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 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.
Fungus on the feet - 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 variants. Pathogenic organisms that affect the integument are divided into the following types: yeast, mold and dermatophytes.
Getting infected with the foot fungus is quite simple: it is enough to come into contact with the surface where pathogenic fungi live.
They especially inhabit the interdigital space. These can be floors in public places, other people's shoes, personal hygiene products, and it is possible to become infected with untreated pedicure tools during the procedure.
A significant problem is not only the ease of infection, but also the exceptional speed 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;
- 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 immune system, which does not allow the body to provide protection;
- regular visits to public places without prior hygiene measures;
- in the risk group - people with thin skin;
- increased sweating, which encourages the multiplication of fungi;
- hereditary predisposition;
- the advanced age of the potential carrier;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, venous insufficiency;
- diabetes;
- flat feet;
- uncontrolled drug use;
- 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
In this type of lesion, peeling is often accompanied by the formation of fluid, an inflammatory process is present.
The fungus spreads over the entire surface of the foot, including the soles, sides, arch and toes, but it is also possible to develop allergic reactions on the skin in the area of the trunk, face, upper and lower extremities. Occasionally, damage to the nail plate area is observed.
Candida fungi
In diseases associated with the fungus of the genus Candida, the skin is hyperemic (covered in blood) and edematous, the area of infection is surrounded by peeling skin. Vesicles with serous and purulent contents are formed on the peripheral region.
Trichophyton red
The pathology is manifested by infection of the interdigital folds, with the fungi first multiplying in the narrowest interdigital folds.
Unlike previous types of mycotic microorganisms, it causes multiple nail damage.
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!
Deleted form
Manifestations: slight peeling between the fingers, cracks are small and do not cause discomfort.
squamous form
Manifestations: peeling extends to the lateral surface of the foot, followed by itching, due to thickening of the stratum corneum of the foot integument, shine is reportedly observed.
Hyperkeratotic form
Manifestations: formation of rash in the form of dry papules and plaques, moderate itching, white tinge of scaly layers.
Intertriginous form
Manifestations: after redness and swelling, maceration, tingling and itching develop, clear diaper rash.
Dyshydrotic form
Manifestations: creation of many blisters with thickened membranes, hyperemia and edema develop, reminiscent of acute eczema.
To avoid infection with fungal parasites, it is necessary to take preventive measures to 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 soap, and after washing your feet, dry the entire surface, taking special care of the space between the toes.
- You should use a personal change of shoes in public places, and at least sometimes go barefoot at home so that your skin can breathe.
- Use extremely comfortable, easily breathable 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 of excessive sweating.
- The presence of bad habits and irrational diet significantly reduces the resistance of the immune system to various types of lesions, so bad habits must be eliminated and the diet improved.
How to treat foot fungus folk remedies
There are many popularly recognized remedies for fungal infections of the feet.
Soda
Baking soda-based antifungal agent. To prepare it, you will need to make a mixture of baking soda and water in a ratio of 1: 1 like porridge, which you then apply 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 phase of the disease. You can rub the lids with halved garlic or use a mixture of butter and garlic.
Coffee
Baths based on strong natural coffee are used only before 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 cider vinegar. Prepare the solution in a ratio of 1: 8, but before you put your feet in it, you need to steam them and clean your nails.
For faster healing of the disease, the procedure is recommended 5-7 times a day. You can also melt the egg in a glass of vinegar and, after mixing it with a teaspoon of butter, apply it as an ointment on the affected areas.
Celandine
Celandine-based tinctures are also relevant for use both in the form of baths and in the form of compresses and ointments.
Calendula
You can apply damaged marigold tincture to the damaged feet. In that case, the infusion should dry on its own, it should not be wiped.
How to treat foot fungus - drugs and medications
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 feet 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 tingling 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 position, sulfur-salicylic-tar ointment.
However, this does not mean that these drugs can definitely be used, because allergic reactions are possible. This should be done only after a doctor's recommendation.