Fungus (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 pathogenicity (disease-causing) properties and cause diseases. Regardless of the pathogen, the disease has similar symptoms and treatment tactics.
In 9 out of 10 cases, the cause of mycoses on the legs is fungi of the genus Trichophyton. According to statistics, men are more likely than women to develop a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. Men account for almost 58% of all cases. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) most often develops on the III-IV nail plates of the feet. Often, long-term untreated nail fungus becomes the cause of 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. Often eczema of the feet is 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. Fungal process of the feet, as a rule,begins with damage to the lateral 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 slight redness of the skin, accompanied bymealy peeling, giving the skin a "powdered look". The skin is dry, itching and soreness may occur. If a fungal infection is left untreated at this stage, then after a while diaper rash will appear in the interdigital spaces. Most often, the interdigital form of foot fungus affects the folds between the third and fourth, fourth and fifth fingers. Skin defects may form, characterized by a violation of its integrity (erosion) and painful cracks. With the interdigital form (intertriginous), pronounced manifestations of itching and sometimes burning of the affected skin appear.
INneglected formfungal disease of the feet occurs with the formation on the surfaces of the fingersbubblesfilled with clear liquid and covered with a thick stratum corneum. "Sago grains" (bubbles) can be single or merge into multi-chambered bubbles. As pyococci (purulent bacteria) join, the contents of the blisters become cloudy, then they open, and erosions are formed, covered with purulent hemorrhagic crusts. Inflammation of the lymph nodes and deterioration in general health 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! In 2/3 of patients with interdigital and advanced forms of tinea pedis, mycids (allergic rash) are observed.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms is conditional, since their combination often occurs - one form can transform into another. It all depends on the body’s reaction, 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 stripes, 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 feet
Recently, fungal infections of the feet, caused by fungi of the genus Candida, have 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 of the skin. Often all interdigital spaces are involved in the skin process. Pain and burning of the skin between the toes occurs. 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.
Mold mycoses of the feet
Mold mycoses are mainly common in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In regions with temperate climates, this type of mycosis also occurs, but, as a rule, in patients with immunodeficiency conditions and in people who often come into contact with soil and plants. The color of the nail plate will depend on the type of specific pathogen. The nail plate can even turn black.
However, when painting the nail this way, it is important not to miss the malignant form of the tumor of the skin of the finger -subungual melanoma.It is imperative to see a doctor to get a correct diagnosis!Often, fungal changes in the skin of the feet and nails can occur simultaneously. On the one hand, this can serve as confirmation of a 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 low-quality varnish, or bacterial infection. For example, the nail plate acquires a green color due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. But still, colors such as yellow-brown, gray, whitish should suggest a fungus and the need for laboratory diagnostics. Also, the thickness of nails with fungal infection may 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 (immune-suppressing) drugs contribute to the development of a fungal infection and the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
- Presence of microtraumas on the legs.Small cracks and cuts are a direct path for infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat damaged skin areas with antiseptic agents.
- Failure to comply with hygiene rules.Walking without shoes in public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools) is fraught with fungal infection.
Cream for treating foot fungus
Thanks to its special chemical structure, the drug has a triple effect on fungi: it helps to suppress their growth, reproduction and death, as well as blocking the transition of fungi into a pathogenic form. Sertaconazole also has good lipophilicity (the ability to dissolve in the fatty structures of cells). This ensures rapid and effective penetration of the drug into the skin and enhances the local antifungal effect. At the same time, the development of resistance of the fungal infection to the treatment is practically not observed. The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation.
Thus, the advantages of creams are:
- Wide spectrum of antifungal action
- Triple effect on fungal cells
- Reduced itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect
- Good penetration into affected skin areas and long-lasting antifungal effect due to lipophilicity
- Can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risks to the unborn child
The drug has an antibacterial effect against 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 area of skin, covering 1 cm of healthy skin 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks. Have 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 during treatment for 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 from natural materials.
- Treat fresh wounds and cuts promptly
- Use products to reduce foot sweating
Answers on questions
Is it possible to become infected with the fungus again?
Answer:Yes, you can. Past fungal skin diseases do not cause lasting immunity. Therefore, you can become infected with the fungus an unlimited number of times.
What is better to use to treat fungus: tablets or creams and ointments?
Answer:The treatment regimen is determined solely by the attending physician. This takes into account the severity and degree of fungal infection. As a rule, fungal infections of the feet and nail plates are treated with local (external) agents.