Fungi (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, however, under certain conditions, 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, mycosis on the legs is caused by fungi from the genus Trichophyton. According to statistics, men suffer from fungal infections of the skin of the feet more often than women. Men account for almost 58% of all cases. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) most often develops on the III-IV plates of the toenail. Often, long-term untreated nail fungus becomes the cause of foot mycosis 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 mycoses.
Symptoms of foot fungus
Dermatophytosis of the feet
Dermatophytosis of the feet (Tinea Pedis - athlete's foot) is the most common mycosis of the skin of the feet and nails. The fungal process of the foot, as a rule,begins with damage to the side surfaces. 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 reddening of the skin, followed byfloury scrub, giving the skin a "powdery appearance". The skin is dry, itching and pain may occur. If the fungal infection is not treated at this stage, after some time diaper rash will appear in the interdigital spaces. Most often, the interdigital form of foot fungus affects the folds betweenof the third and fourth, fourth and fifth fingers. Defects can form on the skin, characterized by a violation of its integrity (erosion) and painful cracks. In the interdigital form (intertriginous), pronounced manifestations of itching and sometimes burning of the affected skin appear.
INneglected formFungal foot disease occurs when it forms on the surfaces of the toesbubblesfilled with a clear liquid and covered with a thick horny layer. "Sago grains" (bubbles) can be single or joined into multi-chambered bubbles. As pyococci (purulent bacteria) coalesce, the contents of the blisters become cloudy, then open and form erosions covered with purulent hemorrhagic crusts. Inflammation of the lymph nodes and worsening of the general health condition are possible.
When blisters appear, it is important not to confuse a fungal infection with dyshidrotic eczema. Only a doctor can understand the problem and accurately diagnose it! Mycides (allergic rash) are observed in 2/3 of patients with interdigital and advanced forms of tinea pedis.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms is conditional, because their combination often occurs - one form can transform into another. Everything depends on the reaction of the body, physical activity and treatment methods of the patient.
Also, with mycosis of the feet, the nails are often affected, mainly on the first and fifth toes. The nail plate acquires yellowish spots or streaks, the surface becomes cloudy and uneven, and keratinous thickening begins to appear under the nail, which later leads to the destruction of the nail plate.
Yeast-like foot mycoses
Fungal foot infections caused by Candida fungi have recently become widespread. It is assumed that this is due to the widespread use of antibiotics and cytostatics (antitumor drugs).
Mushroomsgenus Candida, settling in the interdigital folds, cause symptoms similar to abrasion and diaper rash. Often all interdigital spaces are involved in the skin process. There is pain and burning of the skin between the toes. Nail candidiasis (infection with Candida fungi) is more common on the hands of women - housewives, laundresses, dishwashers, food distributors in canteens. The nail plates become loose, peel and white spots appear.
Foot mycoses
Mold mycoses are mostly common in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In regions with a moderate climate, this type of mycosis also occurs, but as a rule in patients with immunodeficiency and in people who often come into contact with the 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 painting the nail in this way, it is important not to miss the malignant form of finger skin tumor -subungual melanoma.It is necessary to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis!Often, fungal changes on the skin of the feet and nails can appear simultaneously. On the one hand, it can serve as a confirmation of the 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 (nail fungus). Nails can be damaged by injury, wearing tight shoes, using poor-quality nail polish or bacterial infection. For example, the nail plate turns green due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. But still, colors like yellow-brown, gray, whitish should indicate fungus 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 (immunosuppressive) drugs contribute to the development of a fungal infection and the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
- The presence of microtraumas on the legs.Small cracks and cuts are a direct route for infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat the damaged areas of the skin with antiseptics.
- Non-observance of hygiene rules.Walking barefoot in public places (baths, saunas, swimming 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 suppress their growth, reproduction and death, as well as blocking the transition of fungi to the pathogenic form. Sertaconazole also has good lipophilicity (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, the development of fungal infection resistance to treatment is practically not observed. The drug has an antibacterial effect on streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation.
So, the advantages of the cream are:
- Wide spectrum of antifungal activity
- Triple effect on fungal cells
- Reduces itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect
- Good penetration into affected skin areas and long-lasting antifungal effect due to lipophilicity
- It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risks to the unborn child
The drug has an antibacterial effect on 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 to the affected skin area, covering 1 cm of healthy skin 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks. It has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory
Prevention of foot fungus
To prevent fungal infection of the feet and nails, you must follow the following preventive measures:
- Disinfect shoes while treating foot fungus
- Maintain personal hygiene, do not walk barefoot in public places (swimming pools, saunas, baths)
- 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
Answers to the questions
Is it possible to re-infect with the fungus?
answer:Yes you can. Previous fungal skin diseases do not cause permanent immunity. Therefore, you can get infected with the fungus an unlimited number of times.
What is better to use for the treatment of fungus: tablets or creams and ointments?
answer:The treatment regimen is determined exclusively by the doctor. This takes into account the severity and extent of the yeast infection. As a rule, fungal infections of the feet and nail plates are treated with local (external) means.