer from toxins that are formed due to the activity of fungi. Fungal infections in some cases cause severe allergic reactions. Against the background of mycosis, immunity is suppressed, which is especially dangerous for children and the elderly. Consequently, a "non-serious" disease will lead to the penetration of many other infections – bacterial or viral – with consequences of varying severity.
How to treat toe fungus
Not everyone can get rid of mushrooms quickly, so it is better to prepare in advance for a long battle. Therapy is usually carried out at home, so first you need to undergo an examination to find out the real culprit. Having determined this, the doctor (dermatologist or mycologist) will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
Pills
An infection that has reached an advanced stage requires oral medications. For this type of therapy, effective antifungal tablets and capsules are used that help get rid of the scourge quite quickly.
- The most often prescribed drug from the allylamine group is prescribed. Deal with the fungus on the finger in 3-4 weeks. The maximum daily dose is 250 mg.
- A triazole derivative is the next broad-spectrum drug. Its intake is limited to two tablets per day. You must complete two two-week courses, with a 21-day break between them.
- The product of the triazole group is capsules used for a variety of skin diseases. The drug also helps against fungus between the toes. There are 2 options for taking it: once a day, 50 mg, or once a week, but immediately 150 mg. The course of therapy lasts 4-6 weeks.
Ointments
Oral medications must be supplemented with drugs for external use: creams or ointments. They are the first answer to the question of how to get rid of toe fungus. Local remedies are numerous and their costs vary.
All ointments will be effective if one condition is met: the feet must first be steamed in a solution of soap and soda, and then dried thoroughly.
- The imidazole derivative is the leader of the sympathies of those who decided to destroy foot fungus at home. The reason is efficiency and reasonable price. The drug is applied to clean fingers and nails 2-3 times a day. The duration of the course is individual, it is supervised by a doctor. After the symptoms disappear, it is recommended to continue treatment for 2 weeks or more.
- A product from the group of imidazoles is used twice a day, the duration of therapy is 4-6 weeks, but in advanced cases it is necessary to apply the composition for several days. When the fungus has spread to the nails, compresses with ointment are prepared.
- Cream from the allylamine group also falls into the category of external products. The active ingredient is the substance that gives the cream its name. The cream is applied 1-2 times a day; if the feet are affected, the application period lasts up to 4 weeks. If the nails are already affected by mycosis, it is recommended to treat the feet for 3-6 months.
The main rule is the regularity of the procedures and compliance with the prescribed deadlines. In other cases, treatment may become ineffective.
Bathrooms
This popular treatment for fungus between the toes at home will not take much time, but it will take effect if the stage of mycosis is easily treatable.
- Coffee.For the procedure you will need ground coffee: 10 tablespoons. L. pour 2 liters of boiling water. When the "drink" has cooled, lower your feet. It is allowed to take coffee foot baths twice a day.
- Artemisia.To prepare it, take a liter of boiling water and 150 g of aromatic herbs. Prepare the decoction in a water bath for 30 minutes. The duration of the procedure is at least half an hour.
- Boric acid- a well-known remedy for fungus between the fingers. For the bath, take 40 g of powder, which dissolves in water (50-60 °C). There is no need to abuse the procedure; do this 2-3 times a week.
- Salt and soda.Pour hot water into a container, add 1 tbsp. L. chloride and sodium carbonate. Keep your feet in the tub for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with water.
- Celandine.2 tbsp. L. pour the aromatic herbs with a liter of boiling water, cover with a lid and wait for them to cool to room temperature. The duration of the procedure should be at least a quarter of an hour.
These procedures do not always help and not everyone. This feature is inherent not only in folk methods. But this does not mean that you should give up: there are many ways to cure fungus between the fingers.
Compresses
This type of treatment is useful because the drugs remain on the affected areas for a long time, since many of them are recommended to be kept overnight. The following folk remedies are recommended in this category:
- Propolis.An alcoholic tincture is used for the compress. Cotton is moistened inside, which is then fixed between the fingers. The procedures last a week and a half.
- Birch tar.Before applying the composition, the feet are well steamed and cleaned of dead skin. Dry feet are lubricated with tar, the space between the toes is treated with special care. This compress is kept for at least an hour, then excess tar is removed with a napkin. It is forbidden to wash your feet for 2 days. The total number of procedures is 4-5 times.
- Garlicchopped, then mixed with salt. Garlic compresses should not be left on for too long. The product is left for 1-2 hours.
- Ammonia.Take 1 tablespoon per glass of water. L. Then a piece of gauze is dipped in the solution and wrapped around the foot. A bag is placed on top and a sock on top. It is necessary to perform approximately 8-10 procedures.
- Onionas effective as garlic. Only in this case is juice used. The compresses are left overnight. If the skin between your fingers becomes wet and a strong burning sensation bothers you, you can mix the juice with petroleum jelly in equal proportions.
Physiotherapy
To achieve success, the complex treatment of interdigital fungus of the feet also includes physiotherapeutic procedures:
- Ozone therapy.This procedure significantly accelerates the growth of a healthy nail when the disease is severely advanced. During the procedure, both the plaque and the skin are saturated with ozone and oxygen and this stimulates the growth of nails, simultaneously destroying the fungal infection. Not only fungi on the skin of the toes are successfully treated, but also all types of mycosis.
- Laser treatment.During this operation, only the cells in which the fungus has settled are destroyed. The course of therapy includes 4-10 procedures. No preliminary preparation is required, but parallel drug treatment is necessary.
Diet
To successfully defeat finger fungus, it is important to change your diet.
Some foods must be completely excluded from the diet or their consumption severely limited. These include:
- alcoholic beverages;
- sweets, flour products;
- fermented milk products containing sugar;
- sweets;
- sausages;
- canned food;
- smoked meats;
- meat;
- semi-finished products.
Are allowed:
- cereals (only semolina and rice are excluded);
- coffee;
- dairy products and fermented milk products without sugar;
- seafood;
- greens, greens;
- nuts, seeds;
- boiled fish;
- butter and vegetable oil;
- you;
- egg.
How to prevent the disease from recurring
In order for mycosis of the toes to disappear forever, you must adhere to the following rules:
- Wear shoes that fit your feet to avoid toe injuries. It is better to give preference to natural materials. Frequent disinfection of shoes is necessary.
- After public places, the feet need preventive measures: they should be washed and lubricated with lemon juice, and close attention should be paid to the toes.
- Changing socks every day is a must. It is better to opt for cotton products.
- It is forbidden to exchange shoes and linen, use other people's towels and pedicure items.
- Strengthening your immune system is a priority, so your diet should always include fruits, juices and vegetables.
To take care of your skin and toenails, it is recommended to do a pedicure every month and a half.