The most common fungal disease is athlete's foot. Fungus on the feet most often occurs in the area of the toes and nails. Despite modern technology, old wounds continue to torment people. They still require the systematic use of drugs and patience to achieve the goal.
It is easy to get infected with fungi, but getting rid of them is not so easy. The fact is that falling on the surface of the skin, under the influence of favorable conditions, the fungus begins to develop, while destroying the epidermis or nails.
Symptoms that indicate that a fungus has appeared
Fungal infections of the feet come in many forms. They have their own symptoms, but some are characteristic of all types of manifestations of the fungus.
You can diagnose the disease by the following signs:
- severe itching;
- Changes in the color of the skin and nails in the places where the fungus develops;
- Some forms of fungal infection present as small rashes or watery pimples;
- skin peeling;
- Redness and swelling;
- Sometimes the body temperature rises, in most cases - no higher than 37 degrees;
- Affected nails lose their elasticity, begin to exfoliate and crumble or even collapse, the skin near the nail becomes pus;
- Watery acne becomes cloudy over time, the internal contents become purulent.
Fungus on the feet and the reasons for their activity
Almost all people on Earth are carriers of fungal infections, but not everyone is sick with them.
The infection is activated for the following reasons:
- Disorder of the endocrine system;
- Visiting public swimming pools, saunas, baths without special shoes;
- High humidity contributes to the development of infection, such as wet shoes, poorly dried feet after hygienic procedures;
- Weakened immunity.
Fungi and their treatment with pharmaceutical drugs
The treatment of fungal infections is a long process. It is very important to choose the right medicine and to recognize the disease in time. No one will do this better than a dermatologist, you do not have to experiment alone. The fact is that the area of skin affected by the infection looks like ordinary dermatitis.
miconazole antifungal agent
It has a wide range of applications, ie it fights a wide variety of fungal infections. It is considered one of the most effective. Treatment can be started with a doctor's prescription.
To get rid of the infection, treat the problem skin or nail 2 times a day. For better therapeutic effect you can bandage the affected finger or nail after applying the drug. Treat for at least 2 weeks. Once the signs of the disease disappear, you should use the drug for about a week.
It is contraindicated to use this drug for people with severe liver pathology. Side effects are associated with allergic reactions.
According to numerous reviews of grateful patients, the drug is a very effective means of treating parasitic fungi. It helps quickly and rarely has relapses. The first tangible result appears in the 2nd week of treatment.
Preparation of undecyl acid
The main active ingredient is undecyl acid. In addition to the fact that the drug helps get rid of fungal infections, it promotes healing of damaged skin.
To heal faster, lubricate the damaged areas 2 times a day every day.
Treat for at least 15 days. If necessary, repeat the course in the same way.
The drug has some contraindications: allergic reaction, skin diseases of non-fungal origin in the acute phase. Side effects are also more related to allergies.
After application of the drug, weeping wounds heal quickly, which sometimes appear under the influence of mycosis. The itching disappears after a few days.
Homeopathic antifungal medicine with psoralen
The main component is psoralen, which is extracted from the seeds of a plant called Ammi. It acts as a medicine against the reproduction of the infection and also contributes to its elimination.
To remove the fungus, lubricate the surface of the affected skin with gel 3 times a day. After each application on the surface of the toes a characteristic film appears. Wash with soap and water before next use. Then wipe your feet, then reapply the medicine. The treatment lasts 3 weeks. It all depends on the results. If the disease "resists", the course can continue for another week. If the disease recurs, repeat the treatment according to the same scheme.
After application, the first tangible results appear no earlier than 7 days. The itching passes faster.
Quinone antifungal agent
Used in mild forms of skin damage, not used for nails.
Treat with this drug 2 times a day, apply the powder on clean and dry skin. Also treat shoes and socks with the drug. The maximum course is 4 weeks.
After application, the fungus ceases to exist after some time. The first significant result appears no earlier than 7-8 days of treatment.
Means to remove the affected nail
The main component is urea, in concentrated form it acts as an acid.
Usually, if the nail is severely damaged, it is removed surgically. This is necessary because no medicine will get under the nail plate. Accordingly, any treatment will be useless. The infection gets under the nail and multiplies. The new plate will grow back in time, but already strong.
To remove the nail without surgery, treat it with an emulsion every few days. First, dissolve some soap and baking soda in warm water. For one liter of water take 20 grams of soda and the same amount of dry soap shavings. Steam your feet to soften the nail. Then use a detergent that dissolves the horny surface of the nail plate.
It is advisable to protect the skin near the nail during emulsion treatment so as not to damage it. The next step is to seal the treated area with plaster. The time of use is indicated in the instructions.
Then remove the softened layer with a nail file for pedicure or manicure. How many times to apply - depends on the thickness of the nail plate. The package is designed for several fingers.
Contraindicated in those who experience an allergic reaction to it or to any of its ingredients. No information on side effects.
After proper application, the nail plate becomes thinner and gradually dissolves completely, providing access to the skin of the finger. The preparation contains tea tree oil, which acts as an antiseptic, disinfects the surface of unprotected skin, so that the fungus can cope much faster.
How to deal with the problem at home?
Treating the disease at home with natural remedies can be effective, especially in the early stages of development. It is better to remove complex forms with drugs so as not to waste time.
Recipe №1
Take 100 grams of milk thistle. The whole plant is used, from the roots to the flowers. Put in a thermos and fill with water, you need about 2 liters. If there is no suitable thermos, you can prepare medicine in any container, which is then covered with something thick to keep warm. After a few hours, pour into a basin and steam the feet affected by mycosis. Repeat every 3 days. The treatment lasts for 14 days.
Recipe №2
Moisten clean socks with wine vinegar and squeeze well. Put your feet up before bed. Vinegar has antiseptic properties. Helps get rid of fungus. The treatment lasts at least a month.
Recipe №3
Make coffee in a saucepan. Pour the finished strong drink into a bowl and steam your feet in it. This not only removes the fungus for a few days, but also relieves foot fatigue. Repeat the procedure for several days in a row.
Preventive measures to prevent the onset of the disease:
- If you have excessive sweating of the feet, take herbal baths every night, change socks often;
- It is recommended to bend your feet in saline or soda solution, so dissolve a tablespoon of the product in a liter of water and hold your feet for 15-20 minutes;
- Iron the bed linen and socks after washing with a hot iron, at high temperatures the fungus dies;
- Periodically disinfect the shoes with special means, such as formalin, to kill the infection, 1% solution is enough.
The treatment of the problem is performed at home with all the above means. Effectiveness depends on your approach. Proper use of drugs guarantees 100% results. It is better to choose a suitable remedy with a doctor.