Foot fungus: types, symptoms, causes and natural remedies

infection by foot fungus also called athlete’s foot either ringworm of the foot occurs when the dermatophyte fungi affect the skin or nails of the feet causing a mycosis.

We can all contract these fungi and the infection is contagious, so we must take special care to avoid contracting the infection, recontaminating ourselves and infecting other people. In this article we tell you how treat fungal infection or mycosis on the feet with the best natural remedies and tips for prevention.

Fungus on the feet: symptoms

The infection appears more frequently between the fingers and on the sole of the foot. It manifests with:

Redness High sensitivity Peeling Itching Pain Bad smell

Fungus on the feet: types

Athlete’s foot

When we talk about athlete’s foot, it is not a sports injury, but a fungal infection (or mycosis) on the feet caused by dermatophyte fungi.

This foot fungus infection manifests itself in the area between the toes, being more viable on the sole of the foot. These fungi tend to appear and grow in areas with more heat and humidity.

Hence, the use of tight shoes or closed sneakers used daily, together with perspiration or foot sweat, creates the right environment for the appearance and growth of athlete’s foot. These are the main athlete’s foot symptoms:

Itching. At first it is perceived as itching and stinging sensation or slight stinging.redness. The area between the toes looks more red, sensitive, as if it had peeled, and it hurts. Sometimes blisters can form. In addition, the bad smell is characteristic, not only from the affected area but also from footwear, socks or stockings. The infection can progress to the soles, sides, back and toenails. Sometimes, fungal infection can be complicated by bacterial infections such as those caused by streptococci or staphylococci.

Toenail fungus (paronychia)

When the skin surrounding the nails is damaged, inflames and infects, we are talking about paronychia. It can appear on both fingernails and toenails.

Perhaps you have ever had it on a finger of your hand: you have bitten a hangnail, or you have lost your hand biting your nails and skin…. Or you have worn those beautiful and tight shoes without cutting your toenails well, or you have ingrown a nail and suddenly there you have found the problem: pain, swelling and fungal infection -and perhaps bacterial-, even with pus.

The symptoms of toenail fungus most characteristic are similar to athlete’s foot:

redness and swelling around the nail.Bad smell.intense sensitivity To contact.feeling of palpitations or as slight punctures, in the affected area.

How are foot fungus spread?

These dermatophyte fungi grow more in humid and hot areas. There are: several routes of contagion:

Therefore, contagion is through contaminated surfaces, footwear and clothing. It is not uncommon to have them when we wear closed shoes that do not perspire and our feet sweat.

through surfaces. Moist surfaces where other people walk are more likely to transmit this fungal infection or athlete’s foot. For example, at the beach, at the pool, at the gym, at the spa, even at home if someone has them.By direct contact. This mycosis can also be transmitted by direct contact, both “skin to skin” and, for example, it can occur in some sports or games.By contact with contaminated footwear and clothing. It can be spread through contaminated socks, stockings, towels, bathroom mats or carpets.

Foot fungus: natural treatments and remedies that help

To avoid fungus on the skin, hygiene is key, keeping the skin of the feet clean, dry and ventilated as much as possible. In addition, these natural remedies help fight fungus:

Tea tree oil or niaouli oil can help fight fungus. Talc (powdered magnesium silicate) helps absorb moisture and can be applied to the skin as well as inside shoes and slippers. Talc with tea tree oils or rosemary oil, they will also leave us smelling good. Rosemary or thyme can be put inside shoes and slippers. Baking soda sprinkled inside shoes and socks before wearing them can also help to Eliminate fungus and bad odor. You can prepare a paste with baking soda and a little water and apply it to the affected areas of your feet, both between the toes and around the nails. Foot baths with diluted vinegar. We put a small glass of vinegar, like 100-150 ml, in 1 liter of water and put our feet in it for about 10 minutes. Then we dry them very well and gently. Some people use a mixture of crushed garlic, olive oil and thyme for its antiseptic properties, which they apply as an ointment, covering with gauze. Now… the feet will not smell “of feet”, but of garlic… Something to consider. After a while you can wash your feet and always dry them very well and gently.

Foot fungus: how to avoid contagion and relieve symptoms

The main recommendations would be:

avoid walking with bare feet in the right areas.wash very very well between the toes. Do not think that by stepping on the bathroom towel they are already very dry: dry one by one.change your socks, stockings or tights. Even if they seem clean… If you wear socks to sleep: they should not be the same ones you used during the day, or vice versa.Do not use the same towel or mat as others.If you have fungus, Don’t leave the wet bath mat on the floor.In the gym and in the pool, keep socks and towels in a separate bag that you have used to dry your feet, and wash clothes at a high temperature if they allow it.Avoid always wearing the same shoes or sneakers. Maintain hygiene with your footwear. Be careful with the shoes to walk around the house. Take care of them and keep them clean and sanitized.Wash the shoes or flip-flops well that you use to walk on the beach, the pool or the spa.Choose the right footwear for your sporting activity. Do not let your feet “cook”. Choose preferably natural fabrics for shoes and socks. If you wear technical sportswear, check the washing mode. If you use insoles, change them periodically.Do not touch your feet and then other parts of the body. For example, the same fungi that contaminate your feet can contaminate the groin area, just by touching it. So hands, always very clean.Keep your toenails well trimmed Avoid lateral spikes and that are too short. Extreme hygiene in the pedicure. Don’t share utensils. Make sure utensils are sanitized if you go to a public place.