In medical circles, mycoses are 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 images, the pathologies are combined. Toe fungus develops due to the negative impact of anthropophilic and zooanthropophilic microorganisms. Infection with yeast-like fungi from the Candida family is somewhat less common. Let's find out 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, with 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 toes, as well as the nail plate. In most films, mature men are sick;
- Rubrophytia. The disease progresses slowly and there are no symptoms in the early stages of infection. In the absence of proper 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, there is severe peeling;
- Intertriginous form. More often diagnosed in summer. It usually affects the space between the third and fourth toes; a little less frequently, a fungus is found on the little toe;
- The erased form has a minimal number of symptoms. Patients complain of cracks in the interdigital space, slight burning and itching.
Treatment of interdigital fungus is prescribed after the specific pathogen has been identified. To do this, the patient undergoes tests. Based on the results of laboratory diagnostics, a treatment regimen is recommended. Consists of medicines for external use, tablets taken internally (in neglected scenes).
Fungus causes and symptoms
Before learning how to treat toe fungus, let's look at the reason for the activation of pathogenic microflora and the symptoms of the disease. The main reason is certainly the proliferation of fungi in the affected area.
You can become infected in public places, using other people's personal hygiene items; Infection is often observed within the family circle when one member of the household becomes ill.
You need to know: factors that increase a person's susceptibility to fungi include age - children are more susceptible due to immature defense mechanisms and the state of the immune system - a weakened body cannot resistto the effects of mushrooms.
The fungus between the fingers develops for the following reasons:
- High humidity. This condition is created by 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 people dependent on alcohol.
- Lower limb injury. The fungus enters 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.
Fungus on the toes is accompanied by constant itching and burning, which significantly reduces the patient's quality of life. Initially, one finger is affected, but if the disease is not diagnosed in time and treatment is not started with foot fungus remedies, the pathology rapidly progresses and spreads to other fingers, feet and ankles.
The fungus between the fingers manifests itself by symptoms:
- Peeling of the skin in the interdigital fold;
- The appearance of small cracks causing 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 injured, crumbles and collapses.
At first, clinical symptoms are not very pronounced, itching does not cause much concern. As the disease progresses, symptoms intensify. Most often, treatment of interdigital fungus on the toes requires the use of two or more drugs, since the picture is advanced due to the patient's late seeking help.
Mushroom processing methods
If fungus appears between your fingers, you should consult a dermatologist. The doctor performs a physical examination and issues a referral for a 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 contribute to this - creams, gels and ointments, sprays, emulsions. They do not enter the bloodstream and are used several times a day. It is recommended to use it in cases of mild fungal infections.
If an advanced fungal infection is diagnosed and the problem area is large, oral tablets are prescribed. They act from the inside by disrupting the cell membrane of parasites, which leads to their death. The doctor independently determines both the method of application and the dosage; Side effects may occur if the recommended dose is exceeded.
You can treat fungus between your toes with the following medications:
- In tablet form.
- Local agents.
You can supplement 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 treatment, confirmation by laboratory methods is required - analysis is carried out after 14 days of treatment and after 30 days. Only receiving negative results indicates the effectiveness of the course.
Antifungal agent
An antifungal agent is an antimycotic agent; it helps eliminate fungi and acts quickly and effectively. The use of the medication is carried out only on the advice of a doctor. The medicine 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, which leads to their death. When used externally, 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 child is treated with a fungus, the dose is determined based on 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 duration of treatment can be extended for several weeks.
Side effects of tablets:
- Headache;
- Impaired taste perception;
- Dizziness;
- Allergic reactions;
- Decreased appetite;
- Disruption of the digestive tract;
- Nausea Vomiting;
- Painful sensations in the abdomen.
Contraindications for use are organic intolerance to the drug, impaired liver and kidney function. Patient reviews indicate that the product quickly relieves unpleasant symptoms - after a few days of treatment, the severity of clinical manifestations decreases.
Antifungal drug for systemic use against fungi
Dosage forms - ointment, cream, spray and tablets. Often prescribed to treat a fungal infection located between the toes. The ointment/cream is applied in a thin layer to a dried and cleansed 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 dose is determined based on 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, breastfeeding;
- Hypersensitivity;
- Children under three years old;
- Patient weight up to 20 kg.
Important: with the simultaneous use of antifungal drugs and alcohol, the risk of toxic liver damage increases.
These creams are well tolerated. Only some patients experience allergic reactions. In this case, medication prescriptions must be adapted. 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; respect hygiene rules; After water procedures, dry your feet.