Epidermophytosis of the feet is a class of fungal diseases characterized by damage to the feet, interdigital areas and nails. It has a high prevalence, usually seen in people aged 30 years and older (rarely in children), prone to chronic diseases with alternating exacerbations and remissions.
Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. Mushrooms are lower plants that do not have chlorophyll, and ready-made organic substances are necessary for their vital activity - they receive them by attaching themselves to the skin of humans and animals.
The agents that cause fungal infections are very tenacious, 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 and so on.
Where can you get fungi?
You can get infected with a fungus in many places of public use - baths, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially in showers), when wearing someone else's shoes.
Infection risks increase many times over if a person does not follow their hygiene.
fungus symptoms
The course and development of the disease is influenced by the physiological characteristics of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, disturbances in the endocrine system, injuries to the legs. The causative agents of the fungus can stay in a "dormant" state for a long time, without revealing themselves as symptoms. When disturbed in the body, they can be activated. Epidermophytosis of the feet is characterized by the presence of various forms of the disease, which can be complemented 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: the yellow or dark color is usually fixed, but the nails can even turn white or completely black;
- tissue keratosis under the plate: externally, it looks like a hard growth has appeared under the nail;
- plaque thickening and delamination;
- nail deformation: its protrusion, lateral growth, ingrowth into the skin;
- fragility of the nail plate: chipping is possible on its part.
How the disease progresses
The first manifestations of the disease begin in the spaces between the fingers, mainly between 4 and 5, since there is the smallest distance between them. A slight itching begins, and over time, a thick, slightly scaly strip of cuticle appears in the crease of the finger.
After 2-3 days, a small crack is already formed, from which a serous fluid is released, which acts as an excellent medium for the successful reproduction of the fungus. The hard layer of the epidermis may fall off, revealing a dark pink area underneath. The progression of the disease leads to its spread to all the toes and the adjacent side of the foot.
Through damaged areas of the upper part of the skin, the fungus can penetrate the deeper layers behind the epidermis. The disease is accompanied by an eczematous reaction. Blisters filled with fluid form on the skin, which are very itchy. Over time, they can combine and corrode, leading to the appearance of weeping areas.
Reference! When studying the skin affected by the fungus, it was found that the "naked" moist surface that appears under the blisters does not contain the pathogens itself, but is only a consequence of their activity.
Without timely proper 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 subsides and then intensifies again.
In the absence of therapy, the disease can drag on for many years. At the same time, there is a high risk of complications with pathogenic streptococci: the fluid in the vesicles begins to become infected, foci of inflammation spread beyond their initial limits, the foot swells heavily. It becomes difficult for a person to move due to leg pain. Also, there can be complications in the form of problems with the lymph nodes.
The development of epidermophytosis usually occurs in the summer months. At this time, transpiration increases, fingers often get wet, and increased humidity in the interdigital areas creates favorable conditions for the introduction of the fungus and its active reproduction.
Ringworm usually manifests itself in 1 and 5 fingers, spreading to the free side. The nail gradually thickens, acquires a yellowish tint and an irregular sharp edge. Over time, pronounced subungual hyperkeratosis of varying degrees appears.
Foot fungus treatment
For the therapy to be successful, a lot of attention must be paid to the treatment of injuries.
A person affected by a fungus should take a daily foot bath with potassium permanganate. It is necessary to get rid of the crusts, pierce the blisters and remove the "fringe" along the boundaries of erosive areas and purulent blisters.
After bathing, it is necessary to apply medical dressings to the affected areas soaked in an aqueous solution of copper (0. 1%) and zinc (0. 4%) sulfate or a 1% resorcinol solution. After the weeping areas have started to heal, fungicide-based alcohol solutions are used. If necessary, the set is supplemented with fungicidal ointments.
Obtaining the desired result does not depend on the drugs used, but on the correct sequence of their use according to the current situation of the inflammatory processes.
A big role is played by additional treatment after the fight against injuries is completed, because it helps to prevent relapses. The skin of the feet is cleaned with 2% salicylic alcohol or 1% thymol, and it is also necessary to use 10% boron powder. To get rid of and prevent the appearance of mold on your shoes, you need to clean the inside with a solution of formaldehyde, wrap it in a dense cloth for a few days, and then dry it in the open air. For socks, tights and socks, everything is simpler - they just need to be boiled in this solution for 10 minutes.
If there is a complication of pyococci, antibiotics are used. Make sure you get bed rest.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of fungal infections, the following preventive measures should be taken:
- owners of swimming pools, gyms, baths should be more attentive to disinfection - carry out a thorough treatment of the premises according to the established schedule;
- if a fungal infection is suspected, you should immediately consult a doctor to stop the disease immediately;
- before going to bed, it is advisable to wash your feet with soap in cold water and dry them well until dry;
- don't wear someone else's shoes;
- change socks or socks every day;
- when visiting swimming pools, baths, showers in gyms, have your own shoes.