Mycoses of the feet are among the most common fungal infections of the skin.The skin between the toes and on the bottom of the foot often becomes inflamed.The cause of the disease is fungi of the genera Trichophyton and Candida.Upon contact with the epidermis, they begin to actively multiply.The result of their activity is peeling of the skin, cracks between the fingers and diaper rash.At a later stage, the disease affects the nails, they become dull, thicken, the edges begin to crumble and yellow streaks are noted.The disease can spread to the hands and large folds of skin on the body.
By scratching the affected skin or minor injuries, the fungi can penetrate deeper into the layers of the dermis.The infection thus spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream.In children and older people, fungal skin damage manifests itself in a more acute form and is more difficult to treat.This is due to age-related characteristics of the immune system.
Stress is also a trigger for the development of mycoses.The fungal infection is resistant to external influences and prefers heat and moisture.Showers with impaired water flow, saunas, old slippers, rental shoes (ice skates, rollerblades, ski boots), fluffy carpets in bathrooms are the main breeding grounds for fungi.They penetrate the skin through scratches and calluses.
People with excessive sweating of the feet are at risk because, with prolonged exposure, sweat attacks the skin and reduces its protective properties.A particular danger to others is posed by people with an eradicated form of mycosis with easy peeling of the skin and painless microcracks, which can only be diagnosed by a doctor.
Chronic mycoses of the skin of the feet and nail plates are often the cause of autoimmune allergic reactions, including the development of bronchial asthma.It is important to properly treat mycosis without converting it into a stable chronic form.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mycosis of the feet are very diverse.Initial symptoms: cracks, painful or itchy blisters, diaper rash and roughening of the skin.Subsequently, the areas of skin affected by the fungus become softer, turn white and begin to peel off.A bacterial infection may also occur, then the blisters turn into ulcers or ulcers.
Itching and burning are constant symptoms of mycosis; some patients complain of pain and an unpleasant odor.
Reasons
Mycosis of the feet is caused by various types of parasitic fungi.These microorganisms occur in large numbers on the floors of swimming pools and baths as well as in public showers.A person can become infected by walking barefoot in such places.
Wearing someone else's shoes, sharing towels and other personal care products are another common way to spread infections.
No immunity is developed against fungal diseases, so a new infection occurs just as easily as the first.
The growth of the fungus is promoted by improper foot hygiene: putting on socks and shoes on wet feet, not washing poor-quality socks every day, inadequate ventilation and drying of shoes.
The appearance of mycoses on the hands is mainly due to the action of fungal toxins circulating in the bloodstream.Even when combing the soles of the feet, microorganisms remain under the fingernails, from where they can be transferred to other parts of the body, including:on the scalp.People who are susceptible to mycoses should always consider this route of infection.
Risk factors
Despite its rapid spread, not everyone develops foot mycosis.A strong and healthy body can cope with a fungal infection on its own.However, it often happens that the immune system inhibits the development of the fungus for a long time, and then stress, ARVI or other internal disorders appear and the fungal infection progresses rapidly.
People have been observed to get sick more quickly under the following circumstances:
- profuse sweating;
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
- hormonal imbalances;
- taking certain medications;
- frequent stress;
- chronic dermatological diseases.
Excessive sweating and neglect of personal hygiene rules create an ideal environment for the development of fungi.Sweat provokes the rapid reproduction of fungal microflora.Inadequate foot hygiene, socks made of synthetic materials, and shoes that are too tight and closed accelerate the development and spread of a fungal infection.
Adolescents often experience hormonal imbalances, which puts them at risk of developing mycosis.The restructuring of the hormonal system temporarily reduces immunity and can cause excessive sweating.These factors contribute to the growth and spread of pathogenic microflora.
Long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroids can weaken immunity.
Ringworm, eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis reduce cellular immunity and create favorable conditions for the addition of a secondary infection, especially fungal infection.Mycoses are often a complication of dermatological diseases.Increase the risk of infection: Shoes that are too tight;ingrown nails;abrasions and wounds on the feet;diabetes mellitus;Vascular diseases.
forms of the disease
Deleted form.Initial stage of the disease.Symptoms: slight peeling of the skin between the fingers, small cracks in the upper layer of the epidermis.The patient does not feel any discomfort and may not suspect that he is suffering from mycosis.
Squamous cell carcinoma form.The skin between the fingers peels off and becomes covered with flat scales, with slight itching.
Hyperkeratotic form.Flat blue-red papules and plaques appear.The main site of the lesion is the arch of the foot.The formations are covered with scales.The formation of individual bubbles is possible.The rash may coalesce in groups and form large lesions.Over time, the entire foot is affected.Yellow hyperkeratotic formations (calluses) covered with cracks may appear.The skin is dry, with mild pain and itching.
Intertriginous form.The inflammation is similar to normal diaper rash.The greatest damage is observed on the skin between the fingers.A reddish swelling occurs.Existing symptoms include ulcers and oozing.If left untreated, painful deep cracks and erosions occur.Patients note pain in the affected area, itching and severe burning.
Dyshidrotic form.Lots of compacted bubbles.The location of the lesions is the arches of the feet.The rash can spread, so prompt treatment is essential.If left untreated, the blisters spread to the entire surface of the foot, including the toes.Small bubbles can coalesce and develop into larger bubbles that can burst.In their place, reddish erosions remain.
Acute form.Increased sensitivity to fungal pathogens and rapid progression of the disease.Severe redness and swelling occurs on the surface of the foot, and large blisters and blisters form.After opening, large erosions form in their place;The sores extend beyond the folds between the fingers.In some cases, weakness, fever and headache are noted.
Symptoms can vary from person to person.When the first worrying symptoms appear, you should consult a dermatologist.
Diagnosis of mycosis of the foot
Diagnosis and treatment of mycosis should be carried out by a dermatologist or mycologist.
Diagnostics include:
- detailed examination of the foot;
- take anamnesis;
- scraping the affected areas of skin or cutting off a piece of a deformed nail;
- a test to detect fungal infections throughout the body;
- Sowing the material on a nutrient medium (if necessary);
- Skin biopsy for analysis under a microscope (in rare cases);
- General and biochemical blood test.
Treatment
Incorrect or delayed treatment can cause mycosis to develop into an advanced form.In this case, recovery can take up to six months or longer.Therefore, you must seek the help of a doctor at the first symptoms.First of all, it is necessary to accurately determine the pathogen;To do this, the doctor takes an abrasion from the affected areas of skin.Based on the results, the optimal course of antifungal therapy is selected.Modern antifungal drugs - creams, gels, ointments, sprays - effectively fight the disease.They have a wide spectrum of action, are applied 1-2 times a day, do not leave stains on the skin and laundry and do not have a specific smell.
External funds
The choice of medication depends on the stage of mycosis.For mild forms, only external remedies are prescribed;In severe forms, systemic treatment is required.The most popular drugs for external use are terbinafine and naftifine.They act on a number of pathogenic fungi that cause mycosis of the feet.Do not cause side effects.Bifonazole and clotrimazole work quickly against yeast-like fungi.Thanks to their oily consistency, they effectively soften the skin and eliminate dryness, flaking and itching.These medications accelerate the healing and restoration process of the affected skin.Bifonazole is a complex remedy for the treatment of athlete's foot and nail plates.Eliminates itching, flaking, burning and unpleasant odor.In addition to antifungal medications, it is important to regularly treat the skin with antiseptics.A solution of chlorhexidine or miramistin is suitable for this.If a secondary infection occurs and suppuration appears, antibacterial ointments are prescribed.
Tablet medications
For the treatment of mycoses of the feet are used: itraconazole, fluconazole, nystatin.For yeast-like fungi, fluconazole and nystatin are prescribed.The latter is considered an outdated medication and is rarely prescribed.Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride granules have been specially developed to combat fungal infections of the feet.The treatment regimen and duration of treatment are determined by the attending physician.
Recommendations
Mycosis of the foot is a fungal infection and fungi only multiply in a moist environment.By removing moisture, you prevent the infection from spreading.
Try to protect the people around you from infection.Explain that you are not allowed to go barefoot in the apartment, especially in the bathroom.After each shower, treat the bathtub or shower tray and the bathroom floor with a disinfectant.
Wash your feet every day before bed with regular soap and warm water, being careful not to make the skin too soft.Dry your feet thoroughly with a paper towel or hairdryer, paying particular attention to the area between the toes.Don't forget to apply an antifungal cream or ointment.Continue treatment as recommended by your doctor even if your symptoms disappear.Antifungal creams and ointments are only applied to dry skin.If your feet tend to sweat, you will need to wait for the medicine to be absorbed.
Wear cotton socks and wash them every day.To wash, use a chlorine bleach solution (not soap) or boil the socks for 10 minutes.This way you will eliminate fungus from your clothing and prevent reinfection.Shoes should be disinfected with antifungal sprays and dried (preferably in the sun) for a few days.
Prevention of athlete's foot
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after spending time outdoors.After being in a risk area, wash your feet thoroughly with soap, dry them with a towel and treat them with an antifungal solution.If there is a person with mycosis in the family, he should have separate towels for his face, hands and feet.The bathroom should then be thoroughly treated with a special bathroom cleaner.If your feet sweat a lot, you can apply talcum powder or antiperspirant deodorant.Do not wear other people's shoes, especially slippers offered by guests, or offer your shoes to others.
Try not to let your feet sweat.If you're going to be in a room for more than an hour, try swapping your shoes for replacement shoes.Wear rubber slippers when visiting a sauna, public shower or swimming pool and do not go barefoot in public areas.Treat your feet with an antifungal cream after showering, swimming in the pond or pool.Wear clean socks and tights every day.Do not allow others to use your sponges, washcloths, and manicure and pedicure accessories.They must be disinfected before use.
Before use, clean the bathtub with a detergent and a strong jet of water.Remove wooden stools and fabric and sponge rugs from the bathroom.They retain moisture and can leave skin flakes and nail pieces infected with fungi.Use either a special grill (coated with special enamel or plastic) or a rubber mat.
Moisture in the folds of the fingers softens the skin and makes it easier for fungal infections to penetrate.Wipe the wrinkles between your toes dry with a separate footcloth or dry them with a hairdryer.According to statistics, mycoses occur more often in people with flat feet.Therefore, wear comfortable, high-quality shoes with a heel of no more than 4 cm and a special orthopedic insole or a soft protrusion that supports the arch of the foot.
No matter how complete and competent foot care at home may be, regular podiatric care of the skin of the feet and nail plates (medical pedicure) is necessary.It helps maintain healthy feet and nails, and the doctor gives individual recommendations for home care and prevention.