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 at the very 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 required, 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 every infected person knows what foot fungus looks like.
Below are the main types of mycoses:
- Squamous or scaly.
- Intertriginous.It is characterized by the appearance of a diaper rash on the 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.It is characterized by a violation of the sweat glands.
At different stages of development, this pathology looks different.Mycosis of the feet is the common name for two diseases: mycosis 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 leg, and after some time the disease spreads to the other.
The skin reddens 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 itching in the affected area;the skin may not peel off.That is why they turn to a dermatologist only when the feet are affected by the last stage of the disease.
Dyshidrotic fungal infection
Every person who suspects the appearance of this disease should know what the foot fungus looks like in any form of development.This pathology is characterized by the appearance of tiny bubbles on the arch of the foot.Very little time passes and they unite, turning into large blisters, the shell of which soon breaks down and superficial damage to the skin becomes visually noticeable.
The pathology can spread to the entire leg with the appearance of areas of diaper rash.In this case, the patient begins to itch and feels pain.After everything heals, peeling begins.
The most unpleasant disease is the formation of bacterial fungi.In this case, the ruptured blisters ooze cloudy fluid and pus.At this stage of the development of the pathology, a slight increase in temperature and unbearable pain is observed.The skin of the legs swells.
The process of dyshidrotic form of mycosis can last several months.Periods of improvement in the condition of the legs alternate with relapses.
Intertriginous fungus
This type of fungus on the skin of the feet is the most common.It occurs independently or together with the squamous form of pathology.The disease manifests itself as cracks on the skin, around which a white border forms, after which 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 relaxed.This facilitates the penetration of streptococcal infections into the skin.Purulent inflammations appear, characterized by redness, itching, swelling and severe pain.
Intertriginous fungi are most often characterized by a long chronic course of the disease process.In winter the pain usually subsides, 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, and he will determine how to eliminate foot fungus.
Onychomycosis of the nails is a more dangerous disease than foot fungus, because treatment takes much longer.
Types of fungal infections affecting the nail plate:
- Atrophic onychomycosis.First, the nail thins 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 molds.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 an advanced form, the disease affects the entire organism and even penetrates the internal organs.Pathological changes often begin to develop from the edge of the nail plate.Stripes, spots and other "patterns" appear first.
Methods of treatment
Not every patient knows how to get rid of foot fungus, but dermatologists do.Treatment primarily involves blocking the development of a fungal infection.To prevent re-infection of the feet with fungus, a complex treatment is used:
- A course of external therapy.Antifungal ointments, creams and sprays are used in the treatment.
- A course of treatment with antifungal drugs.
- Use of antihistamines.They are taken for severe itching and increased sensitivity to irritants that cause allergies.
- A course of therapy with vitamins and minerals.
- Antibacterial drugs.They are used for bacterial infection of the body.
After visiting a 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 with taking pills and using ointments.Systemic drugs are prescribed to those patients who have already experienced a severe course of the process.
To treat a fungal infection of the feet at home, use the following folk 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 made, which help to eliminate foot fungus.
- Oak bark, marigold blossoms, blackberries.The affected areas of the legs are washed with a decoction of these medicinal herbs.
The most effective is the complex treatment of fungi using ointments and drugs with different pharmacological effects.Treatment will never be necessary if you listen to the recommendations of doctors and periodically carry out preventive measures.
Antifungal drugs
Fungi on the feet and interdigital spaces are eliminated with effective fungicidal drugs.
Since the fungus can manifest itself in any form, an effective means of combating this infection must be chosen by a specialist.Some drugs are toxic and can cause side effects;they are taken under the strict supervision of a doctor.The quick positive result of the treatment depends on the correct diagnosis not only of the disease, but also of the stage of its development.