Flexibility of the foot (mycosis) is a fairly common disease, which is characterized by damage to the skin.
Infection occurs through contact of healthy skin with a carrier of spores, as well as at home: through shoes, shared bathroom and contaminated items. The fungal infection easily penetrates the interdigital folds (under favorable conditions), where it begins its way and the growth of the population over the entire surface of the foot.
What is a fungus?
Mycosis of the feet is the most common type of dermatomycosis, which is characterized by chronic recurrences. Includes damage to the layers of skin and nails. The upper layer of the skin, which is constantly peeling, contains a mass of fungi, as well as their spores.
Fungus is a contagious disease that is transmitted from person to person through household items. In the first place, the interdigital folds are affected, which causes itching. The infection then covers the entire area of the foot. The disease progresses rapidly and is characterized by itching, burning, pain, dry skin, flaking 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 pressing the feet, cracks and bedsores are formed, in which infection easily develops);
- excessive sweating of the feet (this is an excellent environment for the development of the fungal population);
- with high humidity in the room (shower, bathroom) - favorable conditions for all types of fungi;
- frequent visits to saunas, swimming pools (the risk of contact with carriers of infection increases);
- the presence of a sick person in the family (you can get infected through household items: slippers, socks and a shared bathroom).
There are also a number of diseases in which a person is susceptible to fungal infection:
- immunodeficiency (weakened immune system is more susceptible to infectious and bacterial diseases);
- taking hormonal drugs (disturbance of hormonal levels);
- flat feet (with this disease it is difficult to choose shoes with the right rise, often the feet are pressed);
- varicose veins (poor circulation causes dry skin);
- atherosclerosis;
- diabetes mellitus (there is an increase in the permeability of the capillaries, a change in their barrier function).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of athlete's foot are:
- burning and itching between the toes of the lower limbs (in its original form) and on the entire surface of the feet (in the later stages);
- painful sensations (of varying intensity: the pain may increase and then disappear completely in a short time);
- redness of the skin (from light pink to purple);
- dryness and profuse peeling (separation of scales and crusts from plaques);
- cracks on 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 foot odor (if it has not been observed before).
Important!
In case of fungal infection, the usual hygienic procedures (foot washing, pumice and burning) do not give any results, the symptoms do not disappear!
Why do fungi need to be treated?
The success of the therapy depends on the correctness of the diagnosis and the identification of the exact type of the causative agent of mycosis of the feet. Regardless of the form and stage of the fungal infection, an integrated approach is used in the treatment.
Without a competent approach to treatment, the fungus will not go anywhere, it is not a disease that passes by itself.
Eventually, 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).
In addition, a person infected with the fungus is a source of infection and a danger to others. After all, the infection occurs through household items and through contact with the skin of the carrier of the infection.
Forms of fungi
A total of 6 forms of this fungal lesion of the feet are distinguished:
- Deleted form. This is the initial form, it differs in the following manifestations: slight peeling in the interdigital folds and small superficial cracks that do not cause concern.
- Squamous form. The presence of small scales between the toes and on the surface of the sole. There are no signs of inflammation except 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 a diaper rash. The skin in the interdigital folds becomes bright red, swelling and weeping cracks appear, there may even be erosion. Soreness, burning and itching complete the picture.
- Dyshydrotic form. The appearance of bubbles, which are closed at the top with a tight lid, is noted. They are located on the arches of the feet and are characterized by severe itching.
- Acute form. The skin of the feet is covered with vesicles and blisters with purulent-serous content, their opening leads to many erosions and deep cracks. The body temperature rises significantly, the skin of the feet is bright red, there is severe pain, difficulty walking, headache and general weakness. Inguinal lymphadenitis develops.
Viral 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 fungi when examining skin scales under a microscope.
The skin is removed from the affected area of the foot by scraping, then 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 from the growing population).
Methods of treatment
The main rule in the treatment of mycoses of the feet is an integrated approach, which includes not only the use of drugs, the use of alternative treatments, but also careful care for the affected skin.
Before starting drug therapy, you should consult a doctor who will identify the pathogen with the help of laboratory tests. Mycosis of the foot should be treated under strict medical supervision or in a hospital setting. The therapy is carried out in 2 stages: preparatory and basic.
The first involves removing the inflammation, as well as removing the stratum corneum by pre-steaming the feet in a solution of potassium permanganate and boric acid.
The second stage involves drug treatment.
Treatment with drugs (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 removing the inflammation, the foot baths are canceled. Further treatment consists in deep removal of the stratum corneum with salicylic vaseline.
It is applied in a thin layer on the site of the lesion until the complete separation of the horny particles. Immunity-enhancing therapy is also effective: taking immunomodulators and vitamin complexes, because the stronger the body's defense system, the faster the disease passes.
Important!
The use of ointments is prohibited! They can cause weeping erosion.
Treatment with folk remedies for this disease can only be an adjunct therapy, not the main method of treatment.
Folk remedies
Treatment should be systematic and include not only drugs but also folk remedies:
- Apple cider vinegar is considered the best such recipe, as the mushroom does not like acidic environments. The method of application is quite simple - apply a solution of vinegar on the affected area (the concentration is chosen individually), put on socks and go to bed.
- Laundry soap and baking soda are other effective methods. 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), put your feet there for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, clean your feet with a nail file or pumice stone.
- Glycerin with vodka also shows significant results. It is necessary to supplement the bottle of purchased glycerin with alcohol to the brim, shake and moisten the peel with this composition every day (before bedtime).
- Coffee is effective in combating fungal infections. You need to make 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 in 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. l. herbs (boil for 5 minutes). In the resulting infusion you should raise your legs for 3 weeks every day.
How to cure fungus in a child?
The treatment of mycosis in children takes place in several stages:
- steaming the feet (in a solution of baking soda and soap or with the addition of apple cider vinegar, you can also use chamomile broth - an excellent antiseptic);
- removal of keratinized particles (with pumice or a rough cloth, rub the scaly surface until the upper layer of the epidermis peels off);
- treatment with 2% iodine on the affected area promotes healing and good disinfection (you can apply iodine mesh on infected skin);
- before going to bed apply a cream based on miconazole and nystatin (they are safe for children and quite effective) and wear cotton socks (or special antibacterial).
Disease prevention
Preventive measures are quite simple and include the following points:
- Observance of the rules of personal hygiene (especially when visiting public swimming pools, baths and saunas). It is necessary to move in slippers, not to stand barefoot on the floor and not to wear other people's shoes.
- When visiting, you should also give up slippers and walk indoors in socks.
- Wash your feet with antimicrobial soap and a towel every day before bed.
- Be sure to dry your feet after washing (especially between the toes).
- When keratinized cells appear, they should be treated with pumice and scissors or forceps.
- You need to cut your nails in time, preventing them from flaking.
- If there are cracks in the legs, you need to use special gels and creams.
- Wearing tight shoes is prohibited as it disrupts blood circulation.
- For wounds and scratches on the skin of the feet it is necessary to treat them with brilliant green.
- In case of increased sweating of the feet it is necessary to use special sprays and gels (not sold in any pharmacy).
Conclusion
Mycosis of the feet is an insidious disease that not only causes unpleasant sensations and spoils the appearance of the skin and nails, but can also cause eczema, as well as reduced immunity. In order not to get infected with the fungus, it is necessary to observe basic hygiene standards.
Well, in case of infection - urgently seek the advice of a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe effective treatment. Mycosis is easy to beat if treatment is started on time.