"How to cure foot fungus", "how to quickly get rid of onychomycosis, foot fungus, gain eternal youth and defeat death". These are all questions of the same level. The fungus on the legs cannot be treated quickly and reliably, especially with home methods. You still need a dermatologist.
Mycosis of the foot is a skin disease caused by the spread of parasitic fungi and is one of the most common ailments affecting human skin (photo).
The disease is quite difficult to treat and leads to complications, as it rarely starts early.
Often times, a person infected with a yeast infection does not pay attention to the symptoms and the bacteria have time to "settle" firmly on the skin.
Causes of foot fungus
The high prevalence of foot mycosis is explained by the fact that the disease is easily transmitted from person to person at the level of the contact household.
Pathogens love a warm, humid environment that encourages fungal growth.
Pools, gyms, baths and saunas, where a person can step on the ground barefoot, are some of the first places where a fungus can be contracted.
The use of household items and personal belongings of a person with foot mycosis (towels, cloths) inevitably leads to infection.
The second reason for the spread of fungal infection and the formation of mycosis of the foot is non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene, increased sweating of the legs.
Rarely changing socks and getting wet feet also creates all favorable conditions for the growth of foot fungus.
Symptoms of a foot fungus.
There are several forms of mycosis of the foot, the symptoms of which have distinctive characteristic features.
Erased form of toe fungus
The symptoms of this form of foot mycosis are insignificant and this is the insidiousness of the skin disease.
A person accepts mild dryness and flaking of the dermis as an absolutely normal physiological phenomenon.
Although the spaces that appear between the fingers are considered diaper rash, they are actually symptoms of fungal exposure.
Squamous-hyperkeratic form of foot fungus
The most common form of foot mycosis among the population over 60 is moccasin foot.
This is called for the obvious visible signs that appear on the surface of the foot:
- rough and thick skin on the entire surface;
- cracks, calluses (hyperkeratosis);
- fixation of the lesion of the nail plates;
- the color is dirty gray, with yellowness;
- unpleasant smell;
- stratum corneum separation, scales;
- pain when walking and inability to wear shoes.
Vesicular form of foot fungus
Mycoses of the foot, with symptoms in the form of bullous formations with a thick stratum corneum, are called the wet form of a fungal infection.
The bubbles that appear over time open and become like eczema, ulcers, psoriasis.
In general, mycoses of the foot manifest in different ways.
The condition can begin with cracked heels, itchy and popping bubbles, severe diaper rash, or rough skin.
The peeling of the skin cannot go unnoticed when exfoliating in large or small scales of the foot.
There is also an unpleasant smell, the legs quickly sweat, and after being in the shoes, the foot "burns" and itches.
Complications arising from a negligent attitude to the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves in the form of erosions and painful wounds on the legs, which sometimes cannot be completely healed.
Foot fungus treatment
For the treatment of mycosis of the foot, antimiotics of a new generation are used. They are not that harmful to the liver and are very effective.
However, the fungus is insidious because it quickly develops resistance to various types of drugs, thus causing relapses.
To cure a fungal foot infection, it is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis by identifying what type of mycosis has spread through the skin. To do this, the fungus is scraped off.
Comprehensive treatment, with a precise regimen of taking drugs, both local and systemic, should be determined only by a specialist, since self-medication leads to an aggravation of the problem.
And the third point of a successful cure is the strict discipline of the patient when taking medications, adhering to a diet and taking preventive measures.
Several treatment regimens are used for mycosis of the foot: combined and monotherapy.
And if a drug is selected for monotherapy, more often for external use.
This combined scheme implies several directions in the treatment at the same time:
- outdoor remedies;
- tablets for internal use;
- laser exposure;
- hardware pedicure.
External remedies for foot fungus
The most effective, capable of influencing the fungus, is a substance that destroys both mold and yeast fungi, can fight dermatophytes and infections of non-fungal origin, which are often associated with foot fungus.
This substance can come in various forms: spray, cream or gel, solution, etc.
The products work on the principle of forming a protective film, which can be retained on the surface of the skin for up to 72 hours.
External drugs are applied in the amount prescribed by the doctor, but often the procedure is carried out 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks, then the treatment continues, but according to a different scheme.
Before applying the ointment or cream, the foot is cleaned.
Salicylic acid wraps are made to get rid of stratum corneum, soap and soda baths, a petroleum jelly based ointment is used to soften and remove dead tissue.
Such procedures are carried out in special rooms for medical pedicure, using grinding accessories.
Before treating mycosis of the feet with a wet type, it is advisable to dry the ulcers and blisters with boric acid, bright green or iodine.
To prevent the spread of the fungus to the nail plates, special varnishes are prescribed against onychomycosis.
But the vesicular form of mycosis will require the addition of corticosteroids to the treatment regimen.
How to cure a foot fungus - systemic therapy
Taking antifungal agents inside is not indicated for all patients with mycosis of the foot.
The drugs are quite toxic, therefore pregnant and lactating women, young children, the elderly, and those with liver dysfunctions are not prescribed.
According to the instructions attached to the drug or according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor, antifungal tablets are taken.
Recently, drugs that relieve foot and nail fungus in 1 course have proven to be good, relieve itching, peeling and irritation of the skin of the legs after the first application.
Folk remedies for the treatment of foot fungus.
If there are categorical contraindications to treating mycosis of the foot with medications, you can try folk remedies.
How to cure foot fungus at home:
- The acid found in wine vinegar or table vinegar (9%) is an effective folk remedy against fungi. It is used to lubricate the surface of the skin affected by mycosis and to put cotton socks on top. Leave it overnight. Using vinegar is not recommended for those who have wounds or sores on their legs. In this case, it is better to reduce the concentration of the folk remedy or replace it with a milder one.
- Brewed coffee shows good results. It is necessary to prepare the drink stronger and enough so that you can fully immerse your feet in it. For prevention, alternative treatment is carried out on two limbs at once, even if the mycosis is observed in only one. Perform the procedure before going to bed.
- Celandine foot baths also act as an effective folk remedy that can eliminate foot fungus within a month. Prepare a bath at the rate of 4 tablespoons. l for 1 l. Water. The herb is boiled, after which the legs are raised in a warm collection for up to half an hour. You can also take a stronger collection of herbs for brewing: oak bark, chamomile, knot, sage, eucalyptus, and fir needles. They all have excellent antifungal properties.
- You can also use lotions of a local anesthetic medicine by moistening a cotton swab in a medicinal solution and applying it to the affected area. A folk remedy quickly relieves the symptoms - pain and itching.
Prevention of foot fungus.
Effective treatment of mycosis of the foot is possible subject to the following preventive measures:
- Mandatory disinfection of insoles and the inner surface of shoes, the more often the better. To do this, use special antifungal sprays for shoes or alcohol;
- it is advisable to change the bedding daily and it is necessary to wash it at high temperatures;
- disinfect the surface of the bath or shower, and also refuse to visit public toilets during treatment;
- in public places, do not allow yourself to walk barefoot and dry your feet before putting on your shoes;
- it is necessary to treat the fungus at once to all family members, otherwise someone will be constantly infected;
- Follow a diet: do not eat allergenic foods, smoked meats, preserved foods, very salty and spicy foods, sweets.