Modern man is subject to physical inactivity and the influence of a polluted atmosphere, and the use of dozens of harmful food additives does not bring anything to health.As a result, one's immune system weakens and becomes more vulnerable to infections lurking at every turn.More than 20% of the world's population is infected with dermatomycosis or fungal infection.The legs are particularly often affected.Medicine successfully treats this disease, but due to certain circumstances, many prefer to self-medicate.Let's see how to properly treat foot fungus at home.
Types of fungal infections on the feet
The appearance of fungus on the feet is an infection of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) of the interdigital area of the feet and nail plates, with the possible spread of microscopic fungi further throughout the body.The defeat can be caused by:
- yeast mushrooms;
- mold;
- dermatophytes.
But in general, this disease is called dermatomycosis.
Visible signs of fungus depend on the strain causing it.Types of mycoses:
- Onychomycosis - this disease affects the nail plates and progresses in different ways.In the first case, the nails change color, break and thicken.In case of atrophy, the nail plate is completely destroyed and the skin underneath hardens.
- With scaly mycosis, the skin turns red and begins to itch, peeling occurs, and the disease turns into painful itching.
- The dyshidrotic form of the fungus is characterized by the formation of watery blisters with a diameter of up to 5 mm, which gradually merge with each other to form ulcers.
- Intertriginous mycosis is the most common type of fungus, appearing as cracks in the skin between the toes, usually closer to the little toe.Characterized by severe itching.
What are the causes of leg fungus?
- Many healthy people strive to stay in shape.They frequent fitness clubs, beaches, swimming pools and saunas, where fungal organisms multiply rapidly in a warm environment.It is in these public places that fungal infections usually occur.
- When a family uses house shoes, towels, bath and shower mats, and hygiene products.A carrier of the fungus can infect the whole family.
- Weakened immunity contributes to the spread of leg fungus in older people.Statistics show that men are more likely to be infected with this fungus.
- Indiscriminate use of medications (glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, antibacterial drugs, cytostatics) also leads to a risk of developing mycotic infections of the feet.
- Fungal infection of the feet is possible due to occupational factors.Mine workers, people involved in the metallurgical industry, military personnel, as well as maintenance personnel in baths, saunas and sports complexes are more often susceptible to infection.
- A person's lifestyle and the presence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, vascular and somatic diseases, endocrine disorders (including excessive sweating), osteoarthritis, excess weight.
- Cuts and microcracks in the skin, corns and calluses on the feet, hallux valgus.
- Unfavorable environmental situation.
Fungus on the feet usually develops in several periods:
- The incubation phase depends on the state of the human immune system.The stronger it is, the later the signs of foot fungus will appear.
- The period following the incubation period is characterized by redness of the skin, the appearance of itching and microcracks.Sometimes the legs swell.At this stage, the development of the infection can be stopped with simple and even folk remedies.
- At the third stage, the disease becomes more dangerous: the skin peels off, large lesions form, and the skin gradually begins to exfoliate.The cracks widen, causing significant pain.Nail plates are deformed.From this period onwards, the treatment will be complex and prolonged.
- The chronic form of mycosis is fraught with frequent relapses and can last for several years.If the fungus has progressed to such an extent, you should immediately consult a doctor to avoid irreparable consequences of the disease.
How to treat foot fungus at home
Only after carrying out qualified diagnostics (scrapings, study of stumps, microscopy) can a specialist prescribe effective means to combat foot fungus.In addition to drug treatment, folk remedies can also be used against fungus.
There are many ways to get rid of foot fungus at home.Their advantage is affordable price and a minimum of contraindications.But even harmless folk remedies should be used in combination with basic medications in consultation with a doctor.
The most effective antifungal agents
There are a number of dosage forms for fungi in the form of tablets, suppositories, creams, ointments and suspensions, sprays and lotions with fungicidal properties that prevent the growth of bacteria.These products can quickly remove fungus from affected skin if the disease is in its early stages.
Usually, in the complex treatment of foot fungus, the following drugs are used:
- tablets against foot fungus;
- antifungal ointment, which is applied 2 times a day to sore spots.
In addition to drug treatment, there is an innovative method of treating fungus - a hardware method that quickly eliminates the symptoms of mycosis in painful areas, but does not guarantee that there will be no relapses.
Folk recipes
In addition to the main therapy, treatment of foot fungus with folk remedies is used.There are many known methods for treating this problem at home: these are all kinds of antifungal baths, compresses and masks based on natural substances.
Among them, the most effective for the treatment of mycoses are the following:
- Potassium permanganate solution.It is recommended to steam your feet in a warm bath before going to bed, then wrap them in gauze soaked in this solution and leave overnight.
- Baths containing sea salt in the amount of 1.5 tablespoons.L.per liter of water.
- Copper sulfate.Using it, you can fight foot fungus like this: fry 1 tbsp.of this substance in a pan until it turns white, then mix with the same quantity of yellow sulfur and goose fat.Mix the ingredients thoroughly and, while they are hot, apply a thin layer of the resulting ointment to your feet.Wash off after 40 minutes.
- Using vinegar against fungus is the quickest way to solve the problem.Among its types (apple, wine), the most effective is simple 9% vinegar, diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 8, used as a slightly warm bath 4-5 times a day for 2-3 days.
- A baking soda paste will also help combat foot fungus.It is applied to the affected areas of the feet and left for 20 minutes, then washed off.You can also mix baking soda with salt and apply it in the same way on your feet.
- A foot compress with peroxide solution will help cure the fungus.To do this, you must first steam your feet in a bath of warm water.Then prepare a solution of 1 liter of water with 1 tsp.soda and 2 tbsp.L.peroxide, soak gauze and wrap your feet with it.Leave on for an hour, then rinse.
- Onion recipes will help you cope with the problem.Grate 2 large onions on a coarse grater, squeeze the juice from the resulting pulp and apply it to your feet.Wait until it is absorbed, put on socks and leave it on overnight, then wash your feet in the morning.Garlic juice has a similar effect on mushrooms.
- It is also effective to use celandine against fungus.Its juice (5 drops) is mixed with half a teaspoon of alcoholic tincture of calendula and 5 drops of oregano juice, as well as a teaspoon of water.The resulting mixture is used to treat the affected areas of the legs without rinsing.
Maintenance and hygiene rules
Using medicinal compresses and foot baths against fungus at home along with prescribed medications, you can get rid of them quite quickly.In addition, special care must be given to the feet in order to maintain the condition of the skin during this period, as well as to promote recovery.
Before treating areas of the feet and nails affected by fungal infection, first put disposable gloves on your hands.
Shoes should be treated with special products (vinegar and mustard powder will do).If possible, it should be replaced with products made from natural materials.After each wearing, shoes should be placed on the balcony to ensure ventilation.If it gets wet, be sure to dry it completely and change the insoles more often.
During the period of fungal disease, you should not visit the swimming pool, saunas, beaches or use someone else's shoes, slippers or towels, so as not to infect other family members with the fungus.After healing, it is advisable to get rid of old socks and replace the insoles of your shoes, as well as treat them with vinegar.This also applies to rubber mats in the bathroom.This is done to destroy fungal spores that may reappear or infect other people's feet.
Prevention of relapses and reinfections
To avoid reinfection of the feet with a fungal infection and get rid of it permanently, you need to pay special attention to foot hygiene.To do this, you need to remember a few simple rules:
- wear only your own shoes and clothes;
- choose shoes made from natural materials;
- do not leave smoking feet in shoes;
- wash your feet regularly, preferably in the morning, before going to bed and after coming in from outside;
- take care of your shoes: dry them from the inside, periodically treat them with special deodorants;
- support immunity.
Feet require regular care and attention.Any discomfort in the legs and any external changes in their area should be a reason to consult a specialist.