Regardless of the pathogen, the disease has similar symptoms, mechanisms of onset and treatment tactics. Foot fungus is a common and contagious disease. It is characterized by a high frequency of occurrence in the presence of concomitant conditions and diseases, for example, foci of chronic inflammation, endocrine diseases, decreased immune system and other diseases. As a rule, the disease is chronic with exacerbations in the summer and attenuation of the process (remission) in the winter.
Signs of mycosis
- Color change
- Inflammation
- Appearance of spots
- Erosion
- Deformation and thickening
Types of fungal diseases of the feet.
Depending on the types of fungi that cause the disease, foot mycoses are divided into:
Yevadiform mycoses: caused by fungi of the genus Candida.
Mold mycoses: caused by the fungi Scytalidium spp. , Onychocola canadensis, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria, Penicillium.
Dermatomycosis: caused by dermatomycetes of the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton. Fungi of this species require keratin to function, which is rich in the stratum corneum of the skin, nails and hair. The group of dermatomycosis with predominantly nail damage includes rubrophytosis (the causative agent isTrichophyton rubrum) and athlete's foot (causative agent: Trichophyton interdigitale). Trichophyton rubrum accounts for approximately 80-90% of athlete's foot cases.
Mixed mycoses: caused by several types of fungi at the same time.
Each type of mycosis is described in detail below.
Yeast mycoses
Recently, foot mycoses caused by fungi of the Candida genus have become widespread. It is assumed that this is due to the widespread use of various drugs, the action of which is associated with interaction with the immune system.
dermatomycosis
Athlete's foot is a chronic disease that is located in the skin of the arches and interdigital folds of the feet, with frequent damage to the nail plates.
mold mycosis
Mold mycoses are common mainly in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (eastern, subtropical and tropical countries). In regions with temperate climates, this type of mycosis also occurs, but, as a rule, in patients with immunodeficiency conditions and in people who often come into contact with soil and plants.
Forms of mycosis of the feet.
There are several forms of mycosis:
scaly
It is characterized by peeling of the skin on the arches of the feet, possibly extending to the surface of the toes. Areas of skin thickening and lamellar peeling may also appear.
intertriginous
Similar to interdigital diaper rash. The inflammatory process is usually located between the third and fourth fingers. The stratum corneum softens, loosens and falls off. Cracks and a whitish layer appear. Itching and burning begin. The addition of pyococcal flora (pustular infection) and yeast is possible, then the affected areas are covered with crusts with purulent blood.
Dyshidrotic
It is characterized by the appearance on the lateral surface of the feet and on the surfaces of the fingers in contact with it, bubbles filled with a transparent liquid and covered by a thick horny layer. Sago grains (vesicles) can be simple or fused into multi-chambered bubbles. As the piococci coalesce, the contents of the vesicles become cloudy, then they open and erosions covered with purulent and hemorrhagic crusts form. Some patients note swelling of the lymph nodes and deterioration in general well-being.
In 2/3 of patients with intertriginous and Dyshidrotic forms of epidermophytosis, micides (allergic rash) are observed.
Of course, the identification of clinical forms of epidermophytosis is conditional, since they are often combined, 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 mycosis of the feet, the nails are often affected, mainly on the first and fifth fingers. 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.
By watching the corresponding video on the Internet, you can find out that foot fungus can be caused by various factors, and to choose treatment tactics for this disease, it is necessary to determine the type of fungus and establish the cause of its appearance.
Causes of foot fungus.
The main causes of foot fungus are:
- Excessive sweating or, conversely, increased dryness and peeling of the feet. These processes alter the protective function of skin cells.
- Anatomical features: narrow spaces between the fingers and their deformation, flat feet.
- Problems with thermoregulation (maintaining a certain body temperature) and microcirculation (transport of biological fluids).
- Wounds, injuries that threaten the integrity of the skin. Through these injuries, infections often occur.
- The presence of diseases that reduce immunity or cause metabolic disorders (for example, endocrinopathies, blood diseases, oncology, etc. ).
- Taking certain medications (antibacterials, cytostatics, corticosteroids).
Often, fungal infections of the feet are combined with pustular rashes, so assumptions are made about the relationship between them: thanks to piococci, dermatophytes penetrate deep into the subcutaneous tissue, and prolonged mycoses due to the formation of cracks, scrapes and erosions contribute. to increased susceptibility to infection.
Often, with foot fungus, a viral infection occurs. For example, the causative agent of rubromycosis activates papillomaviruses and herpes viruses. This is manifested in an increase in the concentration of viruses on the surface of fungal-infected cells.
The source of the spread of the disease is people suffering from mycosis: during the peeling process, skin scales containing pathogens of fungal infection come off. These infected scales usually end up on the floor and on equipment in swimming pools, bathrooms and also on pedicure instruments.
An interesting fact is that mushrooms are very resistant and can be stored in hot springs, chlorinated and ozonated water for 12 to 18 days. Water with a high salt or hydrogen sulfide content is harmful to fungi.
Therefore, we must remember that the general mechanisms that contribute to the development of fungal infections of the feet are caused by a violation of the body's natural resistance, changes in immunological and metabolic processes.
Diagnosis of foot fungus.
Diagnosis of foot fungus includes:
- Assessment of patient complaints and the presence of chronic diseases.
- Microscopic examination of affected skin and nail particles.
- Cultural sowing is the placement of pathogenic microorganisms in a nutrient medium for their reproduction and subsequent accurate identification, as well as to evaluate the activity of antifungal drugs and determine the sensitivity of fungi to them.
To properly select therapy, it is important to determine whether the changes in the skin of the foot are a fungal infection or Dyshidrotic eczema, keratoderma, psoriasis and other skin diseases.
Antifungal medications, agents, antifungals.
Antifungal agents: classification and types of dosage forms. Methods of using antifungals.
Foot fungus treatment.
The treatment of foot fungus must be carried out comprehensively; It is important not only to suppress the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms and eliminate symptoms, but also to destroy pathogens and eliminate the cause of their appearance (increase immunity, immediately treat small wounds on the feet, etc. ). It is imperative to treat concomitant diseases that provoke the development of fungal infections.
Additionally, some people may have allergic reactions to certain mushrooms (such as mykids). In such cases, antihistamine (anti-allergy) medications may be needed.
For the treatment of mycoses, as a rule, topical preparations are used, that is, those that are applied directly to the affected area of the skin. These products are produced in the form of ointments, creams, sprays, solutions and varnishes (for nails).
Depending on the mechanism of action, antifungal agents can have a fungistatic effect, inhibiting the growth and reproduction of fungi, or they can have a fungicidal effect and promote the death of fungi.
Since foot mycoses are usually caused by a mixed fungal flora, it is most effective to use broad-spectrum agents. These include medications that have their own anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects.
The use of special products in the treatment of foot fungus.
Modern antifungal drugs are very effective against pathogenic fungi of the genus Candida, dermatophytes (Trichophyton, Microsporum) and other causative agents of skin infections, gram-positive strains of staphylococci and streptococci. They block the growth and reproduction of fungi (fungistatic effect), destroy fungi (fungicide effect) when used in therapeutic doses, have their own anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect.