Hello dear readers. The manifestation of the fungus is quite common, bringing considerable discomfort to the carriers. The problem must be solved. And how to do it - now you will understand. Let's look at how to treat foot fungus at home with folk remedies. Remember that 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 infection that localizes to the skin (mycosis) and nails (onychomycosis) and then spreads to other parts of the body and includes many varieties. Pathogens that affect the skin are divided into the following types: yeast, mold and dermatophytes.
It is quite easy to become infected with fungus on the feet: 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, other people's shoes, personal hygiene items, as well as infection through untreated pedicure tools during the procedure.
A significant problem is not only the ease of infection, but also the exceptional rate of reproduction of microorganisms.
There are also factors that increase the risk of disease:
- constant wearing of closed shoes, which is more typical for men;
- environment with favorable temperature for fungal survival and high humidity;
- disturbance of blood circulation in the lower extremities;
- weakened functioning 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 growth of fungi;
- hereditary predisposition;
- advanced age of the potential carrier;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, venous insufficiency;
- diabetes;
- flat steps;
- uncontrolled medication;
- to be 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.
Interdigital trichophyton
In this type of lesion, peeling is often accompanied by the formation of fluid, there is an inflammatory process.
The fungus spreads to the entire surface of the foot, including the foot, sides, arch and toes, but it is also possible to develop allergic skin reactions in the body, face, upper and lower limbs. Damage to the nail plate area is sometimes observed.
Candida fungus
In a disease associated with fungi of the genus Candida, the skin is hyperemic (bloody) and edematous, the area of infection is surrounded by exfoliated skin. Vesicles with serous and purulent contents are formed in the peripheral area.
Trichophyton red
The pathology is manifested by infection of the interdigital folds, as the first thing that the fungus multiplies in the narrowest interdigital folds.
Unlike previous types of fungal microorganisms, it causes a lot of nail damage.
The danger is also expressed by the fact that the fungus can multiply in large skin folds (inguinal, gluteal, 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 flaking between the fingers, cracks are small and do not cause discomfort.
squamous form
Manifestations: the peeling extends to the lateral surface of the feet, accompanied by itching due to the thickening of the stratum corneum of the skin of the feet, it is assumed that shine is observed.
Hyperkeratotic form
Manifestations: the formation of rashes in the form of dry papules and plaques, there is moderate itching, white tinge of scaly layers.
Intertriginous form
Manifestations: after redness and swelling develops maceration, burning and itching, a pronounced severity of diaper rash.
Dyshydrotic form
Manifestations: the formation of multiple blisters with thickened membranes, develop hyperemia and edema, reminiscent of acute eczema.
To avoid infection with fungal parasites, 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 all over the surface, paying special attention to the space between the toes.
- In public places, you should use your personal shoes and at least sometimes walk home barefoot so that your skin can breathe.
- For wearing, use extremely comfortable, easily ventilated and practical shoes, preferably made of natural materials.
- It is also necessary to change socks and stockings as often as possible if there is a problem with excessive sweating.
- The presence of bad habits and irrational eating significantly reduces the resistance of the immune system to various types of lesions, therefore bad habits must be eliminated and nutrition improved.
How to treat fungus on the feet with folk remedies
There are many generally accepted remedies for fungal infections of the feet.
Baking soda
Antifungal agent based on baking soda. To prepare it, you will need to make a mixture of baking soda and water, similar to porridge 1: 1, 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 in the late stages of the disease. You can rub the covers with half 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 softer.
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 you put your feet in it, they must be steamed and cleaned nails.
It is recommended to perform the procedure 5-7 times a day for faster healing of the disease. You can also dissolve the egg in a glass of vinegar and after mixing with a teaspoon of oil apply as an ointment on the affected areas.
Celandine
Tinctures based on celandine are also suitable for use in the form of baths and in the form of compresses and ointments.
marigold
You can lubricate the damaged legs with a tincture of marigold flowers. In this case, the infusion should dry itself, it should not be wiped.
How to treat fungus on the feet - drugs and medicines
Remember that all medications should be taken only after consulting a doctor, and also only after the doctor has made a diagnosis that will confirm the presence of fungus on the feet.
How to treat foot fungus in a child and during pregnancy
In fungal lesions of the legs in children, the appearance of bubbles is observed, which then turn 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 of rowan leaves will help.
During pregnancy, many drugs are banned, but there is still a list of those that will help a woman in a situation 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 on the advice of a doctor.