Mushrooms on the feet or nails are a problem quite common and difficult to "eradicate". But, are there natural remedies and tricks to mycosis in the feet that can help us prevent o solve quickly the problem?
Before we find out, let's quickly see the causes and symptoms of fungal infections on the feet.
Mycosis of the feet or "athlete's foot": who does it affect?
foot fungus, or the so-called "athlete's foot", can affect all those people who walk barefoot in hot and humid public environments such as pools, changing rooms o gyms. Sometimes it can also affect those who use so tight shoes which prevent the foot from breathing correctly.
"Athlete's foot" is not a problem that only affects athletes, although it is true that they can be more exposed those who practice sports and frequent swimming pools or public showers.
It is therefore a skin infection of the origin fungal (whose scientific name is Tinea pedis), which can develop in correspondence with the Skin folds flexors or in the interdigital spaces of the feet.
Types of mycosis on the feet: on the fingers, on the sole or on the nails
The Symptoms of foot fungus can be different and the infection can spread to different areas. In general, one can distinguish three types of mycoses, which in the most severe cases can also appear simultaneously.
1) Mycosis between the toes
2) Mycosis on the sole of the foot
3) Mycosis of the toenails
Regardless of the area affected by the fungus, foot skin is red y flaky in the initial stages. With time it turns wet y smelly and is characterized by fissures and cracks more or less deep than sting and shell.
In some cases you can also form water-filled blisters, generally located on the sole of the foot and on the the lateral edges of the fingers.
Risk factors and causes of mycosis of the foot
Before delving into what may be the most effective natural remedies for mycosis on the feet, let's look at the risk factors together. Just avoiding or reducing these factors it will be possible effective prevention.
fungi, or mycetes, find fertile ground for proliferate in humid environments. In fact, they usually be present en showers, pools y public changing rooms, places where they can infect the feet and spread.
La transmission of mycosis to the feet can occur by contact with infected surfaces or by small skin fragments that are shed from the skin of the "infected" feet and dispersed in the environment.
The appearance of fungal infections on the feet can also be favored for general weakening of the immune system and by the presence of certain pathologies, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, etc.
External risk factors for mycosis of the foot
There are also some factors External or exogenous that, if they overlap with the endogenous, can increase the risk developmental and spread of infection. Among these we mention:
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wear damp or wet socks and shoes for a long time;
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the habit of walking barefoot in public places (changing rooms, swimming pools…);
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the frequent use of Inadequate footwear (made solely of non-breathable synthetic materials);
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small foot perspiration;
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use too tight shoes .
If the fungal foot not treated on time, cuts can form and there is a risk of developing other types of bacterial infections.
In fact, remember that foot fungus feeds on keratin, protein that composes and protects nails, hair and the horny layer of the skin.
By attacking the horny layer, moth open the way to other types of microorganisms, which can also cause deep infections.
Tea Tree Oil for fungal infections on the feet
Melaleuca alternifolia grows in parts of north Wales Public chat y Queensland, Australia. As is known, from the leaves of the tree a famous essential oil: Tea Tree Oil.
All the news about him power of this essence they were already circulating early twentieth century in many countries of the world.
In fact they were published articles in the Journal of the National Medical Association (USA) and in the British Medical Journal, which, in 1933, reported that "oil is a powerful disinfectant, free of side effects and non-irritating… ”. (S. Drury, Tea Tree oil. The therapeutic properties of Melaleuca alternifolia , Milan 2005).
The effectiveness of tea tree oil en treatment of fungal infections has recently found several confirmations.
For example, "in addition to antimicrobial activity, it has important antifungal properties confirmed by several in vitro and in vivo studies: the WHO recognizes its topical use in case of onychomycosis and athlete's foot” (E. Campanini, S. Biondo, Complementary therapies in geriatrics, Milan 2011).
8 rules to prevent and combat mycosis on the feet
Athlete's foot, as we have seen, can be quite annoying, and if it is not treated it can spread and worsen quickly. Obviously, if the problem of mycosis in the feet is extensive y hard to resolve quicklyIt would be nice to hear your opinion trusted doctor. In addition, in case of doubt, self-diagnosis should be avoided. It is advisable to consult an expert.
However, there are some precautions which, if done consistently, can help us prevent foot fungus o remove them faster after its appearance. Let's see them together.
self-inspection
The number one rule, often overlooked by most, is self-inspection, that is, check feet. especially in the spaces between one finger and the other, to notice any anomalies in advance. Even a sudden change in skin color it can be a telltale sign that something is wrong. In this way it will be possible take action in time, even with the help of a trusted doctor, and prevent a small infection that is still in its infancy from spreading quickly.
keep your feet dry
The mushrooms responsible for the mycosis They develop mainly in wet places, so it is good to keep the feet the driest posible. That is why it is necessary take care of hygiene with extreme attention, seeking dry off feet completely after cleaning, also passing the towel between one finger and another.
Those who play sports should avoid leaving the sweat soaked socks for a long time after physical activity.
Those who suffer from intense foot sweating may overdo it. talcum powder or natural deodorants on them to keep them dry to regulate perspiration, especially between one toe and another.
Choosing the right shoes
Never go barefoot in public places
Who usually goes to Gyms o pools should avoid going barefoot in the changing rooms and always remember to wear the special slippers in the shower. In this way it will be less likely that there will be a possible "infection" from other visitors who already have fungal infections on their feet.
mild cleansers
Hygiene of the feet, as we have seen, it is essential to prevent the appearance of mycosis, but it should preferably be done with delicate detergents. In fact, the use of detergents that are too aggressive could alter the pH of the skin, which is one of the most important natural barriers against external aggressions.
no need to scratch
Once you have contracted mycosis, no matter how annoying that it is itchy, it's good avoid scratching. In fact, scratching the affected area could delay healing and cause small lesions, which in turn can promote infections.
Baking soda foot baths
Tea tree essential oil
Before a already developed mycosis, a valid help in the treatment can come from topical use of the essential oil de Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree Oil). In fact, this substance has a particular antiviral and germicidal effect, which is why it is used in all kinds of infections, including those of fungal origin.