Flexibility of the foot (yeast infection) is a fairly common disease, the sign of which is damage to the skin.
Infection occurs when healthy skin comes into contact with a spore carrier, as well as through the home: through shoes, a shared bathroom and contaminated objects. The fungal infection easily penetrates the interdigital folds (under favorable conditions), where it begins its way and the growth of the population over the entire surface of the foot.
What is a mushroom?
Mycosis of the feet is the most common type of dermatomycosis, which is characterized by chronic relapses. It includes both the damage to the layers of the skin and the nails. The top layer of the skin, which is constantly peeling, contains a mass of fungi, as well as their spores.
The fungus is a contagious disease that is transmitted from person to person through household items. Interdigital folds are the first affected, due to which itching appears. After that, the infection covers the entire area of the foot. The disease develops quickly and is characterized by the presence of itching, burning, pain, dry skin, peeling and even diaper rash.
Reasons for the appearance
The main cause of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, as well as molds. Infection with them occurs under the following conditions:
- wearing tight shoes (when the feet are tight, cracks and bedsores form, in which the infection easily develops);
- excessive sweating of the legs (this is an excellent environment for the development of the fungal population);
- with high humidity in the room (shower, bathroom) - favorable conditions for all types of fungi;
- frequent visits to saunas, swimming pools (the risk of contact with carriers of infection increases);
- the presence of a sick person in the family (you can be infected by household items: slippers, socks and shared bath).
There are also a number of diseases in which a person is likely to be infected with a fungus:
- immunodeficiency (a weakened immune system is more susceptible to infectious and bacterial diseases);
- take hormonal drugs (violate hormonal levels);
- flat feet (with this disease it is difficult to choose shoes with the right height, often the legs are squeezed);
- varicose veins (poor circulation causes dry skin);
- atherosclerosis;
- diabetes mellitus (there is an increase in capillary permeability, a change in their barrier function).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of yeast infection of the feet are:
- burning and itching between the toes of the lower extremities (in the initial form) and all over the surface of the feet (in later stages);
- painful sensations (with varying intensity: the pain may increase, then completely disappear for a short time);
- redness of the skin (from a slight pink tint to purple);
- profuse dryness and peeling (separation of scales and crusts from plaques);
- cracks in the skin of the feet (which do not go away with conventional moisturizers);
- changes in the color and structure of the nails (they become thick and exfoliate);
- the presence of an unpleasant odor from the feet (if it has not been observed before).
Important!
With a fungal infection, the usual hygiene procedures (washing the feet, pumice stone and spraying) do not work, the symptoms do not disappear!
Why do you need to treat fungi?
The success of treatment depends on the correct diagnosis and identification of the exact type of the causative agent of the yeast infection of the feet. Regardless of the form and stage of the fungal infection, an integrated approach is used in the treatment.
Without a competent approach to treatment, the fungus will not go anywhere, it is not a disease that goes away on its own.
After all, the wastes from the parasitic fungus will spread to surrounding tissues and enter the bloodstream, poisoning it, and it is an allergen for the human body (eczema can even develop).
In addition, a person infected with a fungus is a source of infection and a danger to others. After all, infection occurs through household items and through contact with the skin of the carrier of the infection.
Mushroom shapes
In total, there are 6 forms of this fungal lesion of the feet:
- The erased form. This is the initial form, it is distinguished by the following manifestations: slight detachment in the interdigital folds and small superficial cracks, which are not of concern.
- Scaly form. The presence of small scales between the toes and on the surface of the sole. No signs of inflammation other than mild itching.
- Hyperkeratotic form. The appearance of blue-red patches (papules), located on the arch of the foot. Dry skin, moderate pain and itching are noted.
- Intertriginous form. It looks like a diaper rash. The skin of the interdigital folds turns bright red, swollen and oozing cracks appear, and even erosion may be present. Pain, burning and itching complete the picture.
- Dyshidrotic form. The appearance of bubbles is noted, which are closed from above with a dense cover. They are located on the arch of the foot and are characterized by severe itching.
- Acute form. The skin of the feet is covered with vesicles and blisters with purulent-serous contents, their opening leads to multiple erosions and deep cracks. Body temperature rises significantly, the skin on the legs is bright red, there is severe pain, difficulty walking, headache and general weakness. Inguinal lymphadenitis develops.
Virus diagnosis
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a dermatologist or mycologist (it depends on the area and degree of fungal infection) and is based on the detection of a fungus when examining skin dander under a microscope.
The skin is taken from the affected area of the foot by scraping, after which it is treated with special reagents. Examining it under a microscope, a specialist determines the type of pathogen or grows the fungus in a nutrient medium (it is easier to determine its type by a growing population).
Processing methods
The basic rule in the treatment of yeast infection of the legs is an integrated approach, which includes not only the use of drugs, the use of alternative treatment methods, but also careful care of the affected skin.
Before starting drug therapy, you should consult a doctor who will identify the pathogen with the help of laboratory tests. Yeast infection of the foot should be treated under the close supervision of a doctor or in a hospital setting. The therapy takes place in 2 stages: preparatory and basic.
The first includes the removal of inflammation, as well as the removal of the stratum corneum with the help of preliminary steaming of the legs in a solution of potassium permanganate and boric acid.
The second step is drug treatment.
Drug treatment (ointments, creams, tablets, other drugs)
After removing the upper keratinized cells, a special cream containing antibiotics and corticosteroid hormones is applied to the entire affected area. After elimination of the inflammation, the foot baths are canceled. Further treatment consists of the deep removal of the stratum corneum using salicylic petroleum jelly.
It is applied in a thin layer to the site of the lesion until the horny particles are completely detached. Therapy to strengthen immunity is also effective: taking immunomodulators and vitamin complexes, because the stronger the body's defense system, the faster the disease passes.
Important!
It is forbidden to use ointments! They can cause weeping erosion.
Treatment with folk remedies for this disease can only be auxiliary therapy, and not the main method of treatment.
Folk remedies
Treatment should be systematic and include not only drugs, but also folk remedies:
- Apple cider vinegar is considered the best of these recipes because the fungus does not like an acidic environment. The method of application is quite simple - apply a vinegar solution to the affected area (the concentration is selected individually), put on socks and go to bed.
- Another effective method is laundry soap and baking soda. You need to grate 3 tablespoons of soap and add the same amount of baking soda. Pour this mixture with hot water (at least 5 liters), lower the feet in it for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, clean the feet with a nail file or pumice stone.
- In addition, significant results are shown by glycerin with vodka. It is necessary to fill the purchased glycerin bottle with alcohol to the brim, shake it and moisten the peel with this composition daily (before bedtime).
- Coffee is effective in the fight against yeast infection. You need to brew strong coffee, dip your feet in the drink until it cools. It is recommended to do this procedure for at least a week.
- Celandine is also a good helper for fungal infections. You need to pour 1 liter of water into the kettle, put it on the stove, boil and add 4 tbsp. L. herbs (boil 5 minutes). In the resulting infusion, you need to make your legs soar for 3 weeks a day.
How to cure a fungus in a child?
The treatment of yeast infection in children involves several stages:
- steaming feet (in a solution of soda and laundry soap, or with the addition of apple cider vinegar, you can also use chamomile broth - an excellent antiseptic);
- removal of keratinized particles (with a pumice stone or rough washcloth, rub the scaly surface until the top layer of the epidermis peels off);
- treatment with 2% iodine of the affected area promotes healing and disinfects well (you can apply an iodine mesh to the infected skin);
- before going to bed, apply a cream based on miconazole and nystatin (they are safe for children and quite effective) and wear cotton socks (or special antibacterial ones).
Disease prevention
Preventive measures are quite simple and include the following points:
- Respect for personal hygiene rules (especially when visiting public swimming pools, baths and saunas). It is necessary to move around in slippers, not to stay barefoot on the floor, and not to wear someone else's shoes.
- When visiting, you should also ditch the slippers and walk inside in socks.
- Wash your feet with antimicrobial soap and a washcloth every day before bed.
- Make sure to dry your feet after washing (especially between the toes).
- When keratinized cells appear, they should be treated with a pumice stone and scissors or pliers.
- You must cut your nails in time, to prevent them from delaminating.
- If there are cracks in the feet, you need to use special gels and creams.
- Wearing tight shoes is not allowed, as it impairs blood circulation.
- In case of injuries and scratches on the skin of the feet, it is necessary to treat them bright green.
- With increased sweating of the feet, it is necessary to use special sprays and gels (not sold in any pharmacy).
Conclusion
Yeast infection of the feet is an insidious disease that not only causes uncomfortable sensations and alters the appearance of the skin and nails, but can also cause eczema, as well as decreased immunity. In order not to get infected with the fungus, it is necessary to adhere to basic hygiene standards.
Well, in case of infection, seek emergency advice from a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe effective treatment. The yeast infection is easily conquered if treatment is started on time.