The skin between the toes is often subject to fungal infections. This problem is common among people who lead an active lifestyle and is quite annoying and unpleasant. Taking into account the great relevance of foot mycoses, greater attention should be paid to them.
Causes of itching and peeling in the interdigital folds.
Toes itch and peel due to various pathological processes (allergic reactions, scabies, eczema), but for many people these symptoms arise from a fungal infection. The epithelium becomes moistened and cracked in mycosis of the feet, which is a separate nosology in dermatology. It is caused by pathogenic fungi that affect the smooth skin and nail plates. The infection is caused by several pathogens:
- Trichophyton (T. rubrum, T. interdigitale, T. violaceum).
- Epidermophyton (E. floccosum).
- Mold fungi.
Mycosis is a contagious disease that is transmitted from one person to another in places with high humidity (bathrooms, saunas, swimming pools, beaches) through shoes, carpets, benches, etc. infected. Fungal spores are found in large quantities on the horny scales of the epidermis, with which they are transferred.
Predisposing factors
Several local and general factors contribute to skin lesions, increasing the likelihood of developing a fungal infection between the fingers. The first include the following:
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
- Poorly selected shoes (uncomfortable, made of synthetic materials).
- Anatomical characteristics of the foot (flat feet, tight folds).
- Presence of abrasions and diaper rash.
- Injuries (mechanical, chemical).
The role of systemic disorders is explained by a decrease in the resistance of the skin barrier and a weakening of immune defenses. Neurotrophic, vascular and endocrine metabolic diseases (polyneuropathy, angiopathy, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, hypovitaminosis) have a negative impact. In addition, the role of meteorological conditions (high temperature and humidity) and the virulence of the pathogen is observed.
Mycosis of the foot with skin lesions between the fingers is caused by a fungus and develops against the background of local or systemic disorders.
What does mycosis look like?
Mycosis begins on the skin of the interdigital folds, but then spreads to other parts of the foot: the sole, back and lateral surfaces. In clinical practice, there are several forms of fungal infection:
- Scaly.
- Intertriginous.
- Dyshidrotic.
The scaly form begins with mild redness and slight peeling. They can be limited only to certain areas or generalized. This form usually goes unnoticed by the patient himself and, therefore, is the most dangerous from an epidemiological point of view. At first, the fungus affects one foot, but then it can spread to the healthy side.
As it progresses, the scaly form can develop into a Dyshidrotic form, which is characterized by an acute course with allergization of the body and blistering on the arch of the foot. Merging, they form multi-chambered blisters, which, after opening, leave eroded foci surrounded by a rim of exfoliated epidermis. The process, which extends to the lateral surfaces of the foot, is combined with the intertriginous form. As epithelialization occurs, the areas become dry and scaly again.
Focuses of fungal infection are usually accompanied by itching. It comes from the interdigital folds in the most common form: intertriginous, which occurs independently or in the context of squamous. Usually the process begins between the IV and V fingers (less often III and IV). Cracks appear there, surrounded by a border of exfoliated epidermis. The fungus can spread to other folds, toes, and to the back of the foot. Later, crying occurs with painful erosions.
The disease is characterized by a long course with periodic exacerbations that occur in the warm season. The bacterial flora more easily penetrates through the loosened stratum corneum of the epidermis, therefore the intertriginous form can be complicated by streptococcal infection with the development of erysipelas and thrombophlebitis.
Damage to the interdigital spaces often occurs in combination with other forms of foot mycoses, which indicates the unity of pathological processes.
Diagnosis
The disease has a fairly characteristic clinical picture, so the initial diagnosis is made based on the results of a medical examination. Microscopy and culture of scrapings from the affected skin are used to identify the pathogen. The presence of systemic pathology contributing to the development of mycosis is confirmed by additional methods: a biochemical blood test (glucose, hormonal spectrum, immunogram), ultrasound examination of the lower extremities, etc.
How to treat the sore?
To effectively get rid of fungus, you must first eliminate the conditions that create favorable conditions for its development. If your foot itches and hurts, it is recommended to pay attention to the following recommendations:
- Wear comfortable, breathable shoes.
- Wear cotton socks.
- After showering and bathing, dry your feet.
- Wear personal slippers in public places.
In the treatment of foot mycosis, attention is paid to giving up bad habits, a healthy diet (reducing animal fats, sweets, including fresh vegetables, fruits and products with lactic acid in the diet) and hardening .
In addition to general recommendations that have a therapeutic and prophylactic approach, traditional medicine actively uses means of pharmacological correction, without which it is not possible to cure mycosis. Therapy can be external or systemic.
Effective creams and ointments.
It is necessary to combat the infection with specific drugs that act against toe fungus. For the scaly form, the doctor prescribes various creams and ointments, including various antifungals. If there are dense foci of hyperkeratosis on the soles of the feet, treatment begins with exfoliating procedures with salicylic, lactic acid, resorcinol and collodion. At night, a medicine intended for external use is placed under the bandage. It contains salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and antiseptic properties, and in the morning a soap and soda bath is taken, after which the corneal masses will be better removed.
If your skin gets wet and cracked
External treatment of the Dyshidrotic form with suppuration and cracks begins with lotions with boric acid and potassium permanganate. The interdigital spaces are treated with solutions of aniline dyes, a product for external use intended for the treatment of various skin diseases. The solution contains components that promote rapid wound healing, eliminate inflammatory manifestations and fight pathogenic microorganisms. Once the acute inflammatory process has been eliminated, antifungal ointments and pastes are applied to the affected areas. For secondary pyoderma, drugs with antibacterial components are prescribed.
In case of fungal lesions of the skin of the feet, external therapy with antifungal agents, antiseptics and antibiotics is of decisive importance.
Tablets
If local agents are not effective, it is necessary to switch to drugs for internal use. Prescription antifungal medications include an antifungal medication, an antifungal medication that has a broad spectrum of action against fungi that cause skin, hair, and nail diseases, a medication for the treatment of fungal infections, and an antifungal medication. . When the body is allergic, antihistamines (an antihistamine drug intended for the treatment of allergic reactions) and desensitizing agents (calcium gluconate, sodium thiosulfate, magnesium sulfate) are used. Streptococcal infections can be cured with antibiotics that have no activating effect on the microbial flora.
What can be done with home remedies?
Some traditional medicine methods can be supplemented with standard therapy. To treat foot fungus, baths with simple and affordable remedies are often used:
- Apple cider vinegar (1 glass per 3 liters of hot water) and soda (5 tablespoons).
- Potassium permanganate (1 g per 2 l).
- Decoction of calendula flowers (250 g per 2 l).
It is recommended to soak your feet in the prepared solution for 20 minutes. Additionally, you can apply a drop of tea tree essential oil to the skin between your toes and then put on cotton socks.
Fungus between the toes is a problem that affects many people. To get rid of it as quickly as possible, you should not look for possible solutions on your own, it is better to consult a doctor, undergo a diagnosis and receive treatment with a guaranteed result.