One of the most common skin diseases is athlete's foot. It occurs in people of all ages and professions. The greatest prevalence of mycosis is among workers in hot workshops, miners, athletes, lifeguards, in which the incidence exceeds 60%. Children suffer quite rarely, but already in adolescents there is an increase in cases of mycosis.
What is mycosis of the foot
Foot mycosis is a group of fungal skin diseases, often with simultaneous damage to the nails. These infections cause similar clinical manifestations. They can be distinguished only after microscopic examination of the skin and nails. Foot skin mycosis is a highly contagious disease. It is transmitted from person to person through household items: carpets in changing rooms, showers and swimming pools, foot benches, sinks and floors in bathrooms and saunas. It is dangerous to use shared shoes and socks. The surface layer of the skin, which is constantly exfoliating, contains many of the fungi themselves and their spores. Initially, the interdigital folds are affected, skin itching occurs. In the future, the infection captures the entire foot and spreads to the nails. The course of the disease is long, it requires constant treatment. To prevent foot fungus, you can purchase an effective condom.
Causes of mycosis of the feet
The cause of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, less often molds and Epidermophyton floccosum:
- red trichophyton (Tr. Rubrum) causes up to 95% of all disease cases;
- about one third of the patients also found interdigital ringworm (Tr. Interdigitale);
- inguinal epidermophytone (E. floccosum) is the cause of the disease in 1% of cases.
The likelihood of infection increases in adverse external conditions:
- high humidity;
- tight shoes;
- frequent visits to swimming pools, saunas and other wetlands;
- the presence of a sick person in the family.
Some internal diseases also contribute to the development of a fungal infection:
- sweating of the legs;
- immunodeficiency;
- taking corticosteroid hormones inside;
- flat feet;
- Raynaud's disease, atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries, obliterating endarteritis, varicose veins;
- diabetes.
What happens during the illness
Mycosis of the feet on healthy skin rarely develops. Even if the fungus comes to the surface, it will not be able to penetrate the thick layer of intact epithelium. Under the influence of adverse external factors, the epidermis accumulates moisture and melts. Fungi penetrate the thickness of the skin and begin to actively multiply. This is further favored by vascular disease and immune disorders, which are accompanied by malnutrition and local protective mechanisms of the feet. Reproduction of fungi causes damage to the interdigital areas, intense peeling and discomfort. Rejected epithelium enters socks and shoes, becoming a source of reinfection. Therefore, during the treatment of mycoses, it is necessary to treat the inner surface of the shoe with a preparation with a special composition against the fungus.
Symptoms
Conventionally, there are such forms of mycosis of the feet, which are shown in the photo:
- Scaly: One-sided flaking and slight itching in the arch of the foot. This form is often not recognized.
- Intertriginous - the creases between the toes are affected, so the process moves to the back of the foot. Weeping cracks appear, accompanied by itching. A bacterial infection can join the development of erysipelas.
- Dyshidrotic: on the arch of the foot, the vesicles merge with each other with the light and therefore with the turbid content. They open with the formation of painful erosions. This type is accompanied by itching and pain.
Mycosis of the skin of the foot in the acute period can be accompanied by fever, poor health, headache, enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes. When infected with trichophyton, the I or V finger nail is affected, in the future the process spreads to all nails. First, yellow spots appear on the free edge of the nail, then it thickens, loosens and crumbles. Therefore, to treat foot fungus, it is necessary to use products with complex action, for example, skin and nail lotion.
Diagnosis of the disease
Recognition of the disease is based on the analysis of external manifestations and the isolation of the fungus from the skin surface. A microscopic examination of the affected epithelium and nails is performed. To accurately determine the type of microorganisms, they are grown on a nutrient medium. It is necessary to distinguish mycosis of the foot from a non-fungal lesion:
- intertrigo;
- eczema;
- psoriasis;
- hyperkeratosis.
An accurate diagnosis guarantees a good outcome of the treatment.
Treatment of mycosis of the feet
The therapy takes place in 2 phases. First, it is necessary to eliminate acute inflammation and remove horny overlaps on the feet. Warm foot baths with potassium permanganate and lotions with a solution of boric acid are shown. After removing the dense epithelium, creams containing anti-inflammatory hormones and antibiotics are used. After the inflammation subsides, these creams are replaced with similar ointments. In the second stage of treatment, antifungal ointments and creams are used (for example, representatives of the imidazole group of antifungal drugs). They should be applied to clean, dry skin 1-2 times a day, rubbing gently. Not only the affected area is treated, but also the surrounding surface of the foot. The course of treatment lasts about a month. Foot mycosis is successfully treated with drugs, special lotions for the skin and nails, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Benefits of drugs for the fight against fungi:
- high activity against the fungus that causes mycosis of the feet;
- safety;
- hypoallergenicity;
- affordable price.
The lotion can be used for the treatment of other skin diseases:
- pityriasis versicolor;
- cutaneous candidiasis;
- erythrasma;
- secondary bacterial infection against the background of mycosis.
The medicine is used 2 times a day, gently rubbing it on the affected areas. The skin must first be washed with soap and dried well, especially between the fingers. The course of treatment lasts until the symptoms of the disease disappear and for another 2 weeks. The drug is well tolerated. It only occasionally causes skin irritation. It has the only contraindication - the first trimester of pregnancy. Of course, the substance clotrimazole is not used for its individual intolerance. One of the advantages of the lotion is the excellent penetration of the drug into the nails, which distinguishes it from a cream or ointment. Regular use of this drug provides an excellent result in mycosis of the feet and nails without the use of additional funds. Damage to the nails requires the appointment of antifungal drugs inside.
At the same time, therapeutic varnishes are used, which are applied to the nails 1-2 times a week until complete recovery.
Preventive methods
Treating a fungal infection takes a long time. Mycosis of the feet requires the use of drugs, the cost of which is quite high. Disease prevention is especially important in people with risk factors for the disease. Athletes, swimmers, hot shop attendants are advised to regularly use antifungal and antibacterial medications, such as sprays or lotions. Such products are safe, do not harm the skin and do not cause irritation. With regular use, the likelihood of getting foot fungus is greatly reduced. Undecylenic acid spray is helpful in preventing reinfection. To do this, the drug must be sprayed monthly on the inner surface of the shoe. The active ingredient in the spray - undecylenic acid - is safe even with prolonged use. It should be applied to the clean dry skin of the feet before each visit to the pool and other similar places. Contraindications to the use of this drug have not been established. It should only be used with caution by pregnant and lactating women. It is necessary to eliminate the external causes of the onset of the disease:
- wear boots and shoes that fit;
- use high-quality sports shoes made from natural materials;
- wash your feet every day and treat your nails on time;
- fight sweaty feet;
- when visiting a bathroom, swimming pool, beach, it is better to use light silicone or rubber slippers.
A general strengthening of immunity, treatment of diabetes mellitus and vascular diseases is necessary.