In medical circles, mycosis is a group of diseases caused by fungi. If the skin is damaged, dermatomycosis is diagnosed, and if the nail plate is damaged, onychomycosis is diagnosed. In most cases, the pathologies are combined. Toe fungus develops due to the negative impact of anthropophilic and zooanthropophilic microorganisms. Infection with yeast fungi of the Candida family is somewhat less common. Let's see what types of fungal diseases occur and how to cure fungus between the toes.
types of mushrooms
Fungi are divided into several varieties: dermatophytes, molds and yeast-like parasites. They provoke the development of candidiasis, rubrophytosis, onychomycosis, epidermophytosis. Depending on the symptoms, further divisions into types are distinguished. There are membranous, vesicular and moccasin types of disease.
For information, infection occurs directly (through contact with soil, vegetation, a sick person or animal), or indirectly (through contact with household objects touched by a sick person).
Fungus on the skin between the toes can be of the following types:
- Athlete's foot. The pathology is accompanied by damage to the space between the fingers, as well as the nail plate. In most movies, mature men are sick;
- Rubrophytia. The disease progresses slowly and has no symptoms in the early stages of infection. In the absence of adequate treatment, the nail plate will soon be affected;
- Candidiasis of the interdigital space is relatively rare. Divided into several types. The first is vesicular-pustular. Distinctive signs include severe hyperemia and swelling. The second, hyperkeratotic, the stratum corneum of the dermis thickens and intense peeling occurs;
- Intertriginous form. It is diagnosed most frequently in the summer. It usually affects the space between the third and fourth fingers, somewhat less frequently in the little finger;
- The erased form has a minimal number of symptoms. Patients complain of cracks in the interdigital space, mild burning and itching.
Treatment of interdigital fungus is prescribed after the specific pathogen has been identified. For this, the patient undergoes tests. Based on the results of laboratory diagnostics, a treatment regimen is recommended. It consists of medications for external use, tablets taken internally (in unattended scenes).
Fungal causes and symptoms
Before learning how to treat toe fungus, let's consider the reason for the activation of pathogenic microflora and the symptoms of the disease. Without a doubt, the main reason is the proliferation of fungi in the affected area.
You can become infected in public places, by using other people's personal hygiene items; Infection is often seen within the family circle when one member of the household falls ill.
It is worth knowing: factors that increase a person's susceptibility to fungi include age (children are more sensitive due to immature defense mechanisms and the state of the immune system) and a weakened body cannot resist the effects of the mushrooms.
Fungus between the fingers develops for the following reasons:
- High humidity. This condition is due to poor quality shoes, socks made of synthetic materials and hyperhidrosis of the lower extremities.
- Blood circulation disorder. This problem is observed in chronic pathologies: diabetes, hypertension. It is also detected in experienced smokers and those with alcohol dependence.
- Injuries to the lower extremities. The fungus penetrates through the wound and begins to multiply rapidly. Practice shows that even with good immunity, the body cannot cope on its own.
Other reasons include dermatological diseases: psoriasis, eczema, old age, metabolic disorders of the body, etc.
Toe fungus is accompanied by constant itching and burning, which significantly reduces the patient's quality of life. Initially, one toe is affected, but if the disease is not diagnosed in time and treatment with remedies for foot fungus is not started, the pathology progresses rapidly and spreads to other fingers, feet and ankles.
Fungus between the fingers manifests itself as symptoms:
- Peeling of the skin in the interdigital fold;
- The appearance of small cracks that cause discomfort;
- Itching and pain in the affected area;
- Sealing of the sole of the foot.
If the nail plate is damaged, the color of the nail changes and its natural shine is lost. The nail becomes thicker, is easily damaged, crumbles and collapses.
At first, clinical symptoms are not very pronounced and itching is not a cause for particular concern. As the disease progresses, the symptoms intensify. Very often, the treatment of interdigital fungus on the toes requires the use of two or more medications, since the condition progresses due to the patient's late request for help.
Methods for treating fungus
If fungus appears between your fingers, you should consult a dermatologist. The doctor performs a physical examination and issues a referral for laboratory diagnosis. Based on the results, remedies for foot fungus between the toes are recommended.
How to get rid of pathogenic microorganisms? Local agents will help with this: creams, gels and ointments, sprays, emulsions. They do not enter the bloodstream and are used several times a day. It is advisable to use it for mild fungal infections.
If an advanced fungal infection is diagnosed and the area of the problem area is large, oral tablets are prescribed. They act from the inside, altering the cell membrane of the parasites, which causes their death. The doctor independently determines both the method of application and the dosage; Side effects may develop if the recommended dosage is exceeded.
You can treat toe fungus with the following medications:
- Tablet shape.
- Local agents.
You can complement the medicinal treatment of fungus between the toes with folk remedies: baths based on chamomile, baking soda, lotions with laundry soap, vinegar and other ingredients of natural origin.
Important: To ensure the effectiveness of the treatment, confirmation by laboratory methods is required: the analysis is carried out after 14 days of therapy and after 30 days. Only receiving negative results indicates the effectiveness of the course.
Antifungal agent
An antifungal agent is an antifungal agent, it helps eliminate fungus and acts quickly and effectively. The use of the drug is carried out only on the recommendation of a doctor. The drug has several forms of release: gel, spray, cream and tablets, solution.
The principle of action of the drug is to block the ability of fungi to reproduce, as a result of which they die. When used topically, the product accumulates in the affected area, which contributes to its high effectiveness.
The tablet dosage for an adult is usually 250 mg per day. If a fungus is treated in a child, the dosage is determined by body weight. The duration of the therapeutic course varies from 2 to 6 weeks. The spray and ointment are used 1-2 times a day. The treatment lasts 1 month. On the recommendation of the doctor, the course of treatment can be extended by several weeks.
Side effects of tablets:
- Headache;
- Altered taste perception;
- Dizziness;
- Allergic reactions;
- Decreased appetite;
- Alteration of the digestive tract;
- Nausea vomiting;
- Painful sensations in the abdomen.
Contraindications for use are organic intolerance to the drug, liver and kidney failure. Patient reviews note that the product quickly relieves unpleasant symptoms; After a few days of treatment, the severity of clinical manifestations decreases.
Antifungal medication for systemic use against fungi.
Dosage forms: ointments, creams, sprays and tablets. It is often prescribed to treat a fungal infection located between the toes. The ointment/cream is applied in a thin layer to a dry, clean area of skin. Rubbing is not recommended. The frequency of application is twice a day.
The dosage of tablets is determined individually. The reception takes place over several weeks. For children, the dosage is determined by weight and age. The drug has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms and is a powerful remedy. The tablets should not be prescribed in the following situations:
- Liver dysfunction;
- Lactose intolerance;
- Pregnancy, lactation;
- Hypersensitivity;
- Children under three years of age;
- Patient weight up to 20 kg.
Important: with the simultaneous use of antifungal drugs and alcohol, the likelihood of toxic liver damage increases.
These creams are well tolerated. Only some patients experience allergic reactions. In this case, medication prescriptions must be adjusted. You cannot select analogues yourself.
To prevent the appearance of fungus, it is recommended to treat shoes with antifungal agents; Strictly follow all doctors' recommendations and do not cancel treatment; observe hygiene rules; After water procedures, dry your feet.