Foot mycosis 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 early in its development.This way you can get rid of it more quickly and easily.In this case, no special treatment, much less surgical intervention, will be necessary.For mild manifestations of fungal activity, it is enough to use antifungal ointments or traditional recipe baths.
Fungus and its varieties
Despite the sufficient prevalence of fungi that affect the feet, not all infected people know what foot fungus looks like.
Below are the main types of mycoses:
- Flaky or scaly.
- Intertriginous.It is characterized by the type of 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.Marked by rupture of 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, which develop in the same way.
Squamous ringworm
In the initial stage, the fungus manifests itself as a lesion on one foot and after a while the disease spreads to the other.
The skin turns red and then peels.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.That's why they only see a dermatologist when their legs are affected by the last stage of the disease.
Dyshidrotic fungal infection
Each person who suspects the occurrence of this disease should know what foot fungus looks like in any form of development.This pathology is characterized by the appearance of miniature blisters on the arch of the foot.Very little time passes and they come together, transforming into large blisters, the shell of which soon breaks and superficial damage to the skin becomes visually noticeable.
The pathology can spread throughout the leg with the appearance of areas of diaper rash.In this case, the patient begins to feel itching and pain.After everything has healed, peeling begins.
The most unpleasant disease is the formation of bacterial fungi.In this case, cloudy liquid and pus come out of the ruptured blisters.At this stage in the development of pathology, there is a slight increase in temperature and unbearable pain.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.Appears independently or together with the squamous form of the 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 feels itching and burning.Superficial skin defects appear, accompanied by severe pain.
The protective functions of the skin are reduced and it becomes saggy.This makes it easier for streptococcal infections to penetrate the skin.Purulent inflammations appear, characterized by redness, itching, swelling and intense pain.
Intertriginous fungus is most often characterized by a long-term chronic course of the disease process.In winter, the pain usually lessens, 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 remove the fungus from the feet.
Onychomycosis of the nails is a more dangerous disease than foot fungus, as it takes much longer to cure.
Types of fungal infection that affect the nail plate:
- Atrophic onychomycosis.Firstly, the nail becomes thinner and then crumbles.
- Hypertrophic onychomycosis.The thickness of the nail increases, taking on a yellowish color.Length growth stops.The nail plate begins to crumble and peel off.
- 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 nailfold fold often becomes inflamed.
In its advanced form, the disease affects the entire body and even penetrates internal organs.Pathological changes usually begin to develop from the edge of the nail plate.First, stripes, spots and other “patterns” appear.
Treatment methods
Not every patient knows how to remove fungus from their feet, but dermatologists do.Treatment mainly involves blocking the development of a fungal infection.To prevent re-infection of the feet with fungi, a complex treatment is used:
- External therapy course.Antifungal ointments, creams and sprays are used in 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 consulting 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 a complex treatment involving taking pills and using ointments.Systemic medications are prescribed to patients who have already gone through a severe course of the process.
To treat a fungal infection on the legs at home, use the following popular recipes:
- Wine vinegar.Due to its antiseptic properties, wine vinegar is used in baths.
- Salt and soda.They are dissolved in water in equal amounts and made into baths that help remove foot fungus.
- Oak bark, marigold 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 with ointments and drugs with various pharmacological effects.Treatment will never be necessary if you follow doctors' recommendations and take preventive measures periodically.
Antifungal medications
Fungus on the feet and interdigital spaces is eliminated with effective fungicidal medicines.
Since the fungus can manifest itself in any form, an effective remedy to combat this infection must be chosen by a specialist.Some medications are toxic and can cause adverse reactions;they are taken under strict supervision of a doctor.A quick positive result of treatment depends on the correct diagnosis of not only the disease, but also the stage of its development.