Mycoses are diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms (fungi). The disease is not fatal to humans, but it is disturbing and difficult to treat. People with weakened immunity, hormonal imbalances and poor personal hygiene are often the most susceptible to infection. Treatment of the fungus sometimes lasts 3-4 months using a whole range of medications. To enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs, doctors prescribe traditional medicine. The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis of the disease. In the early stages, mycoses more easily adapt to the effects of antifungal drugs.
Variety and symptoms of dermatomycosis
Science knows thousands of species of fungi, but only a few hundred of them are pathogenic to humans.
Types of microorganisms that cause foot:
- trichophytons;
- dermatophytes;
- candida.
It is very difficult to recognize the first signs of mycosis. What the fungus looks like on the legs depends on the type of microorganism that affects the soft tissues.
Intertriginous form
The most common type of fungal infection. This happens in the summer, when the sweating of the feet increases. Wrinkles in the interdigital space first suffer, then the infection occupies nearby areas and the nail plate.
The first signs:
- dry skin between fingers;
- cracks and wounds;
- severe itching and burning;
- peeling and discoloration of the epidermis.
squamous form
This type of fungal infection affects the lower part of the foot. The skin looks rough, corns, keratinized areas, deep cracks appear. A person experiences pain while walking.
The disease progresses rapidly, occupying the surrounding area and the nail plate. In advanced cases, the nail changes color, shape and begins to collapse.
It is important!
At the first suspicion of a fungal infection, you should immediately consult a doctor for examination and treatment.
Dyshidrotic form
This type of mushroom is rare. The first symptoms are watery multi-chambered vesicles with a cloudy content on the skin. Ulcers are associated with persistent erosion at the site of eruptive formations.
The main danger of this form of mycosis is the addition of accompanying infections. Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate wounds and provoke other dermatological diseases. In the absence of timely therapy, large areas of the feet are affected. Mycosis is very difficult to treat.
Reasons
The main route of transmission of infection is contact. If you do not follow the basic rules of personal hygiene, you can become infected through household items used by the patient. Abrasive particles of the epidermis, along with the causative agent, remain in shoes, towels and infected areas. Once on the surface of a healthy person's skin, the fungus begins to actively multiply.
Spores of a pathogenic microorganism can live in the environment for months until they are exposed to favorable conditions. Public places - swimming pools, showers, baths, saunas, locker rooms in gyms - pose a great risk of infection.
Hygiene rules should be followed to prevent infection: change socks daily, wear comfortable shoes that do not make your feet sweat, and dry the interdigital space thoroughly with a towel after washing.
Drug treatment of fungi
An important factor in getting rid of skin mycosis is a doctor-prescribed examination and timely treatment.
It is very difficult to get rid of the fungus. You will need a number of medications for external and systemic action. You must first determine the type of pathogen. This can only be done in a special laboratory.
Ointments, creams
These drugs have the ability to penetrate deep into the affected tissues, reaching the mycelium.
Antimycotic ointments are divided into 2 types:
- Azol. Inhibits cell growth, destroys myceliumThe course of treatment with azole ointments usually lasts about a month;
- Allilamine. Harmful to yeasts and molds. This type of ointment has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. It is a cheap, effective tool. The course of therapy is usually 3 months.
Benefits of ointments:
- does not adversely affect the gastrointestinal tract and liver;
- local use allows to maximize the effect on the pathogen;
- versatility of use for the treatment of skin and nail fungus.
Features of the use of antifungal ointments:
- feet should be thoroughly washed and dried with a towel before applying the drug;
- the drug is applied to the affected surface by rubbing with a thin layer;
- Avoid injecting the drug into the mucous membranes - nose, eyes, mouth;
- Follow the instructions for use and the recommendations of a dermatologist.
Tablets
For more effective treatment of advanced mycoses, systemic therapy is prescribed in combination with external topical drugs.
Tablets for the treatment of severe forms differ in the active substance:
- based on ketoconazole. It is prescribed for the treatment of superficial mycosis that is not treated with local agents. Destroys yeast, dimorphic fungi and dermatophytes;
- Based on terbinafineAffects dermatophytes;
- Based on Griseofulvin. Affects dermatophytesPrevents the growth of fungi and destroys cell walls. This drug has increased toxicity, so modern medicine is gradually replacing it on the pharmaceutical market;
- based on fluconazole. The tablets belong to the group of azoles. Help to get rid of the disease quickly.
Along with the treatment of fungal infections of the feet, drugs and vitamin-mineral complexes that stimulate the immune system are prescribed to better fight the disease.
Treatment with folk remedies at home
Eliminating the fungus with the help of alternative medicine prescriptions is possible only at an early stage or in combination with pharmacy products.
It is important!
You should be examined and consulted with your doctor before starting self-medication at home.
Iodine
Universal antiseptic is not only bactericidal, but also has antifungal effect. It is recommended to lubricate the affected areas at night. A sensitivity test should be performed before the procedure. To do this, a small amount of iodine is injected into the elbow. If there is no redness, burning or itching on the skin after a few hours, you can use this method. A foot bath is prepared before going to bed, after which the skin is thoroughly wiped with a terry towel. To avoid chemical burns, iodine should be diluted 1: 1 with medical alcohol. With a cotton swab, apply a thin layer of the solution evenly to the affected areas of the fungus. He is wearing cotton socks. Also, nail plates are processed for prevention.
You can make an effective "speaking" based on iodine:
- Powder 14 antifungal tablets;
- Mix 100 ml with 1% Dimexide and leave in a dark place for a day;
- Add 10 ml of iodine and vinegar essence.
Store the resulting mixture in the refrigerator and mix well before use. Apply to the affected areas of the skin with a cotton swab 1-2 times a day. The course of treatment is 1 month.
Hydrogen peroxide
Another well-known antiseptic that helps fight fungal infections in the legs. The solution is used in the form of applications to problem areas. Ten minutes twice a day for 5-10 days will be enough to eliminate mycoses in the early stages.
Baths are considered useful for steaming the feet with the addition of peroxide. Dilute 1: 1 with water. The solution is not enough, but the affected part of the foot should be placed on it. The procedure takes 30-40 minutes. The liquid should not get on healthy skin, as it strongly dehydrates the soft tissues.
Celandine
The plant successfully treats many skin diseases, including mycoses. Softeners are used for compresses and baths. If it is possible to get a freshly harvested plant, then you can try to treat the fungus with fresh water.
To do this, tear off the handle, rinse under running water. Prepare the legs - steam, remove the scales. Yellow juice is visible in the cut part of the stalk. Lubricate the affected surfaces. With self-treatment with celandine at home, you must be extremely careful. This plant is poisonous. Its juice can cause severe skin burns.
A decoction of 5 tablespoons is prepared for steaming. l. Herbs for 1 liter. Hot water. The solution is infused in a tightly closed bowl for 20 minutes. After that, a foot bath is done.
Apple cider vinegar
An acidic environment will help remove fungi that cannot grow and exist. Apple cider vinegar is used in the form of foot baths and applications.
If the affected area is small, it is sufficient to soak a cotton pad or a piece of cotton cloth with an aggressive substance. In case of widespread spread, it is rubbed with oily baby cream to protect healthy areas of the skin, and socks soaked in vinegar are put on it.
Acidify the water for foot baths with it. After such steaming, the skin is thoroughly dried and other natural medicines or pharmaceuticals are applied.
Other home remedies
Traditional medicine offers a variety of tips to get rid of the fungus and its manifestations. Such tools are easily prepared independently of the components available in any home.
Homemade ointments:
- In an processed bowl, mix equal proportions of yellow sulfur, copper sulfate, and gas oil. Bring to a boil over low heat and transfer to a glass jar. The ointment is stored in the refrigerator. Apply to the affected areas of the skin every morning and evening;
- Add wood ash to the gas oil. Stir until smooth. Lubricate problem areas with the mixture twice a day;
- Mix butter with chopped garlic. The resulting mass is applied to the affected skin at night.
Ointments prepared according to traditional medicine have a positive effect only in the early stages of the disease. Used in combination with advanced mycoses, tablets.
Compresses:
- Onion-garlic. Medium-sized onion and 2 cloves of garlic are cut into pulp. The mixture is applied to the skin with a thick layer, covered with a plastic bag and secured with a bandage. Cotton socks are put on it. The procedure is performed before bedtime. In the morning the compress is removed, the feet are washed with warm water and soap. This method will help to cope with the disease in 7-10 days;
- Celandine with tea tree oil. 1 st. l. The chopped greens are mixed with oil until a paste-like substance is obtained. As in the previous recipe, it is applied extensively to the area of localization of the fungi and isolated;
- Herbal compress. In a saucepan, mix 400 ml of sunflower oil, 1 tbsp. l. herbs comfrey, mint, calendula and radiola. Heat the mixture on low heat to 50-60 degrees. Insist in a dark, cool place during the day. Remove the dry ingredients with a sieve or fork. Compresses are made with the oil mixture for 1-2 hours in the evening. The safe action of the recipe allows you to use it in childhood.
It is important!
You should steam your feet for 15-20 minutes before any medical procedure.
Plates:
- The most common and simple solution for evaporation is 1 tbsp. l. table salt or sea salt, 1 tbsp. l. baking soda and 1 liter. su. The procedure takes 15 minutes. Then the feet are washed with warm running water and dried;
- Make strong coffee, cool and immerse your feet in this water for 5 minutes. Then rinse with water;
- Pour two liters of boiling water into the herb mixture: 2 tbsp. l. chamomile flowers, horsetail, flax seeds. After cooling to a tolerable temperature, you need to lift the legs in the broth, which occurs for 15 minutes.
Prevention
Prevention of any disease is easier than cure. Therefore, you need to take some precautions to avoid getting sick.
Tips to prevent infection:
- wear natural, high-quality shoes that do not make your feet sweat;
- it is obligatory to wear changeable rubber slippers in public places of pilgrimage (baths, saunas, showers, swimming pools, dressing rooms);
- use only personal shoes;
- maintain immunity.
Foot fungus is an insidious disease. It is quite easy to get an infection, but it is difficult to get rid of it. Usually people start the disease because the mycosis is not immediately visible. You should be careful with your body and consult a doctor at the first suspicious symptoms.