foot fungus

Foot mycosis (dermatophytosis) is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic or opportunistic fungi. When suffering from mycosis, the skin on the legs will peel off and become very itchy. In severe cases, the skin will become red and swollen.

disease definition

Podiatry or dermatophytosis is an infectious disease caused by dermatophytes mold. There are 43 known species of dermatophytes, 30 of which cause foot mycosis. The most common are the fungi Trichophyton rubrum (90%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes and, less commonly, Epidermophyton. Mycoses of the feet are much less commonly caused by fungi of the genus Candida and the molds Scytalidium dimidiatum, Scytalidium hyalinum.All dermatophytes have keratolytic activity: they are able to dissolve keratin, the fibrous protein that makes up the upper part of human and animal skin. Damage to the skin.Once on the skin, the fungus is directed to its most vulnerable places - the junctions between epidermal cells. There, they penetrate inside and begin to actively grow. However, fungi rarely penetrate deeper than the granular layer of the skin. Usually they are limited to the upper keratinized tissue.

Prevalence of foot mycosis

Dermatomycoses, including podiatry, are found in all countries of the world. These diseases account for 37% to 40% of all skin diseases.At the same time, dermatomycoses occur most often - accounting for approximately 30% of cases.According to dermatologists, up to 20 percent of adults suffer from foot fungus. The pathology is found twice as often in men.In people over the age of 70, almost one in two patients suffers from foot fungus - this is because older people often suffer from chronic diseases related to metabolic disorders as well as vascular pathologies such as varicose veins.Infection with foot mycosis usually occurs in the home - through direct contact with the skin of an infected person. There are also known cases of infection from sharing clothing, shoes and household items.The infection usually affects both feet at the same time and partially spreads to the nail plate. If left untreated, the disease can also affect the skin on the palms of your hands—usually on your working hands. This condition is called bipedal-one-hand syndrome.

Causes of foot fungus

Most commonly, foot mycosis is caused by dermatophytes - Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Less commonly, the disease is caused by Candida fungi and molds (Scytalidium dimidiatum, Scytalidium hyalinum).According to some studies, the proportion of dermatophytes in the structure of the causative agents of foot mycosis is gradually decreasing. Candida mushrooms stand out.Risk factors for developing foot mycosis:

• Violation of personal hygiene;
• Sharing shoes (e. g. , at bowling alleys, skate and ski rental shops);
• Visit public baths, swimming pools, beaches;
• Climate characteristics: Countries with subtropical and tropical climates have a higher risk of illness – this is due to increased humidity and ambient temperature;
• Frequent wearing of closed, tight-fitting shoes (this occurs in military personnel, miners, and workers in the textile and metallurgical industries);
• Toes are often injured due to flat feet, calluses, and corns;
• Failure to observe hygiene rules during pedicure;
• Impaired blood supply to the legs;
• immunodeficiency diseases, including HIV;
• chronic skin diseases;
• obesity;
• diabetes;
• chronic venous insufficiency;
• Taking certain medications (systemic corticosteroids).

Symptoms of foot fungus

The symptoms of foot mycosis as well as the treatment characteristics of the disease depend on its clinical form.

Squamous (squamous hyperkeratosis) form of fungal disease of the feet

In most cases, the causative agent of scaly mycoses of the feet is the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum.In the initial stages of the disease, patients are troubled by moderate peeling of the skin between the fingers—the scales on the skin are abundant, thin, and silvery. Then, as the disease spreads to the lateral and dorsal surfaces of the feet, characteristic ridges of inflammation appear and the skin in the affected areas thickens. Over time, patients develop onychomycosis - fungus on the nails.

Interdigital (interdigital) form of fungal disease

This form usually develops against the background of severe sweating of the feet. This disease affects the spaces between the fingers and is accompanied by redness, swelling, and maceration (softening and loosening of the skin). Erosion and cracks often form. Many patients report itching, burning, and pain.Frequently, the skin of the feet is infected with both dermatophytes (usually Trichophyton interdigitata) and Staphylococcus aureus.

Dyshidrotic forms of foot mycosis

Typically, the causative agent of this fungal disease of the feet is Epidermophyton floccosum (Epidermophyton flakes).Typically, the diaphoretic disorder form of foot mycosis is more severe and is associated with pain, itching, and pain. Thick blisters form on the skin. They fuse together to form large multilocular vesicles that open to moist pink erosions and then to brown crusts.The disease is difficult to treat and often recurs.A characteristic feature of dyshidrosis is damage to the skin of the arches, interdigital folds, and fingers. The process can then spread to the heel, the underside surface of the foot, and even the skin under the ankle.If a bacterial infection occurs, the patient may develop a fever and local lymph nodes may become swollen. The feet may become swollen and the skin may become moist. Severe pain makes it difficult for patients to walk.

Exudative diaphoretic foot mycosis

Most commonly, the exudative dyshidrotic form of foot mycosis is caused by the fungus Trichophyton rubrum (Trichophyton rubrum).The skin between the fingers is affected first. The process then spreads to the soles, insteps and sides of the feet, as well as the nail plates. Blisters and erosions appear on the skin, and then scabs form. The skin becomes wet and may ulcerate.

Elimination forms of foot fungus

Some researchers have identified erased forms. This condition is believed to occur several days after a fungal infection.The skin in the folds between the fingers begins to peel. There may also be slight peeling on the soles and sides of the feet. Sufferers may ignore unpleasant symptoms, but they can still infect others.

Acute forms of foot mycosis

The acute form of foot mycosis is the result of exacerbation of a dyshidrosis or interdigital (interdigital) form.The disease starts badly: numerous blisters appear on the skin of the feet, then the legs. Swelling of the skin. Nodules then form on the hands and lower third of the forearms. After the blisters open, there will be erosion and loose skin fragments around them. They fuse together to form a large oozing surface, often with purulent discharge.The disease is often accompanied by fever, worsening of the patient's general condition, and severe pain in the affected hands and feet. The inguinal and femoral lymph nodes swell and become painful.

Vesicular bullous (inflammatory) mycosis of the feet

Foreign authors usually define the inflammatory form of foot mycosis as acute. It can develop from chronic interdigital dermatophytosis.Typically, the causative agent of the vesiculobullous form is the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum.Main symptoms: severe itching and rash, mainly distributed on the soles, roots, sides of the fingers, and insteps. There may be areas of swelling with superficial blisters. If the tire (upper part) is thick enough, the air bubbles can coalesce or remain intact for a long time.Often, the nail plate is also involved in this process - the development of onychomycosis.

Ulcerative forms of foot mycosis

Ulcerative form (called deep layer in foreign literature) is one of the complications of foot mycosis and is caused by bacterial infection.Extensive deep purulent ulcers develop on the soles of the feet. Patients experience severe pain and have difficulty walking.

Complications of foot fungus

Skin cracks and ulcers that appear at sites of fungal disease are entry points for bacterial infection. However, treating such infections is more difficult - this is because the fungus produces special substances that increase the bacteria's resistance to drugs.The most common complications of foot mycosis:

• Infectious and drug-induced allergic dermatitis;
• Pyoderma - pustular skin disease (cellulitis, lymphangitis, cellulitis, osteomyelitis of the feet) that can cause deep, long-lasting skin wounds;
• plantar warts;
• Microbial eczema is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes itchy, red skin with fluid-like blisters;
• General decline in immunity and impairment of microcirculation in the lower limbs (commonly seen in patients with diabetes and varicose veins);
• Spread of disease to the skin and nail plates of the hands;
• Deterioration of quality of life: Acute fungal disease makes it difficult to wear shoes, lymphadenitis can lead to fever and poor health.

Diagnosis of foot fungus

Dermatologists and mycologists are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases of the feet.During the appointment, the doctor will evaluate the condition of the patient's nails, skin, mucous membranes, and hair. He will perform a dermoscopy—examination of the skin under a magnifying glass. During the examination, the specialist will collect a medical history and ask about the patient's lifestyle, nutritional quality, family habits and care routines.If you suspect athlete's foot, your doctor will order lab tests.Examining skin scrapings will rule out or confirm fungal infection.Doctors may also refer patients for microscopy and culture.Seeding or culturing methods allow you to obtain more accurate information about the disease causative agent, although it takes longer (usually a month).Diabetes can significantly worsen the course of foot mycosis and lead to serious complications. Complex studies can rule out or confirm this diagnosis.A complete blood count helps assess the patient's general condition.A clinical blood test is a blood test that allows you to assess your overall health, identify inflammation, bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and can also help diagnose anemia, blood-forming organ disorders, allergic reactions, and autoimmune diseases. In addition, before recommending antifungal treatment, the doctor may ask the patient to undergo a biochemical blood test - this study will determine the levels of bilirubin and the liver enzymes ALT and AST. This information will help doctors choose drug doses and minimize the risk of side effects.

Treatment of foot fungus

Treatment of foot mycosis occurs in two stages.The first stageIf there is acute inflammation, you can use lotions: aqueous ammonium asphalt sulfonate solution, reagents with antiseptic properties (Castellani liquid, 1% brilliant green aqueous solution). Pastes and ointments containing antifungal and corticosteroid drugs are then prescribed.In case of severe crying (acute phase) and secondary infection, anti-inflammatory solutions in the form of lotions can be used, as well as combined antibacterial drugs in the form of creams and solutions.The basis of treatment is the use of antifungal drugs.on the main stageTreatment uses antifungal drugs designed to destroy the pathogenic fungus. Most often, such medications are produced in the form of ointments, creams, or solutions.If a patient experiences severe itching, a dermatologist may prescribe an antihistamine. It is usually taken for 10-15 days until the unpleasant symptoms completely disappear.Antifungals are used when nails are damaged - they are applied directly to the nail plate and nail fold. In this case, the drug is concentrated on the nail surface and does not penetrate into the bloodstream, eliminating the risk of side effects.If external medications are ineffective, systemic antifungals are used.

Treatment options and drug dosages are determined by your doctor. During treatment, it is necessary to visit a podiatrist at least once a month.

prognosis and prevention

If treated promptly, the prognosis for foot fungus is good: most patients treated with antifungal medications will be free of the disease permanently.To prevent fungal diseases, you need to protect your feet and hands from irritating and traumatic factors and strengthen your immune system.Measures to prevent onychomycosis:

• Change socks every day, or more often if your feet are sweaty or damp;
• Allow shoes to dry after wearing;
• Use an antifungal UV shoe dryer;
• Please do not wear shared slippers when visiting;
• Don’t try on shoes in a store barefoot;
• Use a personal towel to wipe your feet;
• Use separate nail care tools (tweezers, files);
• Wear shoes in the pool or sauna;
• Monitor dietary diversity;
• Avoid stressful situations.

FAQ

How is foot fungus treated?

To treat leg fungus, antifungal medications are commonly used, in the form of creams, ointments, and solutions. The dermatologist should choose the most effective drug and determine its dosage.

Why are my feet itchy?

One cause of itchy feet is foot fungus, an infectious disease caused by a fungus on the skin.