Foot fungus is a skin disease that manifests itself by active reproduction in the epidermis of certain types of fungi. Today, the elderly and children with weakened immune systems are also susceptible to this disease. The signs of fungus on the feet depend on the type of causative agent of the infectious process and the volume of the affected plate of the foot and nail, and at different stages they have certain differences, indicating the progression of the infection. You should be able to recognize the fungus on your feet, which will allow you to start treatment on time and stop its further development.
Symptoms of the disease
The main place for the development of fungus on the feet most often becomes the area between the toes. This pathology is accompanied by the appearance of symptoms such as tingling, severe itching and redness of the epidermis. In addition, a person may notice cracking and flaking of the skin, as well as the formation of blisters on the feet and increased dryness of the dermis.
The same symptoms of fungus on the feet can also occur on the sole, and are accompanied by excessive keratinization of the skin. The insidiousness of such a disease lies in the fact that during its course, it is possible to create fungi that are difficult to treat on the feet, and the wounds themselves are in a state of superinfection.
How to recognize fungus on the feet and what symptoms can signal the beginning of the development of the disease? The first signs of the disease are the appearance of small scales, or various types of peeling, from small pityriasis to large lamellar. There are different types of fungi that cause the development of the disease, but they are all characterized by the same signs:
- In the initial stage of development, the pathology takes place without the appearance of pronounced symptoms. First of all, interdigital folds are affected, most often between the third and fourth fingers.
- As the fungal disease progresses, the sides of the foot are affected, gradually spreading to the ankle.
- With a fungal infection of the feet, the skin noticeably thickens, cracks and begins to glow.
- The skin becomes too dry and starts to itch a lot. In addition, the epidermis becomes very red and the affected areas become inflamed.
- Patients begin to complain of pain and tingling in the feet.
- As the disease progresses to a neglected form, blisters begin to appear on the skin. When opened, the affected areas of the skin become very moisturized and softened.
There are several forms of fungus on the feet, and each of them accompanies the development of certain symptoms.
Forms of pathology
Experts have identified the following types of fungi that can affect the skin on the feet:
- interdigital;
- hyperkeratotic (moccasins);
- dyshydrotic.
The most common form of interdigital fungus on the feet is interdigital, which is characterized by the appearance of certain signs:
- most often the area of the fourth and fifth fingers becomes the site of localization of this form of the fungus.
- as the disease progresses, the skin takes on a characteristic scaly appearance and can crack severely;
- between 3, 4 and 5 a weeping crack or funnel is formed, which is surrounded by scales of dried skin of white or green color.
Interdigital fungal skin lesions can be dry or wet. In case wet interdigital fungus is detected, the skin looks swollen. With a dry lesion of the epidermis, its peeling and falling off is noticed.
The first sign of moccasin-like foot fungus is pain, the manifestation of which is observed in the foot. As the pathology progresses, a gradual thickening of the skin on the sole is observed, which causes the formation of cracks.
This form of fungal disease of the feet is considered the most severe and neglected, but it is easy to recognize. Fungal disease can manifest itself in the defeat of the nail plates, in which case they acquire a characteristic thickening, are prone to crumbling, and may even fall out completely.
The vesicular form of the fungus is characterized by the formation of blisters within which there is a clear fluid. Gradually, such blisters mature, become cloudy and open, causing the formation of erosions of various sizes. The main localization of the blister becomes the area closer to the toes on the sole, but it is possible to get a rash all over the moccasin.
The vesicular form of fungal disease is considered quite rare, but much easier to treat. This is due to the fact that the vesicles become the site of localization of the pathogen, ie they do not penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. When a viral or fungal infection is associated with vesicular fungal disease, serious skin lesions are noticed and treatment becomes difficult.
Experts distinguish the erased form of the fungus on the feet, in which all the symptoms are blurred. Diagnosing such pathology is quite problematic, because the affected skin looks like ordinary messy legs. In patients with such a fungus on the feet, the symptoms are yellow nails and peeling feet, but they are so mild that the patient does not pay attention to them.
The erased form of the fungus takes place in waves, ie in the hot season it gets worse, and in winter it almost completely disappears. With any weakening of the immune system, a sharp worsening of the disease is observed, which creates difficulties in the treatment of foot fungus.
How to recognize onychomycosis?
The signs of nail fungus can vary significantly in different stages, signaling the progression of the infection. How do toenail fungus develop and what signs should I pay attention to?
- In the first phase, there are no characteristic symptoms of the lesion, and barely noticeable streaks and spots appear on the nail. If you ignore the first signs of the disease and start the fungus, then it is possible to accumulate pus in the area of the periungual plates. The result of such a pathological process is gangrene or amputation of the lower extremities.
- With the second degree of fungal disease, the natural shine on the nails disappears. Gradually, the nail changes color and white and brown streaks form on it. Deformation of the upper part of the nail and its lateral parts is possible. The advanced stage of bacterial damage to the nails is characterized by their increased fragility, delamination and inflammation of the cuticle. The pathology continues to progress and spreads to other nails and feet.
- In the third stage of onychomycosis, the nail becomes yellow or dirty brown. In addition, it becomes too loose, thickens and lags behind the nail. Often, when you wear shoes, severe pain begins and the itchy skin becomes simply unbearable.
There are several types of fungal infections of the nails on the feet, each of which causes certain symptoms.
- Hypertrophic onychomycosis is accompanied by thickening of the nail and its yellowing. The nail crumbles well and a thickened epidermis can be seen under it.
- Atrophic onychomycosis causes thinning of the nail and its destruction, and keratinized skin is visible under it.
- Onychomycosis, when affected by molds, often does not develop as an independent disease, but in the background of other pathologies.
The nail can be painted yellow, brown, green or black. Complications often develop in the form of inflammation of the periungual bed with the release of pus.
Prevention of pathology
With the normal functioning of the immune system, it is unlikely that nail fungus will start to develop after the infection, because the body can deal with it on its own. In case the fungal infection still affects the feet and nails, it is necessary to undergo effective treatment. The sooner the fight against such pathology begins, the greater the chances of the patient for complete recovery.
Fighting foot fungus is considered to be quite a laborious process, so it is easier to prevent the development of the disease. To do this, you need to adhere to the following preventive measures:
- keep your feet dry;
- do not wear other people's shoes;
- choose socks that will be made of cotton fabric;
- Don’t run barefoot across the beach.
When the first signs of fungus appear on the feet, you should contact a specialist. It is important to identify the pathology at the very beginning of its development and prevent further progression, which will help to avoid many complications. To understand how to determine the fungus on the feet, you need to consult a dermatologist.