Fungus (mycosis) on the foot- fungal infections of the skin of the feet and between the fingers, caused by pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic fungi. Conditional pathogens are natural inhabitants that are present in small quantities in the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes, however, under certain conditions, fungi begin to acquire pathogenic (disease-causing) properties and cause diseases. Regardless of the causative agent, the disease has similar symptoms and treatment tactics.
In 9 out of 10 cases, mycoses on the feet are caused by fungi belonging to the genus Trichophyton. According to statistics, men are more likely to develop a fungal infection on the skin of their feet than women. Men account for nearly 58% of all cases. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) most often develops on the III-IV nail plate of the foot. Long-term untreated nail fungus often causes mycosis of the feet, 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 athlete's foot
Dermatophytosis of the foot
Dermatophytosis of the foot (Tinea Pedis - athlete's foot) is the most common mycosis of the skin of the feet and nails. Fungal process of the foot in generalit starts with damage to the side surfaces. Scaly 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 redness of the skin that accompanies itflour peeling, gives the skin a "powdery appearance". The skin may be dry, itchy and painful. If a fungal infection is not treated at this stage, after a while diaper rash appears in the spaces between the toes. Most often, the interdigital form of athlete's foot is the third and fourth, affects the folds between the fourth and fifth fingers. Skin defects can develop, characterized by a violation of its integrity (erosion) and painful cracks. With the interdigital form (intertriginous), a pronounced manifestation of itching and sometimes burning of the affected skin appears.
INneglected formfungal disease of the foot is manifested by formation on the surface of the fingersbubblesfilled with clear fluid and covered by a thick stratum corneum. The "eyes" (bubbles) can be single or merge into multichambered bubbles. With the attachment of pyococci (purulent bacteria), the contents of the blisters become turbid, then open, and erosions are formed, which are covered with a purulent hemorrhagic crust. Inflammation of the lymph nodes and general health conditions are possible. deterioration.
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! Mycidus (allergic rash) is observed in 2/3 of patients with interdigital and advanced forms of tinea pedis.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms is conditional, since their combination often occurs - one form can transform into another. Everything depends on the body's reaction, physical activity and the patient's treatment methods.
In addition, mycosis of the feet often affects the nails, especially on the first and fifth toes. The nail plate acquires yellowish spots or streaks, the surface becomes dull and uneven, and a horny thickening begins to appear under the nail, which subsequently leads to the destruction of the nail plate.
Yeast-like mycoses of the foot
Fungal infections of the feet caused by fungi belonging to the genus Candida have recently become widespread. This is believed to be due to the widespread use of antibiotics and cytostatics (anti-tumor drugs).
MushroomGenus Candida, settles in the folds between the fingers and causes symptoms similar to skin chafing and diaper rash. Often, all interdigital spaces are involved in the skin process. Pain and burning sensation between the toes. Nail candidiasis (Candida fungal infection) occurs more often on the hands of women - housewives, laundries, dishwashers, food distributors in canteens. The nail plates loosen, peel, and white spots appear.
Foot fungus
Molds are especially common in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In regions with a temperate climate, this type of mycosis also occurs, but usually in immunocompromised patients and in people who frequently come into contact with soil and plants. The color of the nail plate depends on the type of 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 the finger skin tumor -subungual melanoma.In order to get a correct diagnosis, it is essential to consult a doctor!Fungal changes in the skin of the feet and nails can often occur simultaneously. On the one hand, this can serve as a confirmation of the general fungal nature, and 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 nail fungus (onychomycosis). Nails can be damaged by injury, wearing tight shoes, using poor-quality nail polish or bacterial infection. For example, the nail plate acquires a green color due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. But despite this, such colors as tan, gray, whitish, mushroom and suggest the need for laboratory diagnostics. In addition, the thickness of nails with a fungal infection may remain normal or, on the contrary, may be very thin.
Causes of athlete's foot
The main causes of athlete's foot infections are:
- Increased sweating of the feet.
- Presence of chronic diseases.Diabetes, certain blood disorders, antibiotics, or long-term use of 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 to infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat the damaged skin areas with antiseptic agents.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules.Walking without shoes in public places (spa, sauna, swimming pool) is fraught with fungal infection.
Cream for the treatment of athlete's foot
Due to its special chemical structure, the drug has a triple effect on fungi: it helps suppress their growth, reproduction and death, and prevents the transition of fungi into a pathogenic form. Sertaconazole also has good lipophilicity (its ability to dissolve in the fat structure 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 resistance to treatment of the fungal infection is practically not observed. The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation.
Thus, the advantages of creams:
- Broad spectrum of antifungal activity
- Triple effect on fungal cells
- Reduced itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect
- It penetrates well into the affected skin areas and has a long-lasting antifungal effect thanks to its lipophilicity
- It can also be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if the expected benefit for the mother exceeds the possible risks to the unborn child
The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation
Application of creams
In case of athlete's foot infections, it is recommended to apply the product in a thin layer to the affected skin surface, 1-2 times a day on 1 cm of healthy skin surface for 2-4 weeks. It has a triple effect: antifungal, anti-itching, anti-inflammatory
Prevention of athlete's foot
In order to prevent fungal infection of the feet and nails, you should observe the following preventive measures:
- Disinfect shoes during athlete's foot treatment
- Observe personal hygiene, do not walk barefoot in public places (swimming pool, sauna, spa)
- Don't wear other people's shoes
- Choose shoes according to the season, preferably made of natural materials.
- Treat fresh wounds and cuts immediately
- Use products that reduce foot sweating
Answers to questions
Is it possible to get infected again with the fungus?
Answer:Yes you can. Previous fungal skin diseases do not cause lasting immunity. Therefore, you can get infected with the fungus an unlimited number of times.
What is better to treat fungus: tablets or creams and ointments?
Answer:The treatment regimen is determined exclusively by the attending physician. This takes into account the severity and extent of the fungal infection. Fungal infections of the feet and nail plates are usually treated with topical (external) agents.