Unfortunately, the number of patients suffering from fungal infections is increasing rapidly.And the reason for this is the people themselves, who ignore the basic rules of personal hygiene.Fungus on the feet goes quickly and brings a lot of discomfort to a person.And in order to know how to treat this disease, it is necessary, first, to know exactly how the infection occurs and, secondly, how the disease manifests itself in order to make a correct diagnosis in the early stages of its development.
Route of infection
Infection with fungal diseases can occur in several ways:
- direct way;
- indirectly.
In the first case, the fungus "settles" on the human body through direct contact with the soil, wet tiles, sick people and animals, and some types of plants.
In the second case, the infection occurs through household items used by the sick person.For example, if you come to visit and wipe your feet or hands with someone else's towel, then the probability of contracting a fungal infection is 60%.
At the same time, several factors play an important role in this, which increases the body's susceptibility to fungi.That is:
- Age (fungal infections are most often observed in children due to imperfections in the body's defense mechanisms and thin skin);
- weak immune system;
- disorders of the nervous and endocrine system functions (they greatly affect the protective functions of the body);
- increased work of sweat glands;
- The composition of sweat (in some cases, the composition of sweat gland secretions changes, which as a result creates a favorable environment for the development of fungi).
Types of fungal infections
Before we talk about how to treat foot fungus, it is necessary to talk about the types of fungal infections.After all, it can be different, and therefore the treatment of the disease occurs differently.
The most common type of fungal infection is athlete's foot.This disease not only affects the skin of the feet, but also the nails.Infection with this type of fungal infection most often occurs in rooms where humidity and high temperatures of at least 10 degrees occur.Examples of such premises are swimming pools, saunas, gymnasiums, baths, etc.
In this case, epidermophytosis can be found on all objects in the room.These are:
- washcloth;
- towels;
- oilcloth;
- thermometer;
- mats and so on.
This type of fungus affects the male part of the planet's population.Because the main reason for infection with it is the increased activity of the sweat glands on the skin of the feet.
Another type of fungal infection is trichophytosis.This is one of the most contagious diseases, which is transmitted through:
- bath accessories;
- sports equipment;
- shoes and socks;
- other common items.
Men are also most susceptible to this disease.In addition, the older they become, the greater the chance of infection with trichophytosis.This disease is very common among athletes and workers in baths, saunas and swimming pools.
Candidiasis is another common form of fungal infection.The causative agent of this disease is the fungus Candida, which is found on the skin of everyone and is not essentially a disease.This fungus begins to parasitize only when favorable conditions arise.And they arise when a person's immunity decreases.
Fungi enter the body through direct contact with contaminated objects and food.They are literally everywhere.There are many of these fungi in fermented milk and meat products.
The "activation" of Candida fungal life activity is influenced by the following factors:
- damage to the skin;
- decreased immunity;
- increased sweating;
- An increase in the content of fungi in the ambient air (there are many in workshops for the production of meat products).
Symptoms of fungal infection
Symptoms of foot fungus are as follows:
- itching and burning;
- lack of unpleasant odors;
- peeling skin;
- a white coating on the skin (more like dust);
- change in color and shape of the nail plate;
- nail destruction;
- Increased sweating of the feet.
In some cases, pustules and blisters filled with fluid can form near the surface of the affected skin.
How to treat foot fungus?
Only a doctor should treat fungal diseases.That thing in your home can only eliminate the external manifestations of this disease.Because fungal infections affect the entire body, and not just the upper layer of the epidermis.Penetrating the skin, the fungus comes into contact with the capillaries and through them penetrates the arteries, and then spreads throughout the body.For this reason, the treatment of fungal diseases should include not only antifungal drugs for external use, but also agents for oral administration.
However, the medicines should only be taken as prescribed by the doctor.After all, there are more than 500 types of fungi in the world, each of which has its own characteristics and threshold of resistance to various aggressive substances.That is why the same antifungal agent can help some people cope with the symptoms of this disease, but not others.
When visiting the doctor, a swab will be taken from the affected surface to determine the type of fungus that has settled on the foot.And then they will conduct a series of tests to exclude the development of complications.After that, after receiving all the necessary information about the patient's health, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment, which can quickly eliminate the unpleasant external manifestations of the disease.
However, it should be noted that the disappearance of the symptoms of the disease is not yet a sign of complete healing.Treatment for fungal infections can last for several months, in some cases it can be extended up to 6 months.If the infection is not fully treated, symptoms will begin to appear within a few weeks after you stop using the medication.
To treat fungi, fungistatic agents are often prescribed, which prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms.This product is available in ointment form for external use and in tablet form for oral administration.
Often, doctors combine several drugs at once to achieve the maximum effect of treatment.After taking the medicine for a week, the patient is tested again to make sure the treatment brings positive results.
Treatment of fungus with folk remedies
How to cure foot fungus at home?There is no way.Why?We have given the answer to this question above - the fungus colonizes the whole body, and not just the upper epidermis of the skin.Therefore, at home you can only eliminate the symptoms of the disease and reduce your condition, but nothing more.Therefore, you should not expect "miracles" from traditional medicine.
So, at home you can relieve itching with a wine vinegar bath.To prepare it, you need a strong solution of wine vinegar, in which you need to soak your feet for a few minutes.But before doing this, your feet should be washed well under water with soap and wiped dry.
After the procedure, you should wear socks on your feet, which must also be soaked in a solution of wine vinegar.After a few days of using this procedure, the itching should disappear and the manifestations of the fungus will decrease.
Baths based on salt and soda are also good in fighting fungal infections.The fungus is afraid of these substances, so it quickly dies from them.To prepare a healing bath, you need a liter of water, in which you need to dissolve a spoonful of table salt and baking soda.
Soak your feet in this solution for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.2-3 procedures will help you get rid of the external manifestations of the fungus.
Various medicinal herbs help combat the symptoms of fungal infections.You can prepare a decoction to wash the affected feet with the following ingredients:
- calendula inflorescence;
- oak bark;
- dried blackberries;
- Verbena officinalis.
To prepare the stew, take all the herbs in equal quantities and mix well.Then take 3 tbsp.L. A mixture of herbs, pour a glass of water over it and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
After that the soup should be slightly cooled and strained, and then the limbs should be washed every day.In addition, you can moisten the bandage in this decoction and apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
If you do not have the opportunity to use all these herbs, you can overcome the manifestations of the fungus with the help of ordinary coffee.Drink strong coffee and stir in a liter of warm water.Then lower your feet into it and keep it in the solution for 15 minutes.Then rinse your feet in warm water and dry them.
Baths based on Milkweed help combat fungal manifestations on the feet.To prepare it, you need to take fresh grass and pour several liters of boiling water on it.Then let it burn and strain.The infusion does not need to be diluted with water.Just pour it into a basin and soak your feet in it for 15 minutes.This bath should be used every day for two weeks.
Fungus cream at home
At home, you can also prepare a cream to treat the affected surface.
To prepare the cream you will need:
- sifted wood ash;
- lard.
These ingredients must be mixed together until smooth.Of course it is better, to use a mixer for this.The cream must be used every 12 hours, applying to clean and dry the skin of the feet.
You can also prepare a cream for fungal infections using the following ingredients:
- Sulfur yellow;
- goose fat;
- copper sulfate.
All ingredients must be taken in equal quantities and mixed thoroughly.Then transfer to a small pot, put on fire and bring to a boil.Then the cream should stand in a dark, cool and cool place.This cream should only be used once a day.But before applying, you also need to wash your feet in warm water.
Compresses and masks against fungus on the feet
Treatment of foot fungus can also be done through the use of masks and compresses.For example, you can use a compress made with onions and garlic.To do this, take one small onion and a head of garlic, peel it and roll it through a meat grinder.
Then apply the resulting mixture to the affected area, wrap it with plastic on top and put warm socks on your feet.Leave the compress overnight.In the morning, some symptoms of the disease will disappear.This procedure should be done every day until the fungus on your feet stops bothering you.
If the fungal infection has spread to your toenails, then you can use a mixture made from vinegar, glycerin and rubbing alcohol.All ingredients should be taken 1 teaspoon.and mix well.Then the resulting liquid should be applied to the nails (literally a few drops).This should be done every day until the affected nail recovers.
Remember that fungal infections require an integrated approach to treatment.Therefore, traditional medicine alone will not be enough.Requires oral antifungal medication.But you can not buy it yourself on the advice of a pharmacist in a pharmacy.You should consult a doctor.Only he can really help you overcome this disease and forget about it for many years.