One of the most common problems faced by almost all people is the fungus on the toes. Such a prevalence of the disease is due to the fact that you can get infected anywhere, by regularly visiting the gym, swimming pool, or walking barefoot on the ground or grass. In this case, it does not matter whether or not a person observes the rules of personal hygiene.
Like other diseases, this infection requires proper and prompt treatment. If you ignore this recommendation, the disease will progress, the symptoms will begin to appear more intense, and the skin will become thin and covered with small painful cracks.
What is a fungus and how does infection occur?
Mycosis or fungal infection of the toes is an infectious disease. Such skin lesions are also called dermatomycosis. In total, there are a huge number of bacteria in nature, but not all of them can cause human health problems. Mycosis is one of the most common diseases and ranks second after purulent pathologies, that is, boils, streptoderma, anthrax and staphyloderma.
As for the groups of fungi that affect the skin of the legs, they are divided into 3 groups, namely:
- Candidiasis. It belongs to the group of yeast-like fungi.
- Zooanthropophile. Infection can come from both an animal and a person.
- Anthropophile. In this case, you can only be infected by other people.
How does the fungus show up on the toes?
The first symptoms of nail fungus have vague characteristics, so it is very difficult to recognize the disease from the first days of infection. Sometimes people don't go to the doctor right away, not because they don't want to, but because they don't understand what their situation is. In order not to end up in such situations, doctors always recommend, even with the smallest symptoms, to seek help. In this case, the patient will be spared the problem as quickly as possible.
The main signs of a toe infection are:
- spots of a yellowish tint and seals on the skin;
- increased sweating;
- the spaces between the fingers start to hurt and itch;
- spots and exfoliation of the skin appear where the infection is located.
The intensity of symptoms may also depend on the form of the disease, scaly or intrigue. In the second case, the person will suffer from swelling of the legs, redness and constant humidity in the places affected by the infection. This shape is characterized by a location between the last 4 fingers.
With a form of scaly pathology, white scabs appear on the legs, peel off, as well as an increased drawing of the lines of the skin. In the first days after infection, the patient feels burning and itching. If left untreated, the symptoms will be supplemented by an unusual luster of the skin on the legs and peeling of small gray or white scales.
How to treat toe fungus?
Nowadays, the patient can choose from a variety of drugs which are equally effective in combating the fungus between the toes. To get rid of the disease as quickly as possible, doctors recommend using complex therapy, which includes the following measures:
- Take pills.
- The use of immunostimulants and vitamin complexes.
- Gels and creams.
To note!Almost all medicines are very effective, but this does not mean that the treatment period will be short. Depending on the state of the protective functions of the organism, the patient will have to fight the fungus for at least 1 month.
Medicines effective for the treatment of toe fungus
The fungus on the feet is usually treated with varnishes, gels or tablets. The most suitable drug will be selected by a specialist.
How is toe fungus treated with folk remedies?
With drug treatment of the fungus on the toes, experts advise using alternative therapy, but when using any remedy, you should consult a doctor. This will prevent allergies and other unwanted effects.
Traditional healers are advised to pay attention to the following methods:
- Use apple cider vinegar. This is necessary for the "acidification" of the body. Regardless of food intake, vinegar is dissolved in a glass of water and drunk once a day.
- Foot baths. In this case, it is worth pouring 9 percent vinegar into the pelvis in such an amount that it covers the foot. The liquid should be slightly warm. The procedure lasts no more than 15 minutes.
- Vinegar and vegetable oil. From these two components for the treatment of fungal infections of the feet it is necessary to prepare an ointment, in a ratio of 1 to 1. It covers the affected areas overnight. To improve the effect on the leg, it is worth wearing a sock.
Effects of fungal infections on the toes
If you do not treat the treatment of fungus on the legs, it can cause the following deviations:
- when the fungus remains on the fingers for a long time, it can cause increased sensitivity to other types of fungi, and also affect the development of bronchial asthma, allergic dermatitis or other skin diseases;
- thumb yeast infection can affect the development of diabetes mellitus or gangrene;
- if left untreated, the infection can spread throughout the body and affect internal organs, in which case the patient will need to undergo prolonged and more complex therapy. It doesn't matter if it's fungus on the little toe or the other toes.
How to avoid re-infection with yeast infection after treatment?
To prevent the fungus on the toes from appearing again, you should adhere to all precautionary rules, including the following:
- Use of rubber slippers when visiting the swimming pool or public shower.
- Respect for personal hygiene.
- Take vitamin complexes to strengthen the protective functions of the body.
- Feet should be washed daily before going to bed.
- You cannot wear someone else's shoes.
- Good nutrition and an active lifestyle.
- In special cases, it is advisable to have removable and looser shoes.
- Do not use other people's hygiene items and do not give yours to anyone.
- Don't wear dirty socks.
- For preventive purposes, use foot baths.
Antifungal treatment for shoes
A special product can be used to treat shoes against fungus on the skin of the toes. It will not only help get rid of the infection, but also get rid of the unpleasant smell and rid the shoes of yeast and dermatitis.
After the infection is cleared, the shoes can be treated with an antiseptic. You can buy it in a pharmacy, the tool will allow you to clean the shoes not only from the fungus, but also from other bacteria, which pose a danger to human health.