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Foot fungus

 

Foot fungus is one of the most common conditions, especially in summer. They are usually caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and other varieties of this microorganism that, in combination with different types of viruses and bacteria, give rise to an infection.

Both its appearance and its severity can vary significantly in each person; There are those who suffer from foot fungus occasionally, while there are other people who have to deal with them on a recurring basis. They are not a serious health problem, but they are sometimes difficult to treat. In addition, they are very annoying and unsightly .

What are mushrooms?

It is an infection that develops due to the growth of microorganisms on the skin in this area of ​​the body. Generally, it starts between the toes and gradually, if not treated properly, spreads to the soles and nails.

Causes

The appearance of fungus on the feet is a problem that in the vast majority of cases is not serious. However, it is essential to deal with it as soon as possible so that there is no type of complication.

When fungi grow between the toes and on the soles of the feet, this is called athlete’s foot . Instead, when they appear on the toenails, it is what is known as onychomycosis . They are two conditions with their own name that respond to the area of ​​the feet in which the fungi are located.

In relation to the causes of this infection, the most frequent is humidity . When the feet are wet for a long period of time, they become the ideal habitat for fungi to proliferate. Thus, the golden season of this condition is during the summer since many hours are spent both on the beach and in the pool. A good way to prevent fungus is to dry your feet right out of the water, something that should also be done after a bath or shower.

Foot fungus also occurs after feet have been in direct contact with public facilities such as gyms or swimming pools. As we have pointed out, this is a condition that is not serious. However, it is very contagious and is transmitted very easily from one person to another.

Another factor that can lead to the appearance of fungi is sweating of the feet, which has a direct relationship with both the footwear and the socks that are used. It is recommended that the socks are 100% cotton and the shoes are made with natural fabrics, not synthetic.

Symptoms of this type of fungus

A fungal infection in the feet is easy to detect since the symptoms are very visible, which is a great advantage to take into account. If you have any of the symptoms that we are going to explain below, it is essential that you go to your doctor immediately to make a diagnosis and establish a treatment.

Onychomycosis

The onychomycosis is the most common condition foot fungus, and also one of the most difficult to cure. That is why it is so important to pay attention to the symptoms and, at the slightest warning sign of the possible presence of a toenail infection, see a doctor.

Detecting this condition is relatively straightforward. You should look at both the color and the texture of the nails. Yeast infection makes them look more yellowish ; If they are not treated, the tone darkens until the nails are completely black. Also, the tops of the nails have a worn and pitted look.

Athlete’s foot

The condition in which the fungi are found between the toes, or on the sole, is known as athlete’s foot There are a number of symptoms to watch out for: very intense and persistent itching between the toes or the soles of the feet, swelling and redness, dry and cracked skin and, in the most serious cases, blisters that ooze fluid transparent.

You may also be interested in:   Pityriasis versicolor

Tips to prevent foot fungus

There are a number of tips that are worth taking into account to prevent foot fungus from appearing.

  • Proper footwear: it is very important to use footwear that allows the feet to breathe; Do not forget that both humidity and heat form an ideal environment for the proliferation of fungi.
  • Barefoot: avoid walking barefoot in crowded and public places, such as swimming pools or changing rooms, among others.
  • Dry your feet: It is also essential to dry your feet after each shower with a clean cotton towel. Special emphasis must be placed on the space between the toes, as well as on the sole.
  • Sun: a good trick to avoid fungi is to expose your feet directly to the sun for a few minutes periodically.

Natural remedies for foot fungus

There are a wide range of natural ingredients that can offer a great treatment for this condition.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the best home remedies for treating foot fungus . In addition, it is very simple both to prepare and apply.

Place a couple of garlic in a mortar with a tablespoon of water and mix both ingredients well until you get a paste. Then, apply directly to the area of ​​the feet affected by the fungus. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes and remove with plenty of warm water. You can apply this remedy once a day until the infection is gone.

aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the natural plants with the greatest number of properties for the skin, such as moisturizing and repairing . Well, it is also very effective in treating foot fungus.

To apply this remedy you have to get hold of an aloe vera pod; You can find it in herbalists. Then, open the pod with the help of a knife and extract the gel that is inside. You must apply it directly on the affected area with a gentle circular massage. Leave on for about 20 minutes and remove with plenty of warm water.

Apple vinager

This is one of the star natural solutions to deal with fungus that appears on the feet. One of the great advantages it provides, and why it is so effective, is that it completely alters the environment that fungi need to proliferate.

You should not apply apple cider vinegar directly on the area to be treated because it can be aggressive. Ideally, you should dilute it in mineral water in equal parts. Then, soak your hands with the mixture and apply to the area with a gentle massage.

Lemon juice

This is one of the classic remedies to treat foot fungus at home. The citric acid in lemon has antibiotic properties , which accelerate the recovery of the skin without causing any type of harmful effect.

The application should be done at night because if you later expose the area to the sun, unwanted spots may appear. Simply apply the juice of a lemon on the area affected by fungi with a gentle massage.

Sea salt

Another of the star home remedies to treat foot fungus. It involves exfoliating with sea salt to remove dead cells and also fight infection.

You simply have to mix the sea salt with half a cup of water. Then, soak your hands in the remedy and apply to the area affected by the fungus, using a very gentle circular massage. You can repeat the process twice a week.

 

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Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of ​​Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.

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