Mycosis on the foot (ringworm): what it is, symptoms and treatment

Foot mycosis is an uncomfortable situation that causes symptoms such as itching, redness, peeling and bad smell, being mainly noticed between the toes.

This type of mycosis, also called chilblains, athlete’s foot or tinea pedis, is a type of infection caused by the fungus of the genus Trichophyton that is present on the skin and does not cause any symptoms on intact skin, but when it finds a location humid and warm can proliferate quickly.

Chilblains can be cured, but treatment can last for weeks, using antifungal ointments that can be purchased at the pharmacy and applied to the area as recommended by the dermatologist. It is important to undergo treatment to eliminate itching and discomfort, preventing the condition from worsening and other skin infections from appearing.

Symptoms of frostbite

The main symptoms indicative of chilblains are:

• Itching in the affected region;
• Peeling of the skin;
• The area may appear whitish;
• Ardor local;
• Stinky feet.

It is important that in the presence of these symptoms, the person consults a dermatologist so that the most appropriate treatment can be started, which is normally done with antifungal ointments.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of chilblains is made by the dermatologist by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person.

If you want to assess your risk of chilblains, make an appointment with the dermatologist closest to you:

In some cases, a small scrape may be taken at the site to be analyzed in the laboratory and thus confirm the species of fungus responsible for the chilblains.

Cause of cold

Chilblains is a condition caused by a fungus that is naturally present on the skin without causing any signs or symptoms. However, due to some situations, it can proliferate and cause symptoms.

Thus, some factors that favor the development of the fungus and, consequently, chilblains are stepping on the wet floor in changing rooms and pool areas, not drying your feet properly or spending a lot of time in stuffy socks or shoes. This makes the area between the fingers moist and warm, favoring the development of the fungus.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for foot mycosis aims to eliminate the excess fungus and alleviate symptoms, and it is important that a dermatologist is consulted so that the best treatment can be indicated. It is important that the treatment is carried out until the end, even if the symptoms disappear, as this will ensure the elimination of the fungus.

1. Ointments for frying

Antifungal ointments are often indicated for the treatment of chilblains, and the doctor may recommend the use of ointments containing ketoconazole, fluconazole or isoconazole, which should be applied 2 to 3 times a day for 4 weeks, or according to medical recommendation. .

The treatment time varies, but it is easier to cure chilblains by using the ointment daily and taking care to keep the area very dry. If this is not respected, treatment can take weeks or months. If it is not possible to control the symptoms by applying ointments alone, the doctor may recommend the use of tablets. See more about chilblains remedies.

2. Home treatment

A good home treatment for chilblains consists of applying 1 clove of fresh crushed garlic directly to the chilblains and leaving it to act for at least 1 hour. Garlic helps combat the proliferation of microorganisms on the skin, having a good effect, but it needs to be fresh, well crushed and always in direct contact with the affected area, so it may be useful to wear a sock to hold it in place. the garlic in the desired location.

Some people appear to be hypersensitive to garlic. Therefore, if you feel burning in the area or if other signs of inflammation appear, such as redness or swelling, it is important to remove the garlic and wash your skin with cold water. Ideally, garlic should not be applied for more than 1 hour. Check out other home remedy options for chilblains.

3. Essential care

To ensure that the treatment carried out is effective in relieving symptoms and combating the fungus, it is important to take some precautions, such as:

• Avoid wearing closed shoes without cotton socks;
• Prevent feet from getting sweaty;
• Leave closed shoes in the sun;
• Take a shower in public bathrooms with flip flops;
• Spray antiseptic powder inside sneakers or closed shoes;
• Dry between the toes very well with a terry towel or hairdryer, especially during the treatment.

Furthermore, it is important to avoid wearing shoes that are damp or made of synthetic material, such as plastic, and it is recommended to change your socks whenever your feet feel sweaty.