What Causes Foot Fungus? What is Good for Foot Fungus and What are the Treatments?

Foot fungus , as the name suggests, is a type of skin disease caused by fungi. Most people are exposed to this disease at least once in their lifetime. Just as most fungal species like dark, warm and humid environments, foot fungus also occurs under these conditions.

What are the Symptoms of Foot Fungus?

Athletes foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the feet. Symptoms of foot fungus:

• Itching: The most common symptom is severe itching in the feet. There is an itching that usually starts between the toes and can spread.
• Redness: The skin of the feet may become swollen and red.
• Dryness and Flaking: Foot skin may become dry and flaky. Especially fungal infection can cause this condition by destroying the skin.
• Blisters and Cracks: Athletes foot can cause blisters and cracks. These cracks can increase the risk of infection.
• Bad smell: Fungal infections in the feet can cause bad smell. Fungi found under the skin of the feet cause bad odor.
• Changes in toenails: Fungal infection can cause problems such as thickening of nails, color changes and breakage.

If you suspect the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to be examined by a dermatologist or specialist doctor to be evaluated and diagnosed. Foot fungus can usually be controlled with the right treatment. However, if left untreated, it can cause a long-lasting and uncomfortable infection.

What Causes Foot Fungus?

Fungi multiply particularly rapidly in warm and humid environments and affect body parts such as the feet. The main factors that cause foot fungus are:

• Humid and Warm Environments: Fungi grow rapidly, especially in warm and humid environments. Feet often remain moist and warm due to sweating inside socks and shoes. This environment makes it easy for fungi to spread and cause infection.
• Common Areas: Public areas such as pools, gyms, showers, and locker rooms can contribute to person-to-person transmission of fungi.
• Poor Foot Hygiene: Failure to wash and dry feet regularly can create an ideal environment for fungal infections. Especially moist feet provide a favorable environment for fungi to develop.
• Sweating and Inability to Dry Feet: Sweating makes your feet damp and a suitable place for fungus. Keeping your feet airless and not drying them in shoes also makes them more prone to fungal infections.
• Weak Immune System: People with weak immune systems may be more prone to fungal infections. For example, conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer treatment may increase the risk of foot fungus by suppressing the immune system.

How to Treat Foot Fungus?

First of all, the most effective way to treat foot fungus is to stay away from environments that may be infected with foot fungus. Fungus can be combated most effectively by paying attention to foot health. Feet should be cleaned regularly every day, washed with plenty of water, and dried carefully with a clean towel, down to between the toes. In addition, wearing ventilated shoes in hot summer months, choosing sweat-absorbent socks, and using antifungal sprays or powders are very important in the treatment of the disease.

After the disease occurs, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist. Antifungal creams and sprays may be preferred for treatment. In some cases, the use of oral antifungal medications may be recommended by the specialist. Using the medication regularly at the same time every day will ensure that the fungal disease disappears over time. However, following the cleaning principles above is essential for the treatment process.

There are also many natural methods for treatment. Vinegar is added to the water heated to a temperature that the feet can be immersed in, and the feet are kept in this water until the water cools down. Over time, it will be seen that the mushrooms begin to disappear. In addition, baking soda occupies a very important place in the treatment of fungi. You can also heat some water, add baking soda to it and keep your feet in it until the water cools down. Baking soda can be added to less hot water, mixed until it reaches a paste consistency, and applied to the fungal area. Such natural methods are among the natural treatments that can be recommended for fungus in some cases.

How to Treat Toenail Fungus?

Since toenail fungus occurs for the same reasons as foot fungus, the treatment methods are the same. Along with sprays and creams, experts may also recommend oral medications. In addition, some nail fungus medications can also be used for treatment. Feet are washed well. The nail where the fungus has formed is cut to ensure that it does not remain deeper than the skin. Then, the nail is filed well and the medicine is applied to the fungal nail.

The medicine should be applied in this way several times a day. In this way, the nail fungus will heal. Finally, the most important treatment for foot fungus and toenail fungus is hygiene. Please value your feet and take care of their hygiene. Wear comfortable shoes and be sure to change several shoes. Wash your feet every day and dry them well. Remember, all products used for hygiene are private, do not share these products even with your family.

What are the Types of Foot Fungus?

Foot fungus can be of different types and affect different areas. Commonly known types of foot fungus:

• Athletes Foot (Tinea Pedis): It is the most common type of foot fungus and affects the top and sides of the feet, especially between the toes. It manifests itself with itching, redness, blisters and skin rashes. Athletes foot can usually be transmitted in hot and humid environments, especially in gyms and pools.
• Toenail Fungus (Tinea Unguium): It is a fungal infection that affects the toenails. It may cause symptoms such as yellowing, thickening, cracking and lifting of the nail plate in the nails.
• Sole Fungus (Tinea Pedis Plantaris): It is a fungal infection that affects the sole of the foot. It usually manifests itself with itching, redness and flaking on the bottom of the foot, heel and foot arch.
• Vesicular Foot Athlete: This type of foot fungus is similar to athletes foot, which is accompanied by blisters. Blisters appear between the toes, on the soles and sides of the feet.

What is Good for Foot Fungus?

There are some natural and relaxing methods you can use to treat foot fungus at home. However, home methods do not completely cure the fungal infection and should not be used without consulting a specialist doctor. Some methods that are good for foot fungus:

• Creams and Ointments: You can reduce the spread and severity of the infection by regularly using creams and ointments on the fungal infection area. However, be sure to consult a specialist before starting treatment.
• Foot Baths: You can take herbal baths with antifungal properties to heal the affected feet and control the infection. For example, you can soak your feet in water by adding some salt or apple cider vinegar for ten to twenty minutes.
• Baking Soda Foot Bath: Taking a baking soda foot bath may also be beneficial in the treatment of foot fungus. Add a few spoons of baking soda to hot water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
• Natural Antifungal Oils: You can gently apply oils with antifungal properties, such as tea tree oil and lavender oil, to the affected areas. However, do not forget to dilute the oils with a carrier oil before applying them directly to the skin.

• Keeping Feet Dry: Ensuring your feet stay dry at all times can help prevent the spread of fungus. Be sure to wear sweat-proof socks and ventilated shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Fungus

Is foot fungus contagious?

Yes, athletes foot is a contagious infection. The fungus can remain in common areas, shoes and socks for a long time and can be transmitted from person to person. Therefore, it is important to avoid sharing personal items.

How to detect foot fungus?

Foot fungus is usually diagnosed by visual examination. A dermatologist can make a diagnosis by examining the infected area. In some cases, fungal culture testing may be performed.

How long does foot fungus treatment take?

Foot fungus treatment time may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the treatment method. The treatment process can usually last from several weeks to several months.