Fungal diseases of the nails and toes are common.
Cause
Doctors divide fungal diseases of the feet and nails into two groups. The first includes diseases called epidermophytosis, caused by the fungus Trichophyton interdigitale, the second - rubrophytosis, which occurs when the fungus Trichophyton rubrum multiplies. These fungi can affect both nail plates and interdigital folds, soles and instep.
Factors that contribute to fungal infection:
- cracks, abrasions in interdigital folds caused by sweat or dry skin, abrasion, poor drying after procedures with water, narrow interdigital spaces, flat feet, wearing tight shoes, etc. ;
- vascular diseases, ulcerations in the extremities, standing up, varicose veins, decreased immunity, endocrine diseases, stress;
- professional factors - working in mining companies, in the metallurgical and chemical industries. The fungus on the nails and feet frequently affects military personnel and athletes, which is also due to the peculiarities of their profession.
The disease can be transmitted by close contact with the patient or by the objects he has used. Baths, swimming pools and other public places with high humidity are "dangerous" from the point of view of contamination. There, the ideal "greenhouse" conditions were created for the fungus: heat and humidity. In addition, the nail plate, almost entirely composed of keratin, is an excellent breeding ground for fungi.
Once on the nail plate, the fungus grows and multiplies very slowly. Gradually, it dissolves the nail, taking its place, and spreads across the surrounding skin.
What's happening?
With a fungal infection of the skin of the feet, the process usually begins with interdigital folds. Cracks and flaking in these places. Later on, the skin starts to turn red and itch. The process usually reaches the instep, sole of the foot and plantar part of the toes. Other clinical forms of fungal infection are also possible.
The fungus on the nails is manifested as follows:
- Nail color: white, yellow, brown, black. The nail is blind, opaque.
- Nail surface: irregular, rough. The nail is disintegrating.
- Nail thickness: thickening or thinning / delamination.
- Nail shape: deformed.
- The nail fold: not altered or inflamed.
Significant deformation of the nails and their thickening creates certain difficulties when cutting them. In addition, the pressure of a thick nail deformed in the underlying tissue (nail bed), as well as the pressure of the shoe on the nail, can cause pain in many cases.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases are carried out by a dermatologist. The doctor will first have you scraped - to determine the type of fungus and prescribe the necessary treatment. In addition, certain medications are prescribed based on the patient's general condition, the presence or absence of other diseases. Therefore, self-medication is ineffective and can sometimes even worsen the course of the disease.
The main danger of fungal infection of the feet is that the disease progresses all the time. If the fungus is not treated, then, starting with a nail, it will spread to others and then to areas close to the skin or nails. In rare cases, there is even damage to internal organs.
In addition, the causative agents of this disease, being very strong allergens, can rebuild the body's sensitivity and thus cause various types of allergic reactions.
Many patients prefer to use the widely advertised antifungal varnishes and ointments. It must be remembered that antifungal varnishes help only in the early stages of the disease and do not affect the entire thickness of the nail - in many cases, it is necessary to take medications (pills) inside. In addition, some of the creams act only on the skin, without penetrating the nail. These resources are mainly used for prevention.
Sometimes, people do not go to the doctor for fear of complete removal of the nail plate. This will not happen because the exclusion method is no longer applied. Currently, powerful antifungals are used which, when used correctly, completely eliminate the fungus.
In the process of treating a fungal infection and after its completion, it is important to disinfect everything that the fungus came into contact with. Disinfection should be applied to floors, walls, bath tubs, showers, bathrooms, as well as the patient's personal objects: bed linen, shoes, skin and nail articles.
You can reduce the risk of yeast infection by observing the following recommendations:
- use an individual towel;
- wear individual shoes for indoor use;
- take a shower after the pool;
- do not wear slippers when visiting;
- do not try on bare shoes in the store.