Not all diseases can be fatal, but some of them can seriously complicate life.The fungus affects internal organs and skin.Almost every person has opportunistic microorganisms.In some unfavorable circumstances, their number increases, and this leads to numerous problems.Fungi on the feet are easily transmitted from person to person, which is why they are so common.
Fungi are widespread in the environment, but damage to human nails and skin occurs only under favorable conditions.As we age, the skin's acidic pH can change to alkaline, which is favorable for fungal growth.Infection usually occurs by contact;if the standards of personal hygiene are not observed, the source of infection can be a sick person or shared objects.Infection can occur in public places: swimming pools, bathrooms, gyms.And in everyday life with the general use of slippers, socks, manicure accessories, towels and washcloths.
Routes of infection
The fungus is most often transmitted from a sick person through personal belongings and shoes.So, in the zone of infection there are people who live in the same apartment with him.But in certain cases, disputes are not felt.Factors that cause:
- profuse sweating;
- sores and calluses on the feet;
- tight and uncomfortable shoes.
The ideal environment for the growth of fungi is warm and moist.
Therefore, narrow shoes or boots that are made of poor quality materials are an excellent breeding ground for infection.Mycosis of the feet occurs due to low immunity.This can happen for various reasons: stress, long-term illnesses, etc.Chronic infections and problems with the endocrine system affect the human condition.
Internal organs suffer from long-term use of antibiotics.The microflora changes, and this affects the composition of opportunistic microorganisms.Lack of hygiene also affects its growth, because dirt and sweat are fertile soil.
Children are most susceptible to the disease.Due to their age, they have delicate skin and weak immunity.For the same reason, elderly people are susceptible to mycoses.Dangerous public places include:
- swimming pools;
- saunas;
- baths;
- fitness centers;
- beaches.
Places where you can walk barefoot are potential sources of spreading mycosis.
A humid environment and high temperature create an ideal environment for the reproduction of spores.Regular disinfection of the premises does not help either.People who wear closed shoes at work - military personnel, police officers and others - are also at risk.Boots do not allow air to pass through and often injure the feet, which opens the way for harmful microorganisms.
Basic shapes
Treatment of foot fungus depends on its form.The most common is interdigital or intertriginous: the lesion begins in the area of the thumb and index finger.After that, the fungus spreads along the foot.It is most often transmitted by contact with a sick person or by not following the rules of personal hygiene.
In the absence of appropriate treatment, the intertriginous form becomes squamous-hyperkeratotic.It manifests as deep cracks on the soles of the feet.
The disease does not produce any symptoms for a long time.At first, shallow furrows appear on the skin that do not bring negative sensations.In more severe cases, they move to the lower legs.
The dyshidrotic form is characterized by the appearance of erosions on the skin - this is a wet and weeping area.It rarely occurs on the legs;most often affects the hands.The deleted form is the easiest to pass.Signs of foot fungus are mild.Mild peeling of the skin and itching occurs.The causative agent of the disease is candida.Even without treatment, the condition goes away on its own.
Characteristic symptoms
The main manifestations of fungi are the same for all forms.The first sign of the disease is peeling of the skin.Microorganisms feed on protein compounds and keratin, so the integrity of the skin is destroyed.
The human body strives to renew the skin, and therefore promotes regeneration.This causes itching.Sometimes the surface itches under the influence of candida.The activity of fungi disrupts the work of the sebaceous glands, and this leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.Even timely hygiene does not help to get rid of it.In some cases, instead of sweating, severe dryness is observed.
Another symptom of foot fungus is skin discoloration.Yellow or green spots appear.The surface of the foot itself becomes thicker and covered with keratinized calluses.It cracks over time, and this can cause discomfort when walking.
As the disease progresses, blisters with clear liquid appear on the legs.They burst, and small ulcers appear in their place.They provide access to secondary infections.
Fungus often affects not only the feet, but also the nails.Changes start from the free edge.Usually from the thumbs.Yellowing and thickening of the nail plate occurs.It crumbles and reveals pink skin.As the disease progresses, destruction of the nail is observed.
When molds are affected, purulent inflammation of the periungual ridges is observed.The board itself is painted black or green.
Diagnostic methods
Before you choose how and how to treat foot fungus, you need to confirm the diagnosis.Itching and peeling of the skin do not always appear due to mycosis.A dermatologist deals with this disease.Performs a visual examination of the legs and collects anamnesis.
In order to accurately determine the pathogen, scrapings are made from the skin.It is mandatory, otherwise drug therapy will not be effective.A standard microscopic examination can determine the presence of fungi.To do this, the material is stained with special preparations and studied under a microscope.
A more precise study is bacterial culture.The collected samples are placed in a nutrient medium.After some time, the mushroom colonies start to grow.They are studied in detail.The disadvantage of this method is the duration.It takes up to four weeks to complete.
PCR analysis allows you to determine the exact pathogen.It requires scraping from the affected area.This is the most accurate and fastest diagnostic method.In some cases, a doctor may advise donating blood for an enzyme immunoassay.It allows you to determine the antibody titer.Such information helps to discover the cause of the disease.
Types of treatment
To cure foot fungus, a comprehensive treatment is required.The standard regimen includes drugs for internal and external use.They are aimed at eliminating pathogenic organisms and healing the skin.
Creams and ointments should only be applied to clean surfaces.Apply them in a thin layer before going to bed.The standard course of treatment lasts four weeks.All medications must be prescribed by the attending physician.In severe cases, it is recommended to use glucocorticosteroids.They relieve inflammation and stop the progression of the disease.But they have a lot of side effects, and when you use them you have to stick to the dosage.
Medicines with fungistatic and fungicidal effects are prescribed for internal use.
They suppress the development of pathogenic flora and destroy fungal colonies.
Traditional medicine can alleviate some of the side effects of treatment.So, soda baths (1 tablespoon of baking soda per 10 liters of warm water) soften the skin and help remove exfoliated areas.A mixture of cooked onion and garlic is used as a dressing.They are mixed into a paste and applied to keratinized skin.Place socks on top and leave overnight.Feet are easy to clean in the morning.