Causes, symptoms and treatment of foot fungus
What is foot fungus?
Foot fungus is a mycotic lesion of the skin of the interdigital spaces with the possibility of including toenails in the pathological process (onychomycosis) and further spreading to other parts of the human body. This disease is caused by infection of the skin of the legs with microscopic fungi - dermatophyte, yeast and mold. Any fungal skin lesions can be combined into a group of diseases called "dermatomycosis". See also: Causes and symptoms of dermatomyositis.
According to statistics, fungal diseases of the feet only in Russia affect 20% of the total population of the country. Almost 500 species of mycotic organisms that exist in nature represent a potential danger to humans. All of them, under certain conditions, are capable of parasitizing on the human body and inside it, contributing to the development of local and systemic fungal pathologies.
Fungal infection of the feet causes a change in the structure of the skin, and later on the nails. The severity of the symptoms will depend on the type of fungus that led to the disease. Often, the pathology is accompanied by peeling, layering of skin scales, severe itching. The addition of inflammation is possible.
Content:
- What is foot fungus?
- Foot fungus symptoms
- Causes of the appearance of foot fungus
- Why is foot fungus dangerous?
- Foot fungus treatment
- Inexpensive but effective medications for the treatment of foot fungus
- Alternative treatment for foot fungus
- Prevention and care of feet with fungal infection
Foot fungus symptoms
The symptoms of foot fungus will depend on the type of pathogen and the degree of involvement of the skin and nails in the pathological process.
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Symptoms of the fungus of the foot when affected by red trichophyton:
Image - The disease manifests itself as a lesion of the interdigital folds. Moreover, the initial place of localization of rubrophytosis is the closest folds of the feet - between the third and fourth toes. After that, the soles, lateral and dorsal surfaces of the feet are sequentially involved in the pathological process, the infection can pass to the palms and nails;
- The skin becomes dry and thickened. The formation of furrows is characteristic. As the disease progresses, the stratum corneum thickens to coarse corns, cracks become deeper, painful sensations join;
- Flaky or lamellar peeling of the skin;
- Most of the patients complain of itching that bothers them;
- An erased clinical picture is possible with exudative variants of rubrophytosis, including intertriginous (occurring as diaper rash), dyshidrotic (with the appearance of blisters) and mixed interginous-dyshidrotic lesions. The cracks between the fingers are subtle, the peeling is superficial, itching is easy. In this form, the disease can persist for a long time, so a person often does not seek medical help;
- Sometimes leukonychia is observed - the appearance of white stripes and spots on the nails;
- In addition to the feet, large skin folds, for example, gluteal, inguinal, under the mammary glands, can be affected by the fungus;
- Fungus of the feet occurs with multiple lesions of the nail plates.
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Symptoms of the foot fungus in case of defeat with interdigital trichophyton:
- Most often, the third and fourth interdigital folds are affected, as well as the sole of the foot, its lateral surface, toes and arch;
- The inflammatory process is pronounced, resembles the above-described foot fungus, but it never proceeds hidden;
- Peeling is often accompanied by exudative phenomena;
- Development of allergic reactions with rashes on the trunk, face and extremities is possible;
- The defeat of the nails is single, it is observed more often on the first and fifth toes.
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Symptoms of the foot fungus depending on the clinical form of the disease:
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With the erased form of the fungus, peeling is small, often it occurs only in one interdigital fold. Cracks are small, inconspicuous, superficial. The patient does not feel discomfort, does not go to the doctor;
- In the squamous form, the lateral surface of the feet and the folds between the toes peel off. Inflammation is not observed, sometimes hyperemia of the skin is possible, which is accompanied by itching. On the soles, the skin is lichenized, due to the thickening of the stratum corneum, the effect of its varnish sheen is created. In the area of natural skin furrows, lamellar peeling is observed, an increase in the skin pattern is noticeable. Nevertheless, the patient does not experience any anxiety about the condition of the skin of the legs, except, possibly, an aesthetic defect;
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With the hyperkeratotic form of the foot fungus, dry and flat papules with cyanotic plaques form on its arches. In the center of these rashes, scaly layers are formed, which have a grayish-white tint, and along their periphery there are borders with exfoliating epidermis. On closer inspection, bubbles can be visualized. Existing rashes tend to merge with the formation of large lesions and the gradual capture of the entire sole. The clinical picture may resemble psoriasis. See also: Psoriasis - stages, causes, symptoms. The skin is dry, moderate itching may occur, sometimes patients complain of sore feet;
- With the intertriginous form of the disease, the clinical manifestations are similar to those of diaper rash. The folds most often are between the third and fourth, and between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin in these places turns red, swells, maceration develops. Erosions can be deep and painful enough. The rounded borders of the affected area, their sharp severity, and the presence of whitish epithelium along the periphery allow differentiating fungal infection from diaper rash. Itching, soreness and burning are common subjective symptoms of this form of the disease;
- With the dyshidrotic form of the foot fungus, a lot of blisters appear on the skin with a thickening on top. Most often they are localized on the arch of the foot. Capture of large areas of the sole, interdigital folds is possible. When the blisters are opened, pinkish-red erosions form on the skin, which continue to get wet. As the inflammation intensifies, hyperemia and edema increase, which makes the dyshidrotic form of the foot fungus similar to acute eczema. See also: Causes and symptoms of eczema on the leg.
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Symptoms of the fungus of the foot when infected with fungi of the genus Candida:
- The skin is hyperemic and edematous;
- The lesion is surrounded by a rim of exfoliated epidermis;
- On the periphery, there are vesicles with serous contents and small pustules.
Trichophyton red rarely affects children, which scientists associate with a high rate of regeneration of the skin and nail plates. In adolescence, the disease is diagnosed in 17% of cases, with young men suffering more often.
Foot fungus is a chronic disease that tends to relapse frequently. A monotonous flow of dry type is typical for elderly patients. Exacerbations mainly occur at a young and mature age. Often a fungus is defined as a long-term process, with infection occurring in early youth.
Causes of the appearance of foot fungus
Foot fungus is an infectious disease. More often than others, fungal infection of the feet is caused by fungi belonging to the group of dermatophytosis. These are ascomycete mold fungi, 30 species of which are capable of provoking a disease - rubrophytosis or rubromycosis. They account for more than 70% of cases of foot fungus.
About 10% of the world's population suffers from athlete's foot, which is triggered by the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It is possible that the skin of the feet is affected by mold and yeast-like fungi, but this happens much less often - in about 1.5% of cases.
The following reasons for the appearance of foot fungus are possible:
- Most healthy people (up to 28%) become infected with foot fungus while visiting public places. It can be not only saunas, swimming pools, baths, but also sports clubs, fitness centers;
- Intrafamilial infection of the foot fungus is possible in the presence of a sick relative who avoids treatment. Most often these are relatives of the elderly and older age. The use of shared towels, slippers, personal hygiene products, baths, showers, foot mats - all this increases the risks of intra-family infection
- A decrease in immunity leads to an increase in the number of patients with mycosis among the elderly. Moreover, men most often get sick, and their foot fungus is combined with onychomycosis. See also: Onychomycosis - Causes and Prevention;
- Deterioration of the ecological situation and neglect of hygiene rules can be provoking factors;
- Uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs, immunosuppressants, cytostatics, glucocorticoids - all this leads to an increased risk of developing mycotic infection;
- Occupational risk factors. The possibility of infection among the service personnel is high - these are workers in saunas, baths, showers, swimming pools. The risk group also includes athletes, miners, metallurgists, and military personnel;
- General lifestyle;
- Existing somatic pathologies;
- Vascular disease;
- Overweight;
- Foot pathology;
- Diabetes mellitus, and the risk arises with a symptom of a diabetic foot;
- Injury to the skin of the feet also increases the risk of fungal infestation. Possible injuries include calluses, corns, hallux valgus, osteoarthritis.
Why is foot fungus dangerous?
If there is no treatment for the fungus of the foot for a long time, then this is dangerous with the development of serious consequences.
First of all, as a result of the influence of mycotic organisms and the influence of their metabolic products (pigments, toxins, enzymes, antibiotics), polyvalent sensitization develops. As a result, the number of allergic manifestations from the skin, blood vessels and mucous membranes increases. Complications from such allergic reactions are greatly intensified and more frequent. Formed drug resistance and intolerance to antibacterial drugs, especially the penicillin series.
The existing hay fever becomes more pronounced, the same applies to vasculitis. Mycogenic sensitization can aggravate the course of various forms of dermatitis (atopic and seborrheic), as well as other skin pathologies: hemoderma, psoriasis, dermatoses.
In addition, pathogens can easily penetrate through cracks and erosion formed on the skin. Patients with foot fungus are three times more likely to suffer from pyoderma and erysipelas, accompanied by lymphostasis and elephantiasis. An additional danger of such bacterial complications lies in the fact that they are extremely difficult to treat with antibacterial drugs. This is due to acquired resistance resulting from prolonged exposure to bacteria of antibiotic substances produced by fungi.
Another danger that untreated foot fungus poses is an increased risk of developing plantar warts. They very often form in places of presence of corns and hyperkeratosis. This is due to a drop in local immunity, which is unable to control the growth and development of papillomaviruses.
Foot fungus treatment
For the treatment of foot fungus, the following drugs are used:
Griseofulvin
The main effect that allows you to get rid of foot fungus is fungistatic effect. That is, as a result of the use of this drug, mycotic organisms cease to multiply.
Release form:
- 0.125 mg tablets;
- As part of a combined ointment called Grimelan;
- In the form of a suspension for oral administration (100 ml);
- In the form of an ointment.
Scheme of taking the tablet form: The first 30 days of treatment are taken once a day at the rate of 16 mg per kilogram of body weight. For the next 30 days, the dosage does not change, but it is taken every other day. The treatment regimen for the third month is similar to the second, completion as healthy nails grow back.
Scheme of using the ointment: Lubricate the affected areas for 14 days. The effect of therapy is absent in candidal lesions.
Possible contraindications:
- Liver pathology;
- Kidney pathology;
- Oncological processes in the body;
- The period of childbearing and breastfeeding;
- Leukocyte insufficiency.
Terbinafine
Other names of the drug: Lamisil, Binafin, Thermikon, Terbinox.
It has a pronounced antifungal activity. The drug has a detrimental effect on all groups of mycotic organisms, including fungi of the genus Candida.
Release form:
- In the form of tablets (0.25 g or 0.125 g);
- In the form of a cream;
- In the form of a spray for topical application;
- In the form of an oral solution.
- Scheme of taking the tablet form: Adults take the drug up to 2 times a day for 14 - 45 days (dosage 0.25 g). For children up to 40 kg, a dosage of 0.125 g is shown, up to 20 kg a dosage of -, 0625 g
Scheme of using the ointment: Local application involves rubbing the composition into damaged areas up to 2 times a day. Treatment can last from 7 days to 6 weeks.
Possible contraindications:
- Severe liver and kidney pathologies;
- Hematological diseases;
- Malignant tumors;
- Angiopathy of the vessels of the legs, obliterating endarteritis;
- The period of lactation and bearing of the fetus.
Fluconazole
Other names of the drug: Diflazon, Medoflucon, Mikosist, Diflucan, Flucoral, Mikomax, Flucostat, Flucoric, Flumed, Flumikon, Flusenil, Florcan.
Possesses high activity against Candida fungi.
Release form:
- In the form of tablets of 0.2;
- In the form of capsules of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 1.5 g;
- In the form of a syrup;
- In the form of a solution for intravenous administration.
Scheme of taking the tablet form: Take 1 time in seven days at a dosage of 150 mg, or once a day at a dosage of 50 mg. The course of treatment is 1.5 months.
Possible contraindications:
- Age up to 4 years;
- Joint reception with astemizole and terfenadine;
- Severe kidney and liver pathologies;
- The period of gestation.
Sertaconazole
Other names of the drug: Sertamikol, Zilain.
Possesses broad antimycotic activity against yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida and against gram-positive streptococci and staphylococci. Able to have fungistatic and fungicidal effects.
Release form:
- In the form of candles;
- In the form of a solution;
- In the form of a cream.
Scheme of using the ointment: The cream is applied up to 2 times a day in a thin layer. The course of treatment is one month.
Possible contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to drug components;
- During lactation, it is forbidden to apply the cream to the mammary glands.
Itraconazole
Other names of the drug: Irunin, Canazol, Canditral, Orgunal, Sporanox.
Allows you to fight dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. Some strains of fungi show resistance to the main active ingredient.
Release form: Produced in the form of capsules of 0.1 g and in the form of a solution for oral administration.
Scheme of taking the tablet form: Take after meals, up to 2 times a day for 14 days (possibly an increase in the duration of treatment). With onychomycosis, treatment is course.
Possible contraindications:
- Heart failure;
- Breastfeeding period;
- The period of bearing a child;
- Liver and kidney pathologies;
- Peripheral neuropathy;
- Severe pulmonary pathologies;
- Elderly and children's age.
Econazole
Other names of the drug: Ifenek, Ekalin, Gino-Pevaril, Ekodax.
Has a wide antimycotic spectrum of action, is capable of bactericidal and fungicidal effects. It is active against mold and yeast fungi, as well as against dermatophytes. Recommended for use when fungi are resistant to other drugs.
Release form:
- In the form of a cream;
- Lotion form;
- In the form of a solution for topical use;
- In aerosol form.
Scheme of using the ointment: The drug is applied to dry skin of the feet up to 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 14 days, with high keratinization of the surface of the feet, it can be increased up to 6 weeks.
Possible contraindications:
- Age under 18;
- Individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
- The period of bearing a child.
Natamycin
Other names of the drug: Pimafucin, Pimafukort.
Possesses activity against all groups of mycotic organisms capable of provoking foot fungus.
Release form:
- In the form of a cream;
- In the form of a suspension for topical application;
- Pimafucin is available in suppositories and tablets, but is used to treat fungal infections of the intestines and female genital organs.
Scheme of using the ointment: The drug is applied to damaged skin 1 time or more a day. The course of therapy can be extended up to a month.
Possible contraindications: Hypersensitivity to drug components.
Clotrimazole
Other names of the drug: Vicaderm, Candide B, Antifungin, Imidil, Lotrimin, Kandibene, Yenamazole, Kandil, Canisol, Kanesten, Clomazole, Lotrimin, Clofan, Factodin, Funginal, Fungizid, Fungitsip.
The drug is a broad spectrum of action, which is the basis for many antimycotic drugs. Only local application is possible.
Release form:
- In the form of an ointment;
- In the form of a cream;
- Lotion form;
- In aerosol form.
Scheme of using the ointment: The drug is applied to clean, dry soles up to 3 times a day. The maximum course of treatment is a month or plus 3 weeks after the disappearance of all symptoms of the disease.
Contraindications: First trimester of pregnancy.
Naftifine Hydrochloride
Other names of the drug: Fetimin, Exoderil.
The drug is effective against all groups of mycotic organisms that cause fungal infections of the feet. In addition, it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Release form:
- In the form of a cream;
- In the form of a solution for external application.
Scheme of using the ointment: The drug is applied to clean skin of the feet up to 2 times a day. The course of treatment is up to 2 months. If onychomycosis is detected in parallel, then therapy can be extended up to 8 months.
Possible contraindications:
- Childhood;
- The period of bearing a child;
- Breastfeeding period.
Treatment of foot fungus with folk remedies
Effective treatment of foot fungus is possible only with the use of drugs. Folk remedies are applicable only after consulting a doctor and act as adjuncts.
Read more: Folk remedies for toenail fungus
Inexpensive but effective medications for the treatment of foot fungus
Inexpensive but effective drugs for the treatment of foot fungus include:
- Sanguirithrin tablets (price not more than 100 rubles);
- Nogtevit and Nogtimycin are drugs that allow you to get rid of onychomycosis, which accompanies the fungus of the foot in 77% of cases. The price of these funds does not exceed 120 rubles;
- Fluconazole tablets for 140 rubles;
- Fungavis tablets with the main active ingredient ketoconazole (120 rubles);
- Ointment Mikozoral based on ketoconazole - up to 180 rubles;
- Fundizol ointment - 100 rubles;
- Terbinafin cream and ointment, Atifin cream, Exifin cream, Thermikon cream. All these drugs are made on the basis of terbinafine and cost no more than 200 rubles;
- Bifosin cream based on bifonazole - up to 40 rubles;
- Creolin ointment for the treatment of onychomycosis - 160 rubles.
Alternative treatment for foot fungus
Hydrogen peroxide has many medicinal properties, including antiseptic and antibacterial effects. It has no contraindications, as proved by Professor Neumyvakin, who in his book “Hydrogen peroxide. Myths and Reality”described in detail and accessible to the reader the effects and mechanism of action of this remedy.
For the treatment of nail fungus, the professor also recommends using hydrogen peroxide. To get the maximum effect, it is necessary to soften the nails in a soda solution (a teaspoon of soda is taken per liter of hot water). When the nails become soft, a cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide is applied to the diseased plate. The disc must first be shaped like a sore nail. If possible, peroxide should be instilled into the nail cavity up to 3 times a day.
The dwell time of a cotton swab is up to 1 hour for feet and up to 15 minutes for hands. Enough two procedures per day. In order for the tampon to remain soaked in peroxide throughout the entire time, the finger must be wrapped in cellophane or put on a fingertip.
After the tampon is removed, there may be a burning sensation and discomfort. To eliminate these symptoms, you just need to rinse your finger with water.
Peroxide compresses can be replaced with foot baths. To do this, a small amount of the product is diluted in water (per liter, two tablespoons of peroxide in a 3% concentration). Then the legs or arms affected by the fungus are lowered into the bath for 15 minutes. The effect of the treatment with peroxide can be detected already after 4 days.
Read more: How does hydrogen peroxide help to quickly cure toenail fungus?
Prevention and care of feet with fungal infection
Disease prevention is reduced to performing the following actions:
- It is necessary to maintain the state of the immune system at the proper level. To do this, it is worth giving up malnutrition, from prolonged and uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs. Prevention and timely treatment of chronic infections, hypovitaminosis, avoidance of stress and overwork - all this will have a positive effect on the body's defenses;
- It is necessary to get rid of diseases that can lead to foot fungus. Among such diseases are flat feet, injuries to the skin of the legs, including improper pedicure, corns. It is important to avoid excessive sweating of the legs, since a humid environment is most favorable for the development of pathogenic flora;
- Contact with fungi should be excluded. When visiting any public places, you need to use only personal belongings, it is forbidden to wear any other people's shoes and socks, to wipe yourself with non-own towels or wash with a common washcloth;
- When there is a fungus patient in the house, it is necessary to insist on his compulsory treatment and make sure that he observes the rules of foot care;
- All people require timely and high-quality foot hygiene;
- If signs of illness are found, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist or mycologist as soon as possible.
When detecting a foot fungus, you need to adhere to the following rules of care, which will not infect people around you:
- Slippers must be closed. You cannot even walk barefoot around the house. The infection can be transmitted through microscopic skin scales, which are easily separated from diseased feet and remain on the floor;
- Shoes must be treated with antimycotic agents up to 2 times a day, for example, Gibitan, acetic acid in 40% solution or formaldehyde in 25% solution. It will not be possible to rid the shoes of the fungus by exposing them to sunlight or heating on a battery;
- You need to wash your belongings separately from things belonging to healthy family members;
- Feet should be washed daily and anti-fungal medications prescribed by a doctor should be used;
- After taking a bath, rinse it with hot water and additionally treat it with a disinfectant;
- Daily wet cleaning in the apartment and airing the room are important;
- Socks should be changed as often as possible, feet should be dry;
- When the course of treatment is completed, you should get rid of all socks, shoes and personal hygiene products that the sick person previously used.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy". Useful articles on the topic of fungus: Toenail fungus - stages, symptoms, how to get rid of?
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