Interdigital fungus on the feet: treatment and detection of pathology

2023 Author: Alfred Shackley | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 13:14

According to WHO statistics, interdigital fungus on the feet is one of the most common diseases.

This is due to several factors, for example:

• easy transmission;
• the presence of conditions favorable for breeding.

The infection requires quick and comprehensive treatment, since the disease can be latent for a long time.

Description of the disease

The fungus Trichophyton interdigital affects the delicate skin between the toes. Getting on damaged skin or when creating favorable conditions, it begins to actively multiply. As a result of its reproduction, a violation of the integrity of the skin occurs, which is usually accompanied by severe symptoms.

In the absence of treatment, mycosis spreads over time, occupying more and more areas of the skin. This causes unpleasant, painful sensations, there is a smell from the feet.

Lack of therapy for mycosis can lead to suppression of immunity, since the immune system cannot cope with the pathology on its own and therefore gradually weakens. This can cause complications in the future, the spread of infection throughout the body, and a decrease in resistance to other infections.

Symptoms of the interdigital fungus

It is far from immediately that the patient develops signs of fungus on the legs - the interdigital infection does not manifest itself for a long time. Its symptoms at the initial stages are highly blurred, and therefore it is difficult to diagnose it on its own. This is especially true for those patients who have never encountered this pathology.

When the pathogen of the fungus gets on the skin, it, in the presence of favorable conditions, begins to multiply gradually. When it multiplies, the colony penetrates deeper and deeper, disrupting the natural protective layer of the skin, increasing the area of the lesion.

The initial symptoms of the fungus:

• keratinization of the skin;
• the appearance of small seals;
• slight color change;
• itching, worse after bath and when wearing shoes.

Usually, patients do not pay attention to these signs yet. Over time, the colony penetrates into the deeper layers of the dermis. The infection can affect blood vessels and nerve receptors. With a deeper lesion, signs begin to appear that are already quite noticeable and cause noticeable discomfort. It is at this stage that patients most often go to the doctor.

Signs of a deep lesion with an interdigital fungus:

1. the appearance of sufficiently deep cracks and funnels in the epidermis, surrounded by flaky skin, which can have a whitish, yellow and even greenish tint;
2. painful sensations, increased temperature sensitivity in the affected area;
3. the appearance of small bubbles on the surface of the skin;
4. the appearance of severe itching and burning;
5. thickening of the skin and its roughness.

These manifestations are accompanied by the appearance of a strong odor from the feet. This is especially noticeable provided that there was no smell earlier. Already during this period, you need to try to identify the type of fungus in order to prescribe treatment and minimize the causes that caused its appearance.

The causes of the fungus

The pathogen will not be able to take root on the skin of a completely healthy person - in the absence of factors conducive to its reproduction, it will simply die on the surface. If the fungus enters directly on areas with damaged, flaky skin, it will begin to multiply very quickly.

In the presence of provoking factors, the disease begins to develop rapidly.

Among the most common reasons are the following:

• Decreased level of general immunity. Often, the fungus acts as a secondary infection that occurs against the background of a general disease.
• Violation of the blood supply to the feet and legs - varicose veins, endarteritis.
• Abrasions and cracks on the skin surface.
• Diabetes.
• Excessive dryness of the foot.
• Excess moisture resulting from hyperhidrosis, wearing tight shoes.
• Poor quality material for making socks and shoes. It leads to disruption of gas exchange, retains moisture on the surface of the skin.
• Lack of hygiene.
• Orthopedic disorders of the foot.
• Overweight, which leads to increased sweating, changes in blood circulation.
• Using someone else's towels, manicure supplies.
• Frequent visits to baths and swimming pools.

Fungus treatment

Treatment of fungus on the feet is carried out in several directions:

1. Decrease in active symptoms. For this, creams, ointments, baths are used. They help to get rid of the unpleasant, debilitating symptoms of the disease.
2. Strengthening general resilience and immunity. For this, during treatment, special medications are used, more often pills that support the immune system and contain special substances that inhibit the growth of the fungus.
3. Stimulates recovery. Here, baths and creams, ointments are also used, which stop the multiplication of mycosis, increase local immunity and stimulate skin renewal. These funds can soften it.

Treatment can be carried out with medications and folk remedies.

Important: Before starting treatment with folk remedies, it is recommended to consult a doctor on how to cure interdigital fungus on the legs. This will help maximize treatment outcomes and prevent relapse.

Drug therapy

Most often, drugs containing fluconazole are used for treatment - it helps to form resistance to the fungus and suppress its reproduction. Treatment may additionally include the use of ointments and creams, lotions that soften the skin, reduce symptoms, and increase resistance to the fungus:

• Ketoconazole;
• Lamisil;
• Terbinafine;
• Clotrimazole;
• Mycosist;
• Burov's compresses.

Additionally, immunostimulants are prescribed to help restore the immune system. For this purpose, preparations containing levamisole are used.

Treatment with folk remedies

Treatment of the fungus with folk remedies helps to get rid of unpleasant symptoms at home and cure the disease. It is worth noting that such therapy should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician. Self-treatment with folk remedies can cause relapse and lack of effect.

Iodine

The iodine solution must be mixed with medical alcohol in equal proportions. This mixture is applied to clean, dry skin immediately after washing. Iodine is an antiseptic, it dries up and eliminates unpleasant symptoms.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has a disinfecting and drying effect, it stimulates the processes of skin renewal. Peroxide required at a concentration of 3%. From it you need to make applications with a moistened cotton pad after a bath on dry skin.

Apple vinegar

Since the acidic environment is detrimental to the fungus, the use of apple cider vinegar shows high efficiency in its treatment. It is applied in the form of applications to the affected areas. It can be used after baths and applying a protective layer of baby cream to healthy skin.

Preventive measures

Fungus prevention includes compliance with all necessary hygiene standards, especially when visiting common areas: saunas, baths, swimming pools, solariums. Compliance with preventive measures will help prevent infection:

1. daily foot hygiene;
2. using your own shoes when visiting common areas;
3. refusal to wear someone else's shoes and socks;
4. selection of shoes by size and cotton socks;
5. wearing shoes for the season;
6. regular treatment of shoes, bathroom surfaces with a spray from the fungus;
7. washing bed linen and socks at a temperature of 90 ⁰WITH.

Compliance with all the rules will help to avoid the manifestations of foot fungus. At the first signs of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.