Fungus (mycosis) on the feet– fungal infections of the skin of the feet and interdigital folds, nails, caused by pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic fungi. Conditional pathogens are natural inhabitants found in the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes in small quantities, however, under certain conditions, fungi begin to acquire pathogenic (disease-causing) properties and cause disease. Regardless of the pathogen, the disease has the same symptoms and treatment tactics.
In 9 out of 10 cases, the cause of mycoses on the feet is a fungus of the genus Trichophyton. According to statistics, men are more likely than women to experience fungal infections of the skin of the feet. Men account for nearly 58% of all cases. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) most often develops on the nail plate III-IV of the foot. Often, untreated long-term nail fungus becomes the cause of foot mycosis and vice versa. It should be noted that some non-fungal skin diseases can be complicated by the appearance of fungal diseases. Often foot eczema is combined with mycoses.
Symptoms of foot fungus
Dermatophytosis of the feet
Dermatophytosis of the feet (Tinea Pedis - athlete's foot) is the most common mycosis of the skin of the feet and nails. The process of foot fungus, as a rule, starting with damage to the lateral surface. Scaly peeling (flaking) of the skin may occur. This process is not always accompanied by discomfort, itching or pain.
Over time, hyperkeratosis develops -skin thickening. Sometimes you may notice a slight redness on the skin, accompanied bysift flour, giving the skin a "powdery look". Dry skin, itching and pain may occur. If the fungal infection is not treated at this stage, then after a while diaper rash will appear in the interdigital space. Most often, the interdigital form of toenail fungus affects the crease between the third and fourth, fourth and fifth toes. Skin defects may form, characterized by a violation of integrity (erosion) and painful cracks. With the interdigital (intertriginous) form, the manifestation of significant itching and sometimes burning of the affected skin appears.
INSIDEneglected formathlete's foot disease occurs with formations on the surface of the toesfoamfilled with a clear liquid and covered with a thick stratum corneum. "Sago seeds" (foam) can be single foams or combine into multi-chamber foams. When pyococci (purulent bacteria) join, the contents of the blister become cloudy, then it opens, and erosion is formed, covered with a purulent hemorrhagic crust. Inflammation of the lymph nodes and deterioration of general health are possible.
When blisters appear, it is important not to confuse a fungal infection with dyshidrotic eczema. Only a doctor can understand the problem and diagnose it accurately! In 2/3 of patients with interdigital and advanced forms of tinea pedis, mycids (allergic rash) are observed.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms is conditional, because their combination often occurs - one form can turn into another. It all depends on the body's response, physical activity and the patient's treatment method.
Also, with foot mycosis, nails are often affected, especially on the first and fifth toes. The nail plate acquires yellowish spots or stripes, the surface becomes dull and uneven, and horny thickening begins to appear under the nail, which then leads to the destruction of the nail plate.
Yeast-like mycoses on the feet
Recently, fungal infections of the feet, caused by fungi of the genus Candida, have become widespread. It is assumed that this is due to the widespread use of antibiotics and cytostatics (antitumor drugs).
mushroomsgenus Candida, settles in the interdigital folds, causing symptoms similar to abrasions and diaper rash on the skin. Often all the interdigital spaces are involved in skin processes. Pain and burning of the skin between the toes occurs. Nail candidiasis (Candida fungal infection) occurs more often in the hands of women - housewives, laundresses, dishwashers, food distributors in canteens. The nail plate becomes loose, peeling, and white spots appear.
Mold mycoses on the feet
Mold mycoses are common in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In areas with a temperate climate, this type of mycosis also occurs, but, as a rule, in patients with immunodeficiency conditions and in people who are in frequent contact with soil and plants. The color of the nail plate will depend on the specific type of pathogen. The nail plate can also become black.
However, when painting the nails in this way, it is important not to miss the form of malignant tumors on the skin of the fingers -subungual melanoma.It is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis!Often, fungal changes on the skin of the feet and nails can occur simultaneously. On the one hand, this can serve as confirmation of a general fungal nature, on the other hand, it can mask other skin problems.
Changes in the color or thickness of the nail plate are not necessarily onychomycosis (nail fungus). Nails can be damaged by injury, wearing tight shoes, using poor quality varnish, or bacterial infection. For example, the nail plate acquires a green color due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. But still, colors like yellow-brown, gray, whitish should suggest fungi and the need for laboratory diagnostics. Also, the thickness of the nail with a fungal infection may remain normal or, on the contrary, become very thin.
Causes of athlete's foot
The main reasons for the development of fungal infections on the feet are:
- Increased sweating in the feet.
- The presence of chronic diseases.Diabetes mellitus, certain blood diseases, long-term use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs contribute to the development of fungal infections and the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
- The presence of microtraumas on the legs.Cracks and small cuts are a direct route for infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat the damaged skin area with an antiseptic agent.
- Failure to comply with hygiene rules.Walking without shoes in public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools) is fraught with fungal infections.
Cream to treat foot fungus
Thanks to its special chemical structure, this drug has a triple effect on fungi: it helps block their growth, reproduction and death, as well as blocks the transition of fungi into pathogenic forms. Sertaconazole also has good lipophilicity (the ability to dissolve in the fat structure of cells). This ensures fast and effective drug penetration into the skin and enhances the local antifungal effect. At the same time, the development of fungal infection resistance to treatment is practically not observed. This drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation.
Therefore, the advantages of the cream are:
- Broad spectrum of antifungal action
- Triple effect on fungal cells
- Reduces itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect
- Good penetration into affected skin areas and long-lasting antifungal effect due to lipophilicity
- Can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the unborn child
This drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation.
Use of cream
For fungal infections of the feet, it is recommended to apply the product in a thin layer to the affected skin area, covering 1 cm of healthy skin 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks. Has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory
Prevention of foot fungus
To prevent fungal infections of the feet and nails, you must follow the following preventive measures:
- Disinfect shoes during foot fungus treatment
- Maintain personal hygiene, do not walk barefoot in public places (swimming pool, sauna, bath)
- Do not wear other people's shoes
- Choose shoes according to the season and preferably from natural materials.
- Treat fresh cuts and wounds immediately
- Use products to reduce foot sweat
Answers to questions
Is it possible to get infected again?
Answer:Yes you can. Past fungal skin diseases do not cause lasting immunity. Therefore, you can be infected with an unlimited number of fungi.
What is better to use to treat fungus: tablets or creams and ointments?
Answer:The treatment regimen is determined solely by the attending physician. This takes into account the severity and extent of the fungal infection. As a rule, fungal infections of the feet and nail plates are treated with local (external) agents.