Epidermophytia of the feet

Epidermophytia of the feet is one of the most common skin diseases, in particular, it is a fungal disease affecting the skin of the feet and nails. Depending on the type and form of epidermophytia, it manifests itself with different clinical symptoms.

Treatment of epidermophytia is a complex process that requires not only local, but also general systemic treatment. A comprehensive examination of the skin with the use of additional diagnostic methods is mandatory.

According to statistics, epidermophytosis affects about 10% of the world’s population. Moreover, epidermophytia is considered an occupational disease – after all, at least 80% of those who are ill are people of a certain professional group. Athletes, workers of baths and saunas, workshops of hot production, as well as miners most often get sick with this disease. The disease affects an adult contingent of people.

CAUSES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF EPIDERMOPHYTOSIS
The causative agent of the disease is the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This type of fungus can also affect the nails of the hands, the skin in the groin area (nail epidermophytia, inguinal epidermophytia). Transmission of the pathogen occurs in public areas – baths, gyms, showers, swimming pools.

The ideal conditions for the transfer of fungus are optimal humidity and heat. The fungus is transmitted by spores that are located in the exfoliated cells of the epidermis. Nevertheless, even with the initial contact of the pathogen on the skin of a healthy person, the epidermophytia of the feet does not always develop.

For the progression of the disease, there must be conditions that fruitfully affect the vital activity of the fungus, namely:

Chronic venous insufficiency
Varicose veins
Atherosclerosis (especially of the lower extremities)
Diabetes mellitus
Deep vein thrombosis
Vegetative vascular dysfunction
Violation of sweating feet
SYMPTOMS OF EPIDERMOPHYTOSIS OF THE FEET
Depending on the type of developed epidermophytia, the clinical picture is also different. Currently , there are 5 types of epidermophytosis:

Intertrigious form. In this form, the lesion is localized directly in the spaces between the toes on the feet. Also, the disease can move to the flexor areas – especially the folds. The affected skin turns red, begins to get wet and crack, further erosive surfaces appear at the site of hyperemia. All symptoms are accompanied by severe itching.
Squamous form. With this form, flat plaques appear on the skin, having a reddish color. Plaques peel off and peel off. The affected areas are clearly separated from healthy skin. The appearance of plaques is similar to a rash with psoriasis.
Dyshydrotic form. In this form, small vesicular rashes form on the skin, located on the arch of the foot and the sole. A short time after the rash, the vesicles are opened, exposing erosion. The affected skin is swollen and hyperemic.
Epidermophytia of nails. The fungus affects the nail plate, making it thickened with a yellow tinge. Over time, the nail plate is rejected, becomes more brittle.
Erased epidermophytia – the clinical symptoms of the disease are practically not pronounced. Most often, this type of disease is manifested by a slight peeling and cracking of the skin.
DIAGNOSIS OF EPIDERMOPHYTOSIS
To diagnose the disease, a consultation of a dermatologist and a mycologist is required. Doctors should conduct a thorough examination of the patient, conduct a dermatoscopy, as well as a diagnosis with a Wood lamp.

Next, microscopy of the scraping of the affected skin and the altered nail plate is performed.

TREATMENT OF EPIDERMOPHYTOSIS OF THE FEET
Treatment of this fungal disease should be carried out in two stages. Before the use of drug therapy, the affected skin is cleansed of scales, hyperkeratosis. When erosions appear, it is necessary to stop the inflammatory process, strengthen the regenerative properties of the skin.

In case of epidermophytosis of nails, it is necessary to surgically remove the affected nail plates.

Then comes the second stage of treatment – medication. The patient must undergo a full course of antifungal therapy, which includes taking medications such as mycoseptin, mycozolone, and nirofungin. If the drug treatment is ineffective, the drugs of choice (more serious antifungal) diflucan, nizoral, orungal are indicated.

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