Of all the fungal diseases, mycoses (fungal lesions) of the skin of the feet are the most common. They are also called ringworm or athlete's foot. About 30% of the population has disease problems of a fungal nature. Almost half of patients never go to the doctor with them, spreading the fungus among their relatives. Microscopic pathogens affect the dermis (skin) or nails. In the latter case, it is called onychomycosis.
Why are the feet most often affected?
Various fungi are always present on the skin. Their reproduction is hampered by beneficial bacteria and skin secrets. In case of violation of the work of immunity, changes in the composition of the skin microflora, a favorable moment arises for fungi - they can multiply freely. Gateways for infection can serve as regular damage:
- grooves;
- cracks;
- friction.
Endocrine disorders are another cause of yeast infection. In case of malfunctions in the work of the endocrine glands, not only the balance of hormones changes, but also the work of the whole organism. Including, the composition of skin secrets changes, due to which they lose their bactericidal properties. Fungi can feed on it, which also promotes reproduction.
Other factors also contribute to the weakening of protective forces:
- food depletion (malnutrition);
- avitaminosis;
- excessive physical and psycho-emotional stress;
- concussions;
- regular stress.
These are all non-specific causes of fungal skin lesions. Because of them, fungal infections of the feet, smooth skin of the body or mucous membranes can develop.
In addition, there are special types of fungi (genus Trichophyton or Microsporum) - pathogens (pathogens). In contact with the skin or on its surface, they cause diseases. In the case of the feet, the disease is called rubromycosis. On the body, these pathogens form specific spots - lichen. You can be infected by a person or an animal.
The skin of the feet is a special place for fungus. There are always many keratinized cells. Microbes are used for housing and food. The "creeping" fungus contributes to sweaty feet. In closed shoes, a nutrient-rich moist environment forms on the feet - the "dream" of every fungus. If a person neglects foot hygiene, does not dry and disinfect shoes, the infection first multiplies there, and then passes to the feet of the "owner". Poor hygiene products, dryness, synthetic socks also contribute to the spread of a fungal infection.
Signs of a fungus, noticeable visually
Treatment of dermatomycosis is easier, the earlier the disease is diagnosed. In advanced cases, the therapy is long-term, it consists of taking pills and using external agents. In the early stages of mycosis, ointments can be removed. It is important to be able to recognize the first symptoms of the fungus in order to consult a doctor in time.
The appearance of the fungus depends on the form of mycosis. Fungal infection of the feet can occur in 3 different variants, as well as in a mixed form - when signs of three main varieties are present on the legs at the same time.
Intertriginous form
A type of tinea pedis that primarily affects the skin between the toes. The first symptom of the disease is the appearance of a painful crack between the 3rd and 4th or 4th and 5th hoops of the foot. The damage is minimal, but it causes inconvenience when washing the feet and walking.
If you examine the wound carefully, a whitish fringe is noticeable around it (example in the photo). This is what the edges of the skin look like around the peeled crack. The wound can itch, ooze, increase or vice versa - periodically heal, then reappear.
In some cases, the crack heals, but the skin continues to peel off, hyperkeratosis (thickening of the dermis) develops, corns and calluses appear. With the advanced intertriginous form, the cracks enlarge (example in the photo), appear between other fingers, the skin constantly gets wet. It is difficult for the patient to move around, to wear shoes.
As this shape progresses, the crack increases in size. Similar signs appear on the second foot. Thick, wide layers of skin exfoliate around the wound. The second end (attached) is not rejected and tries to remove the keratinized part with the fingertips further damaging the foot.
This type of foot fungus is the most common. The manifestation of the pathology at the beginning is not accompanied by any symptoms. Typically, the infection develops between the 3rd and 4th fingers and does not alter the color and structure of the skin to some extent. After that, wet cracks and layers of skin appear.
The foot itself remains unharmed, however, if the fungus is affected, the feet may sweat more than usual. Therapy of the fungus of the intertriginous form is characterized by medium complexity.
Dyshidrotic form
With this form, the first signs of a fungus on the skin are bubbles on the arch of the foot. Most often - near the heel. The surface becomes dry, deep seals appear on it (feeling of nodules). Later they rise noticeably above the plane of the skin, as they are filled with fluid. Vesicles (vesicles) are usually small - from 2 to 5 mm in diameter. They can merge to form larger ones - bubbles. Other symptoms include pain and itching around the rash.
The progression of the dyshidrotic form of mycosis is manifested by the bursting of blisters. In their place, small or large erosions are formed. Often they are infected with bacteria and begin to boil. Erosions do not heal for long, making walking painful. In some cases, erosion disappears and drought appears in their place.
scaly form
With the progression of the disease, severe hyperkeratosis develops on the feet. The size and number of cracks increase. Larger ones can bleed. Such damage is the pathway for other pathogenic microbes to invade the body. Therefore, the wounds periodically become inflamed and can form abscesses. The most common form of foot mycosis is manifested by increased dryness of the skin on the plantar part of the limb. This can mean a recent adhesion of the fungus, or vice versa - be the result of the development of other forms.
On the arch of the foot and in the center, the dermis becomes dry, thin, shiny, covered with a mesh of furrows. On the fingers and heels, hyperkeratosis is observed - rapid keratinization, in which dead particles do not have time to exfoliate. Calluses or corns form on the forefoot. There are small cracks on the heels. The entire surface is rough due to pronounced peeling. The patient may experience itching. With the prolonged development of mycosis, this symptom is absent.
You can determine the fungus on the legs by excessive dryness, unpleasant smell, itching and constant peeling of the skin.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a type of foot (or palm) fungus that affects the appendages of the skin - the nails. Nail fungus can be caused by the same pathogens that cause skin fungus. Get infected with mold and other types of mono-fungi in the nail room, on the beach, when trying on new barefoot shoes, when going to the sauna or swimming pool. An ingrown toenail can be a contributing factor. The thumb is most commonly affected.
When it touches the nail plate, the fungus begins to divide. It penetrates deep into the nail, spreads over its surface. The first signs by which you can determine the fungus in the nails are the loss of shine, the appearance of spots (white, yellow, brown, greenish), a change in the shape of the nail plate.
As the disease progresses, the structure of the nail changes in the area of discoloration (it thickens, becomes bumpy, loose).
Fungus running on toenails looks like thick yellow growths. It is difficult to care for the affected nail plates. Before each pruning, you should do warm foot baths. After contact with water, the nails become softer and easier to remove with manicure tools.
If nail fungus is not treated, onycholysis begins - the plaque completely or partially exfoliates. After removing its remnants, the nail does not always grow back. Sometimes the detachment process ends with complete nail loss.
General principles of treatment
The fungus on the feet is treated with special ointments, creams, solutions, varnishes. In parallel, the patient is prescribed antifungal tablets.
Throughout the duration of the treatment, careful foot hygiene, weekly cutting and sawing of the damaged part are indicated. Every day, the patient must remove the layer of keratinized cells from the surface of the feet, using a pedicure file.
It is also important to take care of your shoes - treat them with antifungal drugs or disinfectants. The shoes are dried and aired daily in the open air.
External means
Only ointment or cream is prescribed in the early stages of mycosis of the feet. For treatment, a cream and other drugs are prescribed. They are applied to the skin 1-2 times a day, after thoroughly washing the feet with simple soap. Before using creams, it is important to completely dry the feet. Do not apply medication to wet skin. After treatment, the patient should wear cotton socks.
Tablets
It is impossible to treat the fungus with pills on your own. All drugs negatively affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys, have a number of contraindications. Before prescribing a course of antifungal tablets, the specialist will recommend taking a general and biochemical blood test, which can be used to assess the condition of vital organs.
Nail preparations
Useful in the treatment of onychomycosis and foot fungus. In the first case, they are used to remove the affected part of the nail, in the second - to prevent infection of the nail plates with fungus.
It is more convenient to be treated with varnishes - they are applied to the nails 1-2 times a week. The most affordable drugs for nail fungus are solutions, they are applied to the nails 2 times a day until completely cured. Special gels are popular. They visually improve the condition of the affected nails, along the way, stop the reproduction of the fungus. Ointments are also prescribed for onychomycosis. They are applied in a thick layer to the affected plaques, covered with a bandage, held in this way until the product is completely absorbed. The treatment is repeated twice a day.
Preventing foot fungus is much easier than treating it. To do this, you must lead a healthy lifestyle, bring your own slippers to the pool and sauna, wash and air your shoes regularly, wear natural fabric socks and use antiperspirant products. During regular visits to "wet" institutions, you need to use antifungal creams for prophylaxis - treat the skin of the feet 1-2 times a week.