We talk about what is mycosis, what are the symptoms of lesions on part of the skin and nails characteristic of this disease and how the fungus can be treated.
What is mycosis?
Mycosis, or fungus, is an infectious disease with a high degree of infection caused by parasitic fungi. It can affect humans and animals. The infection affects the skin of the face and body, the scalp, the mucous membranes (including the internal organs) and the nail plates.
The disease is prone to relapse, so it can be difficult to recover from the fungus without consulting a doctor.
Causes of fungi
Fungal infection can occur by direct contact with the carrier of the infection or surfaces and objects where spores of pathogenic fungi are located. Some fungal pathogens are considered opportunistic, for example, the genus Candida. This means that they live in the body and sometimes even bring benefits, but in certain situations they cause disease.
However, harmful fungi do not always cause disease. Usually, the immune system of a healthy person easily copes with a fungal infection, preventing it from spreading throughout the body. What are the prerequisites for the development of mycoses?
Decreased immunity
Like any infection, the fungus is more likely to infect people with a weakened immune system. People who have recently had an infectious disease and have been taking antibacterial agents for a long time are at high risk of mycosis. Also, cancer patients treated with cytostatics are prone to fungal infections. This includes people with immune deficiencies such as HIV and AIDS.
Disrespect of personal hygiene
The fungus often attacks people who neglect personal hygiene - do not use a single foot towel, do not wear flip-flops in the shower of the gym or by the pool, try on shoes in the store without socks.
Mycosis can be contracted in beauty salons if the masters do not process the manicure and pedicure tools properly.
Certain chronic diseases
Especially those associated with poor healing of skin lesions - wounds, blisters, cracks. For example, the skin of people with diabetes is more brittle and regeneration processes are slower. Injured areas become the door to fungal infections and more.
Individual characteristics
These include excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), which develops on its own or as a symptom of a disease. The structural characteristics of the feet play an important role - the narrow interdigital space in combination with hyperhidrosis creates favorable conditions for the development of the fungus.
Wearing tight shoes also predisposes to the appearance of fungus, as it causes the formation of blisters and injures the nail plate.
Types of mushrooms
There is currently no single classification of mycoses, but fungal diseases are most often taken into account in terms of the prevalence of the process. Superficial mycoses include:
- keratomycosis - the fungus is found only in the uppermost (stratum corneum) layer of the skin of the face and body (versicolor versicolor);
- dermatomycosis / dermatophytosis - covers the epidermis, dermis, hair follicles and nails (onychomycosis);
- candidiasis - mycosis of the mucous membrane ("thrush"), skin folds caused by the fungus Candida.
Systemic mycoses include not only the skin and mucous membranes, but also internal organs (histoplasmas).
According to the origin of the causes of fungal infections are divided into:
- yeast,
- moldy
- domiformes.
Of these, they are only the first part of the normal human microflora. Other fungi act as pathogens.
It is possible to reliably determine the type of fungal pathogen using laboratory diagnostics - stains or scrapings from the affected tissues. In systemic fungal diseases, a blood test is an element of diagnosis. Examinations will help rule out pathologies with similar symptoms, such as fungal T-cell lymphoma of the skin.
Signs of skin mycoses and fungus on the nails
The course of fungal disease is mainly due to the diversity of the causative fungus itself. But, in general, superficial mycoses have similar damage symptoms. Cutaneous mycoses are characterized by symptoms such as:
- discoloration of the skin due to fungal disease - redness or discoloration of the affected tissues;
- the formation of scaly or weeping spots and plaques, which may merge into one as the disease progresses;
- itching in the focus of inflammation;
- appearance of crusts.
When the scalp is affected, hair loss and brittleness are observed. Dandruff can also be caused by fungal infections. On the face, the fungus is often noticed in the crease of the upper eyelid.
When the feet are affected by mycosis, painful cracks, burning, itchy blisters, thickening and tightening of the skin are observed. Occasionally there may be an unpleasant odor when a lesion occurs. The skin between the fingers is the most sensitive place for fungus. If the disease is accompanied by a bacterial infection, purulent ulcers appear on the skin.
Symptoms of onychomycosis: what does a damaged nail look like?
- the affected nail during the disease changes color to yellow, black, brown or other shade;
- the nail plate becomes brittle, thickened or, conversely, becomes thinner;
- the nail often separates from the bed, forming a "pocket";
- change in the relief or shape of the nail plate in case of illness;
- inflammation of adjacent tissues (periungual folds).
Toenails, especially on the big toes, will be more often affected by onychomycosis than on the hands.
Preparations for the treatment of fungi: how to choose
Drugs to prevent and treat fungal infections are called antifungals. According to the mechanism of action directed against fungi, antifungals can be divided into two types:
- fungicidal - destroy slow fungal infections;
- fungistatic - inhibit the activity of microorganisms (but do not kill) and prevent the spread of infection.
The strength of the drug itself directly depends on the sensitivity of a particular fungus to the drug, as well as on the dosage of the drug itself. Therefore, one and the same agent can show both fungicidal and fungistatic properties against different fungi-pathogens. But antifungal drugs, like many antibiotics, are often versatile and have a broad spectrum of action.
Oral administration of drugs for the treatment of fungal diseases is justified in cases where the infection:
- does not respond to local therapy,
- is systemic,
- affects internal organs. In the most advanced cases, antifungals are prescribed in injectable solutions.
An example of an effective drug that treats systemic fungal lesions and extensive superficial skin and nail diseases is fluconazole. Release forms - tablets, capsules, powders for suspensions, liquids for injections.
Therefore, for the effective treatment of skin mycoses and nail fungus it is better to use drugs for external use, because they have no systemic effect and cause almost no side effects. Local remedies come in the form of:
- fats;
- creams;
- drip solutions (including nails);
- spray solutions;
- antifungal varnishes.
Before using antifungal medications, you must read the instructions or consult a doctor.
Remedies for fungal infections of the skin of the body and feet
The review of drugs for the treatment of fungus on the scalp, body and feet, as well as nails is for informational purposes only. Data on antifungal drugs are taken from official instructions. Before using them, you must study the note or consult your doctor.
Clotrimazole
Antifungal drug for external use. The effect on pathogenic fungi is dose-dependent.
- In small concentrations the drug has a fungistatic effect, in large concentrations it has a fungicidal effect.
- Effective against dermatomycetes, yeast and mold-like fungi, pink lichen pathogens and some bacteria. In susceptible fungi, drug resistance with clotrimazole is relatively rare.
- As a topical remedy, the drug is used in the treatment of fungal lesions of smooth skin, interdigital cracks on the legs, secondary complicated mycoses, diaper rash fungus on the skin.
- The duration of topical drug treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the efficacy of the treatment, and the specific form of release.
In gynecological practice, it is used in the treatment of thrush, as well as disinfectant before childbirth.
Examples of drugs with clotrimazole for the treatment of fungal diseases of the skin of the body and legs
Creamapply 2-3 times a day in a thin layer on cleansed areas of skin. Treatment of dermatomycosis lasts at least 4 weeks, pityriasis versicolor - 1 - 2 weeks. In fungal diseases of the skin of the feet, the course is continued for 2 weeks after the removal of the symptoms of the lesion.
Powderit should be applied to the skin 3-4 times a day, while improvements are noticeable after 3-5 days of treatment. To prevent recurrence of the disease or complications of the fungus, they are also used within 2 weeks after recovery.
The solutionfor external use, double application to the affected areas during the day is required.
Compared to a creamy texture, the fat needs to be absorbed more into the skin but softens the crust.
Creamwhich in addition to clotrimazole includes the glucocorticoid beclomethasone, which relieves itching and inflammation on the affected areas of the skin, has an antiallergic effect and reduces exudation (release of fluid from wounds).
It is intended for the treatment of advanced and uncomplicated mycoses of various parts of the body, the skin of the feet, including those with eczema. The product is applied to the prepared skin 2 to 3 times a day.
- Cream containing three active ingredients - clotrimazole, beclomethasone and gentamicin. The latter is an antibiotic.
- The cream is used for secondarily infected dermatoses, dermatomycosis and epidermophytosis of the hands, feet and soles twice a day.
- The duration of the cream is not longer than 4 weeks.
Terbinafine
A drug with a predominantly fungicidal effect against dermatophytes, molds, yeasts and yeast-like fungi. It can be used internally for systemic diseases and externally.
- Terbinafine tablets are used for mycoses of the scalp, fungi of the skin and nails, frequent skin lesions with fungi, candidiasis of the mucous membranes and epidermis.
- Externally, the drug is used to treat and prevent dermatomycosis of the smooth skin of the body, including the legs and feet, groin area, diaper rash, fungal infections, pityriasis versicolor.
Examples of terbinafine products for the treatment of fungal skin diseases
Creamcan be used from 12 years. In the treatment of mycoses of the skin of the trunk, legs and feet, it is applied once a day for 1 week. If skin roughness, cracks, itching and peeling appear on the feet, the treatment is extended to 2 weeks, 1-2 times a day. A similar scheme is for candidiasis of the skin and colored lichen.
For diaper rash, gauze can be placed over the top, especially at night, to reduce discomfort.
Aerosolthe duration of treatment of fungus on the skin is reduced to 1 week (1 time per day), but it is suitable only for adults. The skin must be thoroughly moisturized so that the product is applied in sufficient quantity.
Dermgelit is used for fungi in the same way as a spray. It is chosen with increased sweating of the feet, as it has a drying effect due to its high alcohol content. In addition, the consistency of the gel in the drug has a cooling effect, which relieves itching.
Naftifin
Antifungal with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action. Promotes the rapid disappearance of itching and inflammation. The fungicidal and fungistatic action depends on the strain of the pathogen.
It is used in the treatment of nail fungus, pityriasis versicolor, mycosis of large folds and feet, bacterially complicated fungi.
Examples of drugs with naftifine for the treatment of fungal diseases of the skin of the body
Creams and solutions for external use.
The method of application of both forms is the same: the preparations are applied to dried and cleansed skin on the affected area, taking 1 cm of healthy tissue. In dermatomycosis and candidiasis of the skin, treatment lasts up to 4 weeks, if necessary it can be extended to 8 weeks.
Ketoconazole
Antimycotic with fungicidal and fungistatic action. It has antibacterial action against streptococci and staphylococci. It is used for dermatomycosis of smooth skin and scalp, inguinal folds, candidiasis.
Means for treating nail fungus
In the treatment of fungus on the nails are often used special medicinal varnishes. The composition of many of them as active substances includes amorolfine, an effective agent for external use with a wide spectrum of action.
This drug shows fungicidal and fungistatic action by destroying the cell membrane of fungi. After application, the product soaks the nail and penetrates the bed during the day. Therapeutic concentration in the nail is reached 7 to 10 days after the first application.
Degree of fungal infection:
- should not affect more than 2/3 of the nail surface;
- if the prevalence of nail fungus is higher, consult your doctor for an effective antifungal tablet.
Before applying the product, you must remove the top layer from the affected areas using the files that are usually included in the kit. Files should not be used on healthy nails.
After preparing the plate, thoroughly treat the surface with an alcohol swab to further disinfect, degrease and remove sanded nail particles. Using an applicator, completely cover the nail with an even layer of varnish. The drying time of the nails is approximately 3 minutes. Avoid applying the composition to adjacent soft skin to avoid drying out the skin.
Nail fungus treatment is continued until the nail plate is completely restored and it is so easy to get rid of. So you have to be patient as the procedure takes about 6 months for the nails and 9-12 months for the toenails. The application procedure is repeated 1-2 times a week.
During the treatment period, you should abandon the upgrade of artificial nails and the use of decorative coatings. Although some products allow you to cover the affected nail plate with cosmetic mixtures, it is best to avoid it. Why?
The structure of the nail affected by the fungus becomes looser and more susceptible to external factors. Thus, the pigment contained in the decorative varnish eats deeper and can affect the final shade of the "healed" nail.
Medications can be used not only to treat, but also to prevent fungal nail infections. They are not suitable for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
In the treatment of onychomycosis, some "skin" agents with naftifine are also effective. They show fungicidal properties against dermatophyte fungi, they have a fungistatic effect on fungi of the genus Candida.
Before using the product, nails that have signs of fungal infection are also pre-polished with a file and trimmed with scissors. It is then applied to the entire surface, covering with a thick bandage, twice a day.
The course of treatment is 6 months, with complicated forms - 8 months, after which it continues to be used for 2 weeks to prevent recurrence.
Antifungals have contraindications. When applying them at home, do not be guided by examinations, but only by official instructions.