Epidermophytosis of the feet is a class of fungal diseases characterized by damage to the feet, interdigital areas, and nails. It is characterized by high prevalence, usually seen in people over 30 years of age (rarely in children), prone to chronic disease, and exacerbations and remissions.
Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. Fungi are low chlorophyll-free plants and need ready-made organic substances for their vital activity - they settle on the skin of humans and animals and absorb them.
The causative agent of fungal infections is very resistant, 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 the office, in nature, in swimming pools, saunas, etc.
Where can I buy mushrooms?
In many public places - baths, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially showers), you can become infected with the fungus while wearing someone else's shoes.
When a person does not follow the rules of hygiene, the risk of infection increases many times.
Symptoms of the fungus
The course and development of the disease are influenced by the physiological characteristics of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, disorders of the endocrine system, damage to the feet. The causative agent of the fungus can be in a "sleep" state for a long time without giving themselves symptoms. When the body is disturbed, they can be activated. Epidermophytosis of the feet is characterized by the presence of several forms of the disease, which can be completed by damage to the nail plates.
You can determine the defeat of the fungus in the presence of several symptoms:
- the nail plate changes its natural color: yellow or dark color is generally fixed, but the nails can even be white or completely black;
- tissue keratosis under the plate: apparently, a hard growth appears under the nail;
- plate thickening and delamination;
- Deformation of the nail: its protrusion, lateral growth, penetration into the skin;
- fragility of the nail plate: it is possible to break part of it.
How the disease develops
The first manifestations of the disease begin in the spaces between the fingers, especially between 4 and 5, because there is the smallest distance between them. Mild itching begins, and over time, thickened and slightly flaky cuticle streaks appear in the finger curls.
After 2-3 days, a small crack appears, from which a serous fluid is released, which plays an excellent role in the successful reproduction of the fungus. The hard layer of the epidermis may collapse, leaving a dark pink area underneath. As the disease progresses, it spreads 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. Bubbles appear on the skin filled with very itchy fluid. Over time, they can coalesce and erode, leading to the appearance of weeping areas.
Reference! Examination of the skin affected by the fungus revealed that the "bare" wet surface under the bubbles was not the pathogens themselves, but only the result of their activity.
Without 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.
In the absence of therapy, the disease can last for many years. At the same time, the risk of complications with pathogenic streptococcus is high: the fluid in the vesicles begins to purulent, inflammatory foci spread beyond the initial limits, the foot is strongly swollen. Due to pain in the legs, a person has difficulty moving. In addition, there may be complications in the form of lymph node problems.
The development of epidermophytosis usually occurs in the summer months. At this time, sweating increases, the fingers get wet often, and the increased humidity in the interdigital areas creates favorable conditions for the entry of fungi and its active reproduction.
Mycosis usually manifests itself on fingers 1 and 5, spreading freely. The nail gradually thickens, acquires a yellowish color and an uneven sharp edge. Over time, subungual hyperkeratosis manifests itself to varying degrees.
Treatment of foot fungus
Much attention should be paid to the treatment of lesions for successful therapy.
A person affected by a fungus should take a foot bath with potassium permanganate every day. It is necessary to get rid of the crusts, pierce the bubbles and remove the "fringes" along the boundaries of erosive areas and purulent bubbles.
After the bath, medical dressings should be applied 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 begin to heal, fungicide-based alcohol solutions are used. If necessary, the set is supplemented with fungicidal ointments.
Achieving the desired result depends not on the drugs used, but on the correct sequence of use in accordance with the current situation with inflammatory processes.
Once the fight against the lesions is over, additional treatment plays a big role, as it helps prevent relapses. The skin of the feet is wiped with 2% salicylic alcohol or 1% thymol, and the use of 10% boron powder is also required. To prevent and prevent the appearance of fungus on shoes, it is necessary to wipe it from the inside with a solution of formaldehyde, cover it with a tight cloth for a few days and then dry it in fresh air. For socks, tights and socks, everything is simpler - just boil them in this solution for 10 minutes.
If there is a complication of pyococci, then antibiotics are used. Make sure you follow your bed rest.
Prevention
The following preventive measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of fungal infections:
- Owners of swimming pools, gyms, baths should pay more attention to disinfection - carry out a comprehensive treatment of buildings in accordance with the established schedule;
- If a fungal infection is suspected, you should see a doctor immediately to stop the disease;
- before going to bed, it is recommended to wash your feet with soap in cold water and wipe thoroughly until dry;
- do not use someone else's shoes;
- change socks or stockings every day;
- Have your own shoes when visiting pools, baths, showers in gyms.