Fungal diseases of the nails and feet are widespread.
Cause
Doctors divide fungal diseases of the feet and nails into two groups. The first includes diseases called epidermophytosis, caused by the fungus Trichophyton interdigitale, the second - rubrophytosis, which occurs when the fungus Trichophyton rubrum multiplies. These fungi can affect both the nail plates and the interdigital folds, the soles and the back of the foot.
Factors contributing to fungal infection:
- cracks, abrasions in the interdigital folds caused by perspiration or dry skin, abrasion, poor drying after procedures with water, narrow interdigital spaces, flat feet, wearing tight shoes, etc.
- vascular diseases, frostbite of the extremities, standing work, varicose veins, decreased immunity, endocrine diseases, stress;
- occupational factors - work in mining, metallurgical and chemical industries. Nail and foot fungus often affects military personnel and athletes, which is also due to the peculiarities of their profession.
The disease can be transmitted by close contact with the patient or by the objects he has used. Baths, swimming pools and other public places with high humidity are "dangerous" from the point of view of contamination. There ideal "greenhouse" conditions were created for the fungus: heat and humidity. In addition, the nail plate, which is almost entirely made of keratin, is an excellent breeding ground for fungi.
Once in the nail plate, the fungus grows and multiplies very slowly. Gradually, it dissolves the nail, takes its place and spreads over the surrounding skin.
What is happening?
With fungal infection of the skin of the feet, the process often begins with interdigital folds. Cracks and peels form in these places. Later, the skin begins to redden and itching occurs. The process often goes to the back of the foot, the sole of the foot, the plantar part of the toes. Other clinical forms of fungal infection are also possible.
Nail fungus manifests itself as follows:
- Nail color: white, yellow, brown, black. The nail is dull, opaque.
- Nail surface: uneven, rough. The nail crumbles.
- Nail thickness: thickening or thinning / delamination.
- Nail shape: distorted.
- The nail fold: not altered or inflamed.
A significant deformation of the nails and their thickening create certain difficulties when cutting them. Additionally, the pressure of a thick, deformed nail on the underlying tissue (nail bed), as well as the pressure of the shoe on the nail, can cause pain in many cases.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases is carried out by a dermatologist. The doctor will send you for a scraping first - to determine the type of fungus and to prescribe the necessary treatment. In addition, some drugs are prescribed depending on the general condition of the patient, the presence or absence of other diseases. Therefore, self-medication is ineffective and can sometimes even worsen the course of the disease.
The main danger of fungal infection of the feet is that the disease is progressing all the time. If the fungus is left untreated, then, starting with a fingernail, it will spread to others, and then to nearby areas of the skin or nails. In rare cases, there is even damage to internal organs.
In addition, the causative agents of this disease, being very strong allergens, can rebuild the sensitivity of the body and thus cause various types of allergic reactions.
Many patients prefer to use the widely advertised antifungal varnishes and ointments. It should be remembered that antifungal varnishes help only in the early stages of the disease and do not affect the entire thickness of the nail - in many cases it is necessary to take drugs (tablets) to theinside. Plus, some of the creams only work on the skin, without getting into the nail. These funds are primarily intended for prevention.
Sometimes people do not see the doctor for fear of completely removing the nail plate. This will not happen because the removal method is no longer applied. Powerful antifungal drugs are currently in use, which, when used correctly, completely eliminate the fungus.
In the process of treating a fungal infection and after its completion, it is important to disinfect anything that the fungus has come into contact with. Disinfection should be applied to floors, walls, inventory of bathtubs, showers, bathrooms, as well as the patient's personal effects: linen, shoes, skin and nail care items.
You can reduce the risk of infection with a fungus by observing the following recommendations:
- use an individual towel;
- wear individual indoor shoes;
- take a shower after the pool;
- do not wear slippers when visiting;
- do not try on barefoot shoes in the store.