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 that are present in the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes in small amounts, however, under certain conditions, fungi begin to acquire pathogenic (disease-causing) properties and cause disease. Regardless of the pathogen, the disease has similar symptoms and treatment tactics.
In 9 out of 10 cases, the cause of foot mycoses are fungi of the genus Trichophyton. According to statistics, men are more likely than women to develop a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. Men account for almost 58% of all cases. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) most often develops on the nail plates III-IV of the feet. Often, mycosis of the nails untreated for a long time becomes the cause of mycosis of the feet and vice versa. It should be noted that some non-fungal skin diseases can be complicated by the appearance of a fungal disease. Foot eczema is often combined with mycosis.
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 fungal process of the feet, as a rule, begins with damage to the lateral surfaces. Scaling (sloughing) of the skin may occur. This process is not always accompanied by discomfort, itching or pain.
Over time, hyperkeratosis develops -thickening of the skin. Sometimes you may notice a slight reddening of the skin, accompanied bypeeling with flour, giving the skin a "dusty look". The skin is dry, itching and pain may appear. If a fungal infection is left untreated at this stage, then after a while diaper rash will appear in the interdigital spaces. Most often, the interdigital form of athlete's foot affects the folds between the third and fourth, fourth and fifth toes. Skin defects can form, characterized by a violation of its integrity (erosion) and painful cracks. With the interdigital (intertriginous) form, pronounced manifestations of itching and sometimes burning of the affected skin appear.
INneglected formfungal disease of the feet appears with the formation on the surfaces of the toesbubblesfilled with clear fluid and covered with a thick layer of corneum. "Sago grains" (blisters) may be single or coalesce into multi-chambered blisters. With the joining of pyococci (purulent bacteria), the contents of the bubbles become cloudy, then they open and create erosions covered with hemorrhagic purulent crusts. 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, mycide (allergic rash) is observed.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms is conditional, as their combination often occurs - one form can turn into another. It all depends on the reaction of the body, physical activity and treatment methods of the patient.
Also, with mycosis of the feet, the nails are often affected, mainly on the first and fifth toes. The nail plate acquires yellow spots or lines, the surface becomes dull and uneven, and a horny thickening begins to appear under the nail, which then leads to the destruction of the nail plate.
Yeast-like mycoses of 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, settling in the interdigital folds, cause symptoms similar to chafing and diaper rash. Often all interdigital spaces are involved in the skin process. Pain and burning of the skin between the fingers appear. Nail candidiasis (infection with Candida fungi) is more common on the hands of women - housewives, laundresses, dishwashers, food dispensers in canteens. The nail plates loosen, peel and white spots appear.
Toenail fungus
Fungal mycoses are mostly common in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In regions with a mild climate, this type of mycosis also occurs, but, as a rule, in patients with immunodeficiency conditions and in people who often come into contact with the soil and plants. The color of the nail plate will depend on the type of specific pathogen. The nail plate can even turn black.
However, when painting the nail in this way, it is important not to miss the malignant form of the tumor of the skin of the finger -subungual melanoma.It is imperative to see a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis!Often, fungal changes in 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.
A change in the color or thickness of the nail plate is not always necessarily onychomycosis (nail fungus). Nails can be damaged by injury, wearing tight shoes, using poor quality nail polish or bacterial infection. For example, the nail plate takes on a green color due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. But still, colors like yellow-brown, gray, white should suggest a fungus and the need for laboratory diagnostics. Also, the thickness of nails with fungal infection can remain normal or, on the contrary, become very thin.
Causes of foot fungus
The main reasons for the development of fungal infections on the feet are:
- Increased sweating of the feet.
- The presence of chronic diseases. Diabetes mellitus, some blood diseases, long-term use of antibiotics or immunosuppressants contribute to the development of a fungal infection and the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
- The presence of microtraumas on the legs.Small cracks and cuts are a direct route for infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat the damaged areas of the skin with antiseptic agents.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules.Walking without shoes in public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools) is fraught with fungal infection.
Foot fungus treatment cream
Thanks to its special chemical structure, the drug has a triple effect on fungi: it helps to suppress their growth, reproduction and death, and also blocks the transition of fungi to a pathogenic form. Sertaconazole also has good lipophilicity (ability to dissolve in the fatty structures of cells). This ensures fast and effective penetration of the drug into the skin and increases the local antifungal effect. At the same time, the development of resistance of the fungal infection to treatment is practically not observed. The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation.
Thus, the advantages of creams are:
- Broad spectrum of antifungal action
- Triple effect on mold cells
- Reduces itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect
- Good penetration into affected skin areas and long-lasting antifungal effect due to lipophilicity
- It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risks to the unborn child.
The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation
Application of creams
For fungal infections of the feet, it is recommended to apply the product in a thin layer on the affected skin area, covering 1 cm of healthy skin 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks. They have a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory
Prevention of foot fungus
To prevent fungal infection of the feet and nails, you should follow the following preventive measures:
- Disinfect shoes during treatment for foot fungus
- Maintain personal hygiene, do not walk barefoot in public places (swimming pools, saunas, baths)
- Don't wear other people's shoes
- Choose shoes according to the season and preferably from natural materials.
- Treat fresh wounds and cuts immediately
- Use products to reduce foot sweating
Answers to questions
Is it possible to get infected with the fungus again?
Answer:Yes you can. Past fungal skin diseases do not cause lasting immunity. Therefore, you can be infected with the fungus an unlimited number of times.
What is better to use to treat fungus: tablets or creams and ointments?
Answer:The treatment regimen is determined only 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.