Not all diseases can be fatal, but some can make life seriously difficult.The fungus affects internal organs and skin.Almost everyone has opportunistic microorganisms.In some unfavorable conditions, their number increases and this leads to a number of problems.Athlete's foot is easily transmitted from person to person, so it is very common.
Fungi are widespread in the environment, but damage to human nails and skin develops only under favorable conditions.As we age, the skin's acidic pH can change to alkaline, which is favorable for fungal growth.Infection usually occurs through contact;if personal hygiene standards are not followed, the source of infection can be a sick person or common objects.Infection can occur in public places: swimming pools, baths, gyms.Also with the common use of slippers, socks, manicure accessories, towels and washcloths in daily life.
Ways of infection
The fungus is most often transmitted from a sick person through personal items and shoes.Therefore, there are people living in the same apartment with him in the infection zone.However, in certain cases, disputes do not make themselves felt.Inciting factors are taken into account:
- excessive sweating;
- wounds and calluses on the feet;
- tight and uncomfortable shoes.
The ideal environment for fungi to grow is warm and moist.
Therefore, tight shoes or boots made of low-quality materials are an excellent ground for infection.Mycosis of the foot occurs due to low immunity.This can happen for various reasons: stress, long-term illnesses, etc.Chronic infections and problems with the endocrine system affect the human condition.
With long-term use of antibiotics, internal organs suffer.The microflora changes and this affects the composition of opportunistic microorganisms.Lack of hygiene also affects its growth, as dirt and sweat are breeding grounds.
Children are most susceptible to the disease.Due to their age, they have delicate skin and weak immunity.For the same reason, elderly people are susceptible to mycoses.Dangerous public places include:
- swimming pools;
- saunas;
- baths;
- fitness centers;
- beaches.
Places where you can walk barefoot are potential sources for the spread of mycoses.
A humid environment and high temperature create ideal conditions for the reproduction of spores.Even regular disinfection of buildings does not help.People who wear closed shoes at work are also at risk - military, police officers and others.Boots do not allow air to pass through and often injure the feet, which opens the way for harmful microorganisms.
Basic forms
The treatment of toenail fungus depends on its form.The most common is interdigital or intertriginous: the lesion begins in the region of the thumb and index finger.After that, the fungus spreads along the leg.It is often transmitted through contact with a sick person or when personal hygiene is not followed.
In the absence of proper treatment, the intertriginous form becomes squamous-hyperkeratotic.It manifests itself in the form of deep cracks on the heels.
The disease does not cause any symptoms for a long time.At first, shallow grooves appear on the skin that do not cause negative feelings.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 and weeping area.It rarely occurs in the legs;it mostly affects the hands.The deleted form is the easiest to pass.Signs of fungus on the feet are mild.There is slight peeling and itching of the skin.The causative agent of the disease is candidiasis.Even without treatment, the condition disappears 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 broken.
The human body tries to regenerate the skin and therefore enhances the regeneration.This causes itching.Sometimes the surface itches under the influence of candida.The activity of the fungus disrupts the work of the sebaceous glands, which leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.Even timely hygiene does not help to get rid of it.In some cases, severe dryness is observed instead of sweating.
Another symptom of athlete's foot is skin discoloration.Yellow or green spots appear.The very surface of the feet thickens and is covered with keratinized calluses.Over time, it cracks and this can cause some discomfort while walking.
As the disease progresses, blisters with clear liquid appear on the legs.They burst and small weeping sores appear in their place.They provide access to secondary infections.
Fungus often affects not only the feet, but also the nails.Changes start from the free edge.Usually from the thumbs.Yellowing and thickening of the nail plate occurs.It breaks down and reveals pink skin.As the disease progresses, destruction of the nail is observed.
When affected by mold fungi, 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, you need to confirm the diagnosis.Itching and peeling of the skin is not always due to mycosis.A dermatologist deals with this disease.Performs a visual examination of the feet and collects anamnesis.
Skin scrapings are prepared to accurately identify the pathogen.This is mandatory, otherwise the drug treatment will not be effective.A standard microscopic examination can identify the presence of fungus.For this, the material is stained with special preparations and studied under a microscope.
A more accurate study is bacterial culture.Collected samples are placed in nutrient medium.After some time, colonies of fungi 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 to accurately identify the pathogen.It requires a wrinkle from the affected area.This is the most accurate and fastest diagnostic method.In some cases, the doctor may recommend giving blood for enzyme immunoassay.Allows determination of antibody titers.Such information helps to find the cause of the disease.
Types of treatment
A comprehensive treatment is required to treat athlete's foot.The standard regimen includes drugs for internal and external use.They aim to get rid of pathogenic organisms and heal the skin.
Creams and ointments should be applied only to clean surfaces.Apply them in a thin layer before going to bed.The standard course of treatment takes four weeks.Any medication must be prescribed by the attending physician.In severe cases, it is recommended to use glucocorticosteroids.They eliminate inflammation and stop the progression of the disease.However, they have many side effects and dosage should be followed while using them.
Medicines with fungistatic and fungicidal effects are prescribed for internal use.
They suppress the development of pathogenic flora and destroy fungal colonies.
Traditional medicine can reduce some of the side effects of treatment.So, soda baths (1 tablespoon of soda per 10 liters of warm water) soften the skin and help remove exfoliated areas.A mixture of boiled onion and garlic is used as a compress.They are kneaded into a paste and applied to keratinized skin.Put a sock on it and leave it overnight.It is easy to clean the feet in the morning.