Flexibility of the foot (mycosis) is a fairly common disease, the sign of which is damage to the skin.
Infection occurs during healthy skin contact with a spore carrier, as well as through the domestic route: through shoes, a shared bathroom, and contaminated items. The fungal infection easily penetrates into the interdigital folds (under favorable conditions), where it begins its path and population growth over the entire surface of the foot.
What is a mushroom?
Mycosis of the feet is the most common type of dermatomycosis, characterized by chronic relapses. It includes both damage to the layers of the skin and to the nails. The top layer of the skin, which is constantly peeling, contains a mass of fungi, as well as their spores.
Fungi are a contagious disease that is transmitted from person to person through household items. The interdigital folds are the first to be affected, which is why itching appears. After that, the infection covers the entire area of the foot. The disease develops rapidly, and is characterized by itching, burning, pain, dry skin, peeling, and even diaper rash.
Reasons for the appearance.
The main cause of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, as well as molds. Infection with them occurs under the following conditions:
- wearing tight shoes (when feet are squeezed, cracks and bedsores form, in which infection easily develops);
- excessive sweating of the legs (this is an excellent environment for the development of the fungal population);
- with high humidity in the room (shower, bath) - favorable conditions for all kinds of fungi;
- frequent visits to saunas, swimming pools (increases the risk of contact with carriers of infection);
- the presence of a sick person in the family (it can be spread through household items: slippers, socks and shared bathroom).
There are also a number of diseases in which a person is susceptible to infection by a fungus:
- immunodeficiency (a weakened immune system is more susceptible to infectious and bacterial diseases);
- taking hormonal drugs (violating hormone levels);
- flat feet (with this disease it is difficult to choose shoes with the correct height, the legs are often squeezed);
- varicose veins (poor circulation causes dry skin);
- atherosclerosis;
- diabetes mellitus (there is an increase in capillary permeability, a change in its barrier function).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of mycosis of the feet are:
- burning and itching between the toes of the lower extremities (in the initial form) and over the entire surface of the feet (in later stages);
- painful sensations (with varying intensity - the pain may grow, and then disappear completely for a short time);
- redness of the skin (a slight pinkish to purple tint);
- abundant dryness and flaking (separation of scales and crusts from the plates);
- cracks in the skin of the feet (which do not disappear with conventional moisturizers);
- changes in the color and structure of the nails (they become thick and exfoliate);
- the presence of an unpleasant odor from the feet (if not previously observed).
Important!
With a fungal infection, the usual hygiene procedures (foot washing, pumice stone and steam) do not give any results, the symptoms do not go away!
Why is it necessary to treat fungi?
The success of therapy depends on the accuracy of the diagnosis and the identification of the exact type of the causative agent of the mycosis of the feet. Regardless of the form and stage of the yeast infection, an integrated approach is used in treatment.
Without a competent approach to treatment, the fungus will not go anywhere, this is not a disease that goes away on its own.
After all, the waste products of the parasitic fungus will spread to the surrounding tissues and enter the bloodstream, poisoning it, and this is an allergen for the human body (eczema can even develop).
Also, a person infected with a fungus is a source of infection and a danger to others. After all, infection occurs through household items and skin contact with the carrier of the infection.
Mushroom shapes
In total, 6 forms of this fungal lesion of the feet are distinguished:
- The erased form. This is the initial form, it differs in the following manifestations: slight peeling in the interdigital folds and small superficial cracks, which are not worrisome.
- Scaly shape. The presence of small scales between the toes and on the surface of the sole. There are no signs of inflammation other than mild itching.
- Hyperkeratotic form. The appearance of blue-red plaques (papules), which are located on the arches of the feet. Dry skin, moderate pain and itching are noted.
- Intertriginous form. It looks like diaper rash. The skin in the interdigital folds turns bright red, swollen and exudative cracks appear, and there may even be erosion. Pain, burning and itching complete the picture.
- Dyshidrotic form. The appearance of bubbles is observed, which are closed from above with a dense lid. They are located in the arches of the feet and are characterized by intense itching.
- Acute form. The skin of the feet is covered with vesicles and blisters with purulent-serous content, their opening leads to multiple erosions and deep cracks. The body temperature rises significantly, the skin on the legs is bright red, there is severe pain, difficulty in walking, a headache, and general weakness. Inguinal lymphadenitis develops.
Virus diagnosis
The diagnosis of the disease is made by a dermatologist or mycologist (depending on the area and degree of fungal infection) and is based on the detection of a fungus by examining the skin scales under a microscope.
The skin is removed from the affected area of the foot by scraping, after which it is treated with special reagents. In the process of examining it under a microscope, a specialist determines the type of pathogen or grows the fungus in a nutrient medium (it is easier to determine its type with a growing population).
treatment methods
The basic rule in the treatment of mycoses of the legs is an integrated approach, which includes not only the use of drugs, the use of alternative methods of treatment, but also careful care of the affected skin.
Before starting drug therapy, you should consult a doctor who will identify the pathogen through laboratory tests. Mycosis of the foot should be treated under the close supervision of a doctor or in a hospital. Therapy is carried out in 2 stages: preparatory and basic.
The first includes the removal of inflammation, as well as the removal of the stratum corneum by preliminary vaporization of the legs in a solution of potassium permanganate and boric acid.
The second stage consists of drug treatment.
Drug treatment (ointments, creams, tablets, other drugs)
After removing the upper keratinized cells, a special cream with antibiotics and corticosteroid hormones is applied to the entire affected surface. After removal of inflammation, foot baths are canceled. Additional treatment consists of deep removal of the horny layers with salicylic petroleum jelly.
It is applied in a thin layer to the injury site until the horny particles are completely dislodged. Therapy to strengthen immunity is also effective - taking immunomodulators and vitamin complexes, because the stronger the body's defense system, the faster the disease passes.
Important!
Using ointments is prohibited! They can cause erosion by oozing.
Treatment with folk remedies for this disease can only be an auxiliary therapy and not the main method of treatment.
Home remedies
Treatment should be systematic and include not only drugs, but also folk remedies:
- Apple cider vinegar is considered the best recipe of this type, because the fungus does not like an acidic environment. The method of application is quite simple: apply a vinegar solution to the affected area (the concentration is selected individually), put on socks and lie down.
- Laundry soap and baking soda are another effective method. You need to grate 3 tablespoons of soap and add the same amount of baking soda. Pour this mixture with hot water (at least 5 liters), lower your feet there for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, clean your feet with a nail file or pumice stone.
- Also, glycerin with vodka shows significant results. It is necessary to fill the bottle of purchased glycerin with alcohol to the brim, shake it and moisten the peeling with this composition daily (before going to bed).
- Coffee is effective in fighting mycosis. You need to brew strong coffee, dip your feet in the drink until it cools down. It is recommended to do this procedure for at least a week.
- Celandine is also a good helper for fungal infections. You need to pour 1 liter of water into the kettle, put it on the stove, bring to a boil and add 4 tbsp. yoherbas (boil for 5 minutes). In the resulting infusion, you need to lift your legs for 3 weeks a day.
How to cure a fungus in a child?
Treatment of mycosis in children occurs in several stages:
- steaming feet (in a solution of soda and laundry soap, or with the addition of apple cider vinegar, you can also use chamomile broth, an excellent antiseptic);
- removal of keratinized particles (with a pumice stone or rough cloth, rub the scaly surface until the top layer of the epidermis is peeled off);
- 2% iodine treatment of the affected area promotes healing and disinfects well (an iodine mesh can be applied to the infected skin);
- Before going to bed, apply a miconazole and nystatin-based cream (they are safe for children and quite effective) and wear cotton socks (or special antibacterials).
Disease prevention
Preventive measures are quite simple and include the following points:
- Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene (especially when visiting public swimming pools, baths and saunas). It is necessary to move around in slippers, not to take off shoes on the floor and not to wear someone else's shoes.
- When visiting, you should also forgo slippers and walk inside in socks.
- Wash your feet with antimicrobial soap and a washcloth every day before going to bed.
- Make sure to dry your feet after washing (especially between the toes).
- When keratinized cells appear, it is necessary to treat them with a pumice stone and scissors or pliers.
- You must cut your nails on time, avoiding delamination.
- If there are cracks on the feet, you need to use special gels and creams.
- Tight-fitting shoes are not allowed as it impairs blood circulation.
- In case of wounds and scratches on the skin of the feet, it is necessary to treat them with bright green.
- With increased sweating of the feet, it is necessary to use special sprays and gels (which are not sold in any pharmacy).
conclusion
Mycosis of the feet is an insidious disease that not only causes uncomfortable sensations and spoils the appearance of the skin and nails, but can also cause eczema, as well as a decrease in immunity. In order not to get infected with the fungus, it is necessary to observe basic hygiene rules.
Well, in case of infection, urgently seek the advice of a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe effective treatment. Mycosis is easy to defeat if treatment is started on time.