We talk about what is mycosis, what symptoms of skin and nail lesions 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 infection, which is provoked by parasitic fungi. It can affect both 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 recurrence, so it can be difficult to recover from the fungus without consulting a doctor.
The causes of the fungus
Fungal infection can occur through direct contact with the carrier of the infection or surfaces and objects on which there are spores of pathogenic fungi. Some fungal pathogens are considered opportunistic, such as 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 copes with a fungal infection, preventing its spread in 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 weakened immune systems. People who have recently had an infectious disease and have been taking antibacterial drugs for a long time are at high risk for mycosis. Also, cancer patients treated with cytostatics are prone to fungal infection. This includes people with immune deficiencies such as HIV and AIDS.
Neglect of personal hygiene
The fungus often attacks people who neglect personal hygiene - do not use an individual foot towel, do not wear flip-flops in the shower at the gym or by the pool, try on shoes in a store without socks.
Mycosis can occur in beauty salons if the masters do not properly handle the tools for manicure and pedicure.
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 regeneration processes are slower. Injured areas become a gateway for 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 provokes the formation of calluses and injures the nail plate.
Types of fungi
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 upper (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 membranes ("thrush"), skin folds caused by the fungus Candida.
Systemic mycoses include infection not only of the skin and mucous membranes, but also of internal organs (histoplasma).
According to the origin of the causes of fungal infections, they are divided into:
- May,
- moldy,
- domiforni.
Only the first of them are part of the normal human microflora. The remaining fungi act as pathogens.
It is possible to reliably determine the type of fungal pathogen using laboratory diagnostics - smears 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 fungal infections and nail fungus
The course of the fungal disease is largely due to the diversity of the causative fungus itself. But in general, superficial mycoses have similar symptoms of damage. Cutaneous mycoses are characterized by symptoms such as:
- discoloration of the skin due to a fungal disease - redness or discoloration of the affected tissues;
- the formation of scaly or weeping spots and plaques, which with the progression of the disease can merge into one;
- itching in the focus of inflammation;
- the 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 noted in the fold of the upper eyelid.
When the feet are affected by mycosis, painful cracks, burning, itchy blisters, thickening and swelling of the skin are observed. Occasionally there may be an unpleasant odor when a lesion occurs. The skin between the fingers is the most vulnerable 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 affected nail during the disease changes color to yellow, black, brown or other shade;
- the nail plate becomes brittle, thickens 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 (peringual fold).
Toenails, especially on the big toes, are more likely to be affected by onychomycosis than on the hands.
Preparations for the treatment of fungus: how to choose
Medicines for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections are called antifungals. According to the mechanism of action directed against the fungus, antifungals can be divided into two types:
- fungicidal - destroy the spores of fungal infection;
- fungistatic - inhibit the activity of microorganisms (but do not kill) and prevent the spread of infection.
The strength of the drug itself depends directly 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 both fungicidal and fungistatic properties against different fungal pathogens. But antifungal drugs, like many antibiotics, are often universal 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 topical therapy,
- is systematic,
- affects the internal organs. In the most advanced cases, antifungals in injectable solutions are prescribed.
One 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 injection.
Thus, for the effective treatment of skin mycoses and nail fungus, it is better to use drugs for external use, as they have no systemic effect and cause almost no side effects. Local remedies are available in the form of:
- ointments;
- creams;
- dripping solutions (including for nails);
- spray solutions;
- antifungal nail polishes.
Before using drugs for the fungus, you should read the instructions or consult a doctor.
Remedies for fungus on the skin of the body and legs
The examination of the means for the treatment of fungi on the scalp, body and feet, as well as on the nails is for information purposes only. Data on antifungal drugs are taken from official instructions. Before using them, you should study the annotation or consult your doctor.
Clotrimazole
Antifungal drug for external use. The effect on fungal pathogens depends on the dose.
- In small concentrations the drug has a fungistatic effect, in large concentrations it has a fungicidal effect.
- Effective against dermatomycetes, yeasts and molds, pink lichen pathogen and some bacteria. In sensitive fungi, resistance to clotrimazole drugs is relatively rare.
- As a topical drug, the drug is used in the treatment of fungal lesions of smooth skin, interdigital cracks in the legs, secondary complicated mycoses, diaper rash on the skin.
- The duration of topical 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, as well as as a disinfectant before birth.
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 areas of skin. Treatment of dermatomycosis takes at least 4 weeks, pityriasis versicolor - 1 - 2 weeks. In fungal diseases of the skin of the feet, the course lasts 2 weeks after the removal of the symptoms of the lesion.
Dustshould 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 from the fungus, they are also used within 2 weeks after recovery.
Answerfor external use requires 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 crusts.
Creamwhich in addition to clotrimazole includes the glucocorticoid beclomethasone, which relieves itching and inflammation in the affected areas of the skin, has an antiallergic effect and reduces exudation (discharge of fluid from wounds).
It is indicated 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 that contains three active ingredients - clotrimazole, beclomethasone and gentamicin. The latter is an antibiotic.
- The cream is used for secondary infected dermatoses, dermatomycosis and epidermophytosis of the hands, feet and soles twice a day.
- The duration of treatment with the cream is not more than 4 weeks.
Terbinafine
A drug with a predominant fungicidal action against dermatophytes, molds, yeasts and yeast-like fungi. It can be used both internally for systemic diseases and externally.
- Terbinafine tablets are used for mycoses of the scalp, fungus on the skin and nails, frequent skin lesions with fungus, candidiasis of the mucous membranes and epidermis.
- Externally, the drug is used for the treatment and prevention of dermatomycosis of smooth skin of the body, including legs and feet, groin area, rash from diapers infected with the fungus, pityriasis versicolor.
Examples of terbinafine products for the treatment of fungal skin diseases
Creamcan be used for 12 years. In the treatment of mycoses of the skin of the trunk, legs and feet is applied once a day for 1 week. If the feet have rough skin, cracks, itching and peeling, the treatment is extended to 2 weeks, 1-2 times a day. A similar scheme is for candidiasis of the skin and devoid of color.
In diaper rash, gauze can be applied on 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 should be well moisturized so that the product is applied in sufficient quantity.
Dermgelused for fungi in the same way as the spray. It is chosen with increased sweating of the feet, as it has a drying effect due to its high alcohol content. Plus, the consistency of the drug's gel has a cooling effect that relieves itching.
Naftifine
Antifungal with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Promotes the rapid disappearance of itching and inflammation. Fungicidal and fungistatic action depends on the strain of the causative agent.
It is used in the treatment of nail fungus, pityriasis versicolor, mycosis of large folds and feet, bacterially complicated fungus.
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 the two forms is the same: the preparations are applied on dried and cleansed skin in the affected area, capturing 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
Antifungal with fungicidal and fungistatic activity. It has an antibacterial effect against streptococci and staphylococci. Used in dermatomycosis of smooth skin and scalp, inguinal folds, candidiasis.
Means for the treatment of nail fungus
In the treatment of nail fungus are often used special healing varnishes. The composition of many of them as an active substance includes amorolfine, an effective agent for external use with a broad spectrum of action.
This drug exhibits fungicidal and fungistatic activity by destroying the cell membrane of the fungus. 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:
- 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, you must remove the top layer from the affected areas using the files that are usually included in the kit. The file should not be used on healthy nails.
After preparing the plate, treat the surface well with an alcohol swab to disinfect, degrease and remove the cut nail particles. Using the applicator, completely cover the nail with an even layer of nail polish. The drying time of the nails is approximately 3 minutes. Avoid getting the composition on the adjacent soft surface to avoid dry skin.
The treatment of nail fungus continues until the nail plate is completely restored and getting rid of it is so easy. Therefore, you need to be patient, as the process 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 refrain from lengthening artificial nails and the use of decorative coatings. Although some products allow you to cover the affected nail plate with cosmetic compounds, it is best to avoid this. Why?
The structure of the nail affected by the fungus becomes looser and more susceptible to external factors. In this way, the pigment contained in the decorative varnish is nourished more deeply and can affect the final shade of the "healed" nail.
The drugs can be used not only to treat but also to prevent fungal nail infections. They are not suitable for children, pregnant and nursing mothers.
In the treatment of onychomycosis, some "skin" remedies with naftifine are also effective. They show fungicidal properties against dermatophyte fungi, have a fungistatic effect on fungi of the genus Candida.
Before using the products, nails that have signs of a fungal infection are also pre-polished with a nail 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, in 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, be guided not by reviews, but only by official instructions.