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 plate is called onychomycosis.
Fungal infection on the feet
This is a very common disease among 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 implemented directly and indirectly.In the first case, the fungus gets on the feet through contact with the ground, plants or sick people.There are known cases of familial infection.
Indirect transmission of pathogens occurs through contact with animal care items and personal belongings of patients.This may include shoes, towels and scissors, as well as bath accessories.
Most often, the shipping factor is socks, stockings and other personal items.Athlete's foot can develop after visiting public baths and swimming pools.This process involves both the skin of the feet and the nail plate.
Predisposing factors are:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- the presence of calluses and abrasions;
- wear tight shoes;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- wearing other people's shoes;
- accommodation in hostels;
- weak immunity;
- poor nutrition;
- the presence of other skin diseases;
- hypovitaminosis;
- alcohol addiction;
- smoking;
- walking barefoot;
- endocrine disorders.
This problem is more often faced by weak people.
General clinical manifestations
Fungus on the soles of the feet and nails can go unnoticed for a long time.The following symptoms are observed with this disease:
- peeling skin;
- dryness;
- the presence of diaper rash;
- thickening of the skin and nail plate;
- brittle nails;
- redness;
- itching;
- white or yellowish coating;
- the presence of erosion;
- skin pain
Fungus on the feet 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 in the general condition.There are no symptoms of intoxication, because the fungus is an opportunistic microbe and is localized in the superficial layer of the skin.
One leg is affected initially.Then the fungus is brought to the second member.Often the following areas are involved in the process:
- dorsum of foot;
- distance between 4 and 5 fingers;
- nail plate.
Depending on the clinical signs, squamous, dyshidrotic and intertriginous forms of the disease are distinguished.In the first case, scales appear on reddened skin.Exfoliation is observed.Itching is a variable symptom.It does not bother all patients.With the dyshidrotic form of mycosis, bubbles appear on the fornix.They may increase in size.After a few days they opened.Erosion appears in their place.Areas of diaper rash appear.When the erosion dries, peeling is observed.
If foot skin fungus is complicated by bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.Pain appears.Possible fever.Fungal infections sometimes lead to the development of intertriginous mycosis.Its main feature is the presence of cracks with white rims.Over time, the crying developed.Pain appears.Erosion forms in the cracked area.This form of the disease occurs in a chronic form with exacerbation in the summer.
Development of foot onychomycosis
Along with fungus, onychomycosis can be found on the feet.Thus, nails are involved 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.Fungus actively grows and reproduces not only on the skin, but also on the nail plate.
People with varicose veins, hyperhidrosis, flat feet and endocrine diseases often face the same problem.The fungus multiplies in the nail, gradually leading 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 thick.With atrophy, the color of the plate changes to brown.His detachment was observed.With normotrophic onychomycosis, the shape and size of the nail does not change.With the development of onychomycosis on the feet, the following symptoms are observed:
- nail density decreases;
- change its color;
- the presence of white or yellow spots;
- itching;
- skin cracks;
- exfoliate;
- plate thickening;
- increased fragility.
If nail fungus is not treated, there is a risk of developing paronychia.In this situation, purulent inflammation of the nail bed occurs.
Examination and treatment tactics
You need to know not only how foot fungus starts, but also how to get rid of it.The treatment regimen is determined by the attending physician.Prior to this, the following studies will be required:
- inspection using Wood's lamp;
- scraping microscope;
- general clinical trials;
- sow on nutrient medium.
Differential diagnosis is carried out with psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, congenital pachyonychia, 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 for athlete's foot often involves surgery.The affected nail is removed.
For long-term cases of athlete's foot, 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 remove the affected nail plate.They are available in patch form.
To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of skin fungus on the feet, vitamins, antibiotics (in case of secondary infection) and various ointments based on zinc and salicylic acid are prescribed.
You also need to follow some rules:
- Feet should be washed every day.
- You need to change your socks more often.
- After completing the therapy, the old items should be thrown away.
- Socks, tights and stockings should be washed in separate basins.
- When the fungus is detected on the feet, the treatment will be successful if you wear closed slippers.
At the end of therapy, a scraping control check is carried out.