Athlete's foot - forms of the disease (inguinal, athlete's foot), causes and symptoms, photos. Features of epidermophytosis in men, women, and children. How to treat athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is an infectious, highly contagious (contagious) disease caused by fungi of the genus dermatophyton, characterized by damage to the superficial skin, mainly in the area of ​​natural folds (axillary, inguinal), as well as the skin in the area of ​​​​the feet and nail plates.

There are 2 main forms of epidermophytosis:

• athlete's foot inguinal;
• athlete's foot.

Both species are ubiquitous in nature. More comfortable conditions This fungus thrives in high humidity and warm climates. It occurs more often in tropical and subtropical countries; in the CIS countries, most cases occur in the south of the Crimean Peninsula. The fungus is also common in Africa, central America, northern Australia and India.

Young men and middle-aged men are more often affected.

With the right and timely treatment For epidermophytosis, the prognosis is favorable. Immunity after transfer of this disease does not develop and therefore people can get sick many times.

The disease can progress to chronic form with exacerbations in summer time year.

There is a risk group that is more susceptible to infection:

• hot shop workers;
• persons who often visit a bathhouse, swimming pool or work in these establishments;
• living in regions with a warm, humid climate;
• persons with reduced immunity;
• cancer patients;
• persons having chronic diseases cardiovascular system;
• persons suffering from dysfunction endocrine systems s (thyrotoxic goiter, diabetes mellitus);
• tuberculosis;
• obesity;
• frequent violations of the integrity of the skin (cracks, abrasions, scratches).

Causes of epidermophytosis

• The causative agent of athlete's foot is Epidermophyton inguinale.
• The causative agent of athlete's foot is Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Infection with a fungal infection occurs from a sick person through:

• household items (cutlery, pieces of furniture, floors) on which flakes of the epidermis - the stratum corneum of the skin - remain from lesions;
• personal hygiene items (underwear and bed sheets, slippers or other shoes, towels, washcloth);
• in gyms (mats and other sports equipment);
• in public showers, baths, swimming pools.

Classification of epidermophytosis

According to the localization of the process, they are distinguished:

• Inguinal athlete's foot;
• Athlete's foot:
  • erased form;
  • squamous-hyperkeratotic form;
  • intertrigenous form;
  • dyshidrotic form;
• Athlete's nails.

Symptoms of athlete's foot

Athlete's inguinal

The lesions are localized on the skin of the groin, intergluteal folds, in the area of ​​the mammary glands and under the arms. Along with this, the skin of the torso, limbs, penis, and scalp may be involved in the process. Less commonly, the process covers the palms. The disease occurs with a pronounced inflammatory picture. Lesions on the skin are round, clearly demarcated from healthy skin bright red spots. The spots tend to merge with each other. In the center of the lesions, whitish peeling is observed, the edges are densely covered with tubercles, blisters with purulent contents, crusts and erosions. The inflammatory process is accompanied severe itching and burning.

Athlete's foot

Erased form. It is characterized by scant manifestations of the inflammatory process. There is slight peeling in the interdigital folds, with obligatory lesions in the fourth interdigital space. Small cracks appear on the soles.

Squamous-hyperkeratotic form– small bluish-reddish nodules appear on the foot, sharply demarcated from healthy tissue. In the center, the rash is covered with grayish-white scales, on the periphery there is a noticeable detachment of the stratum corneum of the skin, and underneath there are blisters filled with clear liquid. As the disease progresses, the lesions merge, affecting the entire surface of the foot, and extend to the lateral surfaces of the limbs. In the spaces between the fingers, the skin turns white, begins to peel and thicken. Over time, the skin color changes to yellow, and the surface resembles a hard callus.

Intertriginous form– most often the process is localized in the 3rd, 4th and 5th interdigital spaces. The lesions are red, the surface is wet, ulcers, erosions. Often quite deep cracks form and begin to bleed. The process is accompanied by significant pain, burning and itching.

Dyshidrotic form- appears on the foot large number small bubbles filled with liquid. At first the skin is unchanged, but then as the process spreads it becomes reddish and swollen. The bubbles begin to merge with each other, forming large multi-chamber cavities, which open and wet erosion appears in their place. Patients note itching and burning.

Athlete's nails

The first or fifth toe is most often affected. Yellowish spots and stripes begin to appear in the thickness of the nail, slowly increasing in size and gradually replacing the entire nail. Subsequently, the nail thickens, becomes yellowish, brittle, and may separate from the nail bed.

Diagnosis of athlete's foot

General clinical laboratory tests

• General blood test.
• General urine analysis.
• Blood glucose.
• Biochemical studies (total and direct bilirubin, total protein and its fractions, transaminase levels - ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, thymol test).

Specific examination methods

Athlete's inguinal:

• characteristic symptoms and localization of fungal infection;
• at microscopic examination scales taken from the site of the lesion show threads of short, branching mycelium 2–4 microns long and rounded spores that gather in groups and resemble bunches of bananas;
• cultural diagnostics - growing the fungus on a nutrient medium - growth begins on days 6 - 7. At first, the colony is represented by a grayish cluster of threads, then it becomes round in shape, in the center there is a recess, from which furrows extend radially. The color changes to yellowish over time, and the surface becomes smooth.

Athlete's feet:

• characteristic localization of the process;
• microscopic examination of scales from the lesion on the skin of the feet or nails - mycelial threads and fungal spores are visible;
• cultural studies to establish a diagnosis important does not have.

Treatment of athlete's foot

Athlete's inguinal

Antifungal drugs:

• ketoconazole cream – 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 – 5 weeks;
• clotrimazole cream – 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 – 5 weeks;
• oxiconazole cream – 1 time per day. The course of treatment is 3 – 5 weeks;
• terbinafine – 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 – 5 weeks;
• naftifine – 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 3 – 5 weeks.

In the presence of a significant inflammatory process:

• glucocorticosteroid ointment;
• antihistamines intramuscularly (suprastin 1.0 2 times a day for 5 – 7 days);
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen);
• antibiotics (cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones).

The criteria for recovery are the presence of negative microscopic examinations.

Athlete's foot

With pronounced inflammatory process lesions are treated:

• a solution of resorcinol or potassium permanganate;
• the cover of the bubbles is pierced with a needle or cut off with scissors;
• after this, solutions of aniline dyes are used: brilliant green (“zelenka”), fucarcin;
• Antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, clotrimazole, oxiconazole) are applied topically.

Complications of athlete's foot

Athlete's foot can lead to the addition of secondary microflora, which can cause purulent inflammation soft tissues.

Prevention of athlete's foot

• compliance with personal hygiene rules;
• regular disinfection of public showers, baths, swimming pools;
• preventive examinations of persons who are at risk;
• timely identification and treatment of patients;
• sanitary education work.

Athlete's foot is the record holder among fungal diseases in terms of prevalence throughout the world. In most cases, it affects the skin of the feet and nails. Athlete's foot affects approximately 10% of people.
IN big cities the disease occurs much more often than in rural areas. Athlete's foot is very contagious, but children are very rarely affected, unlike adults.

Reasons for appearance

Athlete's foot is caused by the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It is he who is the culprit of an unpleasant disease that affects not only the legs, but also groin area.

It is very easy to transmit the fungus from a sick person to a healthy person. This is possible thanks to items of universal use and can be in places such as:

• bathhouse,
• pool,
• sauna,
• gym.

Once on the sole of a shoe, a shower mat, or a washcloth, the fungus is safe in the chosen location as long as the climate in the room is warm and humid enough.

It is worth noting that the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes does not always contribute to the development of athlete's foot. This insidious disease may manifest itself due to various trophic disorders in the lower extremities.

Athlete's foot can also appear due to increased sweating of the feet, narrowed spaces between the toes, flat feet and alkaline reaction sweat.

Stages and forms of the disease

There are five forms of athlete's foot:

• erased;
• squamous-hyperkeratotic;
• intertriginous;
• dyshidrotic;
• epidermophytosis of nails.

If there is an erased form, we can already talk about the beginning of the development of the disease.

Clinically, there is nothing special: you can notice a small peeling between the digital folds (often only in one), as well as on the plantar part. There are cases when small surface cracks are also observed.

With the squamous-hyperkeratotic form, dry flat papules and slightly lichenified nummular plaques of a blue-red hue appear, which are located on the arch and lateral surface of the foot.

The rashes are covered with various scaly layers, colored gray-white; they have well-defined contours, and in the peripheral part there is exfoliating epidermis.

Localized in the area of ​​the interdigital fold, the rash occupies the lateral and flexor surface of the finger, the skin and becomes whitish in color. In addition to such flaky lesions, you can find a hyperkeratotic formation, which very often has cracks on the surface.

The squamous-hyperkeratotic form of epidermophytosis can be confused with diseases such as:

• psoriasis;
• tylotic eczema;
• horny syphilides.

In this case, you can observe dry skin, slight itching, and in some cases pain.

If an intertriginous form of athlete's foot and hands is observed, it can be confused with diaper rash, since the diseases have much in common.

The intertriginous form of epidermophytosis differs from diaper rash in the following ways:

• more round borders;
• sharp edges;
• white fringe along the periphery of the peeling skin.

These symptoms indicate the presence of a mycotic nature of the disease; If microscopy of the affected area reveals mycelium, then the presence of athlete's foot can be stated. Redness, burning and itching are also felt.

In the presence of a dyshidrotic form of epidermophytosis, numerous blisters can be seen. This form is localized mainly on the arch of the foot. Rashes cover the areas of the sole, folds and skin between the toes; together they form large size blisters, which, when opened, contribute to the appearance of moist erosions of a pinkish-red hue. This form of athlete's foot is very similar to acute dyshidrotic eczema. Itching may occur.

In approximately 60% of cases, epidermophytosis (especially dyshidrotic and intertriginous forms) is accompanied by allergic rashes, which are called epidermophytidae. They are located near areas affected by epidermophytosis. Epidermophytids are symmetrical and polymorphic.

Symptoms of the disease

The disease causes itching and burning in the interdigital area of ​​the foot and other parts of the leg. The surface of the epidermis may acquire a flaky structure, dryness, redness, and also flake off. Cracks, scabs and blisters appear on the skin.

IN neglected form athlete's foot can affect the fingers and nails, feet and sides. Cracks appear on the side, exposing the flesh, which causes significant pain and can cause infection.

When a patient scratches the affected area and then touches other parts of the body, the infection spreads quickly. It is necessary to disinfect your hands and start fighting athlete's foot as quickly as possible.

Drug treatments

In practice, athlete's foot can be treated independently. Can be purchased and used necessary medications, which are sold without a prescription. If a patient has diabetes mellitus and also advanced athlete's foot, then it is necessary to urgently see a doctor.

There are many different antifungal drugs, sold without a prescription. The main such medications are:

• Terbinafine (Lamisil);
• Miconazole (Micatin);
• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin);
• Tolnaftat (Tinactin).

All of the above drugs are produced in creamy form, as well as lotion, solution, gel, spray, ointment and powder. They need to be applied with gentle movements to the affected areas of the skin. The duration of treatment is 1-6 weeks.

If the patient has a developed vesicular infection or blisters, it is necessary to blot the foot with a special solution several times a day for three days. Don't forget to use an antifungal cream after the procedure.

To prevent athlete's foot from progressing further, you need to complete the entire course of treatment, even after all the symptoms have passed. The patient should try to avoid using hydrocortisone cream unless the attending physician advises otherwise.

Folk recipes

Can be easily used at home products with spruce, pine, fir, cedar(resin of any coniferous species is used here) as a medicine with antimycotic properties.

Various infusions and decoctions that use bird cherry, spurge, celandine, peppermint, blueberries and burdock.

Traditional recipes for epidermophytosis:

• For epidermophytosis in the acute stage, you need to prepare a herbal mixture of 3 tablespoons of lingonberry leaves with herbs horsetail and chamomile flowers, add yarrow herb, eucalyptus leaves, St. John's wort and tricolor violet in equal proportions. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and grind. Then pour 200 ml of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of the mixture, let it brew for about an hour and strain. Drink 1/3 glass two or three times a day for 2-3 weeks.
• The above fee Suitable for lotions, baths and compresses, where the amount must be increased up to 5 times. The baths are taken until the liquid in the affected area completely disappears. Then you can safely switch to an ointment, which should contain zinc, tar, and calendula tincture.
• Decoction of celandine flowers has a good effect on fungi in different shapes. You need to pour 3 tablespoons of the herb into 500 ml of water, boil for 3 minutes and let it brew for one hour. Use as a compress and wash.
• Take 20 g rue, cinquefoil roots and fenugreek fruits. After 2 tablespoons herbal collection pour 300 ml of boiling water and let it brew in a warm place for one hour. Strain the tincture and use as a compress or bath. If there is itching and inflammation, it is recommended to apply tea tree oil to the surface of the skin.
• After hygiene procedures you need to thoroughly disinfect the affected areas using apple cider vinegar . Then apply a creamy mixture of onion juice and wild cumin oil, essence of strawberries, dogwoods, cherries, or calendula tincture.

Prevention measures

• After water procedures Dry your feet and skin between your toes thoroughly.
• IN public places(bath, shower, etc.) wear special flip-flops and use only your personal belongings.
• First of all, you need to put on socks and only then underwear. This is done to prevent the spread of fungus from the foot to the groin area, which contributes to the appearance of inguinal athlete's foot.
• Complete the course of treatment for fungus using any antifungal agents (creams or tablets). A living fungus can remain on the surface of the epidermis for quite a long time.
• To destroy fungus for washing clothes, you should use not only hot water, but also bleach.

This unpleasant disease, like athlete's foot, is easy to treat, the main thing is not to let the process take its course and remember about preventive measures.

Widespread fungal infection skin and nails of the feet. Depending on clinical form may manifest itself as red plaques, spots and flat papules with whitish peeling on the surface, blisters, cracks, erosions, the appearance of yellow stripes and spots on the nail plate, its thickening or rejection. Diagnosis of athlete's foot includes dermatoscopy, luminescence examination, determination of skin pH, microscopy of skin scrapings pathogenic fungi, identification concomitant diseases stop. Treatment of athlete's foot is carried out systemically and local application antifungal agents with preliminary exfoliating or anti-inflammatory therapy.

Erased athlete's foot has subtle symptoms in the form of a small crack or area of ​​peeling located in the interdigital space.

Athlete's nails manifested by their yellowness, thickening, fragility or rejection of the nail plate. The nails of the 1st and 5th fingers are most often affected.

Weeping, erosions and cracks in the skin, which often occur with athlete's foot, favor penetration into the skin streptococcal infection with the development of streptoderma, erysipelas, thrombophlebitis, phlebitis, lymphangitis or lymphadenitis.

Diagnosis of athlete's foot

Diagnosis is carried out by a mycologist or dermatologist. As a rule, it consists of examining lesions using dermatoscopy, conducting fluorescent diagnostics with a Wood's lamp, and determining skin pH. Microscopy of scrapings from the skin and the affected nail plate is carried out to identify filaments of mycelium or fungal spores, which must be differentiated from the mesh or loop-shaped structures of the mosaic fungus, which are products of the breakdown of cholesterol in the skin.

Treatment of athlete's foot

Therapy for athlete's foot is carried out in 2 stages. On preparatory stage in case of squamous form of the disease, scales and hyperkeratic layers are removed, in case of dyshidrotic and intertriginous athlete's foot - removal acute inflammation. In the first case, keratolytic agents are used (lactic and salicylic acid, soap and soda foot baths), in the second - anti-inflammatory and antihistamine drugs. For athlete's foot, surgical removal of the nail affected by the fungus is performed.

The main stage of treatment for athlete's foot is to treat the affected areas of the skin and/or the bed of the removed nail plate with antifungal agents (nirofungin, Castellani liquid, ointments with miconazole, clotrimazole, etc.). In case of persistent and long-term progression of athlete's foot, accompanied by damage to the nails, systemic administration of antifungal drugs is indicated: itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole, etc.

This is a disease that is characterized by damage to the upper layers of the skin and nails by fungi of the genus Epidermophyton.

Infection usually occurs through household items used by the patient (washcloths, oilcloths, thermometers, underwear); if the process is localized on the feet, infection is possible in baths and showers. The source is a sick person. The development of the disease is promoted by metabolic disorders, as well as sweating and maceration of the skin. Nosocomial endemics are possible.

Predisposing factors - high temperature and high humidity environment; hyperhidrosis. It is found in all countries of the world, more often in regions with a hot, humid climate.

Inguinal epidermophmtia

The pathogen, Epidermophyton floccosum, affects the stratum corneum. It is observed mainly in men. The usual localization is large folds, especially the inguinal-femoral and intergluteal folds. This disease traditionally occurs in men. Foci of epidermophytosis are usually located in large folds of skin (especially inguinal-femoral, intergluteal), often moving to other areas of the skin and toenails. Symmetrically located round spots of inflamed red-brown color are limited by an edematous ridge with blisters, suppuration, crusts and small areas of peeling. As the spots grow and progress, they merge into a single affected area with scalloped edges. The disease has a chronic course and is accompanied by itching and burning, which the patient feels, especially while walking.

Athlete's foot

Its share among foot mycoses is recent years decreased significantly. Pathogen - Tr. mentagrophytes var. interdigital; is located in the horny and granular layers of the epidermis, sometimes penetrating to the subulate, and has pronounced allergenic properties. Affects the skin and nails of the feet only, usually in adults; often accompanied by allergic rashes - epidermophytis.

The fungus itself is a saprophyte, but under certain conditions it becomes pathogenic. The transition from a saprophytic to a pathogenic state is facilitated by flat feet, uncomfortable shoes, sweaty feet, diaper rash, abrasions, chemical sweat, and a shift in the pH of sweat to the alkaline side. In addition to these factors, great value have general condition body, the presence of diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems, the reactivity of defenses, various diseases blood vessels, lack of vitamins, etc. The occurrence of the disease is influenced by unfavorable meteorological conditions, such as high air temperature, humidity and the degree of pathogenicity of the fungus.

Athlete's nails

Athlete's foot of the nails begins with changes at the free edge of the nails in the form yellow spots and stripes. Next, the entire nail plate thickens, becomes yellow, easily crumbles, breaks, and horny masses accumulate under it (subungual hyperkeratosis). Sometimes the nail, on the contrary, becomes thinner and is torn away from the nail bed (this process is called onycholysis). The nail plates of the 1st and 5th toes are most often affected. The process never affects the plates of the fingers.

About 1/3 of patients with athlete's foot have athlete's foot. The nails of the first and fifth toes are most often (up to 90%) affected, which is associated with the greatest trauma from shoes. The process begins from the free edge of the nail plate. Its outer surface long time does not change. The course is chronic with exacerbations usually in the warm season, especially when walking in closed shoes and synthetic stockings and socks. The diagnosis must always be confirmed by mycological examination.

Athlete's disease of large folds

The disease is characterized by the appearance in the inguinal-femoral folds of one or several sharply demarcated itchy spots of bright pink color. The spots are slightly flaky and itchy. Gradually they increase in size, merge and form large, always symmetrical, lesions. The central part of the spots is more pale or pigmented, and the peripheral part is bordered by a pink-red ridge. The roller is strewn with bubbles, crusts or scales.

At first, epidermophytosis appears on the thighs and inguinal-femoral folds and gradually spreads to the pubic area, perineum and buttocks. Often affected armpits, folds between the fingers, folds under the mammary glands.

More often men suffer from epidermophytosis of large folds. The disease can occur in isolated cases and in the form of outbreaks (schools, kindergartens, boarding schools). Infection most often occurs through bedding and underwear, in toilets and baths.

Treatment

Treatment is carried out as directed by the doctor and requires persistence, otherwise athlete's foot takes chronic course With frequent exacerbations. After diagnosis, you can practice treatment of the disease at home. The main drugs for treatment are sold in pharmacy chain without a doctor's prescription.

Treatment of inguinal athlete's foot

For inguinal athlete's foot- 2% alcohol solution of iodine or aniline dye for several days; then for 2-3 weeks 2% sulfur-salicylic, 3-10% tar ointment, powder of zinc oxide and talc with 10% boric acid and tannin.

For squamous and erased epidermophytosis- externally alcohol solutions of aniline dyes (1-2%), salicylic acid(2%), alcohol solution of iodine (2-5%); Castellani liquids.

For dyshidrotic and intertriginous epidermophytosis- baths (t°38°) with a solution of potassium permanganate (1: 6000-1: 8000) for 10-15 minutes; open the bubbles, lubricate alcohol solution aniline dye.

In cases of severe inflammation- lotions (see lotion). Then ointments - zincundan, undecin, decamin, 2% sulfur-salicylic, 3-10% sulfur-tar, etc., repeated 2-3 week courses with a 1-2 week break and change of drugs.

For acute epidermophytosis and allergic rashes first of all, general desensitizing treatment is necessary: ​​10% calcium chloride solution, 30% sodium thiosulfate solution (intravenous 10 injections), diphenhydramine 0.03 g 3 times a day, B vitamins, etc.

Treatment of epidermophytosis of smooth skin caused by trichophyton red is the same as chronic trichophytosis (see); with nail damage, except local treatment and removal of affected nails using an epilin patch, prescribe griseofulvin 0.25 g 4 times a day every day (1 month), then every other day at the same dose (1 month) and twice a week until healthy nails grow back completely.

Treatment of athlete's foot

You can usually treat athlete's foot at home by using over-the-counter medications and caring for your feet. But if you are sick diabetes mellitus and you develop athlete's foot, or have persistent, severe or recurring infection, contact your doctor.

Over-the-counter antifungal medications include:

• terbinafine (Lamisil),
• miconazole (Mikatin),
• clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
• tolnaftate (Tinactin).

These medications come in the form of a cream, lotion, solution, gel, spray, ointment, or powder that is applied to the skin ( local drugs). Treatment should last from 1 to 6 weeks.

If you develop a vesicular infection (blisters), soak your feet with a special solution several times a day for at least three days until the fluid from the blisters disappears. After this you need to use antifungal cream the way he was appointed. You can use the same solution for compresses.

In order to prevent the recurrence of athlete's foot, complete the full course of treatment with all medications as they were prescribed to you, even after your symptoms disappear. Avoid using hydrocortisone cream for a yeast infection unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Treatment of athlete's foot nails

When diagnosing athlete's foot, as a rule, a decision is made to remove the infected nail plate. After surgery the bed of the removed nail is treated with aniline dyes (fucarcin, brilliant green) and fungicidal agents (Castellani or Krichevsky liquid, nitrofungin). Dressings are applied with antifungal ointments (Mikoseptin, Canesten, Mikozolon, Wilkinson ointment), and in the case of hyperkeratosis - with keratolytic drugs.

Treatment of epidermophytosis of large folds

IN acute period the lesions are extinguished with fucorcin or a 1-2% solution of methylene blue, then a paste containing antifungal substances is applied. 2% amikazole powder is also used.

For severe inflammation and eczematization antihistamines are prescribed, 40% hexamethylenetetramine solution or 30% sodium thiosulfate solution intravenously (10 ml for 10 days), ointments containing antifungals and corticosteroid hormones: dermozolon, lorinden A, mycozolon. Before use, they can be mixed in a ratio of 1:3-1:4 with other ointments and pastes, thereby giving the effect of these products the desired shade. Disinfection of linen and items previously used by the patient is indicated.

After acute inflammatory phenomena subside(on average after 3-5 days) the affected areas are wiped with 1-2% alcohol solution of iodine, then apply antifungal ointments: Wilkinson, 10% sulfur-2% salicylic, "Zinkundan", 5% amikazole, "Undecin", "Mikoseptin", 1% octicyl, canestene cream and others (lubricate daily or lightly rub 2-3 times a day, 10- 14 days).

After the disappearance of itching, redness, swelling, blisters, crusts and negative tests on mushrooms for the prevention of relapse areas former defeat lubricate 1-2 times a week (1.5-2 months) with antifungal liquids.

Athlete's foot – fungal infection, striking skin, nail plate and hair. The disease is characterized by a long course and bouquet unpleasant symptoms, which in some cases prevent the patient from even moving normally.

In our article we will talk about the causes, symptoms and treatment of inguinal athlete's foot in men at home, and also consider effective medicines, prescribed to combat this disease.

What is it

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus called Epidermophyton inguinale Sabourand or Epidermophyton floccosum(flaky epidermophyton). This disease most often affects men due to physiological characteristics body (for example, increased sweating), as well as working conditions.

The disease develops due to the following reasons:

• excess weight;
• increased sweating;
• skin rash;
• failure to comply with basic hygiene rules;
• improper functioning of the endocrine system;
• weak immunity;
• bodily contact with an infected person;
• use of the patient’s personal belongings (washcloth, towel, bed linen, thermometer, etc.).

There is a high risk of infection for those men who like to go to the bathhouse (as well as the swimming pool, sauna), especially if sanitary disinfection and treatment are rarely carried out there.

Signs and photos

Symptoms of inguinal athlete's foot in men are as follows:

• pink scaly spots (usually about 1 cm in diameter);
• their borders are painted bright red;
• over time, the spots cover an increasingly larger area; they can affect the area of ​​the thighs, groin, as well as the scrotum and anus;
• as the disease progresses, the center of the spots turns pale, and weeping ridges form at their borders;
• closer to the boundaries of the spots, bubbles, crusts and scales may form;
• the affected areas are very itchy, the patient feels a burning sensation and stiffness in movements.

An exacerbation of the disease is considered to be the period from the formation of the first small spots until their resolution, when large pale spots begin to form, surrounded by a ridge. Then comes a period of remission.

Exacerbations and remissions can alternate over a long period of time (months or even years). Most often, the disease makes itself felt in the summer, and also when a person experiences heavy sweating.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. It is always easier to cure a disease early stage, do not delay.

Photos of inguinal athlete's foot in men:

Diagnostics

The doctor examines the patient and studies the nature of the rash. To clarify the diagnosis, a specialist may be interested in how the disease progressed before seeking medical help.

To confirm the diagnosis, scrapings are taken from the patient's lesions. With epidermophytosis, threads of fungi are detected under a microscope.

Important! If the scraping was taken from damp, weeping skin, it may not be informative.

How to treat athlete's foot in men

The disease is treated in several stages:

1. Elimination of inflammation and itching, drying of the skin. If there is no inflammation, weeping or blistering, the first stage of therapy is skipped.
2. Local treatment using external. In severe cases of epidermophytosis, the patient is additionally prescribed oral antimycotic drugs.

When starting treatment, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the house and disinfect things used by the patient. Pumice stones, washcloths and other things that cannot be properly disinfected are thrown away. Towels and linen are washed at 90 degrees.

First stage

To get rid of inflammation and weeping lotions with 1-2% solution of resorcinol, 0.1% chlorhexidine, 0.1% solution of ethacridine lactate, 0.25% solution of silver or Mycozolon are used. Cotton pieces are moistened in any of the listed solutions and applied to the stains. You can secure them with a bandage.

In case of severe inflammation Glucocorticoid creams and ointments (Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone) are prescribed. They are used for no more than 7 days. After treatment hormonal drugs they begin to make the lotions described above.

If the patient has blisters, then before applying lotions they must be pierced with a sterile needle and the liquid released.

To reduce swelling, allergies, and eliminate itching, the attending physician may prescribe antihistamines (Zodak, Erius, Cetrin, Suprastin and others).

If joins bacterial infection With purulent lesions skin, the doctor prescribes antibiotics wide range actions (for example, Cephalexin).

After relief of inflammatory phenomena (redness, pain, itching, swelling), the next stage of treatment begins.

Second stage

The main treatment for athlete's foot in men consists of applying external antifungal agents to the affected areas.

The most commonly used drugs are:

• Fukortsin solution (find out);
• tincture of iodine 2%;
• sulfur-salicylic ointment;
• Wilkinson's ointment.

Also quite effective are products in the form of ointments, gels, aerosols and lotions containing:

• naftifine (Exoderil, Mycoderil);
• ketoconazole (Nizoral, Oronazole, Ketoconazole, Funginok, Fungavis, Fungistab, Mycozoral);
• terbinafine (Binafin, Atifin, Terbizil, Bramisil, Terbinox, Lamisil, Fungoterbin, Exifin, Terbifin, Tigal-Sanovel, Exiter);
• bifonazole;
• and oxyconazole (Mifungar).

They are applied 2 times a day. Treatment is carried out until all symptoms of infection have passed(approximately 3-6 weeks).

Folk remedies

To relieve some symptoms of the disease conservative treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.

Decoctions are used for medicinal baths and washings medicinal plants(chamomile, oak bark).

Prevention

You must always follow the rules of personal hygiene:

• do not use common things, bring your own soap, towel, washcloth, etc. to the pool/bathhouse;
• wear underwear and clothing exclusively from natural fabrics that absorb sweat;
• be sure to thoroughly dry your skin with a towel after swimming;
• fight with excessive sweating(talc or powder can be applied to the skin of the body);
• maintain immunity - eat right, give up bad habits.

To prevent relapse, the patient needs to apply a 2% iodine solution to the former lesions every day for 3 weeks. Before use, you should definitely consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Most important advice and conclusion - you should not delay treatment of the disease, and also prescribe medications without consulting a specialist.

The symptoms of athlete's foot are similar to many other diseases, put correct diagnosis and appoint competent treatment Only a doctor can do it. Your task is one – to follow all recommendations.