A common mycotic pathology is a fungus between the fingers, where a favorable environment for various microorganisms is formed. Under certain conditions, there can be numerous dermatophytes, mold and yeast spores. The first sign of their activity is a slight itching, which can be accompanied by burning of varying intensity.
Causes of interdigital fungus of the feet and hands
The main cause of infection is the weakening of local or general immunity. Provoking factors can be contact with the carrier, the presence of systemic diseases, other circumstances:
- skin injury;
- irregular, careless limb hygiene;
- hyperhidrosis or, conversely, excessive dryness of the epidermis;
- tight and uncomfortable shoes;
- Hypothermia of the extremities or, conversely, diaper rash from overheating.
The likelihood of infection increases in public places with warm and humid microclimates, including baths, saunas, pools and beaches, when using someone else's clothing or shoes.
Types of mushrooms between fingers
The fungus on the skin between the fingers differs in the type of pathogen and localization. More often than other microorganisms, the disease is caused by dermatophytes, in some cases mold and yeast become the causative agent. Most often the infection occurs between the toes, the fungus on the hands is less common.
Symptoms of the fungus on the legs and arms
The first signs of the disease are small cracks, first affecting the big toe and the skin on the little toe. Microtraumas are accompanied early on by slight peeling and slight itching between the fingers. In addition to the initial stage with subtle symptoms, the disease goes through three other stages with increasing manifestations of infection. In the second stage:
- slight redness, turning into a large spot;
- dander more intense;
- vesicles are formed;
- corns, calluses are formed;
- the skin becomes rough;
- Itching intensifies, periodically turns into a burning sensation.
At the penultimate stage, the patient's condition deteriorates significantly, pain is added to severe itching. The clinical picture is as follows:
- Cracks deepen, erosions form;
- peel the skin on the toes and in the interdigital space;
- vesicles burst, infiltration is accompanied by weeping;
- there is a symptom of diaper rash;
- inflammation begins.
The neglected form is characterized by an exacerbation of pain, unbearable burning, intensification of redness, deepening of skin injuries, suppuration and bleeding are observed.
diagnosis
Unlike other types of mycoses, this type of fungus is easily diagnosed by visual inspection even at the early stages. To identify the pathogen, microscopy is used with a preliminary scraping of biomaterial from the affected area. A culture culture, CPR diagnostics, blood and urine tests are also prescribed. The complex of laboratory methods allows:
- accurately determine the nature of the infection;
- degree of damage;
- Pathogen resistance to mycotics.
Diagnosing the disease can take several days to a month. Based on the results, effective drugs and a treatment regimen are selected.
Medical treatment
Treatment of an early form of fungus between the toes or fingers may be limited to external means. In later forms, systemic fungal agents are added to topical preparations for oral administration.
Anoint
With proper use, ointments act on the entire depth of the skin, completely destroying the superficial infection. A few simple recommendations will help achieve the desired therapeutic effect:
- external medicine is applied to clean and steamed skin, therefore, before each treatment procedure, baths are prepared for the limbs;
- With an abundance of microtraumas on the legs, the use of solutions based on caustic components is not recommended.
- after steaming, the skin on the whole foot is gently cleaned, with particular care in the space between the toes;
- pre-treatment is completed by thorough wiping with a towel or disposable napkins;
- The ointment is applied in a thin layer, distributed evenly over the affected area and accompanied by light rubbing movements.
Arbitrary selection of ointments is not recommended, the drug prescribed by the doctor is the most effective and safe.
solutions
In the early stages, the interdigital fungus responds well to treatment with solutions. The liquid form is easily absorbed and quickly penetrates the thickness of the skin. It is applied to a clean, dry surface without additional manipulations with cotton pads or swabs. As a non-core drug, injectable novocaine can be used. When used with lotions, the solution is:
- dries the skin and relieves inflammation;
- relieves itching and burning;
- allows you to remove redness;
- has a disinfecting effect.
tablets
A tableted variety of mycotics is prescribed for deep penetration of the infection, when local medicine cannot cope with the disease. The tool acts from within, which provides a powerful therapeutic effect and allows you to completely get rid of the fungus, even in its advanced form.
However, doctors avoid prescribing the same drug in different forms for complex therapy. This reduces the sensitivity of the pathogen to the agent and prolongs the course of treatment. The specifics of use and the presence of contraindications can cause serious side effects that greatly complicate treatment. Therefore, the doctor should select the drug, determine its dosage, frequency and duration of use.
home remedies
The advantage of such treatment is the ability to carry out procedures at home, using self-made means, without additional costs. Despite the popularity, therapy solely with folk remedies does not always lead to a full recovery. But they cope well with external manifestations and help to cure early interdigital mycosis in combination with drugs.
salt and soda baths
This method is considered one of the most affordable and user-friendly. The recipe does not require expensive components, a liter of boiled water is enough to prepare the solution at a temperature of about 40 degrees, 2 teaspoons. soda or salt. It's better to use sea salt, but if you don't have it, regular table salt can do. The components are mixed, the limbs are kept in solution for up to half an hour. It is recommended to bathe at least once a day, the last procedure is preferably carried out before bedtime.
herbal baths
For this option, you can use a decoction of dry collections of celandine, chamomile and plantain. The components are placed in a tablespoon, pour a liter of boiling water over them and bring to a boil over low heat. After filtration, the broth for the procedure is poured into a container and the legs are steamed for at least 20 minutes. After the baths, the skin is gently cleaned of dead layers of the epidermis and wiped dry. For additional treatment of the affected areas, iodine or hydrogen peroxide can be used.
lotions with vinegar
A fungus on the skin between the fingers is often recommended to be treated with a vinegar solution. The liquid creates an acidic environment that is unfavorable for infection and inhibits the activity of the pathogen. For lotions, 9% table vinegar is used:
- moistened cotton pads are fixed between the fingers;
- the limb is covered with cling film;
- Lotion lasts up to 5 minutes.
After the procedure, the skin must be rinsed with running water at a comfortable temperature. Repeatability at least 1 time per day, daily until symptoms disappear.
treatment during pregnancy
Mycosis between the toes is a particular danger during pregnancy. Self-medication in such a situation is unacceptable, therapy is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. When selecting drugs and therapies, the balance between benefit to the mother and harm to the fetus must be considered.
Treatment of fungus between the fingers and toes in children
Infection rarely affects children, usually the source of the disease is adult infection. The treatment regimen is almost the same as for adults. An important nuance is the reduced dosage, especially of systemic drugs. The daily dose of some is determined by the weight of the child. Age restrictions must be considered prior to use.
Prevention of fungal infections
The main way to prevent infection and the development of a fungal infection remains personal hygiene and strengthening the protective functions of the body. Comfortable shoes made of breathable, natural materials help keep your feet healthy.