This group of infectious diseases includes foot fungus, which is a type of fungal disease.This pathology is caused by microscopic fungi.Disease of the nail plate is called onychomycosis.
foot fungal infection
This is a very common disease in both men and women.The most common types of fungal diseases are:
- Trichophyton;
- Candidiasis;
- Athlete's foot.
Some fungi can affect animals and humans.It is necessary to understand not only what fungal disease is, but also why it occurs.The primary mechanism of human infection is contact.It is implemented in both direct and indirect ways.In the first case, the fungus gets onto the feet through contact with soil, plants or a sick person.There are known cases of familial infection.
Indirect transmission of pathogens occurs through contact with animal care supplies and patients' personal belongings.This may include shoes, towels and scissors, as well as bath accessories.
Typically, the spreading factors are socks, stockings, and other personal items.Foot fungus may develop after visiting public bathhouses and swimming pools.The procedure involves the skin and nail plates of the feet.
Predisposing factors include:
- Increased sweating of the feet;
- Presence of calluses and abrasions;
- wear tight shoes;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- to wear someone else’s shoes;
- dormitory accommodation;
- Decreased immunity;
- malnutrition;
- Whether there are other skin diseases;
- Vitamin deficiency;
- alcohol addiction;
- smoking;
- walking barefoot;
- Endocrine disorders.
People who are physically frail are more likely to experience this problem.
General clinical manifestations
Fungus on shoe soles and nails may go unnoticed for a long time.This disease causes the following symptoms:
- peeling skin;
- dry;
- Presence of diaper rash;
- Thickening of the skin and nail plates;
- Fragile nails;
- redness;
- itching;
- White or light yellow coating;
- There is erosion;
- Sore skin.
Fungus on feet looks different.It all depends on the type of pathogen and the underlying disease.Sometimes, people are left with a bad smell.Fungus on the feet does not cause worsening of the general condition.There are no symptoms of poisoning because fungi are opportunistic microorganisms and are located in the superficial layers of the skin.
One leg is initially affected.The fungus is then carried to the second limb.The process typically involves the following areas:
- dorsum of foot;
- the space between 4 and 5 fingers;
- Nail plate.
On the basis of clinical symptoms, squamous, dyshidrotic, and intertriginous forms of the disease can be distinguished.In the first case, scales appear on the reddened skin.Flaking was observed.Itching is a variable symptom.It does not bother all patients.In dyshidrotic form of mycosis, air bubbles appear in the fornix.They may increase in size.They opened their doors a few days later.Erosion occurs in their place.Areas with diaper rash.As the erosion dries, spalling will be observed.
If a foot skin fungus is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate may become purulent.Pain occurs.Possible fever.Fungal infections sometimes cause intertriginous mycosis.Its main characteristic is the presence of cracks with white edges.Over time, the crying increased.Soreness occurs.Erosion forms in cracked areas.The disease occurs in a chronic form and worsens during the summer.
The development of onychomycosis on the legs
In addition to fungus, onychomycosis can also appear on the feet.With it, the nails take part in this process.The prevalence of this pathology in the population is 10-20%.Cases of the disease in children have increased in recent years.Fungi actively grow and multiply not only on the skin but also on the nail plate.
People with varicose veins, hyperhidrosis, flat feet, and endocrine disorders often face similar problems.The fungus multiplies within the nail, gradually causing it to be destroyed.If the disease is not treated, it can persist for years.The result is nail loss.Hyperkeratosis often occurs.
Onychomycosis has hypertrophic, normal nutritional and atrophic forms.In the first case, the nails will become dull and thickened.As it shrinks, the color of the plate changes to brown.Its detachment was observed.For onychomycosis with normal nutrition, the shape and size of the nails will not change.As onychomycosis progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
- Decreased nail density;
- change its color;
- Presence of white or yellow spots;
- itching;
- skin cracks;
- peeling;
- Thickening of plates;
- Increased vulnerability.
If onychomycosis is not treated, you are at risk of developing paronychia.In this case, purulent inflammation of the nail bed occurs.
Examination and treatment strategies
Not only do you need to know how foot fungus starts, you also need to know how to get rid of it.The treatment plan is determined by the attending physician.Before this happens, the following research needs to be done:
- Check using Wood's lamp;
- scraping microscopy;
- General clinical testing;
- Sow seeds on nutrient medium.
Differential diagnosis with psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, congenital pachyonychia, trauma, and eczema.
Every experienced dermatologist and venereologist knows how to treat onychomycosis.Antifungal drugs are used in the form of solutions, creams and varnishes.
Treatment for foot fungus usually requires surgery.The affected nail is removed.
For long-term cases of athlete's foot, systemic treatments for foot fungus based on miconazole or ketoconazole are available.Proper handling can eliminate bacteria.There are products on the market that can make the affected nail plate peel more easily.They are available in patch form.
To increase the effectiveness of treatment for skin fungus on the legs, doctors prescribe vitamins, antibiotics (to prevent secondary infections) and various ointments based on zinc and salicylic acid.
You also need to follow some rules:
- Feet should be washed every day.
- You will need to change your socks more often.
- After treatment, old items should be thrown away.
- Socks, pantyhose and stockings should be washed in separate basins.
- When fungus is discovered on the feet, treatment will be successful if closed slippers are worn.
At the end of treatment, a control examination of the scratches was performed.