Athlete's foot is one of the most common fungal skin infections.The skin between the toes and the bottom of the foot is often infected.The cause of the disease are fungi of the genus Trichophyton and Candida.After contact with the epidermis, they begin to multiply actively.The result of their activity is skin peeling, cracks between the toes and diaper rash.At a later stage, the disease affects the nails, they become dull, thicken, the edges begin to crumble and yellow lines are observed.The disease can spread to the hands and large skin folds on the body.
Scratching the affected skin or minor injuries allow the fungus to penetrate deeper into the dermis layers.Thus, the infection spreads through the bloodstream throughout the body.In children and elderly people, fungal skin damage occurs in a more acute form and is more difficult to treat.This is due to the age-related characteristics of the immune system.
Stress is also a trigger for the development of mycosis.Fungal infection is resistant to negative external factors and prefers heat and humidity.Showers with interrupted water flow, saunas, old house shoes, rented shoes (skates, roller skates, ski boots), carpets in the bathroom are the main breeding grounds for fungi.They penetrate the skin through scratches and calluses.
People with excessive sweating of the feet are at risk, because with prolonged exposure, the sweat erodes the skin and reduces its protective properties.People with an obliterated form of mycosis with light peeling of the skin and painless microcracks that can only be noticed by a doctor pose a special risk to others.
Chronic mycosis of the skin of the feet and nail plates is often the cause of autoimmune allergic reactions, including the development of bronchial asthma.It is important to properly treat the mycosis without transforming it into a persistent chronic form.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mycosis of the feet are very different.Initial symptoms: cracks appear, painful or itchy blisters, diaper rash and rough skin.Then, the areas of the skin affected by the fungus soften, turn white and begin to peel.A bacterial infection can be added, then the blisters turn into ulcers or ulcers.
Itching and burning are constant symptoms of mycosis, some patients complain of pain and unpleasant smell.
reason
Athlete's foot is caused by several types of parasitic fungi.These microorganisms are present in large numbers on the floors of swimming pools and bathrooms, as well as in public showers.A person can become infected by walking barefoot in such places.
Wearing someone else's shoes, sharing towels and other personal hygiene products is another common way to spread the infection.
Immunity does not develop against fungal diseases, so re-infection occurs as easily as the initial one.
The growth of fungi is promoted by improper foot hygiene: putting socks and shoes on wet feet, not washing socks every day and of poor quality, insufficient ventilation and drying of shoes.
The appearance of mycosis on the hands is mainly due to the action of fungal toxins circulating in the blood.Also, when brushing the soles, microorganisms remain under the nails, from where they can be transferred to other parts of the body, including.on the scalp.People sensitive to mycoses should always remember this route of infection.
Risk factors
Despite its rapid spread, not everyone develops athlete's foot.A strong and healthy body can handle the fungal infection on its own.However, it often happens that the immune system suppresses the development of fungi for a long time, and then stress, ARVI or some other internal failure occurs and the fungal infection begins to progress rapidly.
It has been observed that people get sick more quickly under the following circumstances:
- profuse sweating;
- non-compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- hormonal imbalances;
- taking certain medications;
- frequent stress;
- chronic dermatological diseases.
Excessive sweating and neglect of personal hygiene rules create an ideal environment for the development of fungi.Sweat provokes the rapid spread of fungal microflora.Insufficient foot hygiene, socks made of synthetic fabric, very tight and closed shoes accelerate the development and spread of fungal infection.
Hormonal imbalances are common in teenagers, so they are at risk of developing ringworm.The restructuring of the hormonal system temporarily lowers immunity and can cause profuse sweating.These factors contribute to the growth and spread of pathogenic microflora.
A decrease in immunity can occur due to the long-term use of antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Ringworm, eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis reduce cellular immunity and create favorable conditions for the growth of a secondary infection, especially fungal.Mycosis is often a complication of dermatological diseases.Increased risk of infection: very tight shoes;ingrown nails;scratches and wounds on the legs;diabetes mellitus;vascular diseases.
Forms of the disease
Deleted form.The initial stage of the disease.Symptoms: light peeling of the skin between the fingers, small cracks in the upper layer of the epidermis.The patient does not feel discomfort and may not suspect that he has mycosis.
Squamous form.The skin between the toes peels and is covered with flat, slightly itchy scales.
Hyperkeratotic form.Blue-red papules and flat plaques appear.The main location of the lesion is the arch of the foot.Formations are covered with scales.The formation of individual blisters is possible.The rash can join in groups, forming large lesions.Over time, the entire leg is affected.Yellow hyperkeratotic formations (calloses) covered with fissures may appear.The skin is dry, with minor pains and itching.
Intertrigenic form.The inflammation is similar to common diaper rash.The greatest damage is observed in the skin between the toes.Red swelling appears.Existing symptoms include ulcers and wetting.If left untreated, deep fissures and painful erosions appear.Patients notice pain in the affected area, itching and severe burning.
Dyshidrotic form.Lots of compressed bubbles.The localization of the lesions is the arches of the feet.The rash can spread, so prompt treatment is essential.If left untreated, the blisters spread over the entire surface of the foot, including the toes.Small bubbles can coalesce and develop into larger bubbles that can burst.Reddish erosions remain in place.
Acute form.Increased susceptibility to fungal pathogens and rapid disease progression.On the surface of the feet there is redness and severe swelling and large vesicles and blisters appear.After the opening, large erosions develop in their place;scars extend beyond the folds between the toes.In some cases, weakness, fever and headache are observed.
Symptoms may vary from person to person.When the first alarming symptoms appear, you should consult a dermatologist.
Diagnosis of mycosis of the foot
Diagnosis and treatment of mycosis should be performed by a dermatologist or mycologist.
Diagnosis includes:
- detailed foot examination;
- history taking;
- itching from the affected areas of the skin or cutting off part of a deformed nail;
- a test to detect fungal infections in the body as a whole;
- planting the material in a nutrient medium (if necessary);
- skin biopsy for analysis under a microscope (in rare cases);
- General and biochemical blood test.
Treatment
Incorrect or delayed treatment can lead to the development of mycosis in an advanced form.In this case, recovery can take up to six months or more.Therefore, you should seek the help of a doctor at the first symptoms.First of all, it is necessary to accurately determine the pathogen;for this, the doctor takes an itch from the affected skin.Based on the results, the optimal course of antifungal therapy is selected.Modern antifungal drugs - creams, gels, oils, sprays - effectively cope with the disease.They have a wide spectrum of action, are applied 1-2 times a day, do not stain the skin and linen and do not have a specific smell.
External means
The choice of drugs depends on the stage of mycosis.For mild forms, only external agents are prescribed;for severe forms, systemic treatment is required.The most popular drugs for external use are Terbinafine and Naftifine.They act on a variety of pathogenic fungi that cause athlete's foot.Do not cause side effects.Bifonazole and Clotrimazole have a rapid action against yeast-like fungi.Thanks to their oily consistency, they effectively soften the skin and eliminate dryness, skin and itching.These drugs accelerate the healing and restoration process of the affected skin.Bifonazole is a complex drug aimed at the treatment of foot fungus and nail plates.Eliminates itching, redness, burning sensation and unpleasant odor.In addition to antifungal agents, it is important to regularly treat the skin with antiseptics.A solution of chlorhexidine or miramistin is good for this.When a secondary infection occurs and suffocation occurs, antibacterial ointments are prescribed.
Tablet drugs
For the treatment of mycosis of the feet: Itraconazole, Fluconazole, Nystatin are used.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 specially designed to combat fungal infections of the feet.The regimen and duration of treatment are determined by the attending physician.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection and the fungus only reproduces in a moist environment.By eliminating moisture, you prevent the spread of infection.
Try to protect people around you from infection.Explain that you cannot walk barefoot in the apartment, especially in the bathroom.Every time after showering, treat the tub or shower tray as well as the bathroom floor with a disinfectant.
Every day before going to bed, wash your feet with regular soap and warm water, taking care not to make the skin too soft.Dry your feet thoroughly with a paper towel or hair dryer, paying special attention to the area between the toes.Do not forget to apply antifungal cream or ointment.Continue treatment as recommended by your doctor, even if your symptoms have disappeared.Antifungal creams and ointments are only applied to dry skin.If your feet are prone to sweating, you should wait until the medicine is absorbed.
Wear cotton socks and wash them daily.When washing, use a chlorine bleach solution (not soap) or boil the socks for 10 minutes.This way you will eliminate the fungus from your clothes and prevent re-infection.Shoes should be disinfected with antifungal sprays and dried for several days (preferably in the sun).
Prevention of foot fungus
After you are outside, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.Once you are in any of the risk areas, wash your feet thoroughly with soap, dry them with a towel and treat them with an antifungal solution.If there is a person with mycosis in the family, he should have special towels for his face, hands and feet.Then, the bathroom should be thoroughly treated with a special cleaner.If your feet sweat a lot, you can apply talcum powder or antiperspirant deodorant.Do not wear someone else's shoes, especially slippers provided by guests, and in turn, do not offer your shoes to others.
Try not to let your feet sweat.In a room where you stay for more than an hour, try to change your shoes to a replacement shoe.When visiting a sauna, public shower, swimming pool, wear rubber slippers, do not walk barefoot in public places.After a shower, swimming in a pond or a pool, treat your feet with antifungal cream.Wear clean socks and tights every day.Do not let others use your sponges, towels, manicure and pedicure accessories.They must be disinfected before use.
Clean the tub with a cleaning product and use a strong stream of water before using it.Remove wooden legs, as well as cloth and sponge rugs from the bathroom.They retain moisture and can leave behind fungus-infected skin and nail bits.Use either a special grill (coated with special enamel or plastic) or a rubber mat.
Moisture in the folds between the toes softens the skin and makes it easier for fungal infections to enter.Wipe the folds between your dry toes with a special foot towel or dry them with a hair dryer.According to statistics, mycoses are more common in people with flat feet.Therefore, wear comfortable, high-quality shoes with heels no higher than 4 cm with a special orthopedic insole or a soft extension that supports the arch of the foot.
Regardless of how complete and competent the care of the feet is at home, it is necessary to regularly perform podiatric care for the skin of the feet and nail plates (medical pedicure).It will help to maintain healthy feet and nails, and the doctor will give individual recommendations for home care and prevention.