Not all diseases can be fatal, but some of them can seriously complicate life.The fungus affects internal organs and the skin.Almost everyone has opportunistic microorganisms.Under unfavorable circumstances, their number increases, which leads to a number of problems.Athlete's foot can easily be transmitted from person to person and is therefore very common.
Fungi are widespread in the environment, but damage to human nails and skin occurs only under favorable conditions.As we age, the acidic pH of the skin can change to alkaline, which promotes fungal growth.Infection usually occurs through contact;If personal hygiene standards are not observed, the source of infection can be a sick person or common objects.Infections can occur in public places: swimming pools, baths, gyms.And also in everyday life with the general use of slippers, socks, manicure accessories, towels and washcloths.
Routes of infection
The fungus is most often transmitted from a sick person through personal items and shoes.Therefore, in the infected area there are people who live in the same apartment with him.But in some cases there are no disputes.The following are considered as provoking factors:
- profuse sweating;
- sores and calluses on feet;
- tight and uncomfortable shoes.
The ideal environment for mushrooms to grow is warm and humid.
Therefore, tight shoes or boots made from poor quality materials are an excellent breeding ground for infections.Foot mycosis occurs due to low immunity.This can have various causes: stress, long-term illnesses and the like.Chronic infections and problems with the endocrine system adversely affect the human condition.
When taking antibiotics for a long time, internal organs suffer.The microflora changes and this influences the composition of opportunistic microorganisms.Poor hygiene also affects growth, as dirt and sweat are a breeding ground.
Children are most susceptible to the disease.Due to their age, they have sensitive skin and weak immunity.For the same reason, older people are susceptible to mycoses.Dangerous public places include:
- swimming pools;
- saunas;
- bathroom;
- fitness centers;
- Beaches.
Places where one can walk barefoot are potential sources for the spread of mycoses.
The humid environment and high temperatures create an ideal environment for spores to multiply.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 injure the legs, paving the way for harmful microorganisms.
Basic shapes
Treatment for athlete's foot depends on its form.The most common is interdigital or intertriginous: the lesion begins in the area of the thumb and index finger.The fungus then spreads along the foot.Most often it is transmitted through contact with a sick person or non-compliance with personal hygiene rules.
Without appropriate treatment, the intertriginous form progresses to squamous cell carcinoma and hyperkeratosis.It manifests itself as deep cracks on the soles.
The disease does not cause any symptoms for a long time.Initially, shallow grooves appear on the skin, which do not cause any negative sensations.In severe cases, they move to the lower legs.
The dyshidrotic form is characterized by the appearance of erosions on the skin - it is a moist and weeping area.Rarely occurs on the legs;The hands are most commonly affected.The deleted form goes through the easiest way.The signs of fungal infection 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 disease 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, destroying the integrity of the skin.
The human body tries to restore the skin, thereby promoting 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, which leads to the development of an unpleasant odor.Even timely hygiene does not help get rid of it.In some cases, instead of sweating, severe dryness is observed.
Another symptom of athlete's foot is a change in skin color.Yellow or green spots appear.The surface of the feet becomes thicker and covered with calluses.Over time it tears, which can cause discomfort when walking.
As the disease progresses, blisters with clear fluid form on the legs.They burst and small weeping wounds appear in their place.They provide access to secondary infections.
The fungus often affects not only the feet, but also the nails.Changes start at the free edge.Usually from the thumbs.Yellowing and thickening of the nail plate occurs.It crumbles to reveal pink skin.As the disease progresses, destruction of the nail is observed.
Mold infestation leads to a purulent inflammation of the periungual groins.The plate itself is painted black or green.
Diagnostic methods
Before deciding how and how to treat skin fungus on the legs, you need to confirm the diagnosis.Itching and flaking of the skin do not always occur due to mycosis.A dermatologist deals with this disease.He conducts a visual examination of the legs and collects anamnesis.
In order to precisely determine the pathogen, abrasions of the skin are carried out.This is imperative, otherwise drug therapy will not be effective.A normal microscopic examination can detect the presence of a fungus.To do this, the material is stained with special preparations and examined under a microscope.
A more precise study is bacterial culture.The collected samples are placed in a nutrient medium.After some time, fungal colonies begin to grow.They will be examined in detail.The disadvantage of this method is the duration.Completion takes up to four weeks.
PCR analysis allows you to determine the exact pathogen.It requires scraping the affected area.This is the most accurate and fastest diagnostic method.In some cases, the doctor may recommend donating blood for an enzyme immunoassay.This allows you to determine antibody titers.Such information helps to find the cause of the disease.
Types of treatment
To cure athlete's foot, comprehensive treatment is required.The standard regimen includes medications for internal and external use.They are aimed at getting rid of pathogens and healing the skin.
Creams and ointments should only be applied to clean surfaces.Apply in a thin layer before bed.The standard treatment lasts four weeks.Any medications must be prescribed by the treating doctor.In severe cases, the use of glucocorticosteroids is recommended.They relieve inflammation and stop the progression of the disease.However, they have many side effects and care must be taken when using them.
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 alleviate some of the side effects of treatment.Soda baths (1 tablespoon of baking soda per 10 liters of warm water) soften the skin and help remove flaking areas.A mixture of boiled onions and garlic is used as a compress.They are kneaded into a paste and applied to callused skin.Put socks on top and leave overnight.Your feet can be easily cleaned in the morning.