Fungus (mycosis) on the feet.– fungal infections of the skin of the feet and interdigital folds, nails, caused by pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic fungi. Conditional pathogens are natural inhabitants that are present in the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes in small quantities; However, under certain conditions, fungi begin to acquire pathogenic (disease-causing) properties and cause disease. Regardless of the pathogen, the disease has similar symptoms and treatment tactics.
In 9 out of 10 cases, the cause of mycoses on the legs are fungi of the genus Trichophyton. According to statistics, men are more likely than women to develop a fungal infection on the skin of their feet. Men account for almost 58% of all cases. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) most often develops on the III-IV nail plates of the feet. Often, nail fungus that is not treated for a long time becomes the cause of foot mycosis and vice versa. It should be noted that some non-fungal skin diseases can be complicated by the onset of a fungal disease. Often eczema of the feet is combined with mycosis.
Symptoms of foot fungus.
Dermatophytosis of the feet.
Dermatophytosis of the feet (Tinea Pedis - athlete's foot) is the most common mycosis of the skin of the feet and nails. The fungal process of the feet, as a rule,begins with damage to the lateral surfaces. Peeling (peeling) of the skin may occur. This process is not always accompanied by discomfort, itching or pain.
Over time, hyperkeratosis develops.skin thickening. Sometimes you may notice a slight redness of the skin, accompanied byfloury peeling, giving the skin a "powdered look. "The skin is dry, itching and pain may occur. If a fungal infection is not treated at this stage, after a while diaper rash will appear in the interdigital spaces. Most often, the interdigital form of foot fungus affects the folds between the third and fourth, fourth and fifth toes. Defects can form on the skin, characterized by a violation of its integrity (erosion) and painful cracks. With the interdigital (intertriginous) form, pronounced manifestations of itching and sometimes burning appear on the affected skin.
INcareless wayFungal disease of the feet occurs with the formation on the surfaces of the fingers. bubblesFilled with transparent liquid and covered with a thick horny layer. "Sago grains" (bubbles) can be single or fused into multi-chambered bubbles. As piococci (purulent bacteria) join, the contents of the blisters become cloudy, then they open and erosions covered with purulent hemorrhagic crusts form. Swollen lymph nodes and deterioration in general health are possible.
When blisters appear, it is important not to confuse a fungal infection with Dyshidrotic eczema. Only a doctor can understand the problem and diagnose it accurately! In 2/3 of patients with interdigital and advanced forms of tinea pedis, micidae (allergic rash) are observed.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms is conditional, since their combination often occurs: one form can transform into another. It all depends on the reaction of the body, physical activity and treatment methods of the patient.
Also, with mycosis of the feet, the nails are often affected, mainly on the first and fifth fingers. The nail plate acquires yellowish spots or stripes, the surface becomes dull and uneven, and a horny thickening begins to appear under the nail, which subsequently leads to the destruction of the nail plate.
Yeast mycoses of the feet.
Recently, fungal infections of the feet caused by fungi of the genus Candida have become widespread. This is assumed to be due to the widespread use of antibiotics and cytostatics (anti-tumor drugs).
FungusGenus Candida, settling in the interdigital folds, cause symptoms similar to abrasion and diaper rash on the skin. Often, all interdigital spaces are involved in the skin process. Pain and burning occur in the skin between the toes. Nail candidiasis (Candida fungal infection) is more common in the hands of women: housewives, laundresses, dishwashers and food distributors in canteens. The nail plates become loose, peel, and white spots appear.
Mold mycosis of the feet.
Mold mycoses are common mainly in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In regions with temperate climates, this type of mycosis also occurs, but, as a rule, in patients with immunodeficiency conditions and in people who often come into contact with soil and plants. The color of the nail plate will depend on the specific type of pathogen. The nail plate may even turn black.
However, when painting the nail in this way, it is important not to overlook the malignant form of the skin tumor on the finger.subungual melanoma.It is imperative to go to the doctor to get a correct diagnosis!Often, fungal changes in the skin of the feet and nails can occur simultaneously. On the one hand, this can serve as confirmation of a general fungal nature, on the other hand, it can mask other skin problems.
A change in the color or thickness of the nail plate is not always necessarily onychomycosis (nail fungus). Nails can be damaged by injury, wearing tight shoes, using low-quality varnish, or a bacterial infection. For example, the nail plate becomes green due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. But still, colors such as yellow-brown, gray and whitish should suggest a fungus and the need for laboratory diagnosis. In addition, the thickness of nails with fungal infection can remain normal or, on the contrary, become very thin.
Causes of foot fungus.
The main reasons for the development of foot fungal infections are:
- Increased sweating of the feet.
- Presence of chronic diseases.Diabetes mellitus, certain blood diseases, long-term use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs (immunosuppressants) contribute to the development of a fungal infection and the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
- Presence of microtrauma in the legs.Small cracks and cuts are a direct route of infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat damaged areas of the skin with antiseptic agents.
- Failure to comply with hygiene rules.Walking without shoes in public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools) is fraught with fungal infections.
Cream to treat foot fungus.
Thanks to its special chemical structure, the drug has a triple effect on fungi: it helps to inhibit their growth, reproduction and death, as well as blocking the transition of fungi into a pathogenic form. Sertaconazole also has good lipophilicity (the ability to dissolve in the fatty structures of cells). This ensures rapid and effective penetration of the drug into the skin and enhances the local antifungal effect. At the same time, the development of resistance of fungal infection to treatment is practically not observed. The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococcus and staphylococcus, relieves itching and inflammation.
Thus, the advantages of creams are:
- Broad spectrum of antifungal action.
- Triple effect on fungal cells.
- Reduction of itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect.
- Good penetration into affected skin areas and long-lasting antifungal effect due to lipophilicity.
- It can be used during pregnancy and lactation if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risks to the fetus.
The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococcus and staphylococcus, relieves itching and inflammation.
Cream application
For fungal infections on the feet, it is recommended to apply the product in a thin layer on the affected skin area, covering 1 cm of healthy skin 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks. It has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory.
Prevention of foot fungus.
To prevent foot and nail fungus infection, the following preventive measures should be followed:
- Disinfect shoes during foot fungus treatment.
- Maintain personal hygiene, do not walk barefoot in public places (swimming pools, saunas, bathrooms)
- Don't wear other people's shoes
- Choose shoes depending on the season and preferably from natural materials.
- Treat fresh wounds and cuts promptly
- Use products to reduce foot sweating.
Answers to questions
Is it possible to get infected with the fungus again?
Answer:If you can. Past fungal skin diseases do not cause long-lasting immunity. Therefore, you can become infected with the fungus an unlimited number of times.
What is better to use to treat fungus: pills or creams and ointments?
Answer:The treatment regimen is determined solely by the treating doctor. This takes into account the severity and degree of fungal infection. As a rule, fungal infections of the feet and nails are treated with local (external) agents.