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 present in the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes in small quantities, however, under certain conditions, fungi begin to acquire pathogenic (pathogenic) 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 leg mycosis is fungi of the Trichophyton genus. According to statistics, men are more likely than women to develop a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. Men account for nearly 58% of all cases. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) most often develops on III-IV toenails. 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 foot eczema 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 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, accompanied bypowdery flaking, giving the skin a "powdered look". The skin is dry, itching and pain may occur. If a fungal infection is not treated at this stage, then after a while a 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 toes. Skin defects may form, characterized by a violation of its integrity (erosion) and painful cracks. With the interdigital (intertriginous) form, pronounced manifestations of itching and sometimes burning of the affected skin appear.
INneglected formFungal foot disease occurs with formation on the surface of the toesbubblesfilled with transparent liquid and covered with a thick horny layer. The "sago grains" (bubbles) can be single or coalesce into multichambered bubbles. When pyococci (purulent bacteria) join together, the contents of the vesicles become cloudy, then they open and erosions are formed, covered with purulent hemorrhagic crusts. Inflammation of the lymph nodes and deterioration of 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 diagnose it accurately! Fungi (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, since their combination often occurs: one form can transform into another. It all 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 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 mycosis of the feet
Fungal infections of the feet, caused by fungi of the Candida genus, have recently become widespread. It is assumed that this is due to the widespread use of antibiotics and cytostatics (anti-cancer drugs).
Mushroomsgenus Candida, settling in the interdigital folds, cause symptoms similar to abrasion and diaper rash on the skin. Often all interdigital spaces are involved in the cutaneous process. You experience pain and burning of the skin between your toes. Candidiasis of the nails (Candida fungal infection) is more common in the hands of women: housewives, laundresses, dishwashers, food dispensers in canteens. The nails become loose, peel and white spots appear.
Fungal foot molds
Mold mycosis are common especially in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In regions with a temperate climate, 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 may even turn black.
However, when painting the nail in this way, it is important not to miss the malignant form of the skin tumor of the finger -subungual melanoma.It is imperative to consult a doctor to get a correct diagnosis!Fungal changes on the skin of the feet and nails can often occur at the same time. On the one hand this can serve to confirm 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 low-quality paints, or bacterial infections. For example, the nail plate acquires a green color due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, colors such as yellow-brown, gray, whitish should suggest the presence of a fungus and the need for laboratory diagnosis. In addition, the thickness of nails with fungal infection can remain normal or, conversely, 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, some blood diseases, long-term use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs contribute to the development of a fungal infection and the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
- Presence of microtraumas to the legs.Small cracks and cuts are a direct path to infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat damaged skin areas with antiseptic agents.
- Failure to comply with hygiene standards.Walking without shoes in public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools) is fraught with fungal infections.
Cream for the treatment of foot fungus
Due 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 improves the local antifungal effect. At the same time, the development of resistance of the fungal infection to treatment is practically not observed. The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation.
Therefore, the advantages of creams are:
- Broad spectrum of antifungal action
- Triple effect on fungal cells
- Reduced itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect
- Good penetration into the affected skin areas and long-lasting antifungal effect thanks to lipophilicity
- It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the expected benefit for the mother outweighs the possible risks for the fetus
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 skin area, covering 1 cm of healthy skin 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks. They have a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory
Prevention of foot fungus
To prevent fungal infection of feet and nails, you should follow the following preventive measures:
- Disinfect shoes during treatment for foot fungus
- Maintain personal hygiene, do not walk barefoot in public places (pools, saunas, bathrooms)
- Don't wear other people's shoes
- Choose shoes according to the season and preferably with natural materials.
- Promptly treat fresh wounds and cuts
- Use products to reduce sweating of your feet
Answers to questions
Is it possible to get the fungus again?
Answer:Yes you can. Past fungal skin diseases do not cause lasting immunity. Therefore, you can be infected with the fungus an unlimited number of times.
What is better to use to treat fungi: tablets or creams and ointments?
Answer:The treatment regimen is determined exclusively by the attending physician. This takes into account the severity and degree of fungal infection. As a rule, fungal infections of the feet and nails are treated with local (external) agents.