Mycosis is an infectious skin disease caused by a fungus. Usually, treatment with antifungal creams is used, which gives good results, but not in the long run. The tips below can help prevent fungus between the toes from recurring after treatment.
Who can get mycosis and how can it be prevented?
Mycosis is a fungal infection that attacks the feet. This condition is very common - one in four people have interdigital fungus on their feet. If the disease is initiated, its treatment can be very burdensome. Fungal pathogens (fungi) are often found in small amounts on human skin, where they are usually harmless. However, in good condition, they can penetrate the epidermis, multiply and cause infection. A good condition for fungus is hot, moist, and not aired areas of skin, such as between the toes.
Almost everyone can get mycosis. But it is more common in people who sweat more, or in those who wear thick shoes and socks, which also cause excessive foot sweat. Mycosis can spread from person to person. For example, it can occur in public baths used by athletes or swimmers. Small fragments of fungal -infected skin can fall off while bathing. Once a small portion of the infection begins to grow, it tends to spread along the skin. About where else you can pick up the fungus is written here.
What are the symptoms of foot fungus?
The skin between the little toes will usually be the first to be affected. The first signs of fungus, when a new infection forms on the skin, are minor. Manifestations will become noticeable when the rash begins to spread, the skin begins to itch and scaly. Cracks and inflammation may appear on it. Large cracks (crevices) of skin between the toes can be enlarged and can be painful. Infected small skin can flake off. If your interdigital mycosis is not treated, the rash can gradually spread to the rest of the foot. In some cases, it covers the only one. Often, the infection causes peeling of the entire sole of the foot and the sides of the foot. Sometimes mycosis causes a large blistering rash all over the soles of the feet. In this case, we are dealing with foot fungus.
Is mycosis between the fingers serious?
As a rule, no. A large number of people successfully treat itchy fingers before the infection spreads. Sometimes the infection spreads to the skin of other parts of the body. These areas are usually moist and airless, such as the groin. Usually, the fungus, including fungus on the feet between the toes, does not spread deeper, but only on the surface of the skin. However, other microbes (bacteria) can get into the crevices left over from neglected or untreated mycosis. Sometimes it can cause more serious infections in the feet or legs.
It happens that the infection spreads to the nails - can be cured. But in this case, to get rid of the fungus, it takes a few weeks of taking antifungal pills to clear the infection from the nails.
Therefore, treatment of interdigital fungus on the feet should be done in a timely manner, as soon as the first symptoms begin to appear.
Treatment of mycosis
Treating fungus between the toes usually involves the use of various antifungal creams and sprays. You can buy topical antifungals at your nearest pharmacy, or get them by prescription. To treat fungus between the toes, it is necessary to apply an antifungal agent directly to the affected area, i. e. on the skin of the feet. There are many different types and brands of drugs. They are usually sold in cream form, but can also be sprays, liquids, and powders. The preparation is very good for clearing the skin from fungal infections. However, there is no evidence that one drug is better than another.
Need to use the drug as much as recommended. That depends on the different treatments, so read the instructions carefully before treating the fungus between your toes. Often the inflammation seems to go away quickly, but you may need to be treated for 1 to 2 weeks after the rash goes away. This is needed to get rid of the fungus on the skin - which will prevent recurrence.
If you first face this disease and do not know how to cure fungus on the feet and do not make mistakes in choosing a drug for treatment, it is better to see a doctor.
For skin, especially inflamed skin, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream combined with a mild steroid ointment. They are usually used no more than seven days. You may need to continue using only one antifungal cream shortly afterwards. Anabolic steroids reduce inflammation in the short term and can relieve itching and redness. However, steroids do not completely eliminate the fungus between the toes and therefore steroid creams alone should not be used for treatment.
Antifungal pills for fungus between the toes are sometimes prescribed for adults if the infection is severe and cannot be cleared with a cream. Tablets are also needed if the infection is found in many places on the skin other than the feet.
However, treating interdigital fungus using the above procedure is not the same for everyone.
Antifungal pills are not always recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for people with liver disease. Some people may be given other medications that interact with antifungal pills. Children are usually not given antifungal medication.
Although skin fungus between the toes can spread from person to person, you should not stay away from work, school, or sports if you have the fungus. However, in public places such as swimming pools or saunas, try to take care of your feet until the rash goes away. Also, try not to scratch the damaged skin, as this can spread the infection to other areas.
The following tips can prevent recurrent mycosis:
- You should wash your feet daily and dry the skin between the toes until clean after washing. This is probably the most important thing. Wear socks if your feet are not completely dry. The moist skin between the toes is a suitable breeding ground for fungi.
- Don't use other people's towels in public locker rooms! Towels should be washed as often as possible.
- Change your socks every day. Fungus can grow on skin fragments in unwashed socks. Cotton socks and leather shoes are much better than nylon socks and shoes made of artificial materials that increase perspiration.
- Try alternating between different shoes every 2-3 days, this will allow each pair to dry completely after wear.
- Wear slippers or plastic slippers in the dressing room and public shower. This prevents your feet from touching the floor, which may be exposed to fragments of skin from others.
- While you’re at home, walk barefoot for as long as possible - no shoes or socks so air can get to your feet. However, this may not be practical for some people.
- If mycosis persists, you can prevent recurrence by using one of the sprays or antifungal creams as a preventative measure. For preventative measures, it can be used daily.