Foot epidermophytosis is a class of fungal diseases characterized by damage to the feet, interdigital areas and nails. It has a high prevalence, usually observed in people aged 30 years or older (rarely in children), prone to chronic diseases with alternating exacerbations and remissions.
Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. Fungi are inferior plants that do not have chlorophyll and ready-made organic substances are necessary for their vital activity: they receive them by depositing on the skin of humans and animals.
The causative agents of fungal infections are very tenacious, 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 offices, in nature, in swimming pools, saunas and so on.
Where can you find mushrooms?
You can get infected with a fungus in many places of public use: bathrooms, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially in showers), when you wear someone else's shoes.
The risks of infection increase many times if a person does not follow their own hygiene.
Symptoms of the fungus
The course and development of the disease is affected by the physiological characteristics of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, endocrine system disorders, injuries to the legs. The causative agents of the fungus can be in a "dormant" state for a long time, without betraying themselves as symptoms. When disturbed in the body, they can be activated. Epidermophytosis of the feet is characterized by the presence of different forms of the disease, which can be supplemented by damage to the nails.
You can determine the defeat of the fungus in the presence of several symptoms:
- the nail plate changes its natural color: usually the yellow or dark color is fixed, but the nails can also become white or completely black;
- tissue keratosis under the plaque - outwardly it seems that a hard growth has appeared under the nail;
- thickening and delamination of the plate;
- deformation of the nail: its protrusion, lateral growth, internal growth in the skin;
- fragility of the nail plate: chipping of its part is possible.
How the disease progresses
The first manifestations of the disease begin in the spaces between the fingers, especially between 4 and 5, since there is the least distance between them. A slight itch begins, and over time, a thickened, slightly flaky cuticle strip appears on the crease of the finger.
After 2-3 days, a small crack has already formed, from which a serous fluid is released, which serves as an excellent means for the correct reproduction of the fungus. The hard layer of the epidermis may peel off, revealing a dark pink area underneath. The progression of the disease leads to its spread to all the toes and the adjacent side of the foot.
Through the damaged areas of the upper part of the skin, the fungus can penetrate into the deeper layers behind the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by an eczematous reaction. Fluid-filled blisters form on the skin, which are very itchy. Over time, they can combine and erode, leading to the appearance of weeping areas.
Reference! By studying the skin affected by the fungus, it was found that the "naked" wet surface that appears under the bubbles does not contain the pathogens themselves, but is only a consequence of their activity.
Without proper and timely treatment, the fungus affects the entire surface of the foot and toes, sometimes reaching the area above the heel. There is an instability of the course: the disease then slows down, then intensifies again.
Without therapy, the disease can last for many years. At the same time, there is a high risk of complications with pathogenic streptococcus: the liquid in the vesicles begins to rot, the foci of inflammation spread beyond the initial boundaries, the foot swells strongly. It becomes difficult for a person to move due to pain in the legs. Also, there may be complications in the form of problems with the lymph nodes.
The development of epidermophytosis usually occurs in the summer months. At this time, sweating increases, the fingers often get wet, and the increased humidity in the interdigital areas creates favorable conditions for the introduction of the fungus and its active reproduction.
Mycosis usually occurs on 1 and 5 fingers, spreading from the free side. The nail gradually thickens, acquires a yellowish tinge and an uneven cutting edge. Over time, pronounced subungual hyperkeratosis of varying degrees occurs.
Foot fungus treatment
For successful therapy, great attention must be paid to treating the lesions.
A person affected by a fungus should take a foot bath every day with potassium permanganate. It is necessary to get rid of the scabs, puncture the blisters and remove the "fringe" along the borders of the erosive areas and suppurating blisters.
After the bath, it is necessary to apply dressings to the affected areas soaked in an aqueous solution of copper sulfate (0. 1%) and zinc (0. 4%) or a 1% solution of resorcinol. After the weeping areas have started 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 sequence of their use based on the current situation with inflammatory processes.
A huge role is played by additional treatment after the completion of the fight against injuries, because it helps prevent relapses. The skin of the feet is cleaned with 2% salicylic alcohol or 1% thymol and the use of 10% boron powder is also required. To eliminate and prevent the appearance of fungus in shoes, it is necessary to wipe it from the inside with a solution of formaldehyde, wrap it in a dense cloth for a couple of days, then dry it in the fresh air. For stockings, tights and stockings, everything is simpler - they just need to be boiled in this solution for 10 minutes.
If there is a complication of pyococci, antibiotics are used. Make sure you respect bed rest.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of fungal infections, the following preventive measures 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 the established schedule;
- if a fungal infection is suspected, you should immediately consult a doctor to immediately stop the disease;
- before bedtime, it is recommended to wash your feet with soap in cold water and dry them thoroughly until dry;
- do not use someone else's shoes;
- change socks or stockings every day;
- when you visit swimming pools, bathrooms, showers in gyms, bring your shoes.