Flexibility of the foot (mycosis) is a very common disease, the sign of which is damage to the skin.
Infection occurs during healthy skin contact with a spore carrier, as well as through the domestic route: through shoes, shared bathrooms, and contaminated items. The fungal infection easily penetrates the interdigital folds (under favorable conditions), where it begins its path and the growth of the population on the entire surface of the foot.
What is a fungus?
Mycosis of the feet is the most common type of dermatomycosis, characterized by chronic recurrences. It includes both damage to the skin layers and to the nails. The top layer of skin, which is constantly peeling, contains a mass of fungi, as well as their spores.
The fungus is a contagious disease that is transmitted from person to person through household items. The interdigital folds are the first to be affected, due to which the itching appears. After that, the infection covers the entire area of the foot. The disease develops quickly, and is characterized by the presence of itching, burning, pain, dry skin, scaling and even diaper rash.
appearance reasons
The main cause of the disease are microorganisms of the genus Trichophyton, as well as fungi. Infection with them occurs under the following conditions:
- wearing tight shoes (when the feet are tight, cracks and sores form, in which the infection easily develops);
- excessive sweating of the legs (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 (increases the risk of contact with carriers of infection);
- the presence of a sick person in the family (you can get infected through household items: slippers, socks and shared bath).
There are also several diseases in which a person is susceptible to infection with a fungus:
- immunodeficiency (a weakened immune system is more susceptible to infectious and bacterial diseases);
- taking hormonal drugs (violating hormone levels);
- flat feet (with this disease it is difficult to choose shoes with the correct elevation, often the legs are squeezed);
- varicose veins (poor circulation causes dry skin);
- atherosclerosis;
- diabetes mellitus (there is an increase in capillary permeability, a change in its barrier function).
Symptoms
The main symptoms of mycosis of the feet are:
- burning and itching between the toes of the lower extremities (in the initial form) and over the entire surface of the feet (in later stages);
- painful sensations (with varying intensity: the pain may grow and disappear completely for a short period of time);
- redness of the skin (from a slight pink to purple tinge);
- dryness and profuse desquamation (separation of scales and crusts from plaques);
- cracks in the skin of the feet (which do not go away with conventional moisturizers);
- changes in nail color and structure (they become thick and exfoliate);
- the presence of an unpleasant foot odor (if not previously noted).
Important!
With a fungal infection, the usual hygiene procedures (washing feet, pumice and steam) do not give any results, the symptoms do not go away!
Why does the fungus need to be treated?
The success of therapy depends on correcting the diagnosis and identifying the exact type of agent causing 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 is not going anywhere, this is not a disease that goes away on its own.
After all, 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).
Also, a person infected with a fungus is a source of infection and is a danger to other people. After all, the infection occurs through household items and through contact with the skin of the carrier of the infection.
fungal forms
In total, 6 forms of this fungal lesion of the feet are distinguished:
- The form off. This is the initial form, it differs in the following manifestations: slight scaling in the interdigital folds and small superficial cracks, which do not cause concern.
- scaly shape. The presence of small scales between the toes and on the surface of the sole. No signs of inflammation other than mild itching.
- Hyperkeratotic form. The appearance of bluish-red plaques (papules), located on the arches of the feet. Dry skin, moderate pain, and itching are noted.
- Intertriginous form. It looks similar to diaper rash. The skin in the interdigital folds becomes bright red, swelling and cracks appear, and even erosion may be present. Pain, burning and itching complete the picture.
- Dyshidrotic form. Note the appearance of bubbles, which are closed from above with a dense lid. They are located in the arches of the feet and are characterized by intense itching.
- Acute form. The skin of the feet is covered with vesicles and blisters with purulent-serous content, their opening leads to multiple erosions and deep cracks. The body temperature rises significantly, the skin on the legs turns bright red, there is severe pain, difficulty walking, headache, and general weakness. Inguinal lymphadenitis develops.
virus diagnosis
The diagnosis of the disease is performed by a dermatologist or mycologist (depends on the zone and degree of fungal infection) and is based on the detection of a fungus by examining the scales of the skin under a microscope.
The skin is removed from the affected area of the foot by scraping, after which it is 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 (its type is easier to determine as the population increases).
treatment methods
The basic rule in the treatment of mycoses of the legs is an integrated approach, which includes not only the use of medication, the use of alternative treatment methods, but also the careful care of the affected skin.
Before starting drug therapy, you should consult a doctor who will identify the pathogen using laboratory tests. Ringworm of the foot should be treated under the supervision of a physician or in a hospital setting. Therapy is carried out in 2 stages: preparatory and basic.
The first includes eliminating inflammation as well as removing the stratum corneum using preliminary steaming of the legs in a solution of potassium permanganate and boric acid.
The second stage involves drug treatment.
Drug treatment (ointments, creams, pills, other medications)
After removing the upper keratinized cells, a special cream with antibiotics and corticosteroid hormones is applied to the entire affected surface. After the inflammation is eliminated, foot baths are cancelled. Subsequent treatment consists of deep removal of the horny layers using salicylic petroleum jelly.
It is applied in a thin layer to the lesion site until the horny particles are completely detached. Therapy to strengthen immunity is also effective: taking immunomodulators and vitamin complexes, because the stronger the body's defense system, the faster the disease passes.
Important!
It is forbidden to use ointments! They can cause weeping erosion.
Treatment with folk remedies for this disease can only be an auxiliary therapy, and 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 recipe because the fungus does not like an acidic environment. The method of application is quite simple - apply a solution of vinegar to the affected area (the concentration is selected individually), put on socks and go to bed.
- Laundry soap and baking soda are another effective method. 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 down for 15-20 minutes. After the procedure, clean your feet with a nail file or pumice stone.
- Also, significant results are shown by glycerin with vodka. It is necessary to fill the bottle of purchased glycerin with alcohol to the brim, shake it and moisten the peeling with this composition daily (before bed).
- Coffee is effective in fighting ringworm. You must prepare a strong coffee, soak your feet in the drink until it cools. It is recommended to do this procedure for at least a week.
- Celandine is also a good helper for yeast infections. You need to pour 1 liter of water into the kettle, put it on the stove, boil and add 4 tbsp. I. herbs (boil for 5 minutes). In the resulting infusion, you need to elevate your legs for 3 weeks daily.
How to cure a fungus in a child?
The treatment of ringworm in children takes place in several stages:
- steaming feet (in a solution of soda and washing powder, or with the addition of apple cider vinegar, you can also use chamomile broth - an excellent antiseptic);
- removal of keratinized particles (with a pumice stone or rough cloth, rub the scaly surface until the top layer of the epidermis peels off);
- 2% iodine treatment of the affected area promotes healing and disinfects well (you can apply an iodine mesh to the infected skin);
- before going to bed, apply a cream based on miconazole and nystatin (they are safe for children and very effective) and wear cotton socks (or special antibacterials).
Disease prevention
Preventive measures are quite simple and include the following points:
- Compliance with personal hygiene rules (especially when visiting public swimming pools, baths and saunas). It is necessary to get around in flip-flops, not to be barefoot on the floor and not to wear someone else's shoes.
- When visiting, you should also give up flip flops and walk indoors in socks.
- Wash your feet with antimicrobial soap and a washcloth daily before bed.
- Be sure to dry your feet after washing (especially between the toes).
- When keratinized cells appear, they need to be treated with pumice stone and scissors or tweezers.
- You need to trim your nails in time, avoiding delamination.
- If there are cracks on the feet, you should use special gels and creams.
- The use of tight shoes is not allowed, as it impairs blood circulation.
- In case of sores and scratches on the skin of the feet, it is necessary to treat them with bright green.
- With increased sweating of the feet, it is necessary to use special sprays and gels (not sold in any pharmacy).
Conclusion
Ringworm of the feet is an insidious disease that not only causes uncomfortable sensations and spoils the appearance of the skin and nails, but can also cause eczema as well as lower immunity. In order not to get infected with the fungus, it is necessary to observe the basic rules of hygiene.
Well, in case of infection - urgently rush to the advice of a specialist who will diagnose and prescribe effective treatment. Ringworm is easy to defeat if treatment is started on time.