One of the most common skin diseases is athlete's foot. It occurs in people of all ages and occupations. The greatest prevalence of mycosis is among hot shop workers, miners, athletes, swimmers, among whom the incidence exceeds 60%. Children suffer quite rarely, but already in adolescents there is an increase in cases of mycosis.
What is foot mycosis
Mycosis of the foot is a group of fungal diseases of the skin, often accompanied by simultaneous damage to the nails. These infections cause similar clinical manifestations. They can only be distinguished after microscopic examination of the skin and nails. Mycosis of the skin of the feet is a very contagious disease. It is transmitted from person to person through household items: carpets in locker rooms, showers and swimming pools, foot benches, basins and flooring in baths and saunas. It is dangerous to use shared shoes and socks. The surface layer of the skin, which is constantly exfoliating, contains a large part of the fungi themselves and their spores. Initially, the interdigital folds are affected, skin itching occurs. In the future, the infection captures the whole foot and spreads to the nails. The course of the disease is long, it requires constant treatment. To prevent foot mycosis, you can buy an effective prophylactic.
Causes of foot fungus
The cause of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, less often mold and Epidermophyton floccosum:
- red trichophyton (Tr. rubrum) causes up to 95% of all cases of the disease;
- about a third of patients also found an interdigital trichophyton (Tr. interdigitale);
- inguinal epidermophyton (E. floccosum) is the cause of the disease in 1% of cases.
The probability of infection increases under adverse external conditions:
- high humidity;
- tight shoes;
- frequent visits to swimming pools, saunas and other wet areas;
- the presence of a sick person in the family.
Some internal diseases also contribute to the development of a fungal infection:
- leg sweating;
- immunodeficiency;
- intake of corticosteroid hormones inside;
- flat foot;
- Raynaud's disease, atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries, obliterating endarteritis, varicose veins;
- Diabetes.
What happens during illness
Mycosis of the feet on healthy skin rarely develops. Even if the fungus penetrates 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 relaxes. Fungi penetrate the thickness of the skin and begin to multiply actively. This is further promoted by vascular diseases and immune disorders, which are accompanied by malnutrition and local protective mechanisms on the feet. The reproduction of fungi causes lesions of the interdigital areas, intense scaling and feelings of discomfort. The rejected epithelium gets into socks and shoes, becoming a source of reinfection. Therefore, when treating mycosis, 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: unilateral desquamation and slight itching of the arch of the foot. This form is often overlooked.
- Intertriginous: the creases between the fingers are affected, then 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 the light, then with a cloudy 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, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. When infected with trichophyton, the nail of the I or V finger is affected, in the future the process spreads to all nail plates. First, yellow spots appear on the free edge of the nail, then it thickens, loosens and crumbles. Therefore, to treat foot fungus, you need to use products with a 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 surface of the skin. 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 result of the treatment.
Treatment of foot fungus
The therapy takes place in 2 stages. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate acute inflammation and eliminate horny overlays on the feet. Hot foot baths with potassium permanganate and lotions with boric acid solution are shown. After removing the dense epithelium, creams containing anti-inflammatory hormones and antibiotics are used. After the inflammation subsides, these creams are replaced by similar ointments. At the second stage of treatment, antifungal ointments and creams are used (for example, representatives of the group of imidazole antifungals). 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 takes about a month. Foot mycosis is successfully treated with medications, special lotions for the skin and nails, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Benefits of drugs for the fight against fungus:
- strong activity against the fungus responsible for mycosis of the feet;
- Security;
- hypoallergenicity;
- affordable price.
The lotion can be used to treat other skin diseases:
- pityriasis versicolor;
- cutaneous candidiasis;
- erythrasma;
- secondary bacterial infection on the background of mycosis.
The drug is used 2 times a day, gently rubbing it into the affected areas. The skin should 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. Only occasionally does it cause 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 nail plates, which distinguishes it from a cream or ointment. Regular use of this drug gives an excellent result in foot and nail fungus without the use of additional funds. Nail damage 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 and workers in hot stores are advised to regularly use antifungal and antibacterial medications, such as sprays or lotions. These products are safe, do not damage the skin and do not cause irritation. With regular use, the likelihood of contracting foot fungus is greatly reduced. Undecylenic acid spray is useful in preventing reinfection. To do this, the drug should be sprayed monthly on the inner surface of the shoe. The active substance of the spray - undecylenic acid - is safe even with prolonged use. It should be applied to clean, dry skin of the feet before each visit to the swimming pool and similar places. Contraindications to the use of this drug have not been established. It should only be used with caution by pregnant and breastfeeding 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 daily and treat your nails in time;
- fight against sweaty feet;
- when visiting a bath, swimming pool, beach, it is better to use light silicone or rubber slippers.
General strengthening of immunity, treatment of diabetes mellitus and vascular diseases are necessary.