In England, athlete's foot is called athlete's foot.Only every fifth person is such "athletes".Fungus between the toes is a very common and unpleasant disease, but fortunately, there are many effective ways to fight it.
About 80% of the population experiences skin fungus.Due to increased density and sweating, the skin of the feet is more sensitive to mycoses.Fungal infection manifests itself as skin and itching, but it can also be asymptomatic, causing only the appearance of bumps (calloses, corns - hyperkeratosis on the heels and arches of the feet).
If left untreated, the infection spreads.A patient can infect others and spread the germs throughout his body.
Causes of fungus
So why "athlete's foot"?Fungi reproduce more easily in a moist and warm environment, and are also sensitive to microtraumas of the skin.And athletes always have an abundance of both—legs that are constantly worn out from exercise, plus socks that are always soaked in sweat.Ideal conditions for mushroom growth.
You may have been infected in one of the public places with a warm and humid environment - a swimming pool, sauna, bath, hotel bathtub.Or you walked in uncomfortable artificial shoes, in which your feet constantly squeaked and sweated.Or maybe you've accidentally tried on the shoes of a person who suffers from fungus.In addition, there is a high risk of infection in people with weakened immunity due to illness or vitamin deficiency.
Fungal symptoms
- Skin folds peel off a little - as if sprinkled with flour;
- Cracks have appeared between the fingers, they itch and cause pain;
- Feet often sweat;
- Thickening has formed on the skin of the sole;
- The nails have become uneven, maybe covered with growths, spots or streaks (gray or yellow) have appeared on them.Over time, the condition of the nails worsens and the spots increase in size.
If a crack appears 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 in the place of injury, but also in other parts of the limbs.
Treatment of fungi
The most important thing in treating athlete's foot is patience.Because the fungus on the skin heals after at least one month of treatment, and on the nails - after about a year.
It is best to ask your doctor how to treat toenail fungus.But if there is still no opportunity to visit the clinic, the best of two evils will be 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, abdomen, chest.
Treatment of fungus between the fingers is carried out using the following drugs:
- Ointments.For the treatment of fungi, ointments based on tolnaftate or miconazole are used.It is best to change the ointment every 10-14 days to avoid addiction.You should use the ointment until the fungus disappears completely, after which it is advisable to extend the treatment for another 2 weeks to avoid relapse.
- Compress from a medicinal solution.Soak a cotton swab in the solution and place it between your fingers.Keep it for 15-20 minutes.
- Soda.Take a small amount of baking soda and dissolve it in water.Rub the affected areas with baking soda.
- The pill.If your nails are severely affected, you will most likely be given general treatment.
- Immunostimulants.Patients with fungus are often prescribed immunostimulants.
After the treatment has been successfully completed, it is very important to disinfect all your shoes (ideally, replace them with new ones).Otherwise, there is a risk that you will be infected again - literally from yourself.To disinfect, take a 25% formaldehyde solution or 30% vinegar, thoroughly treat the shoes and place them in polyethylene for 2 hours.After the specified time, the shoes will need to be aired.
Prevention of fungal diseases of the feet
To prevent such an unpleasant disease as athlete's foot from affecting you again, take the following precautions:
- If possible, wear only leather or suede shoes and avoid artificial materials.The skin does not breathe in them, and the foot is often not comfortable - this causes "painful" sweating, scratches and wounds.
- When you come from the street, do not forget to treat your shoes with a special deodorizing spray.
- Do not wear or try on someone else's shoes.Put on socks before trying on shoes in a store.
- After visiting the pool, spa or sauna, rinse your feet thoroughly and then dry them with a towel.Mushrooms do not grow in dry environments.After the feet have dried, it would be good to treat them with lemon juice - the mushrooms coagulate in acid.
- To prevent the appearance of fungi, you can use antifungal ointment.The ointment is applied to clean and dry feet.
- As already mentioned, fungi are most often acquired by a person with a weakened immune system.Therefore, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink juices and herbal teas.
Take care of yourself and be healthy!