Epidermophytosis of the feet is a class of fungal diseases characterized by damage to the feet, interdigital areas, and nails. It has a high prevalence, usually observed in people aged 30 years and older (rarely in children), prone to chronic disease with alternating exacerbations and remissions.
Mycoses are infectious diseases that are 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 diseases of the skin are the most common in the world. Human contact with mushrooms is constant - at home, at work, in office space, in nature, in pools, saunas, and so on.
Where can you get fungus?
You can get infected with a fungus in many places of public use - baths, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially in showers), when wearing someone else's shoes.
The risks of infection increase many times if a person does not follow their hygiene.
Symptoms of the fungus
The course and development of the disease is influenced by the physiological characteristics of the skin of the feet, increased sweating, disturbances in the endocrine system, leg injuries. The causative agents of the fungus can be in a "sleeping" state for a long time, without giving themselves away 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: yellow or dark color is usually fixed, but the nails can even become white or completely black;
- tissue keratosis under the plate: outwardly, it looks like a hard growth has appeared under the nail;
- thickening and delamination of the plate;
- deformation of the nail: its protrusion, growth to the side, ingrowth 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 itching begins, and over time, a strip of thickened and slightly flaky cuticle appears on the finger fold.
After 2-3 days, a small crack is already formed, from which a serous fluid is released, which acts as an excellent medium for the successful reproduction of the fungus. The hard layer of the epidermis may fall off, revealing an area of dark pink color underneath. The progression of the disease leads to its spread to all fingers and the adjacent side of the foot.
Through 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, leading to the appearance of weeping areas.
Reference! When studying the skin affected by the fungus, it was found that the "bare" wet surface that occurs under the bubbles does not contain the pathogens themselves, but is only a consequence of their activity.
Without timely proper 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 - the disease then slows down, then again intensifies.
In the absence of therapy, the disease can drag on for many years. At the same time, there is a high risk of complications with pathogenic streptococcus: 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 in 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 itself on 1 and 5 fingers, spreading from the free side. The nail gradually thickens, acquires a yellowish tint and an uneven sharp edge. Over time, pronounced subungual hyperkeratosis of varying degrees manifests itself.
Treatment of the fungus on the legs
For successful therapy, much attention must be paid to the treatment of lesions.
A person affected by a fungus should take a foot bath every day with potassium permanganate. It is required to get rid of the crusts, pierce the blisters and remove the "fringe" along the boundaries of the erosive areas and the festering blisters.
After the bath, 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% solution of resorcinol. After the weeping areas have begun to heal, fungicide-based alcohol solutions are used. If necessary, the set is supplemented with fungicidal ointments.
Obtaining the desired result does not depend on the drugs used, but on the correct sequence of their use according to the current situation with inflammatory processes.
A huge role is played by additional treatment after the completion of the fight against lesions, because it helps to 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 get rid of and prevent the appearance of fungi in shoes, you need to wipe it from the inside with a formaldehyde solution, wrap it in a dense cloth for a couple of days, and then dry it in the fresh air. For socks, tights and stockings, everything is simpler - they just need to be boiled in this solution for 10 minutes.
If there is a complication of pyococci, then antibiotics are used. Be sure to comply with bed rest.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence of fungal infections, the following preventive measures should be taken:
- owners of swimming pools, gyms, baths should be more attentive to disinfection - carry out a 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 interrupt the disease immediately;
- 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;
- change socks or stockings every day;
- when visiting swimming pools, baths, showers in gyms, have your own shoes.