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 - you will now find out. Let's look at how to treat foot fungus at home with folk 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 mycotic lesion that is localized on 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 become infected with a foot fungus: it is enough to come into contact with a surface inhabited by pathogenic fungi.
Especially they inhabit the interdigital space. These can be floors in public places, another person's shoes, personal hygiene items, and infection through untreated pedicure tools during the procedure is also possible.
A significant 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 wearing of closed shoes, which is more typical for males;
- an environment with a favorable temperature for the survival of fungi and a high level of humidity;
- violation of blood circulation in the lower limbs;
- 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 promotes the reproduction of fungi;
- hereditary predisposition;
- advanced age of the potential carrier;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, venous insufficiency;
- diabetes;
- flat feet;
- uncontrolled intake of drugs;
- 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 fungal pathogen and the degree of damage to the epidermis and its derivatives.
Trichophyton interdigital
With this type of lesion, peeling is often accompanied by the formation of fluid, an inflammatory process is present.
The fungus spreads to the entire surface of the foot, including the sole, sides, arch and fingers, but it is also possible to develop allergic reactions on the skin in the areas of the trunk, face, upper and lower extremities. Damage to the area of the nail plates is observed occasionally.
Candida fungi
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. Vesicles with serous and purulent contents form on the peripheral region.
Trichophyton red
Pathology is manifested by infection of the interdigital folds, while the first thing the fungi multiply in the tightest interdigital folds.
Unlike the previous types of mycotic 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, gluteal, and so on).
However, the symptomatology depends not only on the type, but also on the clinical form of the pathology, of which there are several!
Erased form
Manifestations: slight peeling between the fingers, cracks are small and do not cause discomfort.
squamous form
Manifestations: peeling also extends to the lateral surface of the feet, accompanied by itching, due to the thickening of the stratum corneum of the integument of the feet, supposedly shine is noted.
Hyperkeratotic form
Manifestations: the formation of rashes in the form of dry papules and plaques, there is a 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 develop, reminiscent of acute eczema.
In order to avoid infection with a fungal parasite, it is necessary to take preventive measures that will help protect you.
- Keep your feet moderately dry and cool to prevent microorganisms from multiplying.
- It is recommended to wash your feet several times a day with warm water, always with soap, and after washing, wipe your feet dry over the entire surface, paying special attention to the space between the toes.
- In public places, you should use your personal change of shoes, and at least sometimes go barefoot at home so that the skin can breathe.
- For wearing, use extremely comfortable, easily ventilated and practical shoes, preferably made from natural materials.
- It is also necessary to change 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 kinds of lesions, therefore, bad habits must be eliminated, and nutrition must be improved.
How to treat foot fungus with folk remedies
There are many popularly recognized means to combat fungal infections of the feet.
Baking soda
Antifungal agent based on baking soda. 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 an advanced stage of the disease. You can rub the covers 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 kind of vinegar in this situation: the usual 9%, wine or apple. Prepare a solution in a ratio of 1: 8, but before lowering the legs into it, they should be steamed and the nails cleaned.
It is recommended to carry out the procedure 5-7 times a day for a faster cure for the disease. You can also dissolve the egg in a glass of vinegar and, after mixing with a teaspoon of butter, apply as an ointment to the affected areas.
Celandine
Tinctures based on celandine 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 tincture of medicinal calendula flowers. In this case, the infusion should dry on its own, it should not be wiped off.
How to treat foot fungus - medicines and drugs
Remember that all drugs should be taken only after consulting a doctor, and also only after the doctor makes a diagnosis that will confirm the presence of foot fungus.
How to treat foot fungus in a child and during pregnancy
With fungal lesions of the feet in children, the appearance of bubbles is observed, which are then converted into erosion and first appear in the interdigital folds. Listen to the child: he may begin to complain of burning and discomfort.
If you turn to folk remedies, then a decoction of wormwood, salt baths, lilac infusion, compresses from 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, since allergic reactions are possible. This should only be done after a doctor's recommendation.