We are talking about what mycosis is, what symptoms of lesions on the part of the skin and nails are 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 contagion, caused by parasitic fungi. It can affect both humans and animals. The infection affects the skin of the face and body, the scalp, mucous membranes (including internal organs) and nails.
The disease is prone to relapse, so it can be difficult to recover from the fungus without consulting a doctor.
The causes of the fungus
Infection with a fungus can occur through direct contact with the carrier of the infection or surfaces and objects on which pathogenic fungal spores are present. Some pathogens of the fungus 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 don't always cause disease. Normally, a healthy person's immune system easily copes with a fungal infection, preventing its spread throughout the body. What are the prerequisites for the development of mycosis?
Reduced immunity
Like any infection, the fungus is more likely to infect people with weakened immune systems. People who have recently had an infectious disease and have been taking antibacterial agents for a long time are at great risk for mycosis. Also, cancer patients who are treated with cytostatics are prone to fungal infections. This includes people with immune deficiencies such as HIV and AIDS.
Contempt for personal hygiene
The fungus often attacks people who neglect personal hygiene: do not use an individual towel for the feet, do not wear flip-flops in the gym or pool shower, try on shoes in a store without socks.
Mycosis can be contracted in beauty salons if the masters do not properly process manicure and pedicure tools.
Some chronic diseases
Especially those that are associated with poor healing of skin lesions: wounds, calluses, cracks. For example, the skin of people with diabetes is more fragile and the regeneration processes are slower. The injured areas become the gateway to fungal infection and more.
Individual characteristics
These include excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), which develops on its own or as a symptom of a disease. An important role is played by the structural features of the foot: 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 calluses and damages the nail plate.
Types of mushrooms
There is currently no unified classification of mycoses, but most often fungal diseases are considered in terms of the prevalence of the process. Superficial mycoses include:
- keratomycosis - the fungus is found only in the uppermost 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 Candida fungi.
Systemic mycoses involve not only the skin and mucous membranes, but also internal organs (histoplasmas) in the infection.
According to the origin of the causative agents of fungal infections, they are divided into:
- yeast,
- moldy,
- domiform.
Of these, only the former are part of the normal human microflora. The rest of the fungi act as a pathogen.
It is possible to reliably determine the type of pathogen of the fungus using laboratory diagnostics - smears or scrapings from the affected tissues. In systemic fungal diseases, a blood test is an element of diagnosis. The tests will help rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as fungal skin T-cell lymphoma.
Signs of cutaneous mycosis and nail fungus
The course of the fungal disease is largely due to the variety of the causative fungus itself. But, in general, superficial mycoses have similar symptoms of damage. Skin mycoses are characterized by symptoms such as:
- skin discoloration due to a fungal disease - redness or discoloration of the affected tissues;
- the formation of flaky or weeping spots and plaques, which, with the progression of the disease, can merge into one;
- itching in the center of inflammation;
- the appearance of scabs.
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 congestion of the skin are observed. An unpleasant odor may occasionally be present when a lesion occurs The skin in the spaces between the fingers is the most vulnerable place to fungus. If a bacterial infection joins the disease, purulent ulcers appear on the skin.
Symptoms of onychomycosis: what does the nail look like when it is damaged?
- the nail affected during the disease changes color to yellow, black, brown or another shade;
- the nail plate becomes brittle, thickens or, conversely, thins;
- the nail is often separated from the bed, forming a "pocket";
- change in the relief or shape of the nail plate in case of disease;
- inflammation of adjacent tissues (periungual fold).
Toenails, especially on the big toes, are more likely to be affected by onychomycosis than the hands.
Preparations for the treatment of mushrooms: how to choose
Medicines for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections are called antifungals. According to the direct mechanism of action against fungi, antifungals can be divided into two types:
- fungicide - destroy the spores of the fungal infection;
- fungistatic: inhibits the activity of microorganisms (but does not kill) and prevents 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, the same agent can exhibit 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 administration of drugs for the treatment of fungal diseases is justified in cases where the infection:
- does not respond to local therapy,
- it is systemic,
- affects the internal organs. In more advanced cases, antifungal agents are prescribed in injection solutions.
An example of an effective drug that treats systemic fungal lesions and extensive superficial skin and nail diseases is fluconazole. Forms of release: 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, as they do not have a systemic effect and almost do not cause side reactions. Local remedies come in the form of:
- ointments;
- creams;
- drip solutions (including for nails);
- spray solutions;
- antifungal nail polishes.
Before using drugs for the fungus, you need to read the instructions or consult a doctor.
Means for the treatment of fungi of the skin of the body and feet
The review of remedies for the treatment of fungus of the scalp, body and legs, as well as nails is for information purposes only. Data on antifungal drugs are taken from the official instructions. Before using them, you need to study the annotation or consult with your doctor.
Clotrimazole
Antifungal drug for external use. The action on the pathogens of the fungus depends on the dose.
- In small concentrations, the drug has a fungistatic effect, in large concentrations it has a fungicidal effect.
- Effective against dermatomycetes, yeast-like and mold-like fungi, pink lichens and some bacteria. In sensitive mushrooms, drug resistance with clotrimazole is formed relatively rarely.
- As a local remedy, the drug is used in the treatment of fungal lesions of smooth skin, interdigital cracks in the legs, secondary complicated mycoses, diaper rash fungus of the skin.
- The duration of local drug treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the effectiveness of the treatment and the specific form of release.
In gynecological practice, it is used in the treatment of thrush and as a 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 with a thin layer on cleansed skin areas. Treatment of dermatomycosis takes at least 4 weeks, pityriasis versicolor - 1 - 2 weeks. With fungal diseases of the skin of the legs, the course continues 2 weeks after the elimination of the symptoms of the lesion.
Dustit should be applied to the skin 3 - 4 times a day, while improvements are observed 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.
Solutionfor external use it requires a double application on the affected areas during the day.
Compared to a creamy texture, ointments take longer to absorb into the skin, but soften the scabs.
Creamwhich, in addition to clotrimazole, includes the glucocorticoid beclomethasone, which relieves itching and inflammation in affected skin areas, has an anti-allergic effect and reduces exudation (fluid release from wounds).
It is indicated for the treatment of advanced and uncomplicated mycoses of various parts of the body, skin of the feet, including those with eczema. The product is applied to the prepared skin 2 or 3 times a day.
- A cream that contains 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 arms, legs and feet twice a day.
- The duration of treatment with cream does not exceed 4 weeks.
terbinafine
A drug with a predominantly fungicidal effect against dermatophytes, molds, yeasts and yeast-like fungi. It can be used both internally for systemic diseases, and externally.
- Terbinafine tablets are used for mycosis of the scalp, fungus of the skin and nails, skin lesions common 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 legs and feet, groin area, diaper rash, fungal infection, pityriasis versicolor.
Examples of products with terbinafine for the treatment of fungal skin diseases
Creamcan be used from 12 years. In the treatment of mycosis of the skin of the trunk, legs and feet, it is applied once a day for 1 week. If there is swelling of the skin on the feet, cracking, itching and peeling, the treatment is extended up to 2 weeks, 1-2 times a day. A similar pattern is for cutaneous candidiasis and versicolor lichen.
In case of diaper rash, gauze can be applied on top, especially at night, to reduce discomfort.
Aerosolthe duration of treatment for skin fungi is reduced to 1 week (1 time per day), but it is suitable only for adults. The skin must be thoroughly moisturized, so the product is applied in sufficient quantity.
Dermgelit is used for mushrooms in the same way as 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 gel consistency of the drug has a cooling effect, which relieves itching.
Naftifin
Antifungal 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 remedies with naftifine for the treatment of fungal diseases of the skin of the body
Creams and solutions for external use.
The method of applying both forms is the same: the preparations are applied to the dried and cleansed skin in the affected area, capturing 1 cm of healthy tissues. With dermatomycosis and candidiasis of the skin, the treatment lasts up to 4 weeks, if necessary, it can be extended to 8 weeks.
Ketoconazole
Antifungal with fungicidal and fungistatic activity. It has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci. It is used for dermatomycosis of smooth skin and 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 an active ingredient includes amorolfine, an effective agent for external use with a wide spectrum of action.
This drug exhibits fungicidal and fungistatic activity by destroying the cell membrane of fungi. After application, the product soaks the nail and penetrates the bed during the day. The therapeutic concentration in the nail is reached 7 to 10 days after the first application.
The degree of fungal infection:
- it 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 products, it is necessary to 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 plaque, carefully treat the surface with an alcohol swab to disinfect, degrease and further remove the sawed particles of the nail. Using the applicator, completely coat the nail with an even coat of varnish. The drying time of the nails is about 3 minutes. Avoid getting the composition on the adjacent soft integument to avoid dry skin.
Nail fungus treatment continues until the nail plate is fully restored and getting rid of it is so easy. Therefore, you have to be patient, as the process takes about 6 months for the fingernails 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 extension of artificial nails and the use of decorative coatings. Although some products allow covering the affected nail plate with cosmetic compounds, it is best avoided. Why?
The structure of the nail affected by the fungus becomes more flexible and more susceptible to external factors. Therefore, the pigment contained in the decorative varnish eats deeply and can affect the final shade of the "healed" nail.
Drugs can be used not only for the treatment, but also for the prevention of fungal infections of the nails. They are not suitable for children, pregnant and lactating mothers.
Some "skin" agents with naftifine are also effective in the treatment of onychomycosis. Shows fungicidal properties against fungi-dermatophytes, has a fungistatic effect on fungi of the genus Candida.
Before using the products, even nails showing signs of fungal infection are pre-polished with a nail file and trimmed with scissors. Then it is applied over 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 is continued to be used for 2 weeks to prevent relapses.
Antifungals have contraindications. When applying them at home, be guided not by the reviews, but only by the official instructions.