Foot epidermophytosis is a class of fungal diseases characterized by damage to the feet, interdigital area, and nails. It has a high prevalence, usually observed in people aged 30 years and older (rarely in children), prone to chronic disease with exacerbation and alternating remission.
Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. Mushrooms are low -grade plants that lack chlorophyll and ready -made organic matter needed for their vital activities - they receive them by settling on human and animal skin.
The causative agent of a fungal infection is very strong, which distinguishes it from other microorganisms. Fungal diseases of the skin are the most common in the world. Human contact with mushrooms is constant - at home, at work, in the office space, in nature, in swimming pools, saunas, and so on.
Where can You Get Fungus?
You can be infected with the fungus in many places of public use - baths, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially while bathing), when wearing other people’s shoes.
The risk of infection increases many times over if a person does not adhere to their hygiene.
Fungal symptoms
The course and development of the disease is influenced by the physiological features of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, disorders in the endocrine system, foot injuries. The causative agents of the fungus can be in a state of "sleep" for a long time, without presenting themselves as symptoms. When disturbed in the body, they can be activated. Foot epidermophytosis is characterized by the presence of several forms of the disease, which can be compounded by damage to the nail plate.
You can determine the defeat of the fungus by the presence of several symptoms:
- nail plates change a natural color: yellow or dark color is usually fixed, but nails can also be completely white or black;
- keratosis of the tissue under the plate: externally, it looks like a hard growth has appeared under the nail;
- plate thickening and delamination;
- deformity of the nail: its protrusion, growth to the side, growing into the skin;
- fragility of the nail plate: fragments of its parts are possible.
How the disease develops
The first manifestation of the disease begins in the space between the fingers, especially between 4 and 5, because there is the smallest distance between them. Slight itching begins, and over time, thickened and slightly flaky cuticle strips appear on the folds of the fingers.
After 2-3 days, small cracks are already formed, from which serous fluid is released, which acts as an excellent medium for successful fungal reproduction. The hard layer of the epidermis may fall off, revealing areas of dark pink color underneath. The progression of the disease leads to its spread to all adjacent fingers and toes.
Through the damaged area at the top of the skin, the fungus can penetrate into the deeper layers behind the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by an eczema reaction. Fluid -containing blisters form on the skin, which are very itchy. Over time, they can merge and erode, leading to the appearance of weeping areas.
References! When studying the skin affected by the fungus, it was found that the "naked" wet surfaces that appeared under the bubbles did not contain the pathogens themselves, but only as a result of their activity.
Without timely treatment, the fungus affects the entire surface of the feet and toes, sometimes reaching the area above the heel. There is instability of course - the disease then slows down, then intensifies.
In the absence of therapy, the disease can last for years. At the same time, there is a high risk of complications with pathogenic streptococcus: the fluid in the vesicles begins to purulent, the focus of inflammation spreads beyond the initial boundaries, the legs swell strongly. It becomes difficult for a person to move because of pain in the legs. In addition, there may be complications in the form of problems with the lymph nodes.
The development of epidermophytosis usually occurs in the summer months. During this time, sweating increases, fingers are often wet, and increased humidity in the interdigital area creates favorable conditions for the introduction of the fungus and its active reproduction.
Mycosis usually manifests itself on the 1st and 5th fingers, spreading from the free side. The nails gradually thicken, acquire a yellowish color and uneven sharp edges. Over time, subungual hyperkeratosis expressed in various stages appears on its own.
Foot fungus treatment
For successful therapy, much attention must be given to the treatment of the lesion.
A person affected by the fungus should bathe their feet daily with potassium permanganate. It is needed to remove crusts, penetrate blisters and remove "edges" along the boundaries of erosive areas and purulent blisters.
After bathing, it is necessary to apply a medical bandage to the affected area soaked in an aqueous solution of copper sulfate (0. 1%) and zinc (0. 4%) or 1%solution of resorcinol. After the weeping area has begun to heal, an alcohol -based solution of fungicide is applied. If necessary, the set is supplemented with fungicide ointment.
Obtaining the desired result does not depend on the drug used, but on the correct sequence of use according to the current situation with the inflammatory process.
A big role is played by additional treatment after the completion of combating the lesion, as it helps prevent recurrence. The skin of the feet is rubbed with 2% salicylic alcohol or 1% thymol, and the use of 10% boron powder is also required. To get rid of and prevent the appearance of fungus in shoes, you need to wipe it from the inside with a solution of formaldehyde, wrap it in a dense cloth for a few days, and then dry it in fresh air. For socks, tights and stockings, everything is much easier - they just need to be boiled in this solution for 10 minutes.
If there are complications of pyococci, then antibiotics are used. Make sure you adhere to bed rest.
prevention
To prevent the occurrence of fungal infections, the following precautions should be taken:
- owners of swimming pools, gyms, baths should be more attentive to disinfection - carry out a thorough treatment of the premises according to a set schedule;
- if there is a suspicion of a fungal infection, you should immediately see a doctor to interrupt the disease immediately;
- before bed, it is advisable to wash your feet with soap in cold water and wipe thoroughly until dry;
- do not use other people's shoes;
- change socks or stockings every day;
- when visiting the pool, shower, bathe in the gym, have your own shoes.