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 using traditional recipes.
Fungus and its varieties
Despite the sufficient prevalence of fungi that affect the feet, 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 type of diaper rash of the skin.
- Hypertrophic, atrophic, and normotrophic onychomycosis.The difficulty of treating these diseases lies in the fact that all varieties can be combined with each other.
- Dyshidrotic.Marked by disruption 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 becomes 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 bothered by even itching in the affected area; the skin may not peel off.That is why they turn to a dermatologist only when the legs are affected by the last stage of the disease.
Dyshidrotic fungal infection
Every person who suspects the occurrence of this disease should know what foot fungus of any form of development looks like.This pathology is characterized by the appearance of miniature bubbles on the arch of the foot.Very little time passes, and they unite, turning into large blisters, the shell of which is soon broken and the 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 itch and feel pain.After everything heals, peeling begins.
The most unpleasant disease is the formation of bacterial fungus.In this case, cloudy liquid and pus flow out of the ruptured blisters.At this stage of development of the pathology, there is a slight increase in temperature and unbearable pain.The skin of 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 rim forms, and then the skin begins to peel off.The space between the fingers becomes wet.The patient experiences itching and burning.Superficial defects of the skin appear, accompanied by severe pain.
The protective functions of the skin are reduced and it becomes loose.This facilitates the penetration of streptococcal infections into 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 subsides, but in summer it worsens 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 remove the fungus on the feet.
Onychomycosis of the nails is a more dangerous disease than foot fungus, since it takes much longer to cure.
Types of fungal infection affecting the nail plate:
- Atrophic onychomycosis.First of all, the nail becomes thinner and then collapses.
- Hypertrophic onychomycosis.The thickness of the nail increases, acquiring a yellow color.Length growth 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 often becomes 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 every patient knows how to remove fungus from their feet, but dermatologists know this.Treatment primarily involves blocking the development of a fungal infection.To prevent re-infection of the feet with fungus, complex treatment is used:
- External therapy course.Antifungal ointments, creams, and sprays are used in treatment.
- A course of treatment using antifungal drugs.
- Use of antihistamines.They are taken in case of severe itching and increased sensitivity to irritants that cause allergies.
- A course of therapy with vitamins and minerals.
- Antibacterial drugs.They are used in case of 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 on the legs 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 made into baths that help remove 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 complex treatment of fungus using ointments and medications of various pharmacological effects.Treatment will never be required if you listen to the recommendations of doctors and periodically carry out preventive measures.
Antifungal drugs
Fungus of the feet and interdigital spaces is eliminated with effective fungicidal medications.
Since the fungus can manifest itself in any form, an effective remedy to combat this infection must be selected by a specialist.Some drugs are toxic and can cause adverse reactions; they are taken under the strict supervision of a doctor.A quick positive treatment result depends on the correct diagnosis of not only the disease, but also the stage of its development.