Fungus on the feet, which is a type of mycosis, belongs to the group of infectious diseases.This pathology is caused by microscopic fungi.The disease of the nail plates is called onychomycosis.
Fungal infections of the feet
It is a very common disease among men and women.The most common types of mycosis are:
- ringworm;
- candidiasis;
- Mycosis.
Some fungi can affect both animals and humans.It is necessary to know not only what mycosis is, but also why it develops.The main mechanism of human infection is contact.It is implemented in a direct and indirect way.In the first case, the fungus gets on the feet in contact with soil, plants or a sick person.Cases of familial infection are known.
Indirect transmission of the pathogen occurs through contact with animal care items and personal belongings of patients.This can include shoes, towels and scissors, as well as bathroom accessories.
Often the transmission factors are socks, stockings and other personal items.Fungus on the feet can appear after visiting public baths and swimming pools.The process involves both the skin of the feet and the nail plates.
Predisposing factors are:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- the presence of calluses and abrasions;
- wearing tight shoes;
- failure to observe personal hygiene;
- wearing other people's shoes;
- accommodation in dormitories;
- weakened immunity;
- poor nutrition;
- the presence of other skin diseases;
- hypovitaminosis;
- alcohol dependence;
- smoking;
- walking barefoot;
- endocrine disorders.
This problem is more common in emaciated people.
General clinical manifestations
Fungi on the soles and nails can go unnoticed for a long time.The following symptoms are observed in this disease:
- peeling of the skin;
- dryness;
- presence of diaper rash;
- thickening of the skin and nail plates;
- brittle nails;
- redness;
- itching;
- white or yellowish coating;
- presence of erosions;
- skin soreness.
Toenail fungus looks different.It all depends on the type of pathogen and the underlying disease.Sometimes an unpleasant smell leaves a person.Fungus on the feet does not lead to deterioration of the general condition.There are no symptoms of intoxication, because fungi are opportunistic microbes and are localized in the surface layers of the skin.
One leg is initially affected.The mushrooms are then transferred to the second limb.The following areas are most often involved in the process:
- back of foot;
- spaces between 4 and 5 fingers;
- nail plates.
Depending on the clinical signs, squamous, dyshidrotic and intertriginous forms of the disease are distinguished.In the first case, scales appear on the reddened skin.Peeling is observed.Itching is a variable symptom.It does not bother all patients.In the dyshidrotic form of mycosis, bubbles appear on the fornix.They can increase in size.They open in a few days.Erosion appears in their place.An area of diaper rash appears.As the erosions dry out, peeling occurs.
If the fungus on the skin of the legs is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.Pain occurs.Possible fever.Fungal infection sometimes provokes the development of intertriginous mycosis.Its main characteristic is the presence of cracks with a white edge.Over time, crying develops.Soreness appears.Erosion forms in the area of the cracks.This form of the disease occurs in a chronic form with exacerbations in the summer.
Development of onychomycosis of the feet
Along with foot fungus, onychomycosis can be found.With it, the nails are involved in the process.The prevalence of this pathology among the population is 10-20%.In recent years, cases of the disease in children have increased.Fungi actively grow and multiply not only on the skin, but also on the nail plates.
People with varicose veins, hyperhidrosis, flat feet and endocrine diseases often face a similar problem.Fungi multiply inside the nail, which gradually leads to its destruction.If the disease is not treated, it can last for years.The result is separation of the nail.Hyperkeratosis often develops.
There are hypertrophic, normotrophic and atrophic onychomycosis.In the first case, the nail becomes dull and thickens.With atrophy, the color of the plate changes to brown.Its peeling is observed.In normotrophic onychomycosis, the shape and size of the nail do not change.With the development of onychomycosis of the legs, the following symptoms are observed:
- decreased nail density;
- changing its color;
- the presence of white or yellow spots;
- itching;
- skin cracks;
- peeling;
- plate thickening;
- increased fragility.
If nail fungus is not treated, there is a risk of developing paronychia.In this condition, purulent inflammation of the nail bed occurs.
Research and treatment tactics
You need to know not only how foot fungus starts, but also how to get rid of it.The treatment regimen is determined by the attending physician.Before that, the following studies will be required:
- Wood's lamp examination;
- microscopy of scrapings;
- general clinical research;
- sowing on nutrient medium.
Differential diagnosis is carried out with psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, congenital pachyonychia, trauma and eczema.
Any experienced dermatovenerologist knows how to treat toenail fungus.Antifungal drugs are used in the form of solutions, creams and varnishes.
Treatment for athlete's foot often involves surgery.The affected nail is removed.
In prolonged cases of mycosis of the feet, systemic treatment of foot fungus based on miconazole or ketoconazole may be prescribed.Proper treatment can kill the germs.There are products on the market that make it easier to separate the affected nail plates.They are available in the form of patches.
To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of skin fungus on the legs, vitamins, antibiotics (in case of secondary infection) and various ointments based on zinc and salicylic acid are prescribed.
In addition, you must follow some rules:
- Feet should be washed daily.
- You should change your socks more often.
- After the therapy is over, the old stuff should be thrown away.
- Socks, tights and stockings should be washed in a separate basin.
- When foot fungus is detected, treatment will be successful if you wear closed slippers.
At the end of the therapy, a control examination of the scraping is performed.