Hello dear readers. The manifestation of the fungus is quite common and brings significant discomfort to the carriers. The problem must be solved. And how it works - you will find out now. Let's look at how to treat athlete's foot at home with folk remedies. Remember that it is better to prevent athlete's foot than to treat it later. You should not self-diagnose and treat yourself, but consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion of athlete's foot.
Athlete's foot - what is it?
Athlete's foot is an infectious fungal lesion localized on the skin (mycosis) and nails (onychomycosis) and then spreads to other parts of the body and includes many types. Pathogenic organisms affecting the integument are divided into the following types: yeasts, molds and dermatophytes.
Getting infected with athlete's foot is quite simple: it is enough to come into contact with a surface inhabited by pathogenic fungi.
In particular, they inhabit the interdigital space. It can be floors in public places, someone else's shoes, personal hygiene items, and infection from untreated pedicure tools during the procedure is also possible.
A major 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 disease:
- constant wearing of closed shoes, which is more typical for men;
- an environment with a favorable temperature for the survival of fungi and high humidity;
- violation of blood circulation in the lower limbs;
- weakened work of the immune system, which does not allow to protect 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 reproduction of fungi;
- hereditary predisposition;
- advanced age of the potential carrier;
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system, venous insufficiency;
- diabetes mellitus;
- flat feet;
- uncontrolled use of drugs;
- to be overweight;
- avitaminosis.
The first symptom of a fungal infection is the formation of epidermal scales on the feet, which causes further infection, and 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
With 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 sole, sides, arch and toes, but it is also possible to develop allergic skin reactions on the trunk, face, upper and lower extremities. Damage in the area of the nail plates is occasionally observed.
Candida fungi
In a disease associated with a fungus of the genus Candida, the skin is hyperemic (overflowing with blood) and edematous, the area of infection is surrounded by exfoliated skin. Blisters with serous and purulent contents form on the periphery.
Trichophyton red
The pathology is manifested by infection of the interdigital folds, while the fungi first multiply in the narrowest interdigital folds.
Unlike the previous types of mycotic microorganisms, it causes multiple damage to the nails.
The danger is also expressed in the fact that the fungus can multiply in large skin folds (groins, buttocks, 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 peeling between the fingers, cracks are small and do not cause discomfort.
scaly shape
Manifestations: peeling also extends to the lateral surface of the feet, accompanied by itching, due to the thickening of the horny layer of the skin of the feet, gloss is reportedly noted.
Hyperkeratotic form
Manifestations: the formation of rashes in the form of dry papules and plaques, there is moderate itching, a white tint of scaly layers.
intertriginous form
Manifestations: after redness and swelling, maceration, burning and itching develops, a noticeable heaviness of diaper rash.
dyshidrotic form
Manifestations: Formation of many blisters with thickened membranes, hyperemia and edema develop resembling acute eczema.
In order to avoid infection with a fungal parasite, it is necessary to take preventive measures that will help protect yourself.
- Keep your feet moderately dry and cool to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms.
- It is recommended to wash the feet several times a day with warm water, always with soap, and after washing, wipe the feet dry over the entire surface, paying special attention to the space between the toes.
- In public places you should use your personal change of shoes and at home at least sometimes go barefoot so that the skin can breathe.
- To wear it, use extremely comfortable, well-ventilated and practical shoes, preferably made of natural materials.
- It is also necessary to change stockings and socks as often as possible if there is a problem with excessive sweating.
- The presence of bad habits and irrational nutrition significantly reduces immunity to various types of lesions, so it is necessary to eliminate bad habits and improve nutrition.
How to treat athlete's foot with folk remedies
There are many well-established remedies to combat fungal infections of the feet.
baking powder
Antifungal based on baking soda. To prepare it, you need to prepare a mushy mixture of baking soda and water in a 1: 1 ratio, 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 also an effective remedy at a late 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 before bedtime. They soften the skin and make it more delicate.
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 into it, they should be steamed and nails cleaned.
It is recommended to do 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 to the affected areas as an ointment.
celandine
Tinctures based on celandine are also relevant in use both in the form of baths, and in the form of compresses and ointments.
marigold
You can lubricate damaged feet with tincture of medicinal calendula flowers. In this case, the infusion should dry by itself, it should not be wiped.
How to treat athlete's foot - medicines and medicines
Remember that any medication should be taken only after consulting a doctor and only after the doctor has made a diagnosis confirming the presence of athlete's foot.
How to treat athlete's foot in a child and during pregnancy
With fungal lesions of the feet in children, the appearance of blisters is observed, which then turn into erosion and appear first in the interdigital folds. Listen to the child: they may start complaining about burning and discomfort.
If you turn to folk remedies, a decoction of wormwood, salt baths, infusions of lilac and compresses from rowan leaves will help.
During pregnancy, many drugs are prohibited, but there is still a list of drugs that will help a woman in position Sulfur-salicylic tar ointment.
However, this does not mean that these drugs can definitely be used, since allergic reactions are possible. This should only be done on medical advice.