Fungal diseases of the nails and feet are widespread.
Cause
Doctors divide fungal diseases of the feet and nails into two groups. The first includes diseases called epidermophytosis, caused by the Trichophyton interdigitale fungus, the second, rubrophytosis, which occurs when the Trichophyton rubrum fungus multiplies. These fungi can affect both the nail plates and the interdigital folds, the soles and the back of the foot.
Factors that contribute to yeast infection:
- cracks, abrasions in the interdigital folds caused by sweating or dry skin, abrasion, poor drying after water procedures, narrow interdigital spaces, flat feet, tight shoes, etc. ;
- vascular diseases, frostbite of the limbs, standing work, varicose veins, lowered immunity, endocrine diseases, stress;
- professional factors - work in mining companies, in the metallurgical and chemical industries. Nail and toe fungus often affects military personnel and athletes, which is also due to the peculiarities of their profession.
The disease can be transmitted through close contact with the patient or through the objects used. Bathrooms, swimming pools and other public places with high humidity are "dangerous" from the point of view of pollution. There, the ideal "greenhouse" conditions have been created for the fungus: heat and humidity. In addition, the nail plate, made up almost entirely of keratin, is an excellent breeding ground for fungi.
Once on the nail plate, the fungus grows and multiplies very slowly. Gradually, it dissolves the nail, takes its place and spreads to the surrounding skin.
What's happening?
With a fungal infection of the skin of the feet, the process often begins with interdigital folds. Cracks and flaking form in these places. Subsequently, the skin begins to redden and itch occurs. The process usually goes to the dorsum of the foot, the sole and the plantar part of the toes. Other clinical forms of fungal infection are also possible.
Nail fungus manifests as follows:
- Nail color: white, yellow, brown, black. The nail is dull, dull.
- Nail surface: uneven, rough. The nail is crumbling.
- Nail thickness: thickening or thinning / delamination.
- Nail shape: deformed.
- The nail fold: not altered or inflamed.
A significant deformation of the nails and their thickening creates certain difficulties when cutting them. In addition, the pressure of a thick and deformed nail on the underlying tissue (nail bed), as well as the pressure of the shoe on the nail, can cause pain in many cases.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases is carried out by a dermatologist. The doctor will first send you to perform a scraping, to determine the type of fungus and prescribe the necessary treatment. In addition, certain drugs are prescribed based on the general condition of the patient, the presence or absence of other diseases. Therefore, self-medication is ineffective and can sometimes even worsen the course of the disease.
The main danger of fungal foot infection is that the disease will progress all the time. If the fungus is not treated, then starting on one nail, it will spread to others and then to nearby areas of the skin or nails. In rare cases, there is even damage to internal organs.
In addition, the causative agents of this disease, being very strong allergens, can rebuild the sensitivity of the body and, therefore, cause various types of allergic reactions.
Many patients prefer to use the widely advertised antifungal varnishes and ointments. It should be remembered that antifungal varnishes help only in the early stages of the disease and do not affect the entire thickness of the nail; in many cases, it is necessary to take drugs (tablets) inside. In addition, some of the creams act only on the skin, without penetrating the nail. These funds are primarily intended for prevention.
Sometimes people do not go to the doctor for fear of the complete removal of the nail plate. This will not happen because the removal method no longer applies. Powerful antifungal drugs are currently used which, when used correctly, completely kill the fungus.
In the process of treating a fungal infection and after its completion, it is important to disinfect everything that the fungus has come into contact with. Disinfection should be applied to floors, walls, inventory of restrooms, showers, toilets, as well as personal effects of the patient: bedding, shoes, items for the care of the skin and nails.
You can reduce the risk of yeast infection by following the following recommendations:
- use an individual towel;
- wear individual indoor shoes;
- shower after the pool;
- do not wear slippers when visiting;
- do not try barefoot shoes in the store.