Mycosis of the feet is one of the most common types of diseases caused by parasitic fungi.In medical practice, there are several types of this pathology.It is important to identify foot fungus from the beginning of its development.Then it will be possible to get rid of it faster and easier.In this case no special treatment will be necessary, much less surgical intervention.For mild manifestations of fungal activity, it is sufficient to use antifungal ointments or baths according to traditional recipes.
Mushrooms and their varieties.
Despite the sufficient prevalence of foot fungus, not all infected people know what foot fungus looks like.
The main types of mycoses are detailed below:
- Flaky or scaly.
- Intertriginous.It is characterized by diaper dermatitis type of skin.
- Hypertrophic, atrophic and normotrophic onychomycosis.The difficulty in treating these diseases lies in the fact that all varieties can be combined with each other.
- Dyshidrotic.Marked by alteration of the sweat glands.
At different stages of development, this pathology looks different.Mycosis of the feet is the common name for two diseases: athlete's foot and rubromycosis, the development of which proceeds in the same way.
Squamous mycosis
At the initial stage, the fungus manifests itself as damage to one foot, and after a certain time the disease spreads to the other.
The skin turns red and then peels off.The area of redness varies from patient to patient and depends on the stage of development.Many people are not even bothered by the itching in the affected area;The skin may not come off.That is why they go to the dermatologist only when the legs are affected by the last stage of the disease.
Dyshidrotic fungal infection
Anyone who suspects the onset of this disease should know what foot fungus looks like in any form of development.This pathology is characterized by the appearance of miniature bubbles on the arch of the foot.Very little time passes and they join together, becoming large blisters, the shell of which soon breaks and the superficial damage to the skin becomes visually visible.
The pathology can spread throughout the leg with the appearance of areas of diaper dermatitis.In this case, the patient begins to feel itching and pain.Once everything heals, the peeling begins.
The most unpleasant disease is the formation of bacterial fungi.In this case, cloudy liquid and pus come out of the broken blisters.At this stage of the development of pathology, a slight increase in temperature and unbearable pain occurs.The skin on the feet swells.
The process of the Dyshidrotic form of mycosis can last several months.Periods of improvement in the condition of the feet alternate with relapses.
intertriginous fungus
This type of fungus on the skin of the feet is the most common.It appears independently or together with the squamous form of pathology.The disease manifests itself as cracks in the skin, around which a white border forms and then the skin begins to peel off.The space between the fingers becomes wet.The patient experiences itching and burning.Superficial skin defects appear, accompanied by severe pain.
The protective functions of the skin are reduced and it becomes loose.This makes it easier for streptococcal infections to penetrate the skin.Purulent inflammations appear, characterized by redness, itching, swelling and severe pain.
Intertriginous fungus is most often characterized by a long-term chronic course of the disease process.In winter the pain usually disappears, but in summer it gets worse again.
Onychomycosis or nail fungus
When the first signs of the disease appear, the patient's task is to contact a dermatologist in a timely manner, who will determine how to eliminate foot fungus.
Onychomycosis of the nails is a more dangerous disease than foot fungus, since it takes much longer to cure.
Types of fungal infection that affect the nail plate:
- Atrophic onychomycosis.First, the nail becomes thinner and then collapses.
- Hypertrophic onychomycosis.The thickness of the nail increases, acquiring a yellow color.Growth in length stops.The nail plate begins to crumble and peel.
- Onychomycosis caused by mold fungi.This pathology does not develop independently.It usually progresses against the background of other diseases.In this case, the nail plate can be painted in any color, from black to green.The periungual fold is often inflamed.
In its advanced form, the disease affects the entire body and even penetrates the internal organs.Pathological changes often begin to develop from the edge of the nail plate.First, stripes, spots and other "patterns" appear.
Treatment methods
Not all patients know how to get rid of foot fungus, but dermatologists do.Treatment consists mainly of blocking the development of a fungal infection.To prevent reinfection of the feet by fungus, a complex treatment is used:
- External therapy course.Antifungal ointments, creams and sprays are used in the treatment.
- A course of treatment with antifungal medications.
- Use of antihistamines.They are taken in case of severe itching and increased sensitivity to irritants that cause allergies.
- A course of vitamin and mineral therapy.
- Antibacterial medications.They are used in case of bacterial infection of the body.
After visiting the doctor, a person will learn how to treat fungus on the nails, heels and between the toes.In advanced forms of the disease, the doctor usually prescribes complex treatment consisting of taking pills and ointments.Systemic medications are prescribed to those patients who have already experienced a severe course of the process.
To treat a fungal infection on your legs at home, use the following popular recipes:
- Wine vinegar.Due to its antiseptic properties, wine vinegar is used for baths.
- Salt and soda.They are dissolved in water in equal quantities and baths are prepared that help eliminate foot fungus.
- Oak bark, calendula inflorescences, blackberries.The affected areas of the feet are washed with a decoction of these medicinal herbs.
The most effective is the complex treatment of fungus using ointments and medications of various pharmacological effects.Treatment will never be necessary if you listen to doctors' recommendations and periodically carry out preventive measures.
Antifungal medications
Fungus on the feet and interdigital spaces is eliminated with effective fungicidal drugs.
Since the fungus can manifest itself in any form, a specialist must select an effective remedy to combat this infection.Some drugs are toxic and can cause adverse reactions;They are taken under the strict supervision of a doctor.A quick and positive result of treatment depends on the correct diagnosis of not only the disease, but also the stage of its development.