Unfortunately, the number of patients suffering from fungal infections is increasing rapidly.The reason for this is that people themselves neglect the basic rules of personal hygiene.Fungus on the feet progresses very quickly and can cause a lot of discomfort.In order to understand how to treat this disease, it is first necessary to understand exactly how the infection occurs, and secondly, how the disease manifests itself, in order to make a correct diagnosis at the initial stages of its development.
route of infection
Fungal infections can occur in a variety of ways:
- direct way;
- indirectly.
In the first case, the fungus "colonizes" on the human body through direct contact with soil, wet tiles, sick people and animals, and certain types of plants.
In the second case, the infection occurs through household items used by the sick person.For example, if you come for a visit and use someone else's towel to wipe your feet or hands, your chance of getting a fungal infection is 60%.
At the same time, several factors play an important role in increasing the body's susceptibility to fungi.Right now:
- Age (fungal infections are most common in children due to deficiencies in the body’s defense mechanisms and thin skin);
- weakened immune system;
- disrupts the functioning of the nervous and endocrine systems (they significantly 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, creating a favorable environment for the growth of fungi).
Types of fungal infections
Before talking about how to treat foot fungus, it is necessary to talk about the types of fungal infections.After all, the circumstances may be different and therefore the treatment of the disease will also be different.
The most common type of fungal infection is athlete's foot.This disease affects not only the skin of the feet, but also the nails.This type of fungal infection most commonly occurs in rooms with high humidity and a temperature of at least 10 degrees.Examples of such places are swimming pools, saunas, gyms, bathrooms, etc.
In this case, epidermophytosis is found on all objects in the room.These are:
- towel;
- towel;
- linoleum;
- thermometer;
- Mats etc.
This fungus mainly affects the males of the Earth's population.Because the main cause of infection is increased activity of sweat glands on the skin of the legs.
Another common type of fungal infection is trichophyton.This is one of the most contagious diseases and is spread through:
- bathroom accessories;
- sports equipment;
- shoes and socks;
- Other common items.
Men are also most susceptible to the disease.Also, the older you are, the more likely you are to contract trichophyton.The disease is particularly common among athletes and workers in bathhouses, saunas and swimming pools.
Candidiasis is another common form of fungal foot infection.The causative agent of this disease is Candida, which is present on everyone's skin and is not inherently a disease.This fungus only begins to parasitize when favorable conditions arise.They appear when a person's immunity weakens.
The fungus enters the body through direct contact with contaminated objects and food.They are absolutely everywhere.Fermented dairy products and meats, in particular, contain large amounts of this fungus.
The "activation" of Candida's life activities is affected by the following factors:
- skin damage;
- Decreased immunity;
- increased sweating;
- Increased levels of fungi in ambient air (particularly high in meat production plants).
fungal infection symptoms
Symptoms of foot fungus include:
- itching and burning sensation;
- Remove unpleasant odors;
- peeling skin;
- White coating on skin (more like dust);
- Changes in nail plate color and shape;
- damage to nails;
- Increased sweating of the feet.
In some cases, fluid-filled pustules and blisters may form near the surface of the affected skin.
How to treat foot fungus?
Only a doctor can treat fungal diseases.The problem is that only the outward signs of illness can be eliminated at home.Because fungal infections affect the entire body, not just the upper layers of the epidermis.The fungus penetrates the skin, comes into contact with capillaries, and penetrates through the capillaries into the arteries and then spreads throughout the body.Therefore, treatment of fungal diseases should include not only topical antifungal drugs but also internal preparations.
However, these medications should only be taken with a doctor's prescription.After all, there are more than 500 species of fungi in the world, each with its own characteristics and resistance thresholds to various aggressive substances.This is why the same antifungal agent may help some people cope with the symptoms of the disease, but not others.
When you visit your doctor, a scraping will be done from the affected surface to determine the type of fungus that is attached to your foot.They will then perform a series of tests to rule out complications.Later, after receiving all the necessary information about the patient's health condition, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatments that can quickly eliminate the unpleasant external manifestations of the disease.
However, it is important to note that the disappearance of disease symptoms is not yet a sign of complete cure.Treatment of fungal infections can last several months, and in some cases can extend to 6 months.If the infection is not completely treated, symptoms will begin within a few weeks of stopping the medication.
To treat fungi, fungistats are often used to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.This product is available as a topical ointment and an oral tablet.
In most cases, doctors will combine multiple treatments at the same time to achieve maximum therapeutic effect.A week after taking the medication, the patient is checked again to ensure positive results from the treatment.
Treat Fungus with Folk Remedies
How to treat foot fungus at home?never.Why?We already gave the answer to this question above - the fungus colonizes the entire body, not just the upper epidermis of the skin.Therefore, staying at home can only eliminate the symptoms of the disease and alleviate the condition, nothing more.Therefore, you should not expect "miracles" from conventional medicine.
Therefore, you can use a wine-vinegar bath to relieve itching at home.To prepare it, you need a strong wine-vinegar solution, in which you need to soak your feet for a few minutes.But before that, your feet should be washed thoroughly with soap under running water and dried.
After surgery, you should wear socks on your feet, which must also be pre-moistened with a wine-vinegar solution.After a few days of using this procedure, the itching should disappear and the manifestations of the fungus should diminish.
Salt and soda baths can also help fight fungal infections.The fungus is afraid of these substances and therefore dies quickly.To prepare a therapeutic bath, you need a liter of water, in which you need to dissolve a tablespoon of table salt and baking soda.
Soak your feet in the solution for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry.2-3 procedures will help you eliminate the outward manifestations of fungus.
Various herbs help fight the symptoms of fungal infections.You can make a decoction of the following ingredients to cleanse the affected feet:
- marigold inflorescence;
- oak bark;
- dried blackberries;
- verbena officinalis.
When decoction, take equal amounts of each medicine and stir evenly.Then take 3 tbsp. of the herb mixture, pour in a cup of water and simmer for 15 minutes.
The broth is then slightly cooled and strained, and the limbs are washed with it every day.In addition, you can also wet the bandage with this decoction and apply it on the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
If you do not have access to all these herbs, you can overcome the symptoms of fungus with the help of regular coffee.Make strong coffee and stir in a liter of warm water.Then place your feet in the solution and leave it there for 15 minutes.Then rinse your feet with warm water and dry them.
Milkweed baths can help combat the manifestations of foot fungus.To prepare it, you need to take fresh grass and pour a few liters of boiling water on it.Then let it brew 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 daily for two weeks.
Fungal paste made at home
You can also prepare a cream at home to treat the affected surface.
To prepare the cream, you need:
- sifted wood ash;
- Pork fat.
These ingredients must be mixed together until smooth.Of course, it's best to use a blender.The cream must be used every 12 hours on clean, dry foot skin.
You can also prepare a cream for treating fungal infections using the following ingredients:
- yellow sulfur;
- goose fat;
- Copper sulfate.
All ingredients must be equal parts and mixed thoroughly.Then transfer to a small saucepan and place over the heat and bring to a boil.The cream should then be placed in a dark, cool place and allowed to cool.This cream only needs to be used once a day.But before use, you also need to wash your feet with warm water.
Compresses and Covers Foot Fungus
Foot fungus can also be treated by using masks and compresses.For example, you can use a compress made from onions and garlic.To do this, take a small onion and a head of garlic, peel them and grind them through a meat grinder.
Then apply the resulting mixture to the affected area, wrap it with plastic and put warm socks on the feet.Leave the compress on overnight.By morning, some symptoms of the disease will disappear.This procedure should be done daily until the fungus on your feet no longer bothers you.
If the fungal infection has spread to the toenail, you can use a mixture of vinegar, glycerin, and rubbing alcohol.Take 1 teaspoon of all ingredients.and mix well.The resulting liquid is then applied to the nails (actually a few drops).This should be done daily until the affected nail heals.
Remember, fungal infections require a comprehensive treatment approach.Therefore, traditional medicine alone is not enough.Oral antifungal medications are required.But you should not buy it on your own based on the advice of your pharmacy pharmacist.You should consult your doctor.Only he can truly help you beat this disease and forget about it for many years.