The group of infectious diseases includes athlete's foot, a type of mycosis.This pathology is caused by microscopic fungi.The disease of the nail plates is called onychomycosis.
Fungal infections of the feet
It is a very common disease among men and women.The most common types of mycosis are:
- trichophytosis;
- candidiasis;
- Athlete's foot.
Some fungi can affect both animals and humans.You need to know not only what mycosis is, but also why it develops.The main mechanism of human infection is contact.It is implemented directly and indirectly.In the first case, the fungus falls on the feet after contact with the soil, plants or a sick person.Family transmission is known.
Indirect transmission of the pathogen occurs through contact with animal care equipment and personal belongings of patients.This can include shoes, towels and scissors, as well as bath accessories.
Often the transmission factors are socks, stockings and other personal items.Athlete's foot can develop after visiting public baths and swimming pools.The process covers both the skin of the feet and the nail plates.
Predisposing factors are:
- increased sweating of the feet;
- the presence of calluses and abrasions;
- wearing tight shoes;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- wearing someone else's shoes;
- accommodation in dormitories;
- weakened immunity;
- poor nutrition;
- the presence of other skin diseases;
- hypovitaminosis;
- alcohol addiction;
- smoking;
- walking barefoot;
- endocrine disorders.
This problem is more often encountered by weakened people.
General clinical manifestations
Fungus on the heels and nails can go unnoticed for a long time.The following symptoms are observed with this disease:
- peeling of the skin;
- dryness;
- the presence of diaper rash;
- thickening of the skin and nail plates;
- brittle nails;
- redness;
- itching;
- white or yellowish coating;
- the presence of erosions;
- skin pain.
The fungus on the legs looks different.It all depends on the type of pathogen and the type of underlying disease.Sometimes an unpleasant smell leaves a person.The fungus on the foot does not cause a deterioration in the general condition.There are no signs of intoxication, because fungi are opportunistic microbes and are localized in the superficial layers of the skin.
First, one leg is affected.Then the mushrooms are carried to the second limb.The following areas are often involved in the process:
- the back of the leg;
- spaces between fingers 4 and 5;
- nail plates.
Depending on the clinical signs, squamous, dyshidrotic and intertriginous forms of the disease are distinguished.In the first case, scales appear on the reddened skin.Peeling is observed.Itching is a variable symptom.It does not bother all patients.With the dyshidrotic form of mycosis, bubbles appear in the fornix.It can increase in size.It opens in a few days.Erosion appears in their place.An area of diaper rash appears.As erosions dry, crusting is observed.
If the foot skin fungus is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.Pain appears.Possible fever.Fungal infection sometimes leads to the development of intertriginous mycosis.Its main feature is the presence of cracks with a white rim.Crying develops over time.Pain appears.Erosion occurs at the place of cracks.This form of the disease occurs in a chronic form with exacerbation in the summer.
Development of onychomycosis of the legs
Along with fungi, onychomycosis can also be found on the feet.With it, the nails are involved in the process.The prevalence of this pathology among the population is 10-20%.In recent years, the incidence of diseases in children has increased.Fungi actively grow and multiply not only on the skin, but also on the nail plates.
People with varicose veins, hyperhidrosis, flat feet and endocrine diseases often face a similar problem.Fungi multiply inside the nail and gradually cause its destruction.If the disease is not treated, it can last for years.The result is broken nails.Hyperkeratosis often develops.
There are hypertrophic, normotrophic and atrophic onychomycosis.In the first case, the nail becomes dull and thickens.With atrophy, the color of the plate changes to brown.Its separation is observed.With normotrophic onychomycosis, the shape and size of the nail does not change.With the development of onychomycosis on the feet, the following symptoms are observed:
- decrease in nail density;
- change color;
- the presence of white or yellow spots;
- itching;
- skin cracks;
- stripping;
- plate thickening;
- increased fragility.
If nail fungus is not treated, there is a risk of developing paronychia.In this case, purulent inflammation of the nail bed occurs.
Examination and treatment tactics
You need to know not only how the fungus on the foot started, but also how to get rid of it.The treatment regimen is determined by the attending physician.Before that, the following studies will be needed:
- examination with a wood lamp;
- microscopy of scraps;
- general clinical tests;
- sprinkle into the nutrient medium.
Differential diagnosis is carried out with psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, congenital pachyonyxia, trauma and eczema.
Every experienced dermatovenerologist knows how to treat toenail fungus.Antifungal preparations are used in the form of solutions, creams and varnishes.
Treatment of athlete's foot often involves surgery.The affected nail is removed.
For long-term cases of athlete's foot, systemic treatment of athlete's foot based on miconazole or ketoconazole can be prescribed.Proper treatment can kill germs.There are products on the market that make it easier to remove affected nail plates.They are available in patches.
Vitamins, antibiotics (in case of secondary infection) and various ointments based on zinc and salicylic acid are prescribed to increase the effectiveness of the treatment of skin fungus on the legs.
You should also follow some rules:
- Feet should be washed every day.
- You should change your socks more often.
- Once the therapy is over, the old items should be thrown away.
- Socks, tights and stockings should be washed in a separate basin.
- When foot fungus is detected, if you wear closed slippers, the treatment will be successful.
At the end of the therapy, a control examination of the fracture is carried out.