A fungal infection of the perineum, known as Athletic Feet, usually affects the skin between the toes and feet. The disease is caused by a fungus, trauma, or bacteria. The disease is spread through clothing, especially socks, or through direct contact with the affected area of a person. Typically, the disease affects the lower extremities, but it can also affect any exposed skin area. If the disease is not treated for a long time, it can spread to muscles and ligaments, up to bone tissue. For an immediate start of treatment, refer to our article.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Medical Treatment
Step 1. Using antifungal creams
These types of creams (for example, Clotrimazole) can be used in the early stages of the disease. The area must be washed and dried thoroughly before application. You need to apply the cream 2 times a day.
After all symptoms have gone away, treatment continues for at least 1 week or up to a month
Step 2. Take penicillin or fluconazole
In the early stages of the disease, taking penicillin can help reduce or stop the spread of the disease. This type of treatment is applied up to one week, three times a day. Usually the doctor will prescribe 500 mg tablets or capsules of the medication.
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Never stop taking antibiotics, even if you notice a decrease in symptoms or a healed ulcer.
In order to prevent recurrence of the disease, it is better to undergo treatment to the end.
- Before taking a drug such as fluconazole, the patient should undergo laboratory tests of the liver for diseases, this is due to the production of toxins after taking this drug.
Step 3. Bandage the wounds carefully
To prevent the spread of infection and to keep wounds clean, you need to rewind wounds with non-adherent material. The dressing should not put pressure on the ulcer, this will help it heal faster. For example:
- Rinse the area with distilled water. If you don't have one, plain clean water is fine. Then gently blot the affected area dry.
- Apply a small amount of silver sulfadiazine to the lesion and rewind. Depending on the severity of your medical condition, the dressing may be done several times a day.
- To prevent the spread of the disease and accelerate the healing of the affected area, the dressing must be changed immediately after it gets wet.
- This process must be continued until the wounds disappear completely.
Step 4. Nail treatment
If the infection has spread to your nails, they should also be treated. This is due to the fact that if the nails are not treated, the disease will return again. Treatment for under-nail fungus may be more intense and will require oral antifungal medications for 3 to 4 months. Visually observed fungal lesions should be treated at the same time.
Step 5. In the advanced stages of perineal fungal infection, use a broad spectrum of antibiotics such as tetracycline, ampicillin, or mebendazole
As with penicillin, this treatment will take 1 week, three times a day. Typically, your doctor will prescribe 500 mg tablets or capsules.
These medications should be taken half an hour before meals or 2 hours after meals with plenty of water
Step 6. Resort to debridement of the wound surface
In especially severe cases, surgical cleaning of the wound surface under local anesthesia is essential. Debridement is a process in which damaged tissue is surgically cleaned, thereby allowing new healthy tissue to heal the wound. It is also necessary to save a completely healthy limb from possible amputation.
Step 7. Consider a skin graft
This procedure is used in areas of severe ulceration. While the operation is performed, the patient is under general anesthesia, without feeling pain and unconscious. The procedure consists in removing the affected skin area and grafting a new skin area from another location.
In especially severe cases of the disease, when the infection can no longer be controlled, and large areas are affected, limb amputation is used
Part 2 of 3: Home Treatment
Step 1. Use vinegar and mouth lotion to cleanse the wounds
Vinegar has remarkable antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can reduce the spread of disease. Rinse sores and wounds 3-5 times a day with vinegar and a cup of warm water until you see the sores and wounds dry and heal. It is also important to remember to keep the sore spot dry.
Step 2. Use turmeric
Turmeric isn't just a spice you add to a lean dish to give it flavor and vitality. It can be used to treat fungus. You can apply it directly to wounds or take it orally. All you have to do is apply the turmeric paste 3 times a day of your choice until you see the wounds or ulcers dry out. Turmeric has very good performance and can speed up the healing process.
You can make a turmeric paste using turmeric powder. To make a paste, take a glass of warm water and start adding the powder, stirring it until it becomes a thick solution. Let it cool and apply directly to the wounds. Turmeric has the same antibacterial properties as vinegar
Step 3. Try vitamin E
To reduce pain and itching, you can apply vitamin E. Apply vitamin E three times a day until you see the wounds dry and heal. Vitamin E has properties that relieve itching and soften wound scarring.
Eat more foods that contain vitamin E to help keep your skin healthy. Foods such as spinach, nuts, pumpkin, broccoli, avocado, and rainbow trout are high in vitamin E
Step 4. Try using Chlorine
Chlorine can also be used. Chlorine should be diluted at a ratio of 1/4 cup per bath. Patients are advised to soak their feet 2 times a day for 15 minutes.
Wipe disinfectant between your toes once a day. This will help keep your feet dry and prevent the fungus and bacteria that your feet love
Step 5. Try hazel
Another home remedy to soothe symptoms is hazel. Simply apply a small amount to your feet 3-5 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
- Remember, if your symptoms persist after all these home remedies, you better see your doctor and get medication.
- You can combine medication and home remedies. Remember that any treatment you want to use must be approved by your dermatologist.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Perineal Fungal Diseases
Step 1. Wear the correct shoes and socks
This is especially important in regions where perineal fungal infections are widespread. If you are working in rice paddies or on the banks of water bodies, wear long knee-length boots if you can afford it.
- If your feet have been exposed to a sanitary contaminated environment, wash and keep them dry at all costs. The bacteria will not be able to multiply in a dry place.
- Patients are advised to change their socks regularly. Cotton socks are much better than artificial socks, they absorb sweat and breathe better.
Step 2. To improve the functioning of the immune system, eat more vitamins and foods rich in beneficial nutrients
Protein-rich foods such as fish and diet meats are the best source. Remember, protein speeds up the healing process.
Milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beans, and tofu are also good sources of protein, especially for a vegetarian
Step 3. Wash the area around you and keep it dry
It is a versatile method to combat the spread of infections and diseases. Due to the fact that fungal diseases of the perineum are highly contagious, it is important to maintain good hygiene. Any surfaces and clothing that have come into contact with the affected skin should be thoroughly washed and washed.
- You can use medicated powders to keep your feet dry. This can be Tinactin and should be applied to your feet twice a day, during, before and after washing your feet. But not only should your feet be dry, but also all limbs and surfaces.
- Wear breathable shoes for better air circulation. If you're not putting anyone at risk, you can go barefoot.
Advice
- Do not use topical corticosteroid creams, they will only worsen the condition of the fungus.
- If you experience bleeding, increased swelling, or the infection persists, see your doctor immediately.
Warnings
If fungal diseases of the perineum have been neglected, they can be very dangerous. See a doctor immediately
Sources & Citations
- https://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/2332/diseases-and-ailments/jungle-rot-disease.html
- https://dermnetnz.org/bacterial/tropical-ulcer.html
- https://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=14803