A common dermatological disease is a fungus between the toes. Often it happens to professional athletes, so due to increased physical exertion, their feet become sweaty and wet, which is favorable soil for foot fungus.
This type of fungal infection is more typical for men and is common in the summer and also in humid climates.
Causes
There are various reasons for the occurrence of fungus between the toes. Among the main ones are the following:
- When people have weakened immunity and the body lacks vitamins, the fungus begins to activate.
- High levels of sweating in the legs.
- Lack of personal hygiene.
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes made of artificial materials.
- Visiting the pool, gyms and other public places where many people walk, without shoes.
- Using the things of a person who has a fungus.
- Metabolic disease. Diabetes.
- Other infectious diseases. Fungus, by the way, can be their indicator.
Symptoms of a fungal infection between the toes
Despite the fact that a fungal infection between the fingers has characteristic common symptoms. It can be said that some of the signs of a fungal infection may vary slightly from person to person. In general, a person with foot fungus may experience symptoms such as:
- At first, a slight itching may be observed, which does not bring much discomfort and therefore a person may not notice it. Gradually, it begins to grow and cause anxiety. Reddening of the skin appears.
- A characteristic symptom of a fungal infection is peeling of the skin, which begins to peel off.
- The skin cover bursts, cracks appear with whitish edges. There is a burning sensation.
- Mycosis mainly begins in the area between the fourth and fifth fingers, and then spreads throughout the leg.
- Feet begin to sweat more and smell bad.
- The skin on the soles of the feet becomes denser.
- Also, the appearance of the nails may change. They begin to exfoliate, various gray and yellow spots appear on them.
If symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a specialist who will prescribe the correct treatment. A dermatologist will look at the feet, study the signs and create an individualized treatment plan that will quickly lead to a person's recovery.
The process of treating the fungus is not fast, and even after the disappearance of all symptoms, one should continue and completely complete the course clearly defined by the doctor. Cured fungus is the basis of good health.
How to treat a fungus between the toes: medications
Pharmacies sell a wide variety of antifungal drugs in various forms (ointments, creams, gels, solutions and special therapeutic lotions). But before buying them, it is better to consult a dermatologist who will determine the best option for a person.
In addition, some medicines and drugs have contraindications, the doctor will take this into account when choosing a treatment that will be absolutely safe. The same applies to folk remedies, it is best to discuss their use with a dermatologist.
During treatment, in addition to basic medicines, you need to take vitamins and remedies to strengthen immunity and improve health. Wash your feet twice a day with tar soap and use disposable towels. If your feet sweat a lot, you need to buy a special powder in a pharmacy, thanks to which your feet will be dry and smell good.
All shoes in which you walk must be thoroughly disinfected, for this it will need to be treated with vinegar. Air out your shoes every day. You can also use a special disinfectant antifungal device, thanks to the action of ultraviolet light, it removes all fungi and you can safely wear shoes.
Before applying a special ointment, you must first make a therapeutic bath that will steam your legs well. So, for example, you can take two tablespoons of grated laundry soap and dissolve them in two liters of warm water. Put your feet in the bath for fifteen minutes, then wipe them well so that they are completely dry. Then, with a thin and even layer, you can apply the ointment, while you need to spread not only the areas infected with the fungus, but also between all the other fingers. The same applies if you have only one foot under the action of the fungus, then the second healthy one is also treated with therapeutic agents for prevention.
Compresses with Burov's solution help well. For this procedure, cotton pads should be moistened in a solution and put between the toes for twenty minutes.
Folk remedies for fungus on the legs between the toes
Traditional methods of medicine can be effectively combined with folk remedies to speed up the process of treating fungus.
Before using certain folk remedies, make sure that you are not sensitive to certain medicinal components.
It is better to consult a dermatologist before use.
- An excellent folk remedy that treats interdigital fungus on the legs are compresses with the addition of birch tar. Before use, you need to steam your feet in soapy water and exfoliate any peeled skin. Then, dry your feet well and spread all over the space between the toes, nails and all the cracks that are on the skin. After an hour and a half, you can wipe the tar. After the procedure, it is not recommended to wash your feet for two days. The course is five times until the fungus is cured.
- Celandine oil, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, helps to cure the fungus well. First, the feet need to be steamed in hot water with soda. Apply plant oil to fingers and nails. It is best to carry out this procedure twice a day. The fungus is treated with celandine for about a month.
- Garlic will also help. It is necessary to cut each of its slices in half, dip in salt and treat areas infected with a fungus. You can also finely chop the garlic, mix it with salt and use the resulting mass to make a compress.
- We put a chicken egg in a jar and fill it with seventy-five percent vinegar essence. We put the jar in a place protected from light for several days. When the shell dissolves, take out the film and add one teaspoon of butter and mix everything well. Let the remedy brew for twenty-four hours. You will get a special ointment that will need to be applied twice a day.
- A good option for the fungus between the toes can be the regular use of baths with salt and soda. These components are added to a bowl of warm water, one tablespoon at a time. It is necessary to support the legs in the bath for two to three minutes, then rinse them with clean water. Then, put on socks soaked in wine vinegar and go to bed with them.
- You can make a special healing compress, which is best done before bedtime. To do this, a soft piece of natural fabric must be soaked with a solution of one spoon of ammonia and one glass of water. Such procedures need to be done eight to ten times.
- Within a month, you can do therapeutic baths that will help cure the fungus. To do this, pour five tablespoons of ground coffee with a liter of hot water. When the solution becomes warm, dip your feet into it for half an hour. Then we put cotton socks on wet feet and sleep in them. Rinse your feet in the morning with cool water.
- Fifty milliliters of strong brewed tea mixed with a tablespoon of nine percent vinegar. Then, dip cotton pads into the resulting solution and wipe the areas infected with the fungus with them. Perform this procedure several times over several weeks.
- Remedy for fungus on the legs - baths with sea salt. After application, the skin becomes softer. Between the toes are rubbed with aloe or celandine juice. You can replace sea salt with apple cider vinegar, then rub the skin with tea tree oil.
Prevention of foot fungus
Let's look at what steps to take to prevent fungus.
- Always use your own towels and shoes. In the store, try on new shoes, wear thin socks. Prepare separate shoes for guests.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle, drink vitamins and strengthen your immune system.
- Healthy sleep, at least nine hours is the key to strong and good health.
- Wear shoes made of quality natural materials that allow the skin to breathe and your feet will feel comfortable.
- Do not walk barefoot in public places where there are many people. After visiting, wipe your feet dry and use special antibacterial agents.
- Use your personal manicure set and disinfect it thoroughly.
- Change socks and tights every day.
- Make sure that your feet do not sweat too much, buy special products for excessive sweating.
Take good care of your health, be positive and take preventive measures.