We talked about what mycosis is, what are the symptoms of lesions on the skin and nails that characterize the disease and how the fungus can be treated.
What is mycosis?
Mycosis, or fungus, is an infectious disease with a high level of transmission, provoked by parasitic fungi. It can affect humans and animals. The infection affects the skin of the face and body, the scalp, mucous membranes (including internal organs), and nail plates.
The disease tends to recur, so it is difficult to cure from the fungus without seeing a doctor.
Causes of fungus
Infection with fungi can occur through direct contact with infection carriers or surfaces and objects where there are pathogenic fungal spores. 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 provoke disease.
However, harmful fungi do not always cause disease. Usually, the immune system of a healthy person easily overcomes a fungal infection, preventing it from spreading throughout the body. What are the prerequisites for the development of mycosis?
Decreased immunity
Like infections, fungi are more likely to infect people with weakened immune systems. People who have recently suffered from an infectious disease and have long taken antibacterial agents are at high risk of developing mycosis. Also, cancer patients treated with cytostatics are prone to fungal infections. This includes people with immune deficiencies such as HIV and AIDS.
Ignoring personal hygiene
Fungus often attacks people who neglect personal hygiene - don’t use individual foot towels, don’t wear a jacket in the gym shower or by the pool, try to wear shoes in the store without socks.
Mycosis can be contracted in a beauty salon if the master does not process manicures and pedicures properly.
Certain chronic diseases
Especially associated with the healing of weak skin wounds - cuts, calluses, cracks. For example, diabetic skin is more fragile, and the regrowth process is slower. The injured area becomes the gateway to fungal infections and more.
Individual characteristics
These include excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), which develops on its own or as a symptom of an illness. An important role is played by the structural features of the foot - the narrow interdigital space in combination with hyperhidrosis creates favorable conditions for fungal development.
Wearing tight shoes also gives rise to the appearance of fungus, as it provokes the formation of calluses and injures the nail plate.
Types of fungi
There is no unified classification of mycosis at present, but often fungal diseases are considered in terms of the prevalence of the process. Superficial mycosis includes:
- keratomycosis - the fungus is found only on the topmost layer (stratum corneum) 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 membranes ("thrush"), skin folds caused by the fungus Candida.
Systemic mycoses involve infections not only of the skin and mucous membranes, but also internal organs (histoplasmos).
According to the origin of the causative agent of fungal infections, they are divided into:
- yeast,
- moldy,
- domiform.
Of these, only the first is part of the normal human microflora. The rest of the fungi act as pathogens.
It is possible to determine the type of fungal pathogen with certainty using laboratory diagnostics - smears or residues from the affected tissue. In systemic fungal diseases, blood tests are an element of diagnosis. Examination will help rule out pathologies with similar symptoms, such as fungal T cell lymphoma of the skin.
Signs of skin mycoses and nail fungus
The course of this fungal disease is caused by various types of fungi that cause it. But, in general, superficial mycosis has similar symptoms of damage. Skin mycoses are characterized by symptoms such as:
- skin discoloration due to fungal diseases - redness or discoloration of the affected tissues;
- the formation of flaky or weeping spots and plaques, which, with the development of the disease, may merge into one;
- itching at the focus of inflammation;
- crust appearance.
When the scalp is affected, hair loss and fragility are observed. Dandruff can also be caused by a fungal infection. On the face, fungus is often observed on the folds of the upper eyelids.
When the foot is affected by mycosis, painful cracks, burning, itchy blisters, thickening and swelling of the skin are observed. Sometimes an unpleasant odor may occur during the lesion. The skin in the space between the fingers is the most susceptible place for fungal infections. If a bacterial infection accompanies the disease, purulent boils appear on the skin.
Symptoms of onychomycosis: what do nails look like when damaged?
- nails affected during the disease change color to yellow, black, brown or other colors;
- the nail plate becomes brittle, thickens or, conversely, becomes thinner;
- nails are often separated from the bed, forming "pockets";
- changes in relief or shape of the nail plate in the event of disease;
- inflammation of adjacent tissues (periungual folds).
Toenails, especially on the toes, are more likely to get onychomycosis than on the hands.
Preparations for fungal treatment: how to choose
Medicines for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections are called antimycotics. According to the mechanism of action directed against the fungus, antimycotics can be divided into two types:
- fungicidal - destroys spores of fungal infections;
- fungistatic - inhibits the activity of microorganisms (but does not kill) and prevents the spread of infection.
The potency of the drug itself directly depends on the sensitivity of a particular fungus to the drug, as well as on the dose of the drug itself. Thus, one and the same agent can show fungicidal and fungistatic properties against different fungal pathogens. But antifungal drugs, like many antibiotics, are often versatile and have a broad spectrum of action.
Oral medication for the treatment of fungal diseases is allowed if there is an infection:
- does not respond to local therapy,
- systemic,
- affecting internal organs. In the most advanced cases, antifungal agents are prescribed in injectable solutions.
One example of an effective drug for treating systemic fungal lesions and extensive superficial skin and nail diseases is fluconazole. Release forms - tablets, capsules, powders for suspension, liquids for injection.
Therefore, for the effective treatment of skin mycosis and nail fungus, it is better to use the drug for external use, as it has no systemic effects and almost does not cause side reactions. Local remedies are available in the form of:
- ointment;
- cream;
- drip solution (including for nails);
- spray solution;
- antifungal nail polish.
Before using a remedy for fungus, you must read the instructions or consult a doctor.
Means for the treatment of fungus on the skin of the body and feet
A review of fungal treatment methods of 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 it, you must review the annotations or see a doctor.
Clotrimazole
Antifungal drugs for external use. The action on fungal pathogens depends on its dose.
- In small concentrations, the drug has a fungistatic effect, in large concentrations has a fungicidal effect.
- Effective against dermatomycetes, fungi such as fungi and molds, pink lichen pathogens and some bacteria. In sensitive fungi, resistance to drugs with clotrimazole is relatively rarely formed.
- As a local remedy, the drug is used in the treatment of fungal lesions on smooth skin, interdigital fractures on the feet, complicated mycoses, fungal diaper rash on the skin.
- The duration of local drug treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the effectiveness of treatment and the specific form of relief.
In gynecological practice, it is used in the treatment of thrush, as well as as a disinfectant before childbirth.
Examples of drugs with clotrimazole for the treatment of mycotic diseases of the skin of the body and feet
Creamapply 2 - 3 times a day with a thin layer on the cleansed skin area. Treatment of dermatomycosis takes at least 4 weeks, pityriasis versicolor - 1 - 2 weeks. With fungal diseases of the skin of the feet, this course is extended 2 weeks after the elimination of symptoms of the lesion.
Powderit should be applied to the skin 3 - 4 times a day, while improvement is observed after 3 - 5 days of treatment. To prevent recurrence of fungal diseases or complications, they are also used within 2 weeks after healing.
The solutionfor external use requires multiple applications to the affected area during the day.
Compared to the creamy texture, the ointment takes longer to be absorbed into the skin, but softens the crust.
Creamwhich, in addition to clotrimazole, includes the glucocorticoid beclomethasone, which relieves itching and inflammation in the affected skin area, has anti-allergic effects and reduces exudation (release of fluid from the wound).
This is indicated for the treatment of advanced and uncomplicated mycoses of various parts of the body, the skin of the feet, including those suffering from eczema. The product is applied to the prepared skin 2 to 3 times a day.
- The cream contains three active ingredients - clotrimazole, beclomethasone and gentamicin. The last is antibiotics.
- This cream is used for secondary infected dermatosis, dermatomycosis and epidermophytosis of the arms, legs and feet twice a day.
- The duration of treatment of the cream is not more than 4 weeks.
Terbinafine
Drugs with fungicidal effect mainly against dermatophytes, fungi, yeasts and yeast -like fungi. It can be used internally for systemic diseases, and externally.
- Terbinafine tablets are used for scalp mycoses, skin and nail fungus, common skin lesions with fungi, candidiasis of the mucous membranes and epidermis.
- Externally, the drug is used for the treatment and prevention of dermatomycosis of the smooth skin of the body, including feet and legs, groin area, diaper rash, fungal infections, pityriasis versicolor
Examples of products with terbinafine for the treatment of mycotic skin diseases
Creamcan be used from the age of 12 years. In the treatment of mycoses on the skin of the trunk, legs and feet, it is used once a day for 1 week. If on the feet there is rough skin, cracks, itching and flaking, treatment is extended to 2 weeks, 1-2 times a day. A similar scheme is for cutaneous candidiasis and lichen versicolor.
For diaper rash, gauze can be used on the top, especially at night, to reduce discomfort.
Aerosolthe duration of treatment for skin fungus is reduced to 1 week (1 time per day), but is only suitable for adults. The skin must be thoroughly moisturized, so the product is used in sufficient amounts.
Dermgelit is applied to the fungus in the same way as a spray. It is chosen with increased sweat on the feet, as it has a drying effect due to its high alcohol content. In addition, the gel consistency of the drug has a cooling effect, which relieves itching.
Naftifin
Antimycotic with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Promotes the rapid disappearance of itching and inflammation. The fungicidal and fungistatic action depends on the strain of the causative agent of the disease.
It is used in the treatment of nail fungus, pityriasis versicolor, mycosis of large folds and feet, complicated bacterial fungi.
Examples of drugs with naftifine for the treatment of mycotic diseases of the skin of the body
Creams and solutions for external use.
The method of application of both forms is the same: the preparation is applied on dry skin and cleansed on the affected area, capturing 1 cm of healthy tissue. With dermatomycosis and skin candidiasis, treatment lasts up to 4 weeks, if necessary, it can be extended to 8 weeks.
Ketoconazole
Antimycotic with fungicidal and fungistatic activity. It has antibacterial effects against streptococci and staphylococci. It is used for dermatomycosis of the skin and smooth scalp, inguinal folds, candidiasis.
Means for the treatment of nail fungus
In the treatment of nail fungus, special medicinal varnishes are often used. The composition of many of them as active ingredients includes amorolfine, an effective agent for external use with a broad spectrum of action.
The drug exhibits fungicidal and fungistatic activity by destroying fungal cell membranes. After application, the product soaks the nails and penetrates the bed during the day. Therapeutic concentrations on the nails are reached 7 to 10 days after the first application.
Stage of fungal infection:
- should not affect more than 2/3 of the nail surface;
- if the prevalence of nail fungus is higher, see your doctor to get an effective antifungal tablet.
Before using the product, you need to remove the top layer from the affected area using the file that is usually included in the kit. Files should not be used on healthy nails.
After preparing the plate, treat the surface with an alcohol swab thoroughly to disinfect, clean and remove sawed nail particles. Using an applicator, cover the nail completely with an even layer of varnish. Nail drying time is about 3 minutes. Avoid getting the composition on a soft tool next to it to avoid dry skin.
Nail fungus treatment continues until the nail plate is fully restored, and getting rid of it is very easy. So you have to be patient, because the process takes around 6 months for toenails and 9-12 months for toenails. The application procedure is repeated 1 - 2 times a week.
During the treatment period, you should abandon the extension of artificial nails and the use of decorative coatings. Although some products allow nail plate covers to be exposed to cosmetic compounds, it is best to avoid them. Why?
The nail structure affected by the fungus becomes looser and more susceptible to external factors. Therefore, the pigments found in decorative varnishes consume deeper and can affect the final color of the "cured" nails.
This drug can be used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of fungal nail infections. It is not suitable for children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
In the treatment of onychomycosis, some "skin" agents with naftifine are also effective. Demonstrate fungicide properties against fungi-dermatophytes, having a fungistatic effect on fungi of the genus Candida.
Before using the product, nails that have signs of fungal infection are also first rubbed with nails and cut with scissors. Then applied to the entire surface, covered with a thick bandage, twice a day.
The course of treatment is 6 months, with a complicated form - 8 months, after which it continues to be used for 2 weeks to prevent relapse.
Antimycotics have contraindications. When applying it at home, do not be guided by reviews, but only by official instructions.