Fungus (mycosis) on the feet– fungal infections of the skin of the feet and interdigital folds, nails, caused by pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic fungi. Conditional pathogens are natural inhabitants that are present in small quantities in the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes. However, under certain conditions, fungi begin to acquire pathogenic (disease-causing) properties and cause disease. Regardless of the pathogen, the disease has similar symptoms and treatment tactics.
In 9 out of 10 cases, the cause of leg fungus is a fungus of the Trichophyton genus. According to statistics, men are more likely than women to develop fungal infection of the skin of the feet. Men account for almost 58% of all cases. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) most often develops on nail plates III-IV of the feet. Often, long-term untreated nail fungus becomes the cause of foot fungus and vice versa. It should be noted that certain non-fungal skin diseases can be complicated by the appearance of a fungal disease. Foot eczema is often associated with fungal infections.
Symptoms of foot fungus
Dermatophytosis of the feet
Dermatophytosis of the feet (Tinea Pedis - athlete's foot) is the most common fungal infection of the skin of the feet and nails. As a rule, the fungal process of the feetbegins with damage to the side surfaces. Scaling (peeling) of the skin may occur. This process is not always accompanied by discomfort, itching or pain.
Over time, hyperkeratosis develops -thickening of the skin. Sometimes you will notice a slight redness of the skin, accompanied bymealy desquamation, giving the skin a "powdery appearance". The skin is dry, itching and pain may occur. If a fungal infection is not treated at this stage, after a while diaper rash will appear in the interdigital spaces. Most often, the interdigital form of toe fungus affects the folds between the third and fourth, fourth and fifth fingers. Skin defects may form, characterized by a violation of its integrity (erosion) and painful cracks. With the interdigital (intertriginous) form, pronounced manifestations of itching and sometimes burning of the affected skin appear.
INneglected formfungal foot disease occurs with the formation on the surface of the fingersbubblesfilled with clear fluid and covered with a thick stratum corneum. "Sago grains" (bubbles) can be single or coalesce into multi-chambered bubbles. As the pyococci (purulent bacteria) join together, the contents of the blisters become cloudy, then they open and erosions are formed, covered with purulent hemorrhagic crusts. Inflammation of the lymph nodes and deterioration of general health are possible.
When blisters appear, it is important not to confuse fungal infection with dyshidrotic eczema. Only a doctor can understand the problem and accurately diagnose it! In 2/3 of patients with interdigital and advanced forms of tinea pedis, mycids (allergic skin rash) are observed.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms is conditional, since their combination often occurs - one form can transform into another. It all depends on the reaction of the body, physical activity and treatment methods of the patient.
In addition, with foot fungus, nails are often affected, mainly in the area of the first and fifth toes. The nail plate acquires yellowish spots or stripes, the surface becomes dull and uneven, and a horny thickening begins to appear under the nail, which subsequently leads to the destruction of the nail plate.
Yeast-like foot fungus
Recently, fungal infections of the feet, caused by fungi of the genus Candida, have become more widespread. It is assumed that this is due to the widespread use of antibiotics and cytostatics (anti-tumor drugs).
Mushroomsgenus Candida, settling in the interdigital folds, cause symptoms similar to abrasion and diaper rash of the skin. Often, all interdigital spaces are involved in the skin process. Pain and burning of the skin between the toes occurs. Candidiasis of the nails (infection with the Candida fungus) is more common on the hands of women - housewives, laundresses, dishwashers, food dispensers in canteens. The nail plates break off, peel and white spots appear.
Foot mold fungus
Mold fungus is mainly common in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries). In regions with temperate climates, this type of mycosis also occurs, but as a rule, in patients with immunodeficiency and in people who often come into contact with soil and plants. The color of the nail plate will depend on the type of specific pathogen. The nail plate may even turn black.
However, when painting the nail in this way, it is important not to miss the malignant form of the finger skin tumor -subungual melanoma.It is imperative to consult a doctor to obtain a correct diagnosis!Often, fungal changes in the skin of the feet and nails can occur simultaneously. On the one hand, this can serve as confirmation of a general fungal nature, on the other hand, it can mask other skin problems.
A change in color or thickness of the nail plate is not always necessarily onychomycosis (nail fungus). Nails can be damaged by injury, wearing tight shoes, using poor quality polish, or bacterial infection. For example, the nail plate acquires a green color due to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nevertheless, colors such as yellow-brown, gray and whitish should suggest the presence of a fungus and the need for laboratory diagnosis. In addition, the thickness of nails affected by a fungal infection may remain normal or, on the contrary, become very thin.
Causes of foot fungus
The main reasons for the development of fungal infections on the feet are:
- Increased sweating of the feet.
- Presence of chronic diseases.Diabetes mellitus, some blood diseases, long-term use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs (immunosuppressants) contribute to the development of fungal infection and the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
- Presence of microtrauma to the legs.Small cracks and cuts are a direct route to infection. Therefore, it is very important to immediately treat damaged skin areas with antiseptic agents.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules.Walking without shoes in public places (baths, saunas, swimming pools) is fraught with fungal infections.
Cream to treat foot fungus
Thanks to its special chemical structure, the drug has a triple effect on fungi: it helps to suppress their growth, reproduction and death, as well as blocks the transition of fungi to a pathogenic form. Sertaconazole also has good lipophilicity (ability to dissolve in the fatty structures of cells). This ensures rapid and effective penetration of the drug into the skin and enhances the local antifungal effect. At the same time, the development of resistance of the fungal infection to treatment is practically not observed. The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation.
So, the benefits of creams are:
- Broad spectrum of antifungal action
- Triple effect on fungal cells
- Reduced itching, inflammation and antibacterial effect
- Good penetration into affected skin areas and long-lasting antifungal effect thanks to lipophilicity
- May be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risks to the unborn child.
The drug has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci, relieves itching and inflammation
Application of creams
For fungal foot infections, it is recommended to apply the product in a thin layer to the affected skin area, covering 1 cm of healthy skin 1-2 times a day for 2-4 weeks. Have a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory
Foot fungus prevention
To prevent fungal infections of the feet and nails, you should follow the following preventive measures:
- Disinfecting shoes during foot fungus treatment
- Maintain personal hygiene, do not walk barefoot in public places (swimming pools, saunas, baths)
- Don't wear other people's shoes
- Choose shoes according to the season and preferably in natural materials.
- Treat fresh wounds and cuts quickly
- Use products to reduce foot sweating
Answers to questions
Is it possible to become infected with the fungus again?
Answer:Yes you can. Old fungal skin diseases do not cause lasting immunity. Therefore, you can be infected with the fungus an unlimited number of times.
What is better to use to treat fungus: tablets or creams and ointments?
Answer:The treatment regimen is determined only by the attending physician. This takes into account the severity and degree of the fungal infection. As a rule, fungal infections of the feet and nail plates are treated with local (external) agents.