We are talking about what ringworm is, what are the symptoms of skin and nail lesions that are characteristic of this disease, and how the fungus can be treated.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm, or fungus, is an infectious disease with a high degree of contagion, caused by parasitic fungi. It can affect humans and animals. The infection affects the skin on the face and body, the scalp, the mucous membranes (including internal organs) and the nail plates.
The disease is subject 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 there are spores of pathogenic fungi. Some fungal pathogens are considered opportunistic, such as the Candida genus. This means that they live in the body and sometimes even bring benefits, but in certain situations they cause illness.
However, harmful fungi do not always cause disease. Normally, a healthy person's immune system easily handles a fungal infection by 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 weakened immune systems. People who have had an infectious disease recently and who have been taking antibacterials for a long time are at high risk for ringworm. Also, cancer patients who are being treated with cytostatics are prone to fungal infections. This includes people with immune deficiencies such as HIV and AIDS.
Disrespect for personal hygiene
The fungus tends to attack people who neglect their personal hygiene - don't use an individual towel for your feet, don't wear slippers in the shower at the gym or at the pool, try shoes in a store without socks.
Ringworm can be caught in salons if masters do not properly process manicure and pedicure tools.
certain chronic diseases
Especially those 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 for fungal infections and more.
Individual characteristics
This includes excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), which develops on its own or as a symptom of an illness. An important role is played by the structural characteristics of the foot - the narrow interdigital space in combination with hyperhidrosis creates favorable conditions for the development of the fungus.
Tight shoes also predispose to the appearance of fungi, as it causes the formation of calluses and injures the nail plate.
Types of fungus
There is no unified classification of mycoses at the moment, but most of the times fungal diseases are considered in terms of the prevalence of the process. Superficial mycoses include:
- keratomicosis - the fungus is found only in the upper 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 - ringworm of the mucous membranes ("thrush"), skin folds caused by Candida fungi.
Systemic mycoses involve infection not only of the skin and mucous membranes, but also of internal organs (histoplasm).
According to the origin of the causative agents of fungal infections, they are divided into:
- yeast,
- musty,
- domiforms.
Of these, only the first is part of the normal human microflora. The rest of the fungi act as pathogens.
It is possible to reliably determine the type of fungus pathogen using laboratory diagnostics - smears or scrapes of affected tissue. In systemic fungal diseases, a blood test is an element of diagnosis. The tests will help to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as fungal skin T-cell lymphoma.
Signs of skin mycoses and nail fungus
The course of fungal disease is largely due to the variety of the causative fungus itself. But, in general, superficial mycoses show similar damage symptoms. Cutaneous mycoses are characterized by symptoms such as:
- skin discoloration due to fungal disease - redness or discoloration of affected tissues;
- the formation of scaly or watery spots and stains, which, with the progression of the disease, can fuse;
- itchiness at the focus of inflammation;
- the appearance of crusts.
When the scalp is affected, hair loss and fragility are observed. Dandruff can also be caused by fungal infections. On the face, the fungus is often seen in the crease of the upper eyelid.
When the feet are affected by ringworm, painful cracking, burning, itchy blisters, thickening, and engorgement of the skin are seen. Occasionally, an unpleasant odor may be present when an injury occurs. The skin in the spaces between the fingers is the most vulnerable site for fungus. If a bacterial infection joins the disease, purulent ulcers appear on the skin.
Onychomycosis symptoms: how does the nail look when damaged?
- the affected nail during the illness changes color to yellow, black, brown or another shade;
- the nail plate becomes brittle, it becomes thicker or, on the contrary, it 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 (nailfold).
Toenails, especially on the big toes, are more likely to be affected by onychomycosis than the hands.
Preparations for the treatment of fungi: how to choose
Medicines for the prevention and treatment of fungal infections are called antimycotics. According to the fungus-directed mechanism of action, antimycotics can be divided into two types:
- fungicide - destroys the fungal infection spores;
- fungistatic - inhibits the activity of microorganisms (but does not kill) and prevents the spread of infection.
The strength of the drug itself depends directly on the sensitivity of a specific fungus to the drug, as well as the dosage of the drug itself. Therefore, the same agent can present fungicidal and fungistatic properties against different fungi-pathogens. But antifungals, like many antibiotics, are often versatile and have a broad spectrum of action.
The oral administration of medications for the treatment of fungal diseases is justified in cases where the infection:
- does not respond to local therapy,
- is systemic,
- affects the internal organs. In more advanced cases, antifungal agents are prescribed in injectable solutions.
An example of an effective drug for the treatment of systemic fungal lesions and extensive superficial diseases of the skin and nails is fluconazole. Release forms - tablets, capsules, powders for suspensions, liquids for injections.
Thus, for the effective treatment of cutaneous mycoses and nail fungus, it is better to use external medications, as they have no systemic effect and cause almost no side reactions. Local remedies come in the form of:
- ointments;
- creams;
- drip solutions (including for nails);
- spray solutions;
- antifungal nail polishes.
Before using fungus medications, you should read the instructions or consult a doctor.
Means for the treatment of fungi on the skin of the body and feet
The review of remedies for the treatment of fungi on the scalp, body and legs, 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 note or consult your doctor.
Clotrimazole
Antifungal medication for external use. The action 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, yeast and fungus-like fungi, pathogenic lichen rose and some bacteria. In sensitive fungi, drug resistance with clotrimazole is rarely formed.
- As a local remedy, the drug is used in the treatment of fungal lesions of smooth skin, interdigital fissures in the legs, secondarily complicated mycoses, skin rash fungi.
- The duration of local drug treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the effectiveness of the treatment and the specific form of delivery.
In gynecological practice, it is used in the treatment of thrush, as well as as a disinfectant before delivery.
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 clean areas of skin. Treatment of dermatomycosis takes at least 4 weeks, pityriasis versicolor - 1 - 2 weeks. In fungal diseases of the skin of the legs, the course is continued 2 weeks after the symptoms of the lesion have been eliminated.
In powdershould be applied to the skin 3 to 4 times a day, while improvements are seen after 3 to 5 days of treatment. To prevent disease recurrence or fungal complications, they are also used within 2 weeks of recovery.
Solutionfor external use requires a double application to the affected areas during the day.
Compared to a creamy texture, ointments take longer to be absorbed by the skin, but they soften the crusts.
Creamwhich, in addition to clotrimazole, includes the glucocorticoid beclomethasone, which relieves itching and inflammation in affected areas of the skin, has an anti-allergic effect and reduces exudation (release of fluid 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 2-3 times a day.
- A cream containing three active ingredients - clotrimazole, beclomethasone and gentamicin. The last one 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 is not longer than 4 weeks.
terbinafine
A medicine 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 scalp mycoses, skin and nail fungus, common fungal skin lesions, 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 mycotic skin diseases
Creamcan be used from 12 years. In the treatment of mycoses of the skin on the trunk, legs and feet, it is applied once a day for 1 week. If the feet are wrinkled, cracked, itchy and peeling, the treatment is extended for up to 2 weeks, 1 to 2 times a day. A similar scheme is for cutaneous candidiasis and lichen versicolor.
For diaper rash, gauze can be applied over the top, especially at night, to reduce discomfort.
Aerosolduration of treatment for skin fungus is reduced to 1 week (1 time a day) but is only suitable for adults. The skin must be well hydrated so that the product is applied in sufficient quantity.
Dermgelis used for fungi in the same way as spray. It is chosen to increase foot sweating, 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 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 to treat nail fungus, pityriasis versicolor, mycosis of large folds and feet, complicated bacterial fungi.
Examples of naphthyfine remedies for the treatment of fungal skin diseases on the body
Creams and solutions for external use.
The method of application of the two forms is the same: the preparations are applied to the dry and clean skin of the affected region, capturing 1 cm of healthy tissue. In dermatomycosis and skin candidiasis, the treatment lasts up to 4 weeks, if necessary, it can be extended to 8 weeks.
Ketoconazole
Antimycotic 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, thrush.
Means for the treatment of nail fungus
In the treatment of nail fungus, special medicinal nail polishes are often used. The composition of many of them as active substance includes amorolfine, an effective agent for external use with a broad spectrum of action.
This drug exhibits fungicidal and fungistatic activity, destroying the fungal cell membrane. 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, 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 plate, thoroughly treat the surface with cotton wool soaked in alcohol to disinfect, degrease and remove sawn particles from the nail. Using the applicator, completely cover the nail with an even layer of nail polish. Nail drying time is approximately 3 minutes. Avoid placing the composition on the adjacent soft tegument to avoid drying out of the skin.
Nail fungus treatment continues until the nail plate is completely restored and it is very easy to eliminate. Therefore, you need to be patient, as the process takes about 6 months for nails and 9 to 12 months for toenails. The application procedure is repeated 1-2 times a week.
During the treatment period, the extension of artificial nails and the use of decorative coatings should be abandoned. Although some products allow coverage of the affected nail plate with cosmetic compounds, this is best avoided. Because?
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 penetrates more deeply and can affect the final shade of the "healed" nail.
Medicines can be used not only for the treatment but also for the prevention of fungal nail infections. They are not suitable for children, pregnant mothers and nursing mothers.
In the treatment of onychomycosis, some "cutaneous" agents with naftifine are also effective. It has fungicidal properties against dermatophyte fungi, it has a fungistatic effect on Candida genus fungi.
Before using the products, nails showing signs of fungal infection are also pre-polished with a file and trimmed with scissors. It is then applied to the entire surface, covering it with a thick dressing, twice a day.
The course of treatment is 6 months, with complicated forms - 8 months, after which it is continued for 2 weeks to prevent relapses.
Antimycotics have contraindications. When applying them at home, be guided not by revisions but only by official instructions.