Epidermophytosis pedis is a class of fungal diseases characterized by damage to the feet, interdigital areas, and nails. It has a high prevalence, usually seen in people over 30 years of age (rarely in children), prone to chronic diseases with alternating exacerbations and remissions.
Mycoses are infectious diseases caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. Fungi are lower plants that do not have chlorophyll, and the prepared organic substances are necessary for their vital activity: they receive them by laying on the skin of humans and animals.
The causative agents of fungal infections are very tenacious, which distinguishes them from other microorganisms. Fungal skin diseases are the most common in the world. Human contact with fungi is constant: at home, at work, in the office, in nature, in swimming pools, saunas, etc.
Where can you get mushrooms?
You can get infected with a fungus in many places of public use: baths, saunas, beaches, gyms (especially showers), when wearing someone else's shoes.
The risks of infection increase many times if a person does not follow his hygiene.
Symptoms of the fungus
The course and development of the disease are 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 revealing themselves as symptoms. When they are disturbed in the body, they can be activated. Epidermophytosis of the feet is characterized by the presence of various 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 various symptoms:
- the nail surface changes its natural color: the yellow or dark color is usually fixed, but the nails can even turn white or completely black;
- tissue keratosis under the plate - outwardly, it seems that a hard growth has appeared under the nail;
- plaque thickening and delamination;
- nail deformation: its protrusion, growth to the side, ingrowth into the skin;
- brittleness of the nail plate - its part may chip.
How the disease progresses
The first manifestations of the disease begin in the spaces between the fingers, especially between 4 and 5, since it is the shortest distance between them. A slight itching begins, and over time, a thickened, slightly scaly strip of cuticle appears in the crease of the finger.
After 2-3 days, a small crack has already formed, from which 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 a dark pink area underneath. The progression of the disease leads to its spread to all fingers and to the adjacent side of the foot.
Through the 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! Studying the skin affected by the fungus, it was found that the "bare" moist surface that appears under the bubbles does not contain the pathogens themselves, but is only a consequence of their activity.
Without timely and 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, and then intensifies again.
In the absence of therapy, the disease can last for many years. At the same time, there is a high risk of complications with the pathogenic streptococcus: the fluid in the vesicles begins to suppurate, the foci of inflammation extend beyond the initial limits, the foot swells strongly. It becomes difficult for a person to move due to pain in the legs. Also, 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, the fingers often get wet, and the 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 is manifested.
foot fungus treatment
For successful therapy, close attention must be paid to the treatment of injuries.
A person affected by a fungus should take a foot bath every day with potassium permanganate. It is necessary to get rid of the crusts, pierce the blisters and remove the "fringe" along the boundaries of the erosive areas and festering blisters.
After bathing, 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% resorcinol solution. Once the weeping areas have begun to heal, alcohol-based solutions of fungicides 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.
Further treatment plays a very important role after the completion of the fight against injuries, as it helps prevent relapses. The skin of the feet is cleaned 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 fungus in shoes, you need to clean them from the inside with a formaldehyde solution, wrap them in a dense cloth for a couple of days, and then dry them in the open 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 pyococcus, 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 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 stop the disease immediately;
- before going to bed, it is advisable to wash your feet with soap in cold water and dry them well until dry;
- don't wear someone else's shoes;
- change socks or stockings every day;
- when visiting swimming pools, baths, showers in gyms, please have your own shoes.