Most fungal infections are difficult to treat. Due to this, the effectiveness of therapy against them is much higher at an early stage. To cope with the disease faster, you need to know how nail fungus begins. A person often does not pay attention to the first symptoms, which is a big mistake. As it progresses, the fungus not only significantly worsens the quality of life, but also leads to serious complications in the form of complete loss of nail plate and even sepsis.
What is foot fungus
In medicine, a fungus is understood as a group of diseases called yeast infections. They rank second after purulent lesions of the epidermis - pyoderma. A pathogenic microorganism parasitizes a person's skin or nails, causing infection. In the first case, the disease is called dermatomycosis, and in the second - onychomycosis. There are other types of fungal infections which are secreted depending on the pathogen. There are many types of fungi. They are divided into anthropophiles (affecting humans) and zooanthropophiles (observed in humans and animals).
The reasons
The main risk factor for getting a fungal infection is a weakened immune system. In this case, it is easier for the pathogen to enter the body. It is easy to get infected in public places, especially with high humidity and temperature, for example, a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room. Some of the risk factors for fungal disease also include:
- flat foot;
- inadequate personal hygiene;
- circulatory disorders in the lower limbs;
- increased sweating;
- frequent trauma to the skin;
- obesity.
These are common causes of fungal infections. Common is the causative agent of the disease itself. Depending on the parasitic fungus, a person can develop the following types of infections:
- Epidermophytosis. It is observed when the skin and nails are affected by anthropophilic fungi with dermatophytes (dermatomycetes) of three types: Trichophyton, Microsporum, Epidermophyton. You can get this infection through household items. The risk group includes middle-aged men, especially with excessive sweating of the legs.
- Trichophytosis. It is caused by particularly infectious trichophyton fungi. Trichophytosis is also seen in children and adolescents. Workers in showers, baths and hot workshops are more sensitive.
- Candidiasis. It is seen less often than other forms of fungal infection. Yeasts of the genus Candida are considered conditionally pathogenic because they are activated when immunity is weakened.
- Rubromycosis. It is a type of ringworm caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. Due to the high enzymatic activity, the pathogen damages the skin of the feet in the large skin folds. Fluffy and long hairs are less frequently affected. Rubromycosis accounts for 60 to 80% of all fungal infections of the feet.
- Onychomycosis of the feet. It is a fungal disease of the nail plates caused by different types of pathogenic fungi. One or more nails are affected. If the infection is not treated, the plaques are completely destroyed.
Routes of infection
Children are at higher risk of infection because their thin skin makes them more susceptible to microorganisms. Risk factors include a weakened immune system, nervous or endocrine system problems, the presence of chronic conditions, and altered sweat composition. There are many ways to get a fungal infection. They fall into two main groups:
- Law. Infection occurs through plants, soil, contact with a sick person or animal.
- Indirect. In this case, you can become infected by using the personal items of an infected person or those they have used.
Symptoms of a fungus on the feet
A well-studied clinical picture of fungal infections allows them to be identified at an early stage. Damage to the nail structures and soft tissues is visible to the naked eye at the site of the injury. Common fungal symptoms are reflected in the following list:
- discoloration of the nail plate to light yellow at an early stage, then to yellow, brown, light green and even black;
- itching sensation in the periungual area;
- Unpleasant odor;
- hyperkeratosis, that is, thickening of the nail plate, or its thinning;
- deformation of the free edge of the nail;
- peeling of the skin around the nail plate and in the interdigital spaces;
- calluses and calluses on the foot;
- fragility of the nail, its crumbling;
- redness of the skin around the nail plate.
Epidermophytosis and trichophytosis
These forms of fungal infections proceed almost the same, which is why they have been combined into one group of diseases. They are called "fungal infections of the foot". Depending on the form, the infection manifests itself with different symptoms. Often a patient has several types of fungi combined at once. For this reason, the division of the fungus into shapes is conditional:
- scaly or scaly;
- dyshidrotic, which is accompanied by disruption of the sweat glands;
- intrigue, in which diaper rash is noted on the skin;
- hypertrophic, atrophic or normotrophic onychomycosis.
Scaly form of foot fungus
The initial stage of the fungus on the legs of this form is characterized by the defeat of only one foot. The infection does not pass to the other until later. The disease can be recognized by the following signs:
- the appearance of a reddened area on the skin of the foot;
- in the future, this area begins to peel off (the affected areas may have a different area);
- some patients are itchy.
The difficulty in diagnosing and treating the scaly form is that many patients do not worry about any symptoms. For this reason, they go to the doctor at an advanced stage. If the scaly form of the fungal infection persists for a long time, then it may take on a dyshidrotic appearance. These two forms are interconnected, so they often cause each other to appear.
Dyshidrotic form
This form is characterized by a course with a change in the periods of remission and relapses. Its very first symptom is the appearance of bubbles on the arch (more than one) - where it does not come into contact with the ground when walking. Their size varies from 2 to 8 mm. Gradually they begin to merge, merging into one big. In addition, each bubble is opened, and in its place there remains a superficial skin lesion - erosion.
In addition to the arch of the foot, its inner and outer lateral surfaces can become infected. At the site of ulceration of the vesicles, there remains significant erosion, associated with diaper rash. The patient also complains of the following symptoms:
- pain and itching at the site of the injury;
- after the erosion dries, it begins to peel off, leading to the development of a scaly form;
- a bacterial infection gradually joins, due to which the contents of the vesicles become cloudy, become purulent (in this case, antibiotics should be taken);
- at the next stage, the skin of the foot turns red, swells, the patient has severe pain and even fever.
Line of intrigue
Of all the forms of trichophytosis and epidermophytosis, this is the most common. It grows on its own or against the background of a type of scaly fungus. It is most often celebrated in the summer season. In winter there is a period of remission. The disease is long term and chronic. The beginning of the process is visible between 4 and 5 toes, less often between 3 and 4. The first signs of an intertritive form:
- cracks and maceration of the skin with a whitish edge around, formed by the exfoliating epidermis (surface layer of the skin);
- itching and burning sensation at the site of the injury;
- cry in interdigital space;
- the appearance of erosion cracks in place, accompanied by severe pain syndrome.
As the disease progresses, the skin relaxes, which decreases its protective function. This increases the risk of developing strep infection. It manifests as pustular inflammation, which is accompanied by swelling, redness and pain on the skin. Against this background, an increase in body temperature is observed. The patient complains of a general deterioration in his well-being.
Onychomycosis of the feet
This disease in 70-75% of cases affects 3 and 4 toes, less often - 1 and 5. Often onychomycosis occurs in the form of a normotrophic form, in which the color of the nail turns yellow andits integrity is preserved. In case of infection with mold, the infection develops against the background of other diseases. the nail turns yellow, brown or black.
Onychomycosis can be detected at an early stage by yellow spots and stripes on the nail plate. Pathological changes are first observed near its free edge. Depending on the form of onychomycosis, it is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Hypertrophic. It is accompanied by thickening and yellowing of the nail plate. It crumbles easily, and the skin underneath begins to peel off, becomes thick.
- Atrophic. The nail plate, on the other hand, thins out. Rough skin is also exposed underneath.
Treatment of the initial stage of the fungus on the feet
In the early stages of infection, topical preparations are used in the form of ointments, gels, patches, solutions, varnishes, sprays and liquids. They are effective by acting directly on the site of inflammation. For interdigital spaces, a gel and a suspension are more suitable, and an ointment for the skin of the heels. The initial stage of nail fungus is treated with varnishes and antifungal solutions.
If the disease has reached an advanced stage, systemic medication is needed. They are used in the form of tablets and capsules. They destroy the infection from the inside. At the initial stage, the use of tablets and capsules is irrational due to the greater number of side effects compared to local agents. In addition to medication, it is important to follow the rules of hygiene. This should be done as follows:
- wear closed slippers, do not walk around barefoot;
- treat shoes 2 times a day with special disinfectants;
- wash the patient's clothes separately from everything else;
- wash your feet daily, then treat them with antifungal agents;
- do a wet cleaning in the room every day, ventilate;
- after taking a bath, rinse it thoroughly with hot water;
- change socks every day;
- after recovery, discard the patient's socks, towels, shoes, washcloths and other items.
To prevent possible relapses of the disease, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system. For this, the patient is prescribed immunomodulators and vitamins. Antifungal drugs are the basis of external and systemic therapy. When fixing a bacterial infection, antibacterial drugs are used. Sometimes antihistamines are prescribed to relieve allergies.
Medicines for fungal infections of the feet
Knowing what nail fungus looks like at the initial stage, you can notice it much earlier. This will ensure faster recovery. The effectiveness of treatment also depends on the appropriate drug. There are many antifungal agents in the form of tablets, ointments, gels. To properly use drugs, you need to study their main features:
Action mechanism
Mode of application, effect
A cure
Contraindications
Naftifine hydrochloride
Destroys the agents responsible for fungal infections of the feet, certain bacteria. Has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Rub the cream or solution on the cleansed skin 2 times a day.
2-4 weeks.
Pregnancy, lactation, age up to 18 years.
Natamycin
Effective against all pathogens of fungal infections of the feet.
Apply the suspension or cream several times a day to the affected skin.
Determined by a doctor.
Sensitivity to constituents of the product.
clotrimazole
Many other antifungal agents have been synthesized on the basis of this substance. Clotrimazole has a wide spectrum of action.
Apply to clean, dry skin 2-3 times a day.
1-4 weeks + 3 additional weeks after recovery.
Hypersensitivity to clotrimazole.
Econazole
It is effective against many fungal pathogens, including molds and yeast-like fungi.
Apply cream, lotion, solution or aerosol 1 to 3 times a day on the skin of the feet.
2-4 weeks.
Pregnancy.
Itraconazole
A wide range of activity against all fungal pathogens.
2 capsules 2 times a day - with onychomycosis; 0, 1-0, 2 g 2 times a day - with mycosis of the feet.
7 days, then a 3-week break - with onychomycosis;
1-2 weeks - with mycosis of the feet.
Pregnancy, lactation, simultaneous use with midozolam, nisoldipine, ergot alkaloids.
Sertaconazole
Fungicidal and fungicidal action against candidal fungi and trichophytons.
Apply a small amount of cream to the affected areas twice a day.
Up to 4 weeks.
Pregnancy, lactation, hypersensitivity, childhood.
Terbinafine
Destroys the pathogens of candidiasis, trichophytos, emidermophytos.
0. 25 g once or twice a day.
6 weeks, with damage to the nail plates - 12 weeks.
Kidney and liver dysfunction, malignant tumors, pregnancy, lactation, vascular diseases of the legs.
Fluconazole
High activity against yeast fungi.
150 mg per week or 50 mg per day.
6 weeks.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood.
Griseofulvin
Fungistatic effect against pathogenic fungi.
16 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day during the first month of treatment;
further in the same dosage, but every other day;
in the third month according to the second scheme, until healthy nails grow back.
Apply the ointment no more than 30 g per day.
For tablets - 3 months, for ointments - 3 weeks.
Dysfunction of the liver and kidneys, decrease in the number of leukocytes in the blood, pregnancy, lactation, malignant tumors.
Folk methods
Effective treatment, even at the initial stage of a fungal infection, cannot be carried out without medication. They are the mainstay of therapy. Traditional methods are only used as an auxiliary method. Even though alternative medicine is relatively safe, you should consult your doctor before using it. He will give recommendations on the following alternative methods of treating a fungal infection:
- Take an equal amount of oak bark, verbena, calendula inflorescences, dried blackberries. From the resulting mixture put in a separate container 3 tbsp. l. Pour a glass of water and set it on fire. After 15-20 minutes, filter, allow to cool to an acceptable temperature. Use to lubricate damaged areas.
- Mix equal proportions of copper sulfate, yellow sulfur and pork fat. After obtaining a homogeneous mass, bring to a boil, then put in a dark place. Use after cooling to lubricate affected areas. Pre-vaporize your feet in a soda bath.
- For 2-3 liters of boiling water, take 2-3 tbsp. l. fresh milkweed grass. Place the ingredients in a glass container, wrap with a blanket, leave for 3-4 hours. Then use for a bath. Pour the broth into a bowl, put your feet in it, soak them in the solution for 40-45 minutes. Repeat the procedure at 2-3 day intervals until complete recovery.