One of the most common skin diseases is athlete’s foot. It happens to people of all ages and professions. The greatest prevalence of mycosis is among workers in hot shops, miners, athletes, bath workers, where the incidence exceeds 60%. Children suffer quite rarely, but already in adolescence there is an increase in cases of mycosis.
What is foot mycosis
Foot mycosis is a group of fungal skin diseases, often with simultaneous damage to the nails. This infection causes similar clinical manifestations. They can be distinguished only after microscopic examination of the skin and nails. Mycosis of the skin of the feet is a highly contagious disease. It is transmitted from person to person through household items: carpets in dressing rooms, bathrooms and pools, benches for feet, basins and floors in bathrooms and saunas. It is dangerous to use shoes and socks shared together. The surface layer of the skin, which is constantly peeling, contains much of the fungus itself and its spores. Initially, the interdigital folds are affected, skin itching occurs. In the future, the infection catches the entire foot and spreads to the nail. The course of the disease is long, it requires constant treatment. To prevent foot mycosis, you can buy effective prophylaxis.
Causes of foot mycosis
The causes of this disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, less frequent mold fungi and Epidermophyton floccosum:
- red trichophyton (Tr. rubrum) causes up to 95% of all cases of the disease;
- about one-third of patients also discovered interdigital trichophyton (Tr. interdigitale);
- inguinal epidermophyton (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 wet areas;
- the presence of sick people in the family.
Some internal diseases also contribute to the development of fungal infections:
- sweating in the feet;
- immune deficiency;
- intake of corticosteroid hormones in;
- Flat feet;
- Raynaud's disease, peripheral artery atherosclerosis, peripheral endarteritis, varicose veins;
- diabetes.
What happens during illness
Foot mycosis on healthy skin rarely develops. Even if the fungus gets on 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 loosens. The fungus penetrates the thickness of the skin and begins to actively multiply. This is further promoted by vascular disease and immune disorders, which are accompanied by a lack of nutrients and local protective mechanisms in the legs. Fungal reproduction causes damage to the interdigital area, intense exfoliation and discomfort. Epithelium that is pushed into socks and shoes, becomes a source of re -infection. Therefore, during the treatment of 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 forms of foot mycosis, which are shown in the photo:
- Squamous: unilateral exfoliation and slight itching in the arch of the foot. This form is often anonymous.
- Intertriginous: the fold between the fingers is affected, then the process moves to the back of the foot. Weeping cracks appear, accompanied by itching. Bacterial infections can be associated with the development of erysipelas.
- Dyshidrotic: at the arch of the foot, the vesicles merge with each other with light, and then with cloudy contents. They open with the formation of painful erosions. This type is accompanied by itching and pain.
Mycosis of the skin of the feet in the acute period may be accompanied by fever, poor health, headache, enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes. When infected with trichophyton, fingernails I or V are affected, in the future the process spreads to all nail plates. First, yellow spots appear on the free edges of the nail, then they thicken, loosen and crumble. Therefore, to treat foot fungus, you need to use products of complex action, for example, lotions for skin and nails.
Diagnosis of the disease
Disease recognition is based on analysis of external manifestations and isolation of fungi from the skin surface. Microscopic examination of the affected epithelium and nails was performed. To determine the type of microorganisms accurately, they were grown on a nutrient medium. It is necessary to distinguish foot mycosis from non -fungal lesions:
- intertrigo;
- eczema;
- psoriasis;
- hyperkeratosis.
Accurate diagnosis ensures good treatment outcomes.
Treatment of foot mycosis
Therapy is carried out in 2 stages. First, it is necessary to eliminate acute inflammation and remove the horny layer on the feet. Warm foot baths with potassium permanganate and lotions with boric acid solution are indicated. After removing the dense epithelium, a cream containing anti-inflammatory hormones and antibiotics is applied. After the inflammation subsides, the cream is replaced with a similar ointment. In the second stage of treatment, antifungal ointments and creams are used (e. g. , representatives of the imidazole antifungal drug group). They should be used for cleansing, dry skin 1-2 times a day, rub gently. Not only the affected area is treated, but also the surface around the foot. The course of treatment takes about a month. Foot mycosis is successfully treated with medications, special lotions for skin and nails, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Benefits of anti -fungal drugs:
- high activity against fungi that cause foot mycosis;
- safety;
- hypoallergenicity;
- affordable price.
The lotion can be used to treat other skin diseases:
- pitiriasis versicolor;
- skin candidiasis;
- erythrasma;
- secondary bacterial infection on the background of mycosis.
The drug is applied 2 times a day, gently rubbing it into the affected area. 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. Drugs are well tolerated. Only occasionally does it cause skin irritation. She has the only contraindication - the first trimester of pregnancy. Of course, clotrimazole ingredients are not used for individual intolerance. One of the advantages of the lotion is the excellent penetration of the drug into the nail plate, which distinguishes it from creams or ointments. Regular use of this drug gives excellent results in mycosis of the feet and nails without the use of additional funds. Damage to the nails requires the appointment of antifungal drugs in them.
At the same time, a therapeutic varnish is applied, which is applied on the nails 1-2 times a week until complete recovery.
Methods of prevention
Treatment of fungal infections takes a long time. Foot mycosis requires the use of medications, the cost of which is relatively high. Prevention of this disease is very important for those who have risk factors for this disease. Athletes, swimmers, hot shop workers are advised to regularly use antifungal and antibacterial medications, such as sprays or lotions. Such products are safe, do not damage the skin and do not cause irritation. With regular use, the chances of getting foot fungus are significantly reduced. Undecylenic acid spray is useful to prevent re -infection. To do this, the drug must be sprayed monthly on the inner surface of the shoe. The active ingredient of the spray - undecylenic acid - is safe even with prolonged use. It should be applied on dry and clean foot skin 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 appropriate boots and shoes;
- use high quality sports shoes made of natural materials;
- wash your feet daily and treat your nails on time;
- against sweaty feet;
- when visiting the bath, swimming pool, beach, it is better to use lightweight silicone or rubber slippers.
General strengthening of immunity, treatment of diabetes mellitus and vascular disease is necessary.