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 quantities, but under certain conditions the fungi begin to acquire pathogenic (disease-causing) properties and cause diseases. Regardless of the pathogen, the disease has similar symptoms and treatment tactics.
In 9 out of 10 cases, the cause of mycosis of the feet is a fungus 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) develops most often on the III-IV nail plates of the feet. Often, long-term untreated nail fungus causes 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 legs
Dermatophytosis of the feet (Tinea Pedis - mycosis) 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. Scaly peeling (flaking) 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 redness of the skin accompanied byfloury peeling, giving the skin a "powdery look". The skin is dry, itching and soreness may appear. If a fungal infection is not treated at this stage, after a while diaper rash will appear in the interdigital spaces. Most often, the interdigital form offoot fungus 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. In the interdigital form (intertriginous), pronounced manifestations of itching andsometimes burning of the affected skin.
INneglected formfungal disease of the feet occurs with the formation of the surfaces of the toesbubblesfilled with a clear fluid and covered with a dense stratum corneum. "Sago grains" (blisters) can be single or merge into multi-chambered blisters. When pyococci (purulent bacteria) join, the contents of the blisters become cloudy, then they open and form erosions covered with purulent hemorrhagic crusts. Possibleis inflammation of the lymph nodes and deterioration of the general state of health.
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, mycides (allergic rashes) are observed.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms is conditional, since their combination is often found - one form can transform into another. Everything depends on the reaction of the body, physical activity and treatment methods of the patient.
Also, mycosis of the feet often affects the nails, mainly the first and fifth toes. The nail plate acquires yellowish spots or stripes, the surface becomes dull and uneven, and a horny thickening begins to appear under the nail, which subsequently leads to the destruction of the nail plate.
Yeast-like mycosis 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 (anti-tumor 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. There is pain and burning of the skin between the toes. Candidiasis of the nails (infection with Candida fungi) occurs more often on the hands of women - housewives, laundresses, dishwashers, food handlers. The nail plates loosen, peel and white spots appear.
Mycosis of the feet
Fungal mycoses are common mostly in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In regions with a temperate 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 soil and plants. The color of the nail plate will depend on the type of specific pathogen. The nail plate may even turn black.
However, when varnishing the nail in this way, it is important not to miss the malignant form of the tumor on the skin of the finger -subungual melanoma.A doctor's visit is mandatory for a correct diagnosis!Often, fungal changes in the skin of the feet and nails can appear at the same time. On the one hand, this can serve as a 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 (fungus on the nails). Nails can be damaged by injury, wearing tight shoes, using low-quality nail polish, or a 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 nails with a 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.
- Presence of chronic diseases.Diabetes mellitus, certain blood diseases, long-term use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs contribute to the development of a fungal infection and the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
- Presence of microtraumas on the legs.Small cracks and cuts are a shortcut for infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat the damaged skin areas with antiseptic agents.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules.Walking without shoes in public places (bathrooms, saunas, pools) is fraught with fungal infection.
Cream for the treatment of foot fungus
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 into a pathogenic form. Sertaconazole also has good lipophilicity (the ability to dissolve in the fatty structures of cells). This ensures fast and effective penetration of the drug into the skin and enhances the local antifungal effect. At the same time, practically no development of resistance of the fungal infection to the treatment was 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 fungal cells
- Reduced itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect
- Good penetration into the affected skin areas and long-lasting antifungal effect thanks to lipophilicity
- 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 area of skin, 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 a 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 go barefoot in public places (swimming pools, saunas, bathrooms)
- Don't wear other people's shoes
- Choose shoes according to the season and preferably made of natural materials.
- Treat fresh wounds and cuts immediately
- Use products to reduce foot sweating
Answer questions
Is re-infection with fungus possible?
Answer:To be able. Past fungal skin diseases do not induce lasting immunity. Therefore, you can get 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) means.