One of the most common skin diseases is athletic foot. It occurs in people of all ages and occupations. The highest prevalence of mycosis is in workers in hot shops, miners, athletes, workers in bathrooms, where the incidence exceeds 60%. Children suffer quite rarely, but already in adolescents there is an increase in cases of mycosis.
What is mycosis of the feet
Mycosis of the feet is a group of fungal skin diseases, often with simultaneous damage to the nails. These infections cause similar clinical manifestations. They can be distinguished only after microscopic examination of the skin and nails. Mycosis of the skin of the feet is a highly contagious disease. It is transmitted from person to person through household necessities: mats in locker rooms, showers and swimming pools, foot benches, washbasins and floors in bathrooms and saunas. It is dangerous to use common shoes and socks. The surface layer of the skin, which is constantly peeling, contains many fungi and their spores. Initially, interdigital folds are affected, itchy skin occurs. In the future, the infection affects the entire foot and spreads to the nails. The course of the disease is long, it requires constant treatment. To prevent mycosis of the feet, you can buy an effective prophylactic drug.
Causes of athlete's foot
The causative agent of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, less commonly molds and Epidermophyton floccosum:
- red trichophyton (Tr. rubrum) causes up to 95% of all cases of disease;
- about a third of patients also discovered interdigital trichophyton (Tr. interdigitale);
- inguinal epidermophyton (E. floccosum) is the cause of the disease in 1% of cases.
The probability of infection increases in adverse external conditions:
- high humidity;
- tight shoes;
- frequent visits to swimming pools, saunas and other humid areas;
- the presence of a sick person in the family.
Some internal diseases also contribute to the development of fungal infections:
- sweating feet;
- immunodeficiency;
- intake of corticosteroid hormones;
- flat feet;
- Raynaud's disease, atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries, obliterating endarteritis, varicose veins;
- diabetes.
What happens during illness
Mycosis of the feet on healthy skin rarely develops. Even if the fungus reaches the surface, it will not be able to penetrate the thick layer of intact epithelium. Under the influence of adverse external factors, the epidermis accumulates moisture and relaxes. The fungi penetrate the thickness of the skin and begin to actively multiply. Vascular diseases and immune disorders, which are accompanied by malnutrition and local protective mechanisms on the feet, additionally contribute to that. Reproduction of fungi causes damage to interdigital areas, intense peeling and discomfort. The rejected epithelium enters the socks and shoes, becoming a source of re-infection. Therefore, during the treatment of mycosis, it is necessary to treat the inner surface of the shoe with a preparation with a special composition against fungi.
Symptoms
Usually, there are such forms of mycosis of the feet, which are shown in the photo:
- Squamous: unilateral peeling and mild itching in the arch of the foot. This form often goes unrecognized.
- Intertriginous: the folds between the toes are affected, then the process moves to the back of the foot. Weeping cracks appear, followed by itching. Bacterial infection may accompany the development of erysipelas.
- Dyshydrotic: on the arch of the foot, the vesicles merge with each other with light, and then with blurred content. They open by creating painful erosions. This type is accompanied by itching and pain.
Mycosis of the skin of the feet in the acute period can be accompanied by fever, poor health, headache, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. When it is infected with trichophyton, the nail of the I or V finger is affected, in the future the process spreads to all nail plates. First, yellow spots appear on the free edge of the nail, then it thickens, loosens and crumbles. Therefore, to treat fungus on the feet, you need to use products of complex action, for example, lotion for skin and nails.
Diagnosis of the disease
Disease recognition is based on the analysis of external manifestations and isolation of the fungus from the skin surface. Microscopic examination of the affected epithelium and nail is performed. In order to precisely determine the type of microorganisms, they are grown on a nutrient medium. It is necessary to distinguish mycosis of the foot from a non-fungal lesion:
- intertrigo;
- eczema;
- psoriasis;
- hyperkeratosis.
An accurate diagnosis ensures a good treatment outcome.
Treatment of athlete's foot
The therapy is carried out in 2 stages. It is first necessary to remove the acute inflammation and remove the horny deposits on the feet. Warm foot baths with potassium permanganate and lotions with boric acid solution are shown. After removing the thick epithelium, creams containing anti-inflammatory hormones and antibiotics are used. Once the inflammation subsides, these creams are replaced with similar ointments. In the second phase of treatment, antifungal ointments and creams are used (for example, representatives of the group of imidazole antifungal drugs). Apply them on clean, dry skin 1-2 times a day, rubbing lightly. Not only the affected area is treated, but also the surrounding surface of the foot. The course of treatment lasts about a month. Mycosis of the feet is successfully treated with medications, special lotions for the skin and nails, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Advantages of antifungal drugs:
- high activity against fungi that cause athlete's foot;
- security;
- hypoallergenicity;
- affordable price.
The lotion can be used to treat other skin diseases:
- pityriasis versicolor;
- skin candidiasis;
- erythrasma;
- secondary bacterial infection on the background of mycosis.
The drug is used 2 times a day, gently rubbing into the affected areas. The skin should first be washed with soap and dried well, especially between the fingers. The course of treatment lasts until the symptoms of the disease disappear for another 2 weeks. The drug is well tolerated. Only occasionally causes skin irritation. It has the only contraindication - the first trimester of pregnancy. Of course, the substance clotrimazole is not used for its individual intolerance. One of the advantages of the lotion is the excellent penetration of the medicine into the nail plates, which distinguishes it from creams or ointments. Regular use of this medicine gives excellent results in mycoses of the feet and nails without the use of additional means. Nail damage requires the appointment of antifungal drugs from within.
At the same time, therapeutic varnishes are used, which are applied to the nails 1-2 times a week until complete recovery.
Preventive methods
The treatment of a fungal infection takes a long time. Mycosis of the feet requires the use of drugs, the price of which is quite high. Disease prevention is especially important in people with risk factors for developing the disease. Athletes, swimmers, and hot shop workers are advised to use antifungal and antibacterial medications, such as sprays or lotions, on a regular basis. Such products are safe, do not damage the skin and do not cause irritation. With regular use, the likelihood of foot fungus infection decreases sharply. Undecylenic acid spray is useful to prevent re-infection. To do this, the drug must be sprayed monthly on the inner surface of the shoe. The active substance of the spray - undecylenic acid - is safe even with prolonged use. Apply it on dry, clean skin of the feet before each visit to the pool and other similar places. Contraindications to the use of this drug have not been identified. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it only with caution. It is necessary to eliminate the external causes of the disease:
- wear boots and shoes that suit you;
- use high-quality sports shoes made of natural materials;
- wash your feet daily and treat your nails on time;
- fight against sweating feet;
- when visiting the bath, pool, beach, it is better to use lightweight silicone or rubber slippers.
General strengthening of immunity, treatment of diabetes mellitus and vascular diseases is necessary.