Not all diseases can be fatal, but some of them can seriously complicate life.The fungus affects the internal organs and the skin.Almost every person has opportunistic microorganisms.In some unfavorable circumstances, their number increases and this leads to a number of problems.Toenail fungus is easily transmitted from person to person, which is why it is so common.
Fungi are widespread in the environment, but damage to human nails and skin develops only under favorable conditions.As we age, the skin's acidic pH can change to alkaline, which is favorable for fungal growth.Infection usually occurs through contact;if personal hygiene standards are not respected, the source of infection can be a sick person or common items.Infection can occur in public places: swimming pools, baths, gyms.And also in everyday life with the general use of slippers, socks, manicure accessories, towels and washcloths.
Routes of infection
The fungus is most often transmitted by a sick person through personal items and shoes.Therefore, in the area of infection there are people who live in the same apartment with him.But in certain cases, disagreements are not felt.Provocative factors are considered:
- excessive sweating;
- wounds and calluses on the feet;
- tight and uncomfortable shoes.
The ideal environment for mushroom growth is warm and moist.
Therefore, tight shoes or boots that are made of low-quality materials are an excellent breeding ground for infection.Mycosis of the foot occurs due to low immunity.This can happen for various reasons: stress, long-term illnesses and the like.Chronic infections and problems with the endocrine system affect the human condition.
With long-term use of antibiotics, internal organs suffer.The microflora changes and this affects the composition of opportunistic microorganisms.Lack of hygiene also affects its growth, as dirt and sweat are a place for growth.
Children are more susceptible to the disease.Due to their age, they have delicate skin and weak immunity.For the same reason, the elderly are susceptible to mycoses.Dangerous public places include:
- swimming pool;
- sauna;
- bathrooms;
- fitness center;
- the beaches.
Places where you can walk barefoot are potential sources for the spread of mycoses.
The humid environment and high temperature create an ideal environment for the multiplication of spores.Even regular disinfection of the premises does not help.People who wear closed shoes at work are also at risk - military personnel, police officers and others.Boots do not allow air to pass through and often damage the feet, which opens the way for harmful microorganisms.
Basic forms
Treatment for athlete's foot depends on its form.The most common is interdigital or intertriginous: the lesion begins in the area of the thumb and index finger.After which the fungus spreads along the leg.It is most often transmitted through contact with a sick person or non-observance of personal hygiene rules.
In the absence of proper treatment, the intertriginous form becomes squamous-hyperkeratotic.Appears as deep cracks on the soles.
The disease does not give symptoms for a long time.At first, shallow furrows appear on the skin, which do not bring negative sensations.In severe cases, they move to the lower part of the legs.
The dyshidrotic form is characterized by the appearance of erosions on the skin - this is a wet and weeping area.It rarely occurs in the legs;more often touches the hands.The deleted form passes more easily.The signs of foot fungus are mild.There is a slight peeling of the skin and itching.The causative agent of the disease is candida.Even without treatment, the condition goes away on its own.
Characteristic symptoms
The main manifestations of the fungus are the same for all forms.The first sign of the disease is peeling of the skin.Microorganisms feed on protein compounds and keratin, so the integrity of the integrity is destroyed.
The human body tries to restore the skin, and therefore increases regeneration.This causes itching.Sometimes the surface itches under the influence of candida.Fungal activity damages the functioning of the sebaceous glands and this leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.Even timely hygiene does not help to get rid of it.In some cases, instead of sweating, severe dryness is observed.
Another symptom of foot fungus is discoloration of the skin.Yellow or green spots appear.The surface of the feet itself becomes thicker and covered with keratinized callus.Over time, it cracks and this can cause some discomfort while walking.
As the disease progresses further, blisters with clear fluid appear on the legs.They burst and small weeping sores appear in their place.They provide access to secondary infections.
Fungus often affects not only the feet, but also the nails.Changes start from the free edge.Usually by the thumbs.Yellowing and thickening of the nail plate occurs.It crumbles and reveals the pink skin.As the disease progresses, destruction of the nail is observed.
When affected by mold, purulent inflammation of the periungual ridges is observed.The plate itself is painted black or green.
Diagnostic methods
Before choosing how and how to treat skin fungus on the feet, you need to confirm the diagnosis.Itching and flaking of the skin do not always appear due to mycosis.A dermatologist deals with this disease.He performs a visual examination of the feet and collects the anamnesis.
To accurately determine the pathogen, skin scrapings are made.It is mandatory, otherwise drug therapy will not be effective.Standard microscopic examination can determine the presence of fungi.To do this, the material is stained with special preparations and studied under a microscope.
A more accurate study is bacterial culture.The collected samples are placed in a nutrient medium.After some time, the mushroom colonies begin to grow.They are studied in detail.The disadvantage of this method is the duration.It takes up to four weeks to complete.
PCR analysis allows you to determine the exact pathogen.It requires scraping from the affected area.This is the most accurate and fastest diagnostic method.In some cases, the doctor may advise donating blood for enzyme immunoassay.This allows you to determine antibody titers.Such information helps to find the cause of the disease.
Types of treatment
To cure toenail fungus, comprehensive treatment is required.The standard regimen includes drugs for internal and external use.They aim to remove pathogenic organisms and heal the skin.
Creams and ointments should only be applied to clean surfaces.Apply them in a thin layer before going to bed.The standard course of treatment lasts four weeks.Any medication must be prescribed by the attending physician.In severe cases, the use of glucocorticosteroids is advised.They relieve inflammation and stop the progression of the disease.But they have many side effects and during their use you need to follow the dosage.
For internal use, drugs with fungistatic and fungicidal effects are prescribed.
They suppress the development of pathogenic flora and destroy fungal colonies.
Traditional medicine can mitigate some of the side effects of treatment.So, soda baths (1 tablespoon of baking soda per 10 liters of warm water) soften the skin and help remove exfoliated areas.A mixture of boiled onions and garlic is used as a compress.Mix into a paste and apply to keratinized skin.Put socks on top and leave overnight.In the morning, the feet are easily cleaned.