Among all fungal diseases, mycoses (fungal lesions) of the skin of the feet are the most common. They are also called ringworm or athlete's foot. Approximately 30% of the population has problems with diseases of a fungal nature. Almost half of patients never go to the doctor with them, spreading the fungus among loved ones. Microscopic pathogens affect the dermis (skin) or nails. In the latter case, they speak of onychomycosis.
Why are the feet most commonly affected?
Various fungi are always present on the skin. Its reproduction is restricted by beneficial bacteria and skin secrets. In case of violation of the work of immunity, changes in the composition of the microflora of the skin, a favorable time for fungi arises - they can freely multiply. Gateways for infection can serve as regular damage:
- scratches;
- cracks;
- Annoying.
Another cause of mycoses is endocrine disorders. In case of malfunction of the endocrine glands, not only the balance of hormones changes, but also the functioning of the whole organism. Including, the composition of skin secrets changes, as a result of which they lose their bactericidal properties. Fungi can feed on them, which also promotes reproduction.
Other factors also contribute to the weakening of protective forces:
- food exhaustion (malnutrition);
- avitaminosis;
- excessive physical and psycho-emotional stress;
- concussions;
- normal stress.
These are all non-specific causes of fungal skin lesions. Because of them, mycoses on the feet, smooth skin on the body or mucous membranes can develop.
In addition, there are special types of fungi (genus Trichophyton or Microsporum) - pathogenic (pathogenic). When in contact with the skin or on its surface, they cause disease. In the case of the feet, the disease is called rubromycosis. On the body, these pathogens form specific spots - lichen. You can get infected from a person or an animal.
The skin on the feet is a special place for fungus. There are always many keratinized cells. Microbes are used as housing and food. The "rampant" fungus contributes to sweating of the feet. In closed shoes, a moist, nutrient-rich environment is formed on the feet - the "dream" of every fungus. If a person neglects foot hygiene, does not dry and disinfect his shoes, the infection first multiplies in him, and then moves to the feet of the "owner". Bad hygiene products, dryness, synthetic socks also contribute to the spread of a fungal infection.
Signs of a fungus, visually noticeable
The treatment of dermatomycosis is easier, the earlier the disease is diagnosed. In advanced cases, therapy is long-term, involves taking pills and using external agents. In the early stages of mycosis, ointments can be dispensed with. 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 the ringworm. Fungal infection of the feet can occur in 3 different variations, 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 mostly 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 rings of the foot. The damage is small, but it causes inconvenience when washing feet and walking.
If you carefully examine the wound, a whitish fringe is noticeable around it (example in the photo). This is how the edges of the skin look around the crack that has come off. The wound can itch, ooze, increase, or vice versa - periodically heal, and then reappear.
In some cases, the fissure heals, but the skin continues to peel off, hyperkeratosis develops (thickening of the dermis), corns and calluses appear. With the advanced intertriginous form, the cracks become larger (example in the photo), appear between other fingers, the skin is constantly wet. It is difficult for the patient to move, put on any shoes.
As it progresses in this way, the crack increases in size. Similar signs appear on the second foot. Thick, large layers of skin exfoliate around the wound. The second end (attached) is not rejected and tries to remove the keratinized part with the end of the fingers in further damage to the foot.
This type of foot fungus is the most common. The manifestation of pathology at first is not accompanied by any symptoms. As a rule, the infection develops between the 3rd and 4th fingers and does not change the color and structure of the skin to some extent. After that, cracks and wet layers of the 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 average complexity.
dyshidrotic form
With this form, the first signs of a fungus on the skin are blisters on the arch of the foot. Most often - near the heel. The surface becomes dry, deep seals appear on it (they look like nodules). Later, they rise visibly 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, forming larger ones - bubbles. Other symptoms include pain and itching around the rash.
The progress of the dyshidrotic form of mycosis is manifested by the bursting of bubbles. In their place, small or large erosions are formed. Often they become infected with bacteria and begin to boil. Erosions take a long time to heal, making walking painful. In some cases, erosion disappears, and dryness appears in its place.
scaly shape
As the disease progresses, severe hyperkeratosis develops on the feet. The size and number of cracks increase. Bigger ones can bleed. Such damage is the path for the invasion of other pathogenic microbes in the body. Therefore, the wounds periodically become inflamed, may abscess. The most common form of foot fungus is manifested by increased dryness of the skin on the sole of the foot. It can mean a recent accession of the fungus, or vice versa - be the result of the development of other forms.
In the arch of the foot and in the center, the dermis becomes dry, thin, shiny, covered with a mesh of furrows. In the area of \u200b\u200bthe fingers and heels, hyperkeratosis is observed - rapid keratinization, in which dead particles do not have time to exfoliate. Corns or calluses form on the forefoot. There are small cracks on the heels. The entire surface is rough due to pronounced peeling. The patient may feel itchy. With prolonged development of mycosis, this symptom is absent.
You can determine the fungus on the legs by excessive dryness, unpleasant odor, itching and constant peeling of the skin.
onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a type of fungus of the foot (or palms), which affects the skin appendages - the nails. Nail fungus can be caused by the same pathogens that cause ringworm on the skin. Get infected with mold and other types of monofungus in the nail salon, on the beach, when trying on new shoes barefoot, when going to the sauna or swimming pool. An ingrown toenail can be a contributing factor. The thumb is most commonly affected.
When it reaches the nail plate, the fungus begins to divide. It penetrates deep into the nail, spreads over its area. The first signs by which you can determine the fungus on the nails are 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 zone of discoloration (it thickens, becomes bumpy, becomes loose).
Running toenail fungus looks like thick yellow growths. It is difficult to care for affected nail plates. Before each cut, you should do warm foot baths. After contact with water, the nails are softer and easier to remove with manicure tools.
If the 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 the complete loss of nails.
General principles of treatment
Foot fungus is treated with special ointments, creams, solutions, varnishes. In parallel, the patient is given antifungal pills.
During the entire treatment, careful foot hygiene, weekly cutting and sawing of the damaged part is recommended. Daily, the patient must remove the layer of keratinized cells from the surface of the feet, using a pedicure file.
It is also important to carefully care for shoes - treat them with antifungal agents 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 foot fungus. For treatment, a cream and other drugs are prescribed. They are applied to the skin 1-2 times a day, after carefully washing the feet with simple soap. Before using creams, it is important to dry your feet completely. Do not apply medication to wet skin. After treatment, the patient should wear cotton socks.
pills
It is impossible to treat the fungus with pills on your own. All drugs adversely affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys, have a number of contraindications. Before prescribing a course of antifungal pills, the specialist will recommend carrying out a general and biochemical blood test, which can be used to assess the state of vital organs.
nail preparations
Useful in treating onychomycosis and foot fungus. In the first case, they are used to eliminate the affected part of the nail, in the second - to prevent infection of the nail plates with fungi.
It is more convenient to be treated with varnishes - they are applied to the nails 1-2 times a week. The cheapest remedies for nail fungus are solutions, applied to the nails 2 times a day until complete recovery. Special gels are popular. They visually improve the condition of the affected nails, along the way, prevent 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, and kept 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 need to lead a healthy lifestyle, take your own slippers for the pool and sauna, regularly wash and air your shoes, wear socks made of natural fabric and use antiperspirant products. With regular visits to "wet" establishments, antifungal creams should be used prophylactically - treat the skin of the feet 1-2 times a week.