Podiatry is one of the most common fungal infections of the skin.The skin between the toes and soles of the feet often becomes infected.The disease is caused by fungi of the genera Trichophyton and Candida.Once in contact with the epidermis, they begin to actively reproduce.The result of their activity is peeling skin, cracks between fingers and diaper rash.In its later stages, the disease affects the nails, which become dull, thicken, begin to chip at the edges, and develop yellow streaks.The disease can spread to large skin folds on the hands and body.
Scratching the affected skin or minor injuries can allow the fungus to penetrate deeper into the dermis.As a result, the infection spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream.In children and the elderly, fungal skin lesions manifest in more severe forms and are more difficult to treat.This is due to age-related characteristics of the immune system.
Stress is also a trigger for the development of fungal diseases.Fungal infections are resistant to adverse external factors and love heat and humidity.Showers with interrupted water flow, saunas, old house shoes, rental shoes (skates, roller blades, ski boots), plush carpets in bathrooms are prime breeding grounds for fungus.They penetrate the skin through scratches and calluses.
People who sweat excessively on their feet are at risk because, with prolonged exposure, sweat can corrode the skin and reduce its protective properties.People who have cleared their fungal disease may develop mild skin flaking and painless microtears that only a doctor can notice, posing a particular risk to others.
Chronic mycoses of the skin and nail plates of the feet are often responsible for the development of autoimmune allergic reactions, including bronchial asthma.It is very important to treat fungal diseases correctly without converting them into a stable, chronic form.
symptom
The symptoms of foot fungus are varied.First symptoms: cracks, painful or itchy blisters, diaper rash, and rough skin.Subsequently, the area of skin affected by the fungus softens, turns white, and begins to peel.A bacterial infection may be added, and the blisters turn into sores or sores.
Itching and burning are common symptoms of fungal disease, and some patients complain of pain and an unpleasant odor.
reason
Foot mycoses are caused by a variety of parasitic fungi.These microorganisms are found in large numbers on the floors of swimming pools, bathrooms, and public showers.A person may become infected by walking barefoot in these areas.
Wearing someone else's shoes, sharing towels, and other personal hygiene items are another common way to spread infection.
No immunity develops to fungal diseases, so reinfection is as likely to occur as the initial infection.
Improper foot hygiene can stimulate the growth of fungi: placing socks and shoes on wet feet, not washing socks every day, poor quality socks, and insufficient ventilation and drying of shoes.
Fungal diseases on the hands are mainly due to the action of mycotoxins circulating in the blood.Additionally, when you groom the soles of your feet, microorganisms are trapped under the nails, from where they can be transferred to other parts of the body, including the skin.on the scalp.People who are susceptible to fungal diseases should always remember this route of infection.
risk factors
Although it spreads quickly, not everyone develops foot fungus.A strong and healthy body can handle fungal infections on its own.However, what often happens is that the immune system suppresses fungal development for a long time, and then stress, ARVI, or any other internal failure occurs and the fungal infection begins to progress rapidly.
It has been observed that people get sick faster when:
- profuse sweating;
- Failure to observe personal hygiene rules;
- hormonal imbalance;
- taking certain medications;
- often under stress;
- Chronic skin diseases.
Excessive sweating and neglect of personal hygiene rules create an ideal environment for fungus to grow.Sweat causes rapid proliferation of fungal microflora.Insufficient foot hygiene, socks made of synthetic fibers, and shoes that are too narrow and closed can all accelerate the development and spread of fungal infections.
Hormonal imbalances are common in teenagers, putting them at risk for fungal diseases.Reorganization of the hormonal system temporarily reduces immunity and may lead to profuse sweating.These factors contribute to the growth and spread of pathogenic microbiota.
Long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroids may lead to decreased immunity.
Ringworm, eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis reduce cellular immunity, creating favorable conditions for secondary infections, especially fungal infections.Mycoses are often complications of skin diseases.Increased risk of infection: Shoes that are too narrow; ingrown nails; scrapes and cuts on the feet; diabetes; vascular disease.
form of disease
Deleted table.Initial stages of disease.Symptoms: Slight peeling of the skin between the fingers and small cracks in the upper layer of the epidermis.Patients who do not feel ill may not suspect that they have fungal disease.
Squamous morphology.The skin between the fingers peels off and is covered with flat scales, accompanied by mild itching.
Hyperkeratosis form.Flat blue-red papules and plaques appear.The main site of the disease is the arch of the foot.These formations are covered with scales.The formation of individual bubbles is possible.Rashes can coalesce into clumps and form large lesions.Over time, the entire foot can be affected.Yellowish hyperkeratotic formations (calluses) covering the fissures may occur.Dry skin with mild pain and itching.
Intermittent form.This inflammation is similar to common diaper rash.The skin between the fingers is most damaged.Reddish swelling appears.Present symptoms include ulcers and dampness.If left untreated, painful deep cracks and erosion can occur.Patients note pain, itching, and severe burning in the affected area.
Sweating disorder form.Lots of compressed bubbles.The affected area is the arch of the foot.The rash may spread, so prompt treatment is crucial.If left untreated, blisters can spread to the entire surface of the foot, including the toes.Small blisters may coalesce and develop into larger blisters that may rupture.Reddish traces of erosion still remain in place.
acute form.Susceptibility to fungal pathogens increases and the disease progresses rapidly.The surface of the feet is severely red and swollen, with large blisters and blisters appearing.When opened, a large area of erosion appears at its location; the sores extend beyond the folds between the fingers.In some cases, weakness, fever, and headache occur.
Symptoms may vary from person to person.At the first alarming symptoms, you should consult a dermatologist.
Diagnosis of foot fungus
Diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases should be performed by a dermatologist or mycologist.
Diagnosis includes:
- Examine the feet in detail;
- record medical records;
- Scrape or cut a piece of deformed nail from the affected area of skin;
- Tests to detect fungal infections throughout the body;
- Sow the material on a nutrient medium (if necessary);
- Skin biopsy for analysis under a microscope (in rare cases);
- General and biochemical blood tests.
treat
Incorrect or late treatment may lead to the development of advanced forms of mycosis.In this case, recovery may take six months or more.Therefore, you need to seek help from a doctor as soon as symptoms appear.First, the cause of the disease must be accurately determined; to do this, the doctor will scrape off the affected skin.Choose the best course of antifungal treatment based on the results.Modern antifungal medications - creams, gels, ointments, sprays - can effectively combat this disease.They have a wide range of action, can be used 1-2 times a day, do not stain skin and linens, and have no specific odor.
external means
The choice of drug depends on the stage of the fungal disease.For mild forms, only topical medications are used; for severe forms, systemic treatment is required.The most popular topical medications are terbinafine and naftifine.They act on many pathogenic fungi that cause foot mycosis.Does not cause side effects.Bifonazole and clotrimazole have rapid action against yeast-like fungi.Due to their oily consistency, they effectively soften the skin and eliminate dryness, flaking and itching.These medications speed up the healing and recovery process of the affected skin.Bifonazole is a complex drug designed to treat foot fungus and nail plates.Eliminates itching, flaking, burning and unpleasant odors.In addition to antifungals, it is also important to treat the skin regularly with antiseptics.Chlorhexidine or Miramystin solutions are helpful for this.When secondary infection occurs and suppuration occurs, antibacterial ointment is prescribed.
Tablet medicines
For the treatment of fungal diseases of the feet, the following drugs are used: itraconazole, fluconazole, nystatin.For yeast-like fungi, fluconazole and nystatin are prescribed.The latter is considered an outdated drug and is rarely prescribed.Polyhexamethylene Guanidine Hydrochloride Granules are designed to combat fungal foot infections.Treatment options and duration are determined by the attending physician.
suggestion
Foot mycosis is a fungal infection that thrives only in moist environments.By eliminating moisture, you prevent the spread of infection.
Do your best to protect those around you from infection.Explain that you cannot walk barefoot in the apartment, especially in the bathroom.Treat your tub or shower tray and bathroom floor with disinfectant after each shower.
Before going to bed every day, wash your feet with regular soap and warm water to make sure your skin doesn't become too soft.Dry your feet thoroughly with paper towels or a hair dryer, paying special attention to the area between your toes.Don’t forget to apply antifungal cream or ointment.Even if your symptoms have gone away, continue treatment as recommended by your doctor.Antifungal creams and ointments are only suitable for dry skin.If your feet sweat easily, be sure to wait until the medication is absorbed.
Wear cotton socks and wash them daily.When washing, use a chlorine bleach solution (instead of soap) or boil the socks for 10 minutes.This way you can eliminate fungus from your clothes and prevent reinfection.Shoes should be disinfected with an antifungal spray and allowed to dry for a few days (preferably in the sun).
Prevent foot fungus
After going out, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.Once you reach any danger area, wash your feet thoroughly with soap, dry them with a towel, and treat them with any antifungal solution.If someone at home has fungal disease, separate towels should be prepared for the face, hands, and feet.Afterwards, the bath should be treated thoroughly with a special bath cleaner.If your feet sweat a lot, you can apply talc or antiperspirant deodorant to your feet.Do not wear other people's shoes, especially slippers provided by guests, and do not give your own shoes to others.
Try not to let your feet sweat.When staying in a room for more than an hour, try to change your shoes into replacement shoes.When visiting saunas, public showers, and swimming pools, please wear rubber slippers and do not walk barefoot in public areas.Treat your feet with an antifungal cream after showering or swimming in a pond or pool.Wear clean socks and tights every day.Do not allow others to use your sponges, towels, manicure and pedicure accessories.It must be disinfected before use.
Use cleaning products to clean the tub and rinse with strong water before use.Remove wooden footstools and fabric and sponge rugs from the bathroom.They retain moisture and may leave behind fragments of skin and nails that are infected by the fungus.Use a special grill (coated with a special enamel or plastic) or a rubber mat.
Moisture in the folds between your fingers can soften the skin, making it easier for fungal infections to enter.Use a separate foot towel to dry the creases between your toes or blow dry with a hair dryer.Statistically, fungal diseases are more common in people with flat feet.Therefore, comfortable, high-quality shoes should be worn with a heel height of no more than 4 cm and equipped with special orthopedic insoles or soft protrusions that support the arch of the foot.
No matter how sophisticated and complete home foot care is, regular foot care (medical pedicure) of the skin and nail plates of the feet is necessary.It will help keep feet and nails healthy, and your doctor will give personal recommendations for home care and prevention.