Hello dear readers. The manifestation of the fungus is quite common, causing considerable discomfort to carriers. The problem needs to be resolved. And how to do it - now you will find out. Let's see 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 localizes to the skin (ringworm) and nails (onychomycosis) and then spreads to other parts of the body and includes many varieties. The pathogenic organisms that affect the tegument are divided into the following types: yeast, mold and dermatophytes.
It is quite simple to get infected with a fungus of the foot: just come into contact with a surface inhabited by pathogenic fungi.
Especially they inhabit the interdigital space. These can be floors in public places, someone else's shoes, personal hygiene items, and infection through pedicure tools left untreated 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 use of closed shoes, 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 previous hygiene measures;
- in the high-risk group - people with thin skin;
- increased transpiration, which promotes fungal reproduction;
- hereditary predisposition;
- advanced age of the potential carrier;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system, venous insufficiency;
- diabetes;
- flat foot;
- 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 fungal pathogen and the degree of damage to the epidermis and its derivatives.
interdigital trichophyton
With this type of injury, 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 sole, sides, arch and toes, but it is also possible to develop allergic skin reactions in the areas of the trunk, face, upper and lower extremities. Damage to the nail plate area is occasionally seen.
Candida fungi
In a disease associated with a fungus of the genus Candida, the skin becomes hyperemic (overflowing with blood) and swollen, the area of infection is surrounded by exfoliated skin. Vesicles with serous and purulent content form in the peripheral region.
red trichophyton
The pathology is manifested by the infection of the interdigital folds, while the first thing that fungi multiply in the tightest interdigital folds.
Unlike previous types of mycotic microorganisms, it causes various damage to 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!
form deleted
Manifestations: slight scaling between the fingers, the cracks are small and do not cause discomfort.
scaly shape
Manifestations: scaling 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 shining.
hyperkeratotic form
Manifestations: the formation of rashes in the form of dry papules and plaques, there is a moderate itching, a white tone 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, resembling acute eczema.
To avoid infection with a fungal parasite, it is necessary to take preventive measures that will help protect it.
- 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, dry your feet on 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 walk around 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 socks and socks as often as possible if there is a problem with 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 folk remedies
There are many popularly recognized means to fight fungal infections of the feet.
Sodium bicarbonate
Antifungal agent based on sodium bicarbonate. To prepare it, you will need to make a 1: 1 mixture of baking soda and water, which must 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 lids with halved garlic or use a butter and garlic mixture.
Coffee
Baths based on strong natural coffee are used only at bedtime. They soften the skin and make it softer.
Vinegar
It's hard 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 lowering the legs, they must be steamed and the nails cleaned.
It is recommended to carry out 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 it with a teaspoon of butter, apply it as an ointment on 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 tincture of medicinal marigold flowers. In this case, the infusion should dry on its own, it should not be wiped.
How to treat foot fungus - medicines and drugs
Remember that all medications should be taken only after consulting a doctor and also only after the doctor has made a diagnosis that confirms 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 blisters is observed, which are converted 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, 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 the 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.