Epidermophytosis of the feet is a class of fungal diseases characterized by damage to the feet, interdigital areas and nails. It has a high prevalence, it is usually observed in people older than 30 years (rarely in children), prone to chronic diseases with alternating exacerbations and remissions.
Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. Fungi are lower plants that do not have chlorophyll, and ready-made organic substances are necessary for their vital activity - they receive them by deposition on the skin of humans and animals.
The causes of fungal infections are very durable, which distinguishes them from other microorganisms. Fungal skin diseases are the most common in the world. Human contact with mushrooms is constant - at home, at work, in business premises, in nature, in swimming pools, saunas, etc.
Where can fungi be obtained?
You can get infected with the fungus in many places of public use - bathrooms, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially in the showers), when you wear other people's shoes.
The risks of infection are multiplied if the person does not respect hygiene.
Symptoms of the fungus
The course and development of the disease are influenced by the physiological characteristics of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, disorders in the endocrine system, and leg injuries. The causative agents of the fungus can be in a state of "sleep" for a long time, without appearing as symptoms. When they are disturbed in the body, they can be activated. Epidermophytosis of the feet is characterized by the presence of several forms of the disease.
Defeat of the fungus can be determined in the presence of several symptoms:
- the nail plate changes its natural color: it is usually a fixed yellow or dark color, but the nails may even become white or completely black;
- keratosis of the tissues under the plate: on the outside it looks as if a hard growth has appeared under the nail;
- plate thickening and delamination;
- nail deformity: its protrusion, growth to the side, ingrowth into the skin;
- brittleness of the nail plate: it is possible to break its part.
As the disease progresses
The first manifestations of the disease begin in the spaces between the fingers, especially between 4 and 5, because the distance between them is the smallest. Mild itching begins, and over time, a band of thickened and slightly scaly cuticle appears on the fold of the finger.
After 2-3 days, a small crack is formed from which serous fluid is released, which acts as an excellent medium for successful reproduction of the fungus. A hard layer of epidermis may fall off, revealing a dark pink area below. The progression of the disease leads to its spread to all toes and the adjacent side of the foot.
Through the damaged areas of the upper part of the skin, fungi can penetrate into the deeper layers behind the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by an eczematous reaction. Liquid-filled blisters form on the skin, which itch a lot. Over time, they can combine and erode, leading to the appearance of weeping areas.
Reference! When studying the skin affected by the fungus, it was found that the "naked" wet surface that appears below the blisters does not contain the pathogens themselves, but is only a consequence of their activity.
Without timely and proper treatment, the fungus affects the entire surface of the feet and toes, sometimes reaching the area above the heel. There is instability of the flow - the disease then slows down, then intensifies again.
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: fluid in the vesicles begins to fester, foci of inflammation spread beyond the initial limits, the foot swells strongly. It becomes difficult for a person to move due to pain in the legs. In addition, complications can occur in the form of lymph node problems.
The development of epidermophytosis usually occurs in the summer months. At this point, sweating increases, fingers often get wet, and increased humidity in the interdigital areas creates favorable conditions for the introduction of the fungus and its active reproduction.
Mycosis usually manifests on 1 and 5 fingers, spreading from the free side. The nail gradually thickens, acquires a yellowish tinge and an uneven sharp edge. Over time, severe subungual hyperkeratosis of varying degrees manifests itself.
Treatment of foot fungus
Successful therapy requires a lot of attention to the treatment of lesions.
A person affected by the fungus should bathe in a foot bath with potassium permanganate every day. It is necessary to remove the bark, pierce the blisters and remove the "fringes" along the borders of erosive areas and purulent blisters.
After the bath, it is necessary to put medical dressings soaked in an aqueous solution of copper sulfate (0. 1%) and zinc (0. 4%) or 1% resorcinol solution on the affected areas. Once the crying spots begin to heal, alcoholic solutions based on fungicides are used. If necessary, the set is supplemented with fungicidal ointments.
Achieving the desired result does not depend on the drugs used, but on the correct order of their application according to the current situation with inflammatory processes.
Additional treatment after the end of the fight against lesions plays a huge role, as it helps prevent recurrence. The skin of the feet is wiped with 2% salicylic alcohol or 1% thymol, and the use of 10% boron powder is required. To get rid of and prevent the appearance of fungus in shoes, it is necessary to wipe the inside with a solution of formaldehyde, wrap in a thick cloth for several days, and then dry in the fresh air. For socks, tights and socks, everything is simpler - you just need to cook them in this solution for 10 minutes.
If there is a pyococcal complication, then antibiotics are used. Be sure to stay in bed.
Prevention
To prevent the appearance of fungal infections, the following preventive measures should be taken:
- owners of swimming pools, gyms, bathrooms should be more careful about disinfection - carry out thorough treatment of the premises according to the established schedule;
- if a fungal infection is suspected, consult a doctor immediately to stop the disease immediately;
- before going to bed, it is advisable to wash your feet with soap in cold water and wipe them thoroughly until dry;
- do not use other people's shoes;
- change socks or stockings every day;
- when visiting swimming pools, baths, showers in gyms, have your own shoes.