What is foot fungus?
Foot fungus is caused by the growth of a fungus. It can take two forms:
• Fungal infection of the hairless skin: also known as ‘athlete’s foot’, or toe web intertrigo, this is a fungal infection that occurs between the toes. In most cases, these are the 3rd and 4th toes, or the 4th and 5th. The signs to look out for are as follows: redness, itching, a burning sensation, or blisters or cracks.
• Fungal nail infection: also known as onychomycosis, it affects the nail or its periphery. In this case, the nail becomes discoloured, a yellow patch appears and spreads, and the nail may become misshapen or lift away from the nail bed. The skin around the nail may also begin to peel.
It is important to find out what type of infection you are dealing with before starting to treat the foot fungus.
The main causes of foot funguss
Certain factors, whether internal or environmental, promote the occurrence of foot fungus. Being aware of them helps avoid them and thus reduce the risk of infection:
• Playing sport: there is a reason why fungal infections of the toes are called ‘athlete’s foot’. Perspiration that occurs during physical activity causes maceration in the shoe that promotes fungal growth.
• Wearing closed or tight shoes creates a warm and humid environment, ideal for the development of fungal infections.
• Swimming in a public place increases the risk of contracting this highly contagious fungal infection through contact with the ground.
• A weakening – often caused by treatment with antibiotics or cortisone – of the immune system, which is then less able to fight off infections.
• Cuts or cracks in the skin or nails, which act as a gateway for fungal infections.
• Venous, arterial or lymphatic circulatory disorders that weaken the skin and make it susceptible to infections of all types.
• An unbalanced diet or one deficient in zinc and selenium, trace elements that help maintain healthy nails.
To avoid having to treat a fungal infection of the feet, it is essential to know how to reduce the risks by making changes to your lifestyle.
How to treat a foot funguss?
Sometimes paying attention to risk factors is not enough and the foot fungus still develops. In this case, the infection must be tackled quickly to prevent it from progressing.
Treating foot fungus with natural treatments
If you are suffering from foot fungus, it may be worth considering one of these natural remedies as a complement to your treatment. Firstly, sodium bicarbonate has already been proven to treat fungal infections due to its antiseptic properties and moisture-drying ability. Simply soak your feet for 15 minutes in a mixture containing 1L of water and 4 tablespoons of bicarbonate powder.
The second tip involves herbal medicine, and in particular essential oils. Some of them have antifungal properties that help combat fungi: the essential oils of Palmarosa, Eucalyptus globulus, Lemongrass and Tea tree. Always dilute an essential oil with a little vegetable oil (olive, sweet almond, etc.) and ask your pharmacist for advice before use.
These natural remedies are by no means a substitute for more conventional treatment prescribed by a doctor or recommended by a healthcare professional.
URGO’s solutions for treating foot fungus
URGO offers effective solutions for treating damaged nails and nails affected by onychomycosis.
The URGO product you need: URGO Filmogel® Express fungal treatment
URGO Filmogel® Express Fungal Treatment penetrates the nail structure to treat foot fungus, strengthen the nail and promote its growth. It takes 12 to 18 months for a toenail to grow back completely! This formula works to quickly improve the appearance of the nail without masking.
Finally, to quickly conceal your fungal infection, try URGO Filmogel® Fungal Infection 2-in-1. Its formula helps heal foot fungus while covering its unsightly appearance with a nude coloured masking film.
To give yourself the best chance of success, follow the instructions and be patient: treatment for foot fungus takes several months. Try not to scratch your wounds if you experience itching and wash your hands thoroughly after applying the treatment to avoid contaminating other parts of the body.
Preventing recurrence of foot fungus
The risk of developing nail fungus is higher in people who have already had one before. To avoid having to treat foot fungus again, remember to follow these few tips:
• Shower immediately after exercising to avoid sweat maceration,
• Dry your feet thoroughly after showering, especially the spaces between the toes to remove moisture,
• Wear flip-flops in public pools and baths,
• Cut, file and care for your nails regularly.
• Support your immune system with a balanced diet (vitamins C, D, copper, zinc) and sufficient rest.
• Avoid wearing closed shoes for too long, especially in the warm season.
• Wash your socks and trainers at 60°C, as well as your towels and bath mats,
• Do not share your bath towel with other people to avoid the risk of infection.
Sometimes it doesn’t take much for foot fungof to set in and cause us discomfort in our daily lives. But don't panic. You can reverse this trend by taking the right preventative measures, choosing the right treatment and continuing your efforts to prevent a recurrence. With these few tips, this inconvenience will soon be behind you.
