One of the most common skin diseases is mycosis. It is found in people of all ages and professions. The greatest prevalence of mycosis is among workers in hot shops, miners, athletes, bathroom workers, where the incidence exceeds 60%. Children suffer quite rarely, but there is already an increase in mycosis in adolescents.
What is mycosis of the feet
Mycosis of the foot is a group of fungal skin diseases, often with simultaneous damage to the nails. These infections cause similar clinical manifestations. They can be distinguished only after microscopic examination of the skin and nails. Mycosis of the skin of the feet is a highly contagious disease. It is transmitted from person to person through household items: carpets in locker rooms, showers and swimming pools, foot benches, sinks and flooring in bathrooms and saunas. It is dangerous to use common shoes and socks. The surface layer of the skin, which is constantly exfoliating, contains many of the fungi themselves and their spores. Initially, the interdigital folds are affected, itchy skin appears. In the future, the infection affects the entire foot and spreads to the nails. The course of the disease is long, requires constant treatment. To prevent mycosis of the foot, you can buy an effective prophylactic.
Causes of athlete's foot
The causative agents of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, less commonly molds and Epidermophyton floccosum:
- red trichophyton (Tr. rubrum) causes up to 95% of all cases of the disease;
- about one third of patients also find interdigital trichophyton (Tr. interdigitale);
- inguinal epidermophyton (E. floccosum) is the cause of the disease in 1% of cases.
The probability of infection increases under adverse external conditions:
- high humidity;
- tight shoes;
- frequent visits to swimming pools, saunas and other wet rooms;
- the presence of a sick person in the family.
Some internal diseases also contribute to the development of fungal infections:
- sweating of the feet;
- immune deficiency;
- intake of corticosteroid hormones inside;
- flat steps;
- Raynaud's disease, atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries, obliterating endarteritis, varicose veins;
- diabetes.
What happens during illness
Mycosis of the feet on healthy skin is rare. Even if the fungus comes to the surface, it will not be able to penetrate the thick layer of intact epithelium. Under the influence of adverse external factors, the epidermis accumulates moisture and loosens. The fungus penetrates the thickness of the skin and begins to multiply actively. This is further encouraged by vascular disease and immune disorders, which are accompanied by malnutrition and local defense mechanisms of the legs. The multiplication of the fungus causes damage to the interdigital areas, intense peeling and discomfort. The rejected epithelium gets into socks and shoes, becoming a source of re-infection. Therefore, during the treatment of mycosis it is necessary to treat the inner surface of the shoe with a special anti-fungal composition.
Symptoms
There are usually such forms of mycosis of the feet, which are shown in the photo:
- Squamous: unilateral scaling and mild itching in the arch of the foot. This form often goes unrecognized.
- Intertriginous: the folds between the toes are affected, after which the process moves to the back of the foot. Weeping cracks appear, accompanied by itching. Bacterial infection may join the development of erysipelas.
- Dyshydrotic: at the arch of the foot, the vesicles merge with each other with light and then with cloud content. They open with the formation of painful erosions. This type is accompanied by itching and pain.
Mycosis of the skin of the foot in the acute period may be accompanied by fever, poor health, headache, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. When infected with trichophyton, the nail of the I or V finger is affected, in the future the process spreads to all nail plates. First, yellow spots appear on the free edge of the nail, then it thickens, loosens and crumbles. Therefore, for the treatment of foot fungus, you should use products with complex action, such as skin and nail lotion.
Diagnosis of the disease
Recognition of the disease is based on the analysis of external manifestations and the isolation of fungi from the skin surface. A microscopic examination of the affected epithelium and nails is performed. To determine the exact type of microorganisms, they are grown on a nutrient medium. It is necessary to distinguish mycosis of the foot from a non-fungal lesion:
- intertrigo;
- eczema;
- psoriasis;
- hyperkeratosis.
An accurate diagnosis guarantees a good treatment result.
Treatment of athlete's foot
The therapy is carried out in 2 stages. First, it is necessary to eliminate the acute inflammation and to remove the excited deposits on the legs. Warm foot baths with potassium permanganate and lotions with boric acid solution are shown. After removal of the thick epithelium, creams containing anti-inflammatory hormones and antibiotics are used. After the inflammation subsides, these creams are replaced with similar ointments. In the second stage of treatment, antifungal ointments and creams are used (for example, representatives of the group of imidazole antifungal drugs). They should be applied to clean and dry skin 1-2 times a day, gently rubbing. Not only the affected area but also the surrounding surface of the foot is treated. The course of treatment takes about a month. Mycosis of the foot is successfully treated with drugs, special lotions for the skin and nails, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. The benefits of antifungal drugs:
- high activity against fungi that cause athlete's foot;
- security;
- hypoallergenicity;
- affordable price.
The lotion can be used to treat other skin diseases:
- pityriasis versicolor;
- each candidiasis;
- erythrasma;
- secondary bacterial infection on the background of mycosis.
The drug is used 2 times a day, rubbing gently into the affected areas. The skin should first be washed with soap and dried well, especially between the fingers. The course of treatment continues until the symptoms of the disease disappear and for another 2 weeks. The drug is well tolerated. Only occasionally causes skin irritation. It has the only contraindication - the first trimester of pregnancy. Of course, the substance clotrimazole is not used for its individual intolerance. One of the advantages of the lotion is the excellent penetration of the drug into the nail plates, which distinguishes it from cream or ointment. Regular use of this drug provides excellent results in mycosis of the feet and nails without the use of additional means. Nail damage requires the appointment of antifungal drugs inside.
At the same time, therapeutic varnishes are used, which are applied to the nails 1-2 times a week until complete recovery.
Preventive methods
The treatment of a fungal infection takes a long time. Mycosis of the feet requires the use of drugs, the cost of which is quite high. Disease prevention is especially important in people with risk factors for the disease. Athletes, swimmers, and hot shopkeepers are advised to use antifungal and antibacterial drugs, such as a spray or lotion, on a regular basis. Such products are safe, do not damage the skin and do not cause irritation. With regular use, the likelihood of fungal infection of the feet decreases sharply. Undecylenic acid spray is useful to prevent re-infection. To do this, the drug should be sprayed monthly on the inner surface of the shoe. The active substance of the spray - undecylenic acid - is safe even with prolonged use. It should be applied on dry, clean skin of the feet before each visit to the pool and other similar places. Contraindications to the use of this drug have not been established. It should be used with caution by pregnant and lactating women. It is necessary to eliminate the external causes of the disease:
- wear appropriate boots and shoes;
- use high-quality sports shoes made of natural materials;
- wash your feet daily and treat your nails on time;
- fight against foot sweating;
- when visiting the bathroom, pool, beach, it is better to use light silicone or rubber slippers.
General strengthening of immunity, treatment of diabetes and vascular diseases is needed.