Fungal diseases of the nails and feet are becoming more prevalent.
Because
Doctors divide fungal diseases of the feet and nails into two groups. The first includes a disease called epidermophytosis, which is caused by the fungus Trichophyton interdigitale, the second - rubrophytosis, which occurs when the fungus Trichophyton rubrum multiplies. This fungus can affect both the nail plate and the interdigital folds, the soles of the feet and the back of the feet.
Factors that contribute to fungal infections:
- cracks, abrasions on the interdigital folds caused by sweaty or dry skin, abrasions, poor drying after water, narrow interdigital space, flat feet, wearing tight shoes, etc . ;
- vascular disease, frostbite in the extremities, standing work, varicose veins, decreased immunity, endocrine diseases, stress;
- Professional factors - working in mining companies, in the metallurgical and chemical industries. Nail and foot fungus often attacks military members and athletes, which is also due to the uniqueness of their profession.
The disease can be transmitted through close contact with the patient or through objects he uses. Baths, swimming pools and other public places with high humidity are "dangerous" from the point of view of pollution. There, ideal "greenhouse" conditions were created for the fungus: heat and humidity. In addition, the nail plate, almost entirely composed 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, replaces it, and spreads to the surrounding skin.
What is happening?
With fungal infections of the skin of the feet, the process often begins with interdigital folds. Form cracks and peeling in these places. Then, the skin starts to redden and itching occurs. The process often leads to the bottom of the foot, the soles of the feet, the bottom of the foot. Other clinical forms of fungal infections are also possible.
Nail fungus manifests itself as follows:
- Nail color: white, yellow, brown, black. Nails dull, opaque.
- Nail surface: uneven, rough. The nails are broken.
- Nail thickness: thickening or thinning / melting.
- Nail shape: deformed.
- Nail folds: not altered or inflamed.
Significant deformation of the nail and its thickening pose certain difficulties when cutting it. In addition, the pressure of the nail’s thick adhesion to the underlying tissue (the nail bed), as well as the pressure of the shoe on the nail, can cause pain in many cases.
Diagnostics and treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases is performed by a dermatologist. The doctor will first send you to do an scraping - to determine the type of fungus and prescribe the necessary treatment. Moreover, certain medications are prescribed based on the general condition of the patient, the presence or absence of other diseases. Therefore, self-treatment is ineffective, and can sometimes exacerbate the course of the disease.
The main danger of fungal infections on the feet is that the disease will persist all the time. If the fungus is not treated, then, starting with one nail, it will spread to another, and then to nearby areas of skin or nails. In rare cases, there is even damage to internal organs.
In addition, the causative agent of this disease, due to its very strong allergens, is able to rebuild the body’s sensitivity and thus cause various types of allergic reactions.
Many patients prefer to use widely advertised antifungal varnishes and ointments. Keep in mind that antifungal varnish only helps in the first stages of the disease and does not affect the overall thickness of the nail - in many cases, it is necessary to take medication (tablets) in it. Also, some creams work only on the skin, without penetrating the nails. These funds are intended primarily for prevention.
Sometimes people do not go to the doctor for fear of removing the nail plate completely. This will not happen because the delete method is no longer used. Strong antifungal medications are now used that, when used properly, eliminate the fungus completely.
In the process of treating a fungal infection and upon completion, it is important to disinfect all those affected by the fungus. Disinfection should be done on floors, walls, bath supplies, showers, bathrooms, as well as personal items of the patient: linens, shoes, skin and nail care items.
You can reduce the risk of infection with the fungus by following the following recommendations:
- use individual towels;
- wear individual indoor shoes;
- bathing after the pool;
- do not wear slippers when visiting;
- do not try on barefoot shoes in the store.