Flexibility of the feet (mycosis) is a fairly common disease whose sign is damage to the skin.
The infection occurs during contact of healthy skin with the carrier of the spores, as well as through the home way: through shoes, shared bathroom and contaminated items. The fungal infection easily penetrates the interdigital folds (under favorable conditions), where it begins its journey and population growth over the entire surface of the foot.
What is a mushroom?
Mycosis of the feet is the most common type of dermatomycosis characterized by chronic recurrences. It also includes damage to the layers of skin and nails. The upper layer of the skin, which is constantly peeling, contains a mass of fungi, as well as their spores.
Fungi are a contagious disease that is transmitted from person to person through household items. The first to be affected are the interdigital folds that cause itching. After that, the infection covers the entire foot area. The disease develops quickly, and is characterized by the presence of itching, tingling, pain, dry skin, peeling, and even diaper rash.
Reasons for occurrence
The main cause of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, as well as molds. Infection occurs under the following conditions:
- wearing narrow shoes (when the feet are compressed, cracks and ulcers form in which infection easily develops);
- excessive sweating of the feet (this is a great environment for the development of fungal populations);
- with high humidity in the room (shower, bathroom) - favorable conditions for all types of fungi;
- frequent visits to saunas, swimming pools (increased risk of contact with carriers of the infection);
- the presence of a sick person in the family (you can get infected through household items: slippers, socks and shared bathing).
There are also a number of diseases in which a person is susceptible to fungal infection:
- immunodeficiency (weakened immune system is more susceptible to infectious and bacterial diseases);
- taking hormonal medications (violating hormone levels);
- flat feet (with this disease it is difficult to choose shoes with the correct ascent, often the feet are compressed);
- varicose veins (poor circulation causes dry skin);
- atherosclerosis;
- diabetes mellitus (there is an increase in capillary permeability, changes in their barrier function).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of athlete's foot are:
- tingling and itching between the toes of the lower extremities (in its initial form) and over the entire surface of the foot (in later stages);
- painful sensations (with varying intensity: the pain may increase and then disappear completely for a short time);
- redness of the skin (from light pink to purple);
- dryness and abundant peeling (separation of scales and bark from plaques);
- cracks on the skin of the feet (which do not go through conventional moisturizers);
- changes in nail color and structure (become thick and flaky);
- the presence of unpleasant foot odor (if not previously observed).
Bitan!
With a fungal infection, the usual hygienic procedures (washing the feet, floating and steaming) do not give any results, the symptoms do not disappear!
Why is it necessary to treat fungi?
The success of the therapy depends on the correctness of the diagnosis and the determination of the exact type of the cause of the mycosis of the foot. Regardless of the form and stage of the fungal infection, an integrated approach is used in treatment.
Without a competent approach to treatment, the fungus will not go anywhere, this is not a disease that disappears on its own.
After all, the waste products of the parasitic fungus will spread to surrounding tissues and enter the bloodstream, poisoning it, which is an allergen for the human body (it can even develop eczema).
In addition, a person infected with the fungus is a source of infection and danger to others. After all, the infection occurs through household items and contact with the skin of the carrier of the infection.
Fungal forms
There are a total of 6 forms of this fungal foot lesion:
- Deleted form. This is the initial form, it differs in the following manifestations: slight peeling in the interdigital folds and small surface cracks, which do not cause concern.
- Squamous form. The presence of small scales between the toes and on the surface of the sole. There are no signs of inflammation except mild itching.
- Hyperkeratotic form. Appearance of blue-red plaques (papules), which are located on the arches of the feet. Dry skin, moderate pain and itching are noticed.
- Intertriginous form. It looks similar to a diaper rash. The skin in the interdigital folds becomes bright red, swellings and cracks appear, and erosion can occur. Pain, tingling and itching complete the picture.
- Dyshydrotic form. The appearance of bubbles is noticed, which are closed from above with a thick lid. They are localized on the arches of the feet and are characterized by severe itching.
- Acute form. The skin of the feet is covered with vesicles and bubbles with purulent-serous content, their opening leads to multiple erosions and deep cracks. Body temperature rises significantly, the skin of the feet is light red, severe pain, difficulty walking, headache and general weakness occur. Inguinal lymphadenitis develops.
Viral diagnostics
The diagnosis of the disease is made by a dermatologist or mycologist (depending on the zone and degree of fungal infection), and is based on the detection of the fungus when examining skin scales under a microscope.
The skin is removed from the affected area of the foot by scraping, after which it is treated with special reagents. In the process of examination under a microscope, the expert determines the type of pathogen, or grows the fungus in a nutrient medium (it is easier for an increasing population to determine its type).
Methods of treatment
The basic rule in the treatment of athlete's foot is an integrated approach, which includes not only the use of drugs, the use of alternative methods of treatment, but also careful care of the affected skin.
Before starting drug therapy, you should consult a doctor who will identify the pathogen by laboratory tests. Mycosis of the feet should be treated under strict medical supervision or in a hospital setting. Therapy is carried out in 2 phases: preparatory and basic.
The first involves the removal of inflammation, as well as the removal of the stratum corneum by pre-steaming the legs in a solution of potassium permanganate and boric acid.
The second phase involves drug treatment.
Drug treatment (ointments, creams, tablets, other drugs)
After removing the upper keratinized cells, a special cream with antibiotics and corticosteroid hormones is applied to the entire affected area. After removing the inflammation, the foot baths are canceled. Further treatment consists of deep removal of the stratum corneum with salicylic vaseline.
It is applied in a thin layer to the site of the lesion until the corneal particles are completely separated. Therapy for strengthening the immunity is also effective: taking immunomodulators and vitamin complexes, because the stronger the body's defense system, the faster the disease passes.
Bitan!
The use of fats is forbidden! They can cause crying erosion.
Treatment with folk remedies for this disease can only be an adjunct therapy, not the main method of treatment.
Folk remedies
Treatment should be systematic and include not only medicines but also folk remedies:
- Apple cider vinegar is considered the best such recipe, because the mushroom does not like an acidic environment. The method of application is quite simple - apply a vinegar solution to the affected area (concentration is selected individually), put on socks and go to bed.
- Laundry soap and baking soda are another effective method. It is necessary to grate 3 tablespoons of soap and add the same amount of baking soda. Pour this mixture over hot water (at least 5 liters), lower your feet for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, clean your feet with a nail file or float.
- Glycerin with vodka also shows significant results. The bottle of purchased glycerin should be topped up with alcohol to the top, shaken and moistened with this composition daily (before bedtime).
- Coffee is effective in the fight against mycosis. You should make strong coffee, dip your feet in the drink until it cools down. It is recommended to do this procedure for at least a week.
- Celandine is also a good helper in fungal infections. In the boiler should pour 1 liter of water, put on the stove, boil and add 4 tbsp. l. herbs (cook for 5 minutes). In the resulting infusion, you must hang your legs daily for 3 weeks.
How to cure fungus in a child?
Treatment of mycosis in children takes place in several stages:
- steaming feet (in a solution of baking soda and soap, or with the addition of apple cider vinegar, you can also use chamomile soup - an excellent antiseptic);
- removal of keratinized particles (with a float or rough cloth, rub the peeling surface until the upper layer of the epidermis peels off);
- treatment with 2% iodine of the affected area promotes healing and disinfects well (you can apply iodine mesh on infected skin);
- before going to bed apply a cream based on miconazole and nystatin (they are safe for children and quite effective) and wear cotton socks (or special antibacterial).
Disease prevention
Preventive measures are quite simple and include the following points:
- Observance of the rules of personal hygiene (especially when visiting public swimming pools, baths and saunas). It is necessary to move in slippers, not barefoot on the floor and not to wear other people's shoes.
- Slippers should also be given up during the visit and you should walk indoors in socks.
- Wash your feet daily with antimicrobial soap and a washcloth before bed.
- Be sure to dry your feet after washing (especially between the toes).
- When keratinized cells appear, they need to be treated with floats and scissors or forceps.
- You need to trim your nails in time to prevent them from flaking.
- If there are cracks on the feet, you must use special gels and creams.
- Wearing narrow shoes is not allowed, because it hinders blood circulation.
- In case of wounds and scratches on the skin of the feet, it is necessary to treat them with brilliant green.
- In case of increased sweating of the feet, it is necessary to use special sprays and gels (they are not sold in any pharmacy).
Conclusion
Mycosis of the feet is an insidious disease that not only causes unpleasant sensations and spoils the appearance of the skin and nails, but can also cause eczema, as well as reduced immunity. In order not to become infected with the fungus, it is necessary to adhere to basic hygiene standards.
Well, in case of infection - urgently run for advice from a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe effective treatment. Mycosis is easy to beat if treatment is started on time.