Fungal infection is a dangerous disease that most often affects the skin of the feet. Initially, there is fungus between the toes and then spreads to other areas. Looks like a similar disease, its manifestations, causes, and specifics of treatment take a closer look.
Causes fungus between fingers
The skin of the feet often subjected to fungal diseases. The reasons for this state can be the following:
- the decrease in the protective mechanisms in the body as a result of diseases of infectious or inflammatory origin.
- poor supply of the lower extremities with blood, which causes stagnant processes in the legs;
- microtrauma of the skin in the feet and between the toes;
- intense sweating or overly dry skin;
- long wearing uncomfortable and tight shoes.
Trigger a foot fungus may neglect hygiene, the presence of diaper rash. In addition, the infection is able to enter the body through microtrauma to the skin during a visit to the pool or sauna.
Symptoms, types
Interdigital fungal infection has several stages of development, each of which has specific manifestations.
The symptoms of the initial stage of fungal infection:
- the appearance of small cracks between the toes, especially beneath the little finger and on the feet;
- slight peeling of the skin in the area of cracking.
In the initial stage the symptoms are mild, so many do not give value to such manifestations, thus triggering a fungal infection.
Following the development of the fungus between the fingers differ by more pronounced symptoms. The skin appear red spots, peeling already pronounced. At this time, there may be a bubble of education with a clear liquid.
During the second stage of development of the disease begin to form corns, skin coarsens, appear corn. At this time, the flaking is accompanied by itching and sometimes a burning sensation.
The penultimate stage of the fungus between the fingers is characterized by the worsening condition of the affected skin. The cracks become deeper, turning into eroded. Develops a wet fungus. Along with these symptoms there are other symptoms: inflammation and swelling of the affected by the fungus plots.
When the advanced form of the disease show symptoms such as:
- purulent vesicles between the fingers, under the little finger and on the feet;
- soreness and itching increase;
- redness and irritation of the skin pronounced.
In addition, interdigital mycosis in the last stage has other characteristics. At this time, itchy fingers cracking skin, purulent burst bubbles. The area between the toes is wet, the affected nails peel, peel, the epidermis appears a white film.
The appearance of any of these symptoms should alert a person and encourage to seek the advice of a specialist. Only early treatment provides the opportunity to get rid of the disease.
Types of fungus between the fingers
Fungal infection often cause three kinds of bacteria – the dermatophytes, yeast and mold. Each type of infection has a favorable environment for development. Mold is a fungus that can develop where there is heat, humidity. Yeast fungi are able to strike the nail and the skin.
Most often cause athlete's foot dermatophytes. The fungus mainly affects the skin between the fingers starting with the thumb and under the pinky. This type of infection prefers warm and moisture. It is in this environment develops spores of the virus.
Treatment at home
Interdigital fungal infections require prolonged treatment. Therapy can be performed at home. Most importantly, pass the examination and confirm the diagnosis.
Complex therapy of fungus between toes includes treatment with medicines and folk remedies.
Drug therapies
Treatment antifungal medicines internal applications need to be supplemented by external medicines (creams, ointments, solutions).
Creams, ointments, lotions have a detrimental effect on bacteria. The use of drugs reduces peeling, itching and ulcerative processes in the skin between the fingers, the feet. With their help, you can bring the fungus and prevent re-appearance.
Medical treatment prescribed by a dermatologist after a thorough examination. Independently and without accurate diagnosis to take medication is not recommended, as this may aggravate the patient's condition.
Treatment at home
Medical relief from illness can be reinforced by folk remedies. In this case, effective tools are:
- therapeutic baths (salt, soda, herbal);
- lotions with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar;
- treatment of interdigital region with iodine.
These methods help to quickly get rid of the infection, eliminate the symptoms and relieve the patient's condition.
Salt and soda bath
To 1 liter of water (37-40 degrees) take 1-2 tsp of baking soda or salt. Dip your feet in a basin, and soak for 20-30 minutes. A well-steamed skin to process of keratinized epidermis, peeling.
The procedure is done at least 1 time a day, preferably before bedtime.
Herbal baths
Chopped blend of dried herbs (chamomile, plantain, celandine), pour 1 liter of boiling water. Herbal need to take at least 3 tbsp soak my feet in this infusion is recommended for at least 20 minutes.
After soda and herbal manipulations legs need to be processed, the maximum removing damaged particles of the epidermis. The skin grease with hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
Lotions with vinegar
Moisten a piece of cotton wool in a 9% solution, apply to affected areas. Legs wrap with plastic, leave for 3-5 minutes. After the time to rinse the skin with warm water.
It is important all manipulations folk remedies to support the medication. To do this, after each procedure, the affected areas to lubricate with antifungal ointments, creams or treated with aerosols.
Judging from experience and reader feedback, complex therapy of the disease is much more effective than using anti-fungal agents alone.
How to cure fungus of the child
The appearance of fungal infection in the child may occur at any age. Why peel off the skin, is able to determine a dermatologist. The fault may be low immunity, microtrauma to the skin of the feet, as well as stagnant processes in the lower extremities. To correctly identify the cause and prescribe appropriate therapy, the specialist must make a diagnosis.
At the initial stage of the fungus between the fingers of the child missing external treatment inexpensive ointments. Than to treat in more advanced forms when the sores and blisters with fluid? Doctors recommend to combine antifungal drugs and antibacterial drugs.
Prevention
Fungal infection of catching is easy, but to get rid of it very difficult. Prevention helps not only to eliminate disease but also to prevent recurrence.
- Hygiene. Daily washing of the feet, treatment of diaper rash, the fight against sweating.
- Caution in public places. Saunas and swimming pools it is best to visit with your interchangeable shoes. After bathing the feet it is recommended to treat antifungal spray or peroxide.
- Wearing comfortable shoes, eliminate blisters and corns.
- Active lifestyle, helping to maintain good circulation in the lower extremities.
If the family has the infected person, all footwear should be disinfected. Do not use common personal hygiene items. After a shower, your feet better be treated with ointments or sprays that will help to decontaminate the skin.
If you have symptoms of a fungus between the toes is important to immediately seek the assistance of a specialist, and in a short time to start treatment. Discovered in time the disease is easier to treat than advanced forms.