Not all diseases can be fatal, but some of them can seriously complicate your life.The fungus affects internal organs and skin.Almost every person has opportunistic microorganisms.In some unfavorable circumstances, their number increases and this leads to a number of problems.Foot fungus is easily transmitted from person to person, which is why it is very common.
Fungi are widely distributed in the environment, but damage to human nails and skin develops only under favorable conditions.As we age, the acidic pH of the skin can change to alkaline, which is conducive to fungal growth.Infection usually occurs through contact;if personal hygiene rules are not followed, the source of infection may be a sick person or common objects.Infection can occur in public places: swimming pools, bathrooms, gyms.And also in everyday life with the general use of slippers, socks, manicure accessories, towels and washcloths.
Routes of infection
The fungus is often transmitted from a sick person through personal items and shoes.In the area of infection there are therefore people who live with him in the same apartment.But in some cases the controversies are not felt.The provoking factors are considered:
- high sweating;
- sores and calluses on the feet;
- narrow and uncomfortable shoes.
The ideal environment for mushroom growth is warm and humid.
Therefore, tight shoes or boots made of low-quality materials are an excellent breeding ground for infection.Foot mycosis occurs due to low immunity.This can happen for various reasons: stress, long-term illnesses and the like.Chronic infections and endocrine system problems affect the human condition.
With long-term use of antibiotics, internal organs suffer.The microflora changes and this influences the composition of opportunistic microorganisms.Lack of hygiene also affects its growth, as dirt and sweat are fertile ground.
Children are the most susceptible to the disease.Due to their age, they have delicate skin and weak immunity.For the same reason, older people are susceptible to mycosis.Dangerous public places include:
- swimming pools;
- saunas;
- bathrooms;
- fitness centers;
- beaches.
Places where you can walk barefoot are potential sources of spread of mycosis.
The humid environment and high temperature create an ideal environment for spore multiplication.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 hurt your legs, opening the way for harmful microorganisms.
Basic shapes
Treatment for foot fungus 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 foot.Very often it is transmitted through contact with a sick person or failure to comply with personal hygiene rules.
In the absence of adequate treatment, the intertriginous form becomes squamous-hyperkeratotic.It manifests as deep cracks on the soles of the feet.
The disease does not produce any symptoms for a long time.Initially, superficial furrows appear on the skin that do not bring negative sensations.In severe cases, they move to the lower legs.
The dyshidrotic form is characterized by the appearance of erosions on the skin - this is a moist, weeping area.It rarely occurs on the legs;most often it affects the hands.The deleted form passes more easily.The signs of fungus on the feet are mild.There is 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 integument is destroyed.
The human body tries to restore the skin and thus improves regeneration.This causes itching.Sometimes the surface itches under the influence of candida.The activity of the fungus impairs 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 a change in skin color.Yellow or green spots appear.The very surface of the feet becomes thicker and covered with keratinized calluses.Over time it breaks down and this can cause discomfort when walking.
As the disease progresses, blisters containing clear fluid appear on the legs.They burst and small weeping sores appear in their place.They provide access to secondary infections.
Often the fungus affects not only the feet, but also the nails.The changes start from the free edge.Usually by inches.Yellowing and thickening of the nail plate occurs.It crumbles and reveals 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 legs, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.Itching and peeling of the skin do not always appear due to mycosis.A dermatologist deals with this disease.Conducts a visual examination of the legs and takes the medical history.
To accurately determine the pathogen, the skin is scraped.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 colored 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, 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.Requires scraping from the affected area.This is the most accurate and fastest diagnostic method.In some cases, your doctor may recommend donating blood for enzyme immunoassay testing.It allows the determination of antibody titers.Such information helps to find the cause of the disease.
Types of treatment
To cure foot fungus, a comprehensive treatment is necessary.The standard regimen includes drugs for internal and external use.They aim to eliminate 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 medications must be prescribed by the attending physician.In more severe cases, it is advisable to use glucocorticosteroids.They relieve inflammation and stop the progression of the disease.But they have many side effects and when you use them you have 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.They are kneaded into a paste and applied to keratinized skin.Place socks on top and leave them on overnight.In the morning the feet are easy to clean.