Hello dear readers. The manifestation of the fungus is quite common, bringing considerable discomfort to the carriers. The problem needs to be solved. And how to do it, now you will find out. Let's see how to treat foot fungus at home with home remedies. Remember, it is better to prevent foot fungus than to treat it later. You should not self-diagnose and self-medicate, be sure to consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion of foot fungus.
Foot fungus: what is it?
Foot fungus is an infectious fungal lesion that is localized to the skin (mycosis) and nails (onychomycosis) and then spreads to other parts of the body and includes many varieties. Pathogenic organisms that affect the integument are divided into the following types: yeast, mold and dermatophytes.
It is quite simple to get infected with a foot fungus - it is enough to come into contact with a surface inhabited by pathogenic fungi.
They especially inhabit the interdigital space. These can be floors in public places, someone else's shoes, personal hygiene items, and infection through untreated pedicure tools during the procedure is also possible.
A major problem is not only the ease of infection, but also the extraordinary rate of reproduction of microorganisms.
There are also factors that increase the risk of the disease:
- constant use of closed shoes, which is more typical of men;
- an environment with a favorable temperature for fungal survival and a high level of humidity;
- violation of blood circulation in the lower extremities;
- weakened work of the immune system, which does not allow to provide protection to the body;
- regular visits to public places without prior hygiene measures;
- in the high-risk group - people with thin skin;
- increased sweating, which favors the reproduction of fungi;
- hereditary predisposition;
- advanced age of the potential carrier;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, venous insufficiency;
- diabetes;
- flatfoot;
- uncontrolled drug intake;
- being overweight;
- avitaminosis.
The initial symptom of a fungal infection is the formation of epidermal scales on the feet, through which further infection occurs, as well as severe itching. Other symptoms and their severity depend on the type of pathogenic fungus and the degree of damage to the epidermis and its derivatives.
Trichophyton interdigital
With this type of injury, peeling is often accompanied by the formation of fluid, an inflammatory process occurs.
The fungus spreads to the entire surface of the foot, including the sole, sides, arch and toes, but it is also possible to develop allergic skin reactions on the trunk, face, upper and lower extremity areas. Occasionally damage is observed in the area of the nail plates.
candida fungus
In a disease associated with a fungus of the genus Candida, the skin is hyperemic (overflowing with blood) and edematous, the area of infection is surrounded by exfoliated skin. In the peripheral region, vesicles with serous and purulent contents are formed.
red trichophyton
The pathology is manifested by infection of the interdigital folds, while the first thing to multiply are the fungi in the narrowest interdigital folds.
Unlike the previous types of fungal microorganisms, it causes multiple damage to the nails.
The danger is also expressed by the fact that the fungus can multiply in large skin folds (inguinal, buttocks, etc. ).
However, the symptomatology depends not only on the type, but also on the clinical form of the pathology, of which there are several!
deleted form
Manifestations: slight peeling between the fingers, the cracks are small and do not cause discomfort.
scaly shape
Manifestations: peeling also extends to the lateral surface of the feet, accompanied by itching, due to the thickening of the horny layer of the integument of the feet, supposedly shiny.
hyperkeratotic form
Manifestations: the formation of rashes in the form of papules and dry plaques, there is moderate itching, a white shade of scaly layers.
intertriginous form
Manifestations: after redness and swelling develops maceration, burning and itching, a clear severity of diaper rash.
dyshidrotic form
Manifestations: the formation of many blisters with thickened membranes, hyperemia and edema develops, reminiscent of acute eczema.
In order to avoid infection with a fungal parasite, it is necessary to take preventive measures that will help protect yourself.
- Keep your feet moderately dry and cool to prevent microorganisms from multiplying.
- It is recommended to wash the feet several times a day with warm water, always with soap, and after washing, dry the feet over the entire surface, paying special attention to the space between the toes.
- In public places, you should wear your personal change of shoes, and at least sometimes go barefoot at home so that the skin can breathe.
- For use, wear extremely comfortable, easily ventilated and practical shoes, preferably made of natural materials.
- It is also necessary to change the stockings and socks as often as possible if there is a problem of excessive sweating.
- The presence of bad habits and irrational nutrition significantly reduces the resistance of immunity to various types of injuries, therefore, bad habits must be eliminated and nutrition must be improved.
How to treat foot fungus with home remedies.
There are many popularly recognized means of combating fungal infections of the feet.
Sodium bicarbonate
Antifungal agent based on sodium bicarbonate. To prepare it, you will need to make a 1: 1 porridge-like mixture of baking soda and water, which should then be applied to the affected areas for 15 minutes. After using soda, it is recommended to wash the skin and use powder.
Garlic
Garlic is an effective remedy even at a late stage of the disease. You can rub the tops with halved garlic or use a mixture of butter and garlic.
Coffee
Baths based on strong natural coffee are used only at bedtime. They soften the skin and make it more tender.
Vinegar
It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of any type of vinegar in this situation: the usual 9%, wine or apple. Prepare a solution in a ratio of 1: 8, but before dipping the legs in it, they must be steamed and the nails cleaned.
It is recommended to carry out the procedure 5-7 times a day for a faster cure of the disease. You can also dissolve the egg in a glass of vinegar and, after mixing it with a teaspoon of butter, apply as an ointment to the affected areas.
Celandine
Celandine-based tinctures are also relevant in use both in the form of baths, and in the form of compresses and ointments.
Calendula
You can lubricate damaged feet with medicinal marigold flower tincture. In this case, the infusion should dry on its own, it should not be cleaned.
How to treat foot fungus: medications and drugs
Remember that all medications should be taken only after consulting a doctor, and also only after the doctor makes a diagnosis confirming the presence of foot fungus.
How to treat foot fungus in a child and during pregnancy.
In fungal lesions of the feet in children, the appearance of bubbles is observed, which later turn into erosion and appear first in the interdigital folds. Listen to the child - he may begin to complain of burning and discomfort.
If you resort to folk remedies, then a decoction of wormwood, salt baths, infusion of lilac, compresses of rowan leaves will help.
During pregnancy, many drugs are prohibited, but there is still a list of those that will help a woman in position, sulfur-salicylic-tar ointment.
However, this does not mean that these drugs can definitely be used, as allergic reactions are possible. This should only be done after a doctor's recommendation.