Athlete's foot, a form of mycosis, belongs to the group of infectious diseases.This pathology is caused by microscopic fungi.A disease of the nail plates is called onychomycosis.
Fungal infections of the feet
This is a very common condition in men and women.The most common types of mycosis are:
- trichophytosis;
- candidiasis;
- Athlete's foot.
Some fungi can affect both animals and humans.You need to know not only what mycosis is, but also why it occurs.The main mechanism of human infection is contact.It is implemented in direct and indirect ways.In the first case, fungi get on the feet through contact with soil, plants or a sick person.There are known cases of familial infections.
Indirect transmission of the pathogen occurs through contact with animal care items and patients' personal belongings.This can include shoes, towels and scissors as well as bathroom accessories.
Transmission factors often include socks, stockings and other personal items.Athlete's foot can develop after visiting public pools and swimming pools.The process affects both the skin of the feet and the nail plates.
Predisposing factors are:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- the presence of calluses and abrasions;
- wear tight shoes;
- poor personal hygiene;
- wearing someone else's shoes;
- accommodation in dormitories;
- weakened immunity;
- poor diet;
- the presence of other skin diseases;
- hypovitaminosis;
- alcohol addiction;
- Smoke;
- walking barefoot;
- endocrine disorders.
This problem occurs more often in weakened people.
General clinical manifestations
Fungus on soles and nails can go unnoticed for a long time.With this disease, the following symptoms are observed:
- peeling of the skin;
- Dryness;
- presence of diaper rash;
- thickening of the skin and nail plates;
- brittle nails;
- redness;
- Itching;
- white or yellowish coating;
- presence of erosions;
- Skin pain.
Fungi on the feet look different.It all depends on the type of pathogen and the underlying disease.Sometimes an unpleasant smell leaves a person.Athlete's foot does not lead to a worsening of the general condition.There are no symptoms of poisoning, since fungi are opportunistic microbes and are localized in the superficial layers of the skin.
First, one leg is affected.Then the mushrooms are carried to the second link.The following areas are most often involved in the process:
- back of foot;
- spaces between 4 and 5 fingers;
- nail plates.
Depending on the clinical symptoms, squamous cell carcinoma, dyshidrotic and intertriginous forms of the disease are distinguished.In the first case, scales appear on the reddened skin.Peeling is observed.Itching is a changeable symptom.It doesn't bother all patients.In the dyshidrotic form of mycosis, blisters form on the fornix.They can increase in size.After a few days they open.In their place, erosion occurs.An area of diaper rash is created.When erosions dry out, detachment occurs.
If foot skin fungus is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.Pain occurs.Possible fever.Fungal infection sometimes leads to the development of intertriginous mycosis.Its main feature is the presence of cracks with a white border.Crying develops over time.Pain occurs.Erosion forms in the area of the cracks.This form of the disease is chronic with exacerbations in summer.
Development of onychomycosis of the legs
In addition to fungi, onychomycosis can also occur on the feet.The nails are included in the process.The prevalence of this pathology in the population is 10-20%.In recent years, cases of illness among children have increased.Fungi actively grow and multiply not only on the skin, but also on the nail plates.
People with varicose veins, hyperhidrosis, flat feet and endocrine diseases often face a similar problem.Fungi multiply in the nail and gradually lead 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 onychomycoses.In the first case, the nail becomes dull and thicker.With atrophy, the color of the plate changes to brown.His replacement is being observed.In normotrophic onychomycosis, the shape and size of the nail do not change.When developing onychomycosis on the feet, the following symptoms are observed:
- decreased nail density;
- change its color;
- the presence of white or yellow spots;
- Itching;
- skin cracks;
- Peeling;
- thickening of the plate;
- increased fragility.
If nail fungus is not treated, there is a risk of paronychia developing.This condition causes a purulent inflammation of the nail bed.
Examination and treatment tactics
You need to know not only how foot fungus occurs, but also how to get rid of it.The treatment regimen is determined by the attending physician.Previously, the following studies are required:
- Examination with a Wood lamp;
- microscopy of scratches;
- general clinical testing;
- Sowing on a nutrient medium.
Differential diagnosis is made in psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, congenital pachyonychia, trauma and eczema.
Any experienced dermatovenereologist knows how to treat toenail fungus.Antifungal agents are used in the form of solutions, creams and varnishes.
Treatment for athlete's foot often requires surgery.The affected nail is removed.
For long-lasting athlete's foot, systemic athlete's foot treatment based on miconazole or ketoconazole can be prescribed.Proper treatment can kill germs.There are products on the market that make it easier to detach the affected nail plates.They are available in the form of patches.
To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of skin fungus on the legs, 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 daily.
- You need to change your socks more often.
- After completing therapy, old things should be thrown away.
- Socks, tights and stockings should be washed in a separate basin.
- If fungus is detected on the foot, treatment will be successful if you wear closed slippers.
At the end of therapy, a control examination of the curettage is carried out.