Fungal diseases of the nails and feet are widespread.
The cause
Doctors divide fungal diseases of the feet and nails into two groups. The first includes diseases called epidermophytosis, caused by the fungus Trichophyton interdigitale, the second - rubrophytosis, which occur when the fungus Trichophyton rubrum multiplies. These fungi can affect the nail plates and the interdigital folds, soles and the back of the feet.
Factors contributing to fungal infection:
- cracks, scratches in the interdigital folds caused by sweating or dry skin, abrasion, poor drying after water treatments, narrow interdigital spaces, flat feet, wearing narrow shoes, etc. ;
- vascular diseases, frostbite of the extremities, standing work, varicose veins, decreased immunity, endocrine diseases, stress;
- professional factors - work in mining companies, metallurgical and chemical industries. Fungus on the nails and feet often affects military personnel and athletes, which is also due to the peculiarities of their profession.
The disease can be transmitted by close contact with the patient or through the objects he used. Bathrooms, swimming pools and other public places with high humidity are "dangerous" from the point of view of pollution. There, ideal "greenhouse" conditions for fungi are created: heat and moisture. In addition, the nail plate, almost entirely composed of keratin, is an excellent breeding ground for fungi.
Once in the nail plate, the fungus grows and multiplies very slowly. It gradually dissolves the nail, taking its place and spreading to the skin around it.
What's happening?
In fungal infections of the skin of the feet, the process often begins with interdigital folds. Cracks and peeling occur in these places. Later the skin begins to redden and itching occurs. The process often goes to the back of the feet, soles, plantar part of the toes. Other clinical forms of fungal infection are possible.
Nail fungus manifests itself as follows:
- Nail color: white, yellow, brown, black. The nail is dull, opaque.
- Nail surface: uneven, rough. The nail is crushed.
- Nail thickness: thickening or thinning / layering.
- Nail shape: deformed.
- Nail crease: not altered or inflamed.
Significant deformation of nails and their thickening creates certain difficulties in cutting them. In addition, the pressure of a thick, poorly shaped nail on the underlying tissue (nail layer), as well as the pressure of the shoe on the nail, can in many cases cause pain.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases is performed by a dermatologist. Your doctor will first send you for a scraping - to determine the type of fungus and prescribe the necessary treatment. Moreover, certain drugs are prescribed based on the general condition of the patient, the presence or absence of other diseases. Therefore, self-medication is ineffective and can sometimes even worsen the course of the disease.
The main danger of fungal infection of the feet is that the disease will constantly progress. If the fungus is not treated, then, starting with one nail, it will spread to others and then to nearby areas of skin or nails. In rare cases, there is even damage to internal organs.
In addition, the causes of this disease, since they are very strong allergens, can restore the sensitivity of the body and thus cause various types of allergic reactions.
Many patients prefer to use widely advertised antifungal varnishes and ointments. It should be borne in mind that antifungal varnishes help only in the early stages of the disease and do not affect the entire thickness of the nail - in many cases it is necessary to take medication (tablets) inside. In addition, some of the creams act only on the skin, without penetrating the nail. These funds are intended mainly for prevention.
Sometimes people do not go to doctors for fear of complete removal of the nail plate. This will not happen because the delete method is no longer applied. Currently, powerful antifungal drugs are used which, if used properly, completely eliminate fungi.
In the process of treating a fungal infection and after its completion, it is important to disinfect everything the fungus has come in contact with. Disinfection should be applied to floors, walls, inventory of baths, showers, bathrooms, as well as to the patient's personal belongings: bedding, shoes, skin and nail care items.
You can reduce the risk of fungal infection by following these recommendations:
- use a single towel;
- wear individual closed shoes;
- take a shower after the pool;
- do not wear slippers during the visit;
- don’t try barefoot shoes at the store.