One of the most common skin conditions is athlete's foot. It occurs in people of all ages and professions. The highest prevalence of mycosis is among hotshop workers, miners, athletes, bath workers, in which the incidence exceeds 60%. Children suffer very rarely, but in adolescents there is an increase in cases of ringworm.
What is mycosis of the foot
Ringworm of the foot is a group of fungal diseases of the skin, often with simultaneous damage to the nails. These infections cause similar clinical manifestations. They can be distinguished only after microscopic examination of the skin and nails. Mycosis of the skin of the feet is a highly contagious disease. It is transmitted from person to person through household items: mats in changing rooms, showers and swimming pools, foot stools, sinks and floors in baths and saunas. It is dangerous to wear shared shoes and socks. The top layer of skin, which is constantly exfoliating, contains many of the fungi themselves and their spores. Initially, the interdigital folds are affected, itching of the skin occurs. In the future, the infection affects the entire foot and spreads to the nails. The course of the disease is long, requires constant treatment. To prevent foot ringworm, you can buy an effective prophylactic.
Causes of mycosis of the feet
The cause of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, less often mold fungi and Epidermophyton floccosum:
- red trichophyton (Tr. rubrum) causes up to 95% of all cases of the disease;
- about a third of patients also found interdigital trichophyton (Tr. Interdigitale);
- the inguinal epidermophyte (E. floccosum) is the cause of the disease in 1% of cases.
The probability of infection increases in adverse external conditions:
- high humidity;
- tight shoes;
- frequent visits to swimming pools, saunas and other wetlands;
- the presence of a sick person in the family.
Some internal diseases also contribute to the development of a fungal infection:
- leg sweating;
- immunodeficiency;
- ingestion of corticosteroid hormones inside;
- flat foot;
- Raynaud's disease, atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries, endarteritis obliterans, varicose veins;
- diabetes.
What happens during illness
Ringworm of the feet on healthy skin rarely develops. Even if the fungus makes it to the surface, it will not be able to penetrate the thick layer of intact epithelium. Under the influence of adverse external factors, the epidermis accumulates moisture and loosens. Fungi penetrate the thickness of the skin and begin to actively multiply. This is further promoted by vascular diseases and immune disorders, which are accompanied by malnutrition and local protective mechanisms in the feet. Fungal reproduction causes damage to the interdigital areas, intense scaling and discomfort. Rejected epithelium gets into socks and shoes, becoming a source of reinfection. Therefore, during the treatment of ringworm, it is necessary to treat the inner surface of the shoe with a preparation with a special composition against the fungus.
Symptoms
Conventionally, there are such forms of ringworm of the feet, which are shown in the photo:
- Scaly: Unilateral scaling and mild itching in the arch of the foot. This form often goes unnoticed.
- Intertriginous: The creases between the toes are affected, so the process moves to the back of the foot. Weeping cracks appear, accompanied by itching. A bacterial infection can join the development of erysipelas.
- Dyshidrotic: In the arch of the foot, vesicles fuse with light and then cloudy content. They open with the formation of painful erosions. This type is accompanied by itching and pain.
Mycosis of the skin of the foot in the acute period can be accompanied by fever, health problems, headache, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. When infected with Trichophyton, fingernail I or V is affected, in the future the process spreads to all nail plates. First, yellow spots appear on the free edge of the nail, then it thickens, loosens and crumbles. Therefore, to treat foot fungus, you need to use products of complex action, for example, lotion for skin and nails.
Disease diagnosis
The recognition of the disease is based on the analysis of external manifestations and the isolation of the fungus from the skin surface. A microscopic examination of the affected epithelium and nails is performed. To accurately determine the type of microorganisms, they are grown in a nutrient medium. It is necessary to distinguish mycosis of the foot from a non-fungal lesion:
- intertrigo;
- eczema;
- psoriasis;
- hyperkeratosis.
Accurate diagnosis guarantees a good treatment outcome.
Treatment of mycosis of the feet
Therapy is carried out in 2 stages. First, it is necessary to eliminate the acute inflammation and remove the horny overlays on the feet. Warm foot baths with potassium permanganate and lotions with a boric acid solution are shown. After removing the dense epithelium, creams containing anti-inflammatory hormones and antibiotics are used. Once the inflammation subsides, these creams are replaced with similar ointments. In the second stage of treatment, antifungal ointments and creams are used (for example, representatives of the imidazole antifungal drug group). They should be applied to clean, dry skin 1-2 times a day, rubbing gently. Not only is the affected area treated, but also the surrounding surface of the foot. The course of treatment takes about a month. Ringworm of the foot is successfully treated with medications, special lotions for the skin and nails, which can be purchased at the pharmacy. Benefits of medicines for the fight against fungus:
- high activity against the fungus that causes mycosis of the feet;
- safety;
- hypoallergenicity;
- affordable price.
The lotion can be used to treat other skin conditions:
- pityriasis versicolor;
- cutaneous candidiasis;
- erythrasma;
- secondary bacterial infection in the background of ringworm.
The drug is used 2 times a day, gently rubbing into the affected areas. The skin must first be washed with soap and dried well, especially between the toes. The course of treatment lasts until the symptoms of the disease disappear and for another 2 weeks. The drug is well tolerated. It only occasionally causes skin irritation. He has the only contraindication - the first trimester of pregnancy. Obviously, clotrimazole substance is not used for your individual intolerance. One of the advantages of the lotion is the excellent penetration of the drug into the nail plates, which distinguishes it from a cream or ointment. Regular use of this drug provides an excellent result in ringworm of the feet and nails without the use of additional funds. Nail damage requires the appointment of antifungal drugs inside.
At the same time, therapeutic varnishes are used, which are applied to the nails 1-2 times a week until complete recovery.
preventive methods
Treating a fungal infection takes a long time. Ringworm of the feet requires the use of drugs, the cost of which is quite high. Disease prevention is especially important in people with risk factors for the disease. Athletes, swimmers, hot shop workers are advised to regularly use antifungal and antibacterial medication such as spray or lotion. These products are safe, do not damage the skin, and do not cause irritation. With regular use, the likelihood of contracting foot fungus is drastically reduced. Undecylenic acid spray is helpful in preventing reinfection. For this, the drug must be sprayed monthly on the inner surface of the shoe. The active substance in the spray - undecylenic acid - is safe even with prolonged use. It should be applied to the dry and clean skin of the feet before each visit to the swimming pool and other similar places. No contraindications to the use of this drug have been established. It should only be used with caution by pregnant and lactating women. It is necessary to eliminate the external causes of the onset of the disease:
- wear proper boots and shoes;
- wear high-quality sports shoes made from natural materials;
- wash your feet daily and treat your nails on time;
- combat sweating of the feet;
- when visiting a bath, pool, beach, it is better to wear light silicone or rubber flip flops.
General strengthening of immunity, treatment of diabetes and vascular diseases is necessary.