Fungus on the feet is a disease that no one is immune to. The disease does not go away on its own, so it is important to treat it in time. Experts will tell you how to get rid of the problem.
Fungus on the feet: symptoms and causes
What is foot fungus? Fungus or mycosis is a disease caused by pathogens or opportunistic fungi. The disease is often caused by dermatomycete fungi, which, as noted by the doctor and his colleagues, include Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton. However, the pathology can also be triggered by microorganisms of the genus Candida.
Fungal lesions of the skin of the feet are called dermatomycosis, and nail plate onychomycosis. Often pathological conditions are combined.
How to recognize a fungus on the feet?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of fungus that affects the foot. But there are common symptoms.
In the initial stage, there is dryness of the skin, itching and burning of the heel, interdigital folds. If it affects the nail plate, there is a slight change in its color, and the doctor notes that the nails become more fragile.
If left untreated, the condition worsens. The following symptoms appear:
- small cracks between the toes, on the heel;
- peeling;
- unpleasant odor;
- swelling, redness of the interdigital folds, arch of the foot;
- bubbles and diaper rash;
- pain when walking;
- deformation of the nail plate (thickening or thinning, impaired growth, destruction of the nail).
Why do mushrooms appear on the feet?
Infection occurs as a result of contact with a sick person, skin contact with surfaces and objects containing fungal spores. Pools, saunas and baths pose the greatest risk of infection.
However, in the pedicure office, you can become infected with the fungus when using the infected person's personal belongings - shoes, clothes, towels, laundry. According to the doctor, even at home, it is necessary to be careful and not to use the belongings of other family members.
There are factors that contribute to the development of fungus on the feet:
- wounds and cracks;
- excessive sweating and dry skin;
- poor hygiene;
- straight legs;
- circulatory disorders of the legs due to vascular diseases;
- diabetes mellitus and pathologies of the immune system.
Folk remedies for the treatment of fungus on the feet
It is easier to fight in the early stages of the disease, so it is necessary to start therapy at the first symptoms. Various folk remedies will help fight the fungus.
How to treat fungus on the feet with folk remedies? Vinegar, animal fats, essential oils and garlic will help.
vinegar
Table and apple cider vinegar will help stop the development of fungal diseases:
- Heat two liters of water to a comfortable temperature. Add 200 ml of vinegar. Dip one foot into warm paraffin 15 minutes, pausing between layers to allow them to dry. Wet your feet three times a day. After the procedure, dry your feet thoroughly and put on clean socks.
- Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to your nails and skin affected by the fungus. Put on clean socks and leave overnight.
garlic
Garlic has an antifungal effect, so it works well for the problem. The recipe for the event is as follows:
- Squeeze the juice of one head of garlic, add the same amount of water and alcohol.
- Heat the water, add a tablespoon of resin soap, a coarse grater and add two tablespoons of baking soda.
- Steam your feet for 15 minutes.
- Wipe your feet dry and treat with a mixture of garlic juice and alcohol.
Essential oils
Various essential oils will help to cope with fungal infections of the feet and nails: rosemary, lavender, ylang-ylang. The doctor says that tea tree and eucalyptus oils will be among the most effective means of combating the fungus.
With their help you can make baths and compresses:
- Wash your feet first. Add ten drops of essential oil to three liters of warm water. Keep your feet in the bath for 20 minutes, then wear warm socks or wrap your feet in a warm towel for 15 minutes.
- Heat a tablespoon of water and essential oil to 30 ° C. Saturate a cotton pad with the product and stick it on the problem areas, wrap it with a bandage. After an hour, clean the softened skin or nail plates with a sterile file.
Animal fat
How to treat nail fungus? Use pork or goose fat for this purpose:
- Take equal amounts of oil, copper sulfate and yellow sulfur.
- Mix thoroughly and bring to a boil.
- Send in a dark place and wait for it to cool completely.
- Lubricate the skin and nails affected by the fungus every day.
It is important to carry out regular treatments to cope with foot fungus. Use folk methods and do not forget about personal hygiene. Then you will soon enjoy the healthy appearance of your feet.
Attention! The material is for informational purposes only. You should not resort to the treatments described there without first consulting your doctor.