The group of infectious diseases includes foot fungus, which is a type of mycosis.This pathology is caused by microscopic fungi.A disease of the nail plates is called onychomycosis.
Fungal infections of the feet.
This is a very common disease among men and women.The most common types of mycoses are:
- trichophytosis;
- mycosis;
- Athlete's foot.
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 directly and indirectly.In the first case, the fungi reach the feet through contact with the soil, plants or a sick person.There are known cases of familial infection.
Indirect transmission of the pathogen occurs through contact with animal care items and personal belongings of patients.This could include shoes, towels and scissors, as well as bathroom accessories.
Often, transmission factors are socks, tights, and other personal items.Foot fungus can develop after visiting public baths and swimming pools.The process involves both the skin of the feet and the nail plates.
The predisposing factors are:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- the presence of calluses and abrasions;
- wear tight shoes;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- wearing someone else's shoes;
- dormitory accommodation;
- weakened immunity;
- poor nutrition;
- the presence of other skin diseases;
- hypovitaminosis;
- alcohol addiction;
- smoking;
- walk barefoot;
- endocrine disorders.
This problem is most often faced by weakened people.
General clinical manifestations.
Sole and nail fungus can go unnoticed for a long time.The following symptoms are observed with 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 pain
Foot fungus looks different.It all depends on the type of pathogen and the underlying disease.Sometimes a person leaves behind an unpleasant odor.Foot fungus does not cause a deterioration in general condition.There are no symptoms of poisoning, since the fungi are opportunistic microbes and are located in the superficial layers of the skin.
Initially one leg is affected.Then the mushrooms are taken to the second branch.Most often, the following areas are 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.With the Dyshidrotic form of mycosis, bubbles appear in the cul-de-sac.They can increase in size.After a few days they open.Erosion appears in its place.An area of diaper rash appears.As the erosions dry, peeling is observed.
If the fungus on the skin of the feet is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.Pain appears.Possible fever.Fungal infection sometimes causes the development of intertriginous mycosis.Its main characteristic is the presence of cracks with a white border.Over time, crying develops.Pain appears.Erosion forms in the area of the cracks.This form of the disease occurs chronically with exacerbations in the summer.
Development of onychomycosis of the legs.
Along with fungus, onychomycosis can be found on the feet.With it, the nails participate 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.Fungus multiplies inside the nail and gradually leads to its destruction.If the disease is not treated, it can last for years.The result is nail detachment.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.Their detachment is observed.With normotrophic onychomycosis, the shape and size of the nail do not change.With the development of onychomycosis on the feet, the following symptoms are observed:
- decreased nail density;
- changing its color;
- the presence of white or yellow spots;
- itching;
- cracks in the skin;
- peeling;
- plate thickening;
- greater fragility.
If nail fungus is not treated, there is a risk of developing paronychia.In this condition, purulent inflammation of the nail bed occurs.
Examination and treatment tactics.
It is necessary to know not only how the foot fungus begins, but also how to get rid of it.The treatment regimen is determined by the treating doctor.Before this, the following studies will be necessary:
- Wood's lamp examination;
- microscopy of scrapings;
- general clinical tests;
- sowing in a nutrient medium.
The differential diagnosis is made with psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, pachyonychia congenita, trauma and eczema.
Every experienced dermatovenerologist knows how to treat toenail fungus.Antifungal drugs are used in the form of solutions, creams and varnishes.
Treatment of foot fungus often involves surgery.The affected nail is removed.
For long-term cases of athlete's foot, a systemic treatment for foot fungus based on miconazole or ketoconazole may be prescribed.Proper treatment can destroy the germs.There are products on the market that facilitate the detachment of the affected nail plates.They are available in the form of patches.
To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of fungus on the skin of the legs, vitamins, antibiotics (in case of secondary infection) and various ointments based on zinc and salicylic acid are prescribed.
You must also follow some rules:
- Feet should be washed daily.
- You need to change your socks more frequently.
- After finishing therapy, old things should be thrown away.
- Socks, tights and stockings should be washed in a separate container.
- When foot fungus is detected, treatment will be successful if you wear closed slippers.
At the end of therapy, a scraping control examination is performed.