Among all fungal diseases, mycoses (fungal lesions) of the skin on the feet are the most common. They are also called ringworm or athlete's foot. Approximately 30% of the population has problems with fungal diseases. Almost half of patients never take themselves to the doctor, spreading the fungus to loved ones. Microscopic pathogens affect the dermis (skin) or nails. In the latter case, they talk about onychomycosis.
Why are the feet affected more often?
Various fungi are always present on the skin. Their reproduction is limited by beneficial bacteria and skin secretions. In case of violations in the work of immunity, changes in the composition of the microflora of the skin, there is a favorable time for fungi - they can multiply freely. Entry gates for infection can serve as regular damage:
- scratches;
- crack;
- disruption.
Another cause of mycoses are endocrine disorders. 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 secretions changes, due to which they lose their bactericidal properties. Fungi can feed on them, which also promotes reproduction.
Other factors also contribute to the weakening of the defense forces:
- food fatigue (malnutrition);
- avitaminosis;
- excessive physical and psycho-emotional stress;
- shock;
- regular stress.
All of these are non-specific causes of fungal skin lesions. Because of them, athlete's foot, smooth skin on the body or mucous membrane can develop.
In addition, there are special types of fungi (genus Trichophyton or Microsporum) - pathogenic (pathogenic). When they are in contact with the skin or on its surface, they cause disease. In the case of the feet, the disease is called rubromycosis. In 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 fungi. There are always many keratinized cells. Microbes are used as shelter and food. "Unbridled" fungi contribute to sweating of the feet. In closed shoes, a moist, nutrient-rich environment is created on the feet – the "dream" of every fungus. If a person neglects the hygiene of his feet, does not dry and disinfect his shoes, the infection first multiplies in him 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, visible visually
Treatment of dermatomycosis is easier, the earlier the disease is diagnosed. In advanced cases, the therapy is long-term, includes taking pills and using external agents. In the initial stages of mycosis, ointments can be dispensed. It is important to be able to recognize the early symptoms of fungus in order to go to the doctor in time.
How the fungus looks depends on the form of mycosis. Fungal infection of the feet can occur in 3 different variations, as well as in a mixed form - when the signs of the three main varieties are present on the feet at the same time.
Intertrigenic form
A type of tinea pedis that mainly 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 circles of the foot. The damage is small, but causes discomfort when washing the feet and walking.
If you carefully examine the wound, you can see a white border around it (example in the photo). This is what the edges of the skin around the crack that has been removed look like. The wound may itch, ooze, grow, or vice versa - it periodically heals, then reappears.
In some cases, the crack heals, but the skin continues to shed, hyperkeratosis (thickening of the dermis) develops, corns and calluses appear. With the advanced intertriginous form, cracks become larger (example in the photo), appear between other fingers, the skin is constantly wet. It is difficult for the patient to move, to wear any shoes.
As this form progresses, the crack increases in size. Similar signs appear on the second leg. Thick and large layers of skin are cleaned around the wound. The second end (attached) is not rejected, and attempts to remove the keratinized part with the fingers end in additional damage to the leg.
This type of foot fungus is the most common. The appearance of the pathology at first is not accompanied by any symptoms. As a rule, the infection develops between the third and fourth toes and does not change the color and texture of the skin up to a certain point. After that, cracks and wet layers of skin appear.
The foot itself remains unharmed, however, if the fungus is affected, the feet may sweat more than usual. Fungal therapy of the intertrigenic 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. More often - near the heel. The surface becomes dry, deep seals appear on it (they feel like knots). 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, forming larger ones - bullae. Other symptoms include pain and itching around the rash.
The course 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. The erosion does not heal for a long time, making it painful to walk. In some cases, erosion disappears and dryness appears instead.
scaly shape
As the disease progresses, severe hyperkeratosis develops on the legs. The size and number of cracks increases. Larger ones may bleed. Such damage is the way 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 plantar part of the limb. It can mean a recent merger of fungi, 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 network of furrows. In the area of the toes and heels, hyperkeratosis is observed - rapid keratinization, in which dead particles do not have time to exfoliate. Calluses or corns form on the front of the foot. There are small cracks on the soles. 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 feet 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 mycoses. Get infected with mold and other types of monofungi in the nail salon, at the beach, when you try on new shoes in bare feet, when you go to the sauna or swimming pool. An ingrown toenail can be a contributing factor. The thumb is most commonly affected.
When it hits the nail plate, the fungus begins to split. It penetrates deep into the nail, spreads in its area. The first signs by which you can determine the fungus on the nails are the loss of shine, the appearance of spots (white, yellow, brown, green), the 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, loosens).
Toenail fungus looks like thick yellow growths. It is difficult to care for affected nail plates. Before each cut, you should take hot foot baths. After contact with water, the nails become 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 remains, the nail does not always grow back. Sometimes the detachment process ends with a complete loss of nails.
General principles of treatment
Foot fungus is treated with ointments, creams, solutions, special varnishes. In parallel, the patient is prescribed antifungal tablets.
Throughout the duration of the treatment, careful hygiene of the feet, weekly trimming and sawing of the damaged part is indicated. Every day, the patient must remove the keratinized layer of cells from the surface of the feet, using a pedicure file.
It is also important to take good care of your shoes - treat them with antifungal drugs or disinfectants. Shoes are dried and aired daily in the open air.
External means
Only oil or cream is prescribed in the initial stages of athlete's foot. For treatment, a cream and other medicines are prescribed. They are applied to the skin 1-2 times a day, after you have washed your feet well with a simple soap. Before using the creams, it is important that the feet are completely dry. Do not apply medicine to wet skin. After the treatment, the patient should wear cotton socks.
tablets
It is impossible to treat fungus with pills yourself. 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 athlete's foot. 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 treat with varnishes - they are applied to the nails 1-2 times a week. The most affordable medicines for nail fungus are solutions, they are applied to the nails 2 times a day until complete healing. Special gels are known. They visually improve the condition of the affected nails, along the way, stop the reproduction of fungi. Ointments are also prescribed for onychomycosis. They are applied in a thick layer on the affected plates, covered with a bandage, kept like that until the product is completely absorbed. The treatment is repeated twice a day.
Preventing athlete's foot is much easier than treating it. To do this, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, take your slippers to the pool and sauna, wash and air your shoes regularly, wear socks made of natural fabric and use anti-perspirant products. With regular visits to "wet" institutions, you should use antifungal creams prophylactically - treat the skin of the feet 1-2 times a week.