The group of infectious diseases includes athlete's foot, 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 in men and women.The most common types of mycosis are:
- trichophytosis;
- candidiasis;
- 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 applied in direct and indirect ways.In the first case, the fungus is attached to the foot through contact with the ground, 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 can include shoes, towels and scissors, as well as bathroom accessories.
Often, the transmission factors are socks, stockings and other personal items.Toenail fungus can develop after visiting public baths and swimming pools.The process involves the skin of the feet and the nail plates.
Predisposing factors are:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- the presence of calluses and scratches;
- wearing tight shoes;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- wearing someone else's shoes;
- accommodation in dormitories;
- weakened immunity;
- poor nutrition;
- the presence of other skin diseases;
- hypovitaminosis;
- alcohol addiction;
- smoking;
- walking barefoot;
- endocrine disorders.
This problem is encountered more often in weakened persons.
General clinical manifestations
Fungus on the soles and nails can go unnoticed for a long time.The following symptoms are observed with this disease:
- skin peeling;
- dryness;
- the presence of diaper rash;
- thickening of the skin and nail plates;
- brittle nails;
- redness;
- itching;
- white or yellow coating;
- the presence of erosions;
- skin pain.
Foot 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 a deterioration of the general condition.There are no symptoms of intoxication, as fungi are opportunistic microbes and are localized in the superficial layers of the skin.
One leg is affected first.Then the mushrooms are carried to the second limb.Most often, the following areas are included in the process:
- the back of the leg;
- the space 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 reddened skin.Peeling is observed.Itching is a variable symptom.It does not bother all patients.With the dyshidrotic form of mycosis, blisters appear in the fornix.They can increase in size.After a few days they open.Erosion appears in their place.An area of diaper rash appears.As the erosions dry, peeling is observed.
If the foot skin fungus is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.Pain appears.Possible fever.Fungal infection sometimes provokes the development of intertriginous mycosis.Its main characteristic is the presence of cracks with white edges.Over time, crying develops.Pain appears.Erosion is formed in the area of cracks.This form of the disease appears in a chronic form with exacerbations in the summer.
Development of onychomycosis of the feet
Along with fungus, onychomycosis can be found on the feet.With it, the nails are involved in the process.The prevalence of this pathology in the population is 10-20%.In recent years, cases of illness among children have increased.Fungi grow and multiply actively 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.The fungus multiplies inside the nail, gradually leading to its destruction.If the disease is not treated, it can last for years.The result is the detachment of the nails.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 plaque changes to brown.Its detachment is observed.With normotrophic onychomycosis, the shape and size of the nail do not change.With the development of onychomycosis on the legs, the following symptoms are observed:
- decrease in nail density;
- changing its color;
- the presence of white or yellow spots;
- itching;
- skin cracks;
- peeling;
- plaque 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.
Examination and treatment tactics
You need to know not only how the toenail 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 needed:
- examination using a Wood's lamp;
- scratch microscopy;
- general clinical tests;
- planting in a 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.
For long-term cases of athlete's foot, a systemic treatment for athlete's foot based on miconazole or ketoconazole may be prescribed.Proper treatment can destroy germs.There are products on the market that make it easier to detach affected nail plates.They are available in the form of patches.
To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of foot skin fungus, vitamins, antibiotics (in case of secondary infection) and various ointments based on zinc and salicylic acid are prescribed.
You should also follow some rules:
- Feet should be washed every day.
- You should change your socks more often.
- After the therapy is over, the old things must be thrown away.
- Socks, tights and stockings should be washed in a separate basin.
- When a foot fungus is detected, the treatment will be successful if you wear closed slippers.
At the end of the therapy, a scraping control examination is performed.