Epidermophytosis of the feet is a class of fungal diseases characterized by lesions of the feet, interdigital areas and nails. It has a high prevalence, usually observed in people aged 30 and over (rarely in children), prone to chronic diseases with alternating exacerbations and remissions.
Fungal infections 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 settling on the skin of humans and animals.
The causative agents of fungal infections are very tenacious, which distinguishes them from other microorganisms. Fungal skin diseases are the most common in the world. Human contact with fungi is constant - at home, at work, in offices, in nature, in swimming pools, saunas, etc.
Where can you get mushrooms?
You can get infected with a fungus in many public places - baths, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially in showers), when wearing someone else's shoes.
The risks of infection increase several times if a person does not follow his hygiene.
Fungus symptoms
The course and development of the disease is influenced by the physiological characteristics of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, disruptions in the endocrine system, injuries to the legs. The causative agents of the fungus can be 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 several forms of the disease, which can be supplemented 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: outwardly it looks like a hard growth has appeared under the nail;
- plate thickening and delamination;
- deformation of the nail: its protrusion, growth to the side, penetration into the skin;
- fragility of the nail plate: chipping of its part is possible.
How the disease progresses
The first manifestations of the disease begin in the spaces between the fingers, especially between 4 and 5, since there is the smallest distance between them. A slight itch begins, and over time a thickened, slightly scaly strip of cuticle appears on the crease of the finger.
After 2-3 days, a small crack has already formed, from which serous fluid is released, which acts as an excellent means for the successful reproduction of the fungus. The hard layer of the epidermis may fall off, revealing a dark pink colored area underneath. The progression of the disease leads to its spread to all the fingers 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. Fluid-filled blisters form on the skin, which are very itchy. Over time, they can combine and erode, causing weeping areas to appear.
Reference! When studying the skin affected by the fungus, it was found that the moist "bare" surface that appears under the bubbles does not contain the pathogens themselves, but is only a consequence of their activity.
Without proper timely treatment, the fungus affects the entire surface of the foot and fingers, sometimes reaching the area above the heel. There is an instability of the course - then the disease slows down, then intensifies again.
If left untreated, the disease can drag on for many years. At the same time, the risk of complications with pathogenic streptococcus is high: the fluid in the vesicles begins to fester, the foci of inflammation spread beyond the initial boundaries, the foot swells strongly. It becomes difficult for a person to move due to pain in the legs. In addition, there may be complications in the form of problems with the lymph nodes.
The development of epidermophytosis usually occurs during the summer months. At this time, sweating 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.
Mycosis usually manifests on 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 manifests itself.
Treatment of foot fungus
For successful therapy, great attention should be paid to the treatment of lesions.
A person with a fungus should take a foot bath daily with potassium permanganate. It is necessary to get rid of crusts, break through 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 sulfate (0. 1%) and zinc (0. 4%) or a 1% solutionof resorcinol. Once the oozing areas have started to heal, alcohol solutions with fungicides are used. If necessary, the set is supplemented with fungicidal ointments.
Achieving the desired result does not depend on the drugs used, but on the correct sequence of their use depending on the current situation with inflammatory processes.
Further treatment plays a huge role after the fight against the lesions is over, 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 eliminate and prevent the appearance of fungus in shoes, you need to wipe them from the inside with a solution of formaldehyde, wrap them in a thick cloth for a few days, then dry them in the fresh air. For socks, tights and stockings, everything is simpler - just boil them in this solution for 10 minutes.
If there is a complication of pyococci, antibiotics are used. Be sure to respect bed rest.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of fungal infections, the following preventive measures should be taken:
- owners of swimming pools, gymnasiums, baths should be more attentive to disinfection - carry out thorough treatment of the premises according to the established schedule;
- if there is a suspicion of a fungal infection, you should immediately consult a doctor to immediately interrupt the disease;
- before going to bed, it is advisable to wash your feet with soap in cold water and wipe them thoroughly until dry;
- do not use someone else's shoes;
- changing socks or stockings daily;
- when visiting swimming pools, baths, showers in gymnasiums, have your own shoes.