Fungal disease of the skin, hair and nails. Fungal diseases of nails. Microsporia of smooth skin

Interestingly, fungal infection of the toenails usually begins with the first or fifth toe, most likely due to frequent injuries that provoke mycosis of the feet. Symptoms illnesses nail plates ok: gradual loss of shine, cloudiness, yellowish or dirty gray color, thickening, detachment, deformation, cracking and brittleness of the nail. At the same time, the nail bed is partially exposed, its tissues look loose and cheesy.

How can you tell if your skin and nails are being attacked by fungi?

Although mycosis of the feet has a clear clinical picture, you should not draw a conclusion about the presence of the disease without resorting to specialized diagnostics, because proper diagnostics are quite expensive, long-lasting and sometimes not very easily tolerated by the body.

Peeling of the skin of the feet and hands, for example, can occur due to poor care or as a result of a chronic lack of vitamins, and nail damage such as mycosis of nails, often occurs when they are traumatically damaged, and very often when wearing tight shoes. Cloudiness and detachment of the nail may be a consequence of impaired peripheral circulation due to heart disease, diabetes mellitus. So, before taking any measures, you need to make sure that there is a fungus, and this can only be done by consulting a doctor and undergoing a special microbiological test. And even if you have already started treatment on your own, in order for the fungal analysis to be accurate, you need to not use any antifungal ointments or creams for 3-4 days.

Spray and gel Deo-Active Fresh

Sweat glands regulate body temperature - cool it by evaporating fluid from the body. The skin of the feet contains more than 250,000 sweat glands, which is an order of magnitude more than is found on the skin of any other part of the body, because increased sweating is necessary to maintain the natural moisture and elasticity of the skin. However, damp skin is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, which breaks down sweat, which leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Wearing closed shoes, using synthetic materials, and not observing personal hygiene rules lead to the fact that the moisture that accumulates in the shoes does not erode, but collects, creating a favorable environment for the appearance and reproduction of pathogenic organisms. This increases the likelihood of infections, in particular foot fungus.

Scholl produces two types of Deo-Active Fresh products to combat foot odor based on Aseptix technologies: spray and gel. Scholl products provide an instant deodorizing effect, have a long-lasting and effective antibacterial effect, and eliminate long time prevent the appearance of odor.

Deo-Active Fresh Gel has the additional benefit of its cooling components giving you a feeling of coolness and freshness, and the special Hydro-alcoholic Gel technology ensures that the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin of the feet is limited.

The Aseptix Active Oxygen Technology used in Deo-Active Fresh Spray is a patented antimicrobial technology whose key component is a special form of hydrogen peroxide that has been modified to ensure the safety, stability and high effectiveness of this ingredient for antibacterial purposes.

In order to improve the effect of hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations present in Deo-Activ Fresh Spray, additional processing of the key component was carried out, which contributed to the creation of a special form of hydrogen peroxide - Plasma Enhanced Peroxide. The active substance is irradiated using ultra-short powerful electrical impulses, while the oxidizing ability of hydrogen peroxide is so high that it allows the resulting substance to be classified as active forms of oxygen.

When stored, this special form of hydrogen peroxide (Plasma Enhanced Peroxide) is stable, and when in contact with the skin, it is activated and fights bacteria and fungi by destroying the cell wall and destroying the bacterial DNA, then breaking down into water and oxygen, which guarantees safety - both for for the consumer and for environment.

Scholl also strives to best meet the needs of people with diabetes. In particular, the Scholl Deo Activ Fresh line of products has been tested for toxicity or potential for causing irritation to the skin of the feet. The results showed that these products are ideal for people with diabetes.

The products in the Deo-Activ Fresh line include specialized ingredients selected to provide gentle foot care.

The components of Deo-Activ Fresh products solve the problem of unpleasant odor through the complex use of antiseptics, active oxygen, and vitamin B5 and aloe vera carefully care for the skin of the feet. Thus, Scholl antiperspirants provide high efficiency, destroying up to 99.9% of bacteria, and guarantee long-term (up to 24 hours) protection against odor-causing bacteria.

I have a fungus on my skin, what should I do? First of all, don’t panic, all this can be treated. There are about two thousand skin diseases, fungal diseases occupy not the last place among them. Fungal disease can be acquired anywhere. To prevent this from happening, you need to know about such diseases and follow simple hygiene rules to prevent them. Well, fungal skin diseases need to be treated by a dermatologist.

Fungal diseases skin

The causative agents of fungal skin diseases are plant microorganisms (fungi). Infection occurs through contact healthy person with a sick person or with an animal, as well as with objects containing elements of the fungus.

Depending on the depth of penetration of the infection deep into the skin, there are:

• fungal diseases, in which fungi are localized in the uppermost layer of the epidermis - the stratum corneum, do not affect hair and nails; these are so-called keratomycosis, for example, pityriasis versicolor;

• fungi are localized in the deeper layers of the epidermis, causing a pronounced inflammatory reaction, affecting hair and nails; these are fungal infections of the feet, microsporia, trichophytosis and favus;

• deep mycoses, in which, in addition to the skin and mucous membranes, pathological process muscles, bones and internal organs.

A separate group includes candidiasis, which is caused by yeast-like fungi. They affect mucous membranes, skin, nails and internal organs.

Multicoloredlichen

Pityriasis versicolor (varicolored) appears as pinkish-brown spots with slight pityriasis-like peeling on the skin of the neck, back, and chest. The spots become especially noticeable after sunbathing, remaining light against the background of pigmented skin. The main source of infection is wooden beach beds or sand, on which a sick person was lying shortly before a healthy person, as well as bed linen or underwear that was in contact with the patient’s skin. The disease is not very contagious and occurs mainly in people with excessive sweating and altered chemical composition sweat. It does not occur in children under 7 years of age. When it occurs, 3% salicylic alcohol and sulfur ointment are used externally.

Fungus on the feet

Mycoses of the feet are very common. People usually become infected in bathhouses, swimming pools, showers, and gyms, where scales of the epidermis of patients containing elements of the fungus fall on the skin of a healthy person. Peeling appears in the interdigital folds, then weeping, and erosion occurs. There are blisters and peeling on the arches of the feet. Nails thicken, become deformed, and become brittle.

To avoid mycosis of the feet, you do not need to use someone else’s shoes, and do not walk barefoot in the pool or bathhouse. After the pool, you should take a shower and dry your skin thoroughly, especially in the folds. For prevention, the skin of the feet can be wiped with antifungal agents or lubricated with appropriate creams. At home, you should not keep rubber mats or wooden grates in the bathroom, on which mushrooms thrive. If mycosis of the feet does occur, then after treatment by a dermatologist, you should thoroughly disinfect all used shoes: lubricate their inner surface with a swab soaked in 70-80% acetic acid(do not touch with your hands - it can cause burns), after which each pair of shoes is placed in a plastic bag for 24 hours, tied well. After a day, the shoes are removed, dried and aired.

Manifestations of microsporia

Microsporia is caused by two varieties of the fungus, one of which is contagious only to humans (a rare type), the other - to humans and animals. Therefore, in the first case, the disease occurs when using other people's hats and combs, in the second - from sick cats, dogs, or through objects containing elements of this fungus.

With microsporia, characteristic foci of rounded outlines appear on smooth skin with a ridge along the periphery of fused vesicles, nodules and crusts. On the scalp, rounded lesions also have clear boundaries with slight peeling on the surface. The hair is broken off, as if it had been cut. Short (4-5 mm) stumps of hair protrude above the surface of the skin, covered with a whitish coating of the fungus.

Treatment of microsporia is carried out only by a dermatologist; treatment is fraught with a long course with the addition of complications in the form of various infections.

To prevent microsporia, you must follow the following rules:

• do not contact stray animals;
• do not wear other people's hats and clothes.

When the first signs of illness appear, children should not visit kindergarten. Domestic cats and dogs that appeared possible reason diseases should not be kicked out of the house (they will infect others!), they need to be treated in a veterinary hospital. Objects that the sick have come into contact with are disinfected, and lost hair is burned.

Remember! Dermatology cannot be learned from a self-instruction manual. The basic basic knowledge you need to prevent skin diseases. Well, if some kind of rash appears on the skin, then it is better to consult a dermatologist.

Based on materials from an article by Galina Romanenko “ Fungal skin diseases»

Saprophytic fungi (fungi), mainly yeasts of the genus Candida, constantly live on our skin, in the mouth, on the genitals, without causing pathological changes. But they can cause diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, especially in infants, if the skin is excessively moist. The growth of fungi is facilitated by suppression of the bacterial flora - usually with long-term use of antibiotic combinations wide range.

The harmlessness of most of these fungi is relative: in the event of a decrease in immunity, they become aggressive, penetrate through the skin and mucous membranes, and even worse - into the bloodstream, into organs and tissues, causing extremely severe damage. Fortunately, this rarely happens - only in rare cases of congenital immunodeficiency, in patients with AIDS and in the treatment of malignant diseases. Therefore, with the development of “deep” fungal infections, it is imperative to find out the reason for the decrease in the body’s resistance.

Another part of skin diseases is caused pathogenic fungi living in animals.

Yeasts

These yeasts inhabit our skin and mucous membranes, and their growth is controlled both by the immune system and by other microbes living on these surfaces. If you suppress the activity of microbes with antibiotics, candida “comes to life” and manifests itself as pathogenic. Stimulates the growth of yeast fungi and disruption of the integrity of the skin, its constant hydration.

The disease caused by yeast fungi in infants is called diaper dermatitis; it is manifested by redness of the skin with clear contours, the formation of scales along the edges of the inflamed plaque, sometimes with vesicular elements.

Candidiasis in infants also develops in the form of thrush - white, loose deposits appear on the oral mucosa, usually not accompanied by anxiety in the child. They often occur during antibiotic treatment. This lesion is harmless, but persistent thrush may indicate that the child has an immunodeficiency, which requires examination.

In older children, candidiasis usually develops in the folds - in the groin, in the armpits, under mammary glands, between fingers, around anus. Increased sweating with inadequate toileting plays a role in its development. The type of lesions differs little from those with diaper dermatitis.

Candida sometimes causes damage to the nails - they become dull and thicken. Candidiasis of the genital organs in girls and women (vulvovaginitis) is manifested by discharge and itching, sometimes very severe, in boys - inflammation in the cavity of the foreskin (balanoposthitis). The disease can also be associated with taking antibiotics, steroid drugs, or be a consequence of taking birth control pills.

Treatment of skin candidiasis requires, first of all, improved skin care - more frequent swaddling and washing the child with thorough drying of the folds, the use of powders, and ointments for irritation of the folds. For older children, you should also monitor the hygiene of the folds and avoid prolonged moisturizing of the skin.

For treatment, antifungal ointments with clotrimazole, ketoconazole and others are used; Since candidiasis often has an allergic component, the use of combined ointments - antifungal and steroids - is justified.

For thrush, the oral mucosa is irrigated with hydrogen peroxide and sugar syrup; a quick effect occurs with local treatment with pimafucin, clotrimazole, miconazole; in persistent cases, ketoconazole (Nizoral) or fluconazole (Diflucan) is taken orally as prescribed by a doctor. Genital infections are treated with the same ointments or vaginal suppositories. Nystatin in mind low efficiency and toxicity should not be used.

Ringworm

Nowadays, parents rarely encounter ringworm. Ringworm is a collective concept; it refers to a group of fungal diseases, which are sometimes called by the type of dermatophyte fungi that caused them - trichophytosis, microsporia. The source of infection is dogs and cats (kittens), but you can become infected with the fungus not only from animals, but also from humans, for example through a comb, although this rarely happens in our time; in hairdressing salons, combs and other common items are disinfected. So now street dogs are the main source of infection. But indoor cats, if they communicate with street cats, can become infected.

The disease is easily diagnosed by the type of lesion; to identify fungi, they are examined under a microscope (skin scraping) or grown on nutrient media.

In a child, one or several lesions with a mild inflammatory reaction appear on the affected areas. The skin in the outbreak thickens, becoming covered with scales containing fungal spores. In the area of ​​the outbreak, the hair turns out to be broken off 5-7 mm from the root (“hemp”), they are surrounded by inflamed skin. With late detection and treatment, the lesion increases in size, and “daughter” lesions appear. In advanced cases, purulent blisters form, scratches become infected with bacterial flora, and then the entire head becomes covered with a purulent crust - such forms are not observed now.

Having identified in a child ringworm, you must consult a doctor, since treatment includes a long course of the antibiotic griseofulvin, ketoconazole. Local treatment of such a disease (lubrication with iodine, ointments, tar, etc.) is ineffective, although many dermatologists prefer to combine the use of griseofulvin with ointments that act on fungi.

The patient must be removed from the children's team until he is cured. Persons in contact with him should be periodically examined to see if they have become infected. At modern treatment There is no need to shave your head, remove hair or wear a cap.

Ringworm on smooth skin

This disease is caused by the same dermatophyte fungi as lichen of the scalp, the source of infection is the same.

The skin lesion has a round or oval shape with clear boundaries. The lesion grows slowly and subsequently becomes ring-shaped; more or less normal skin in the center indicates healing; small nodules forming a rim are visible along the periphery of the lesion. Sometimes nails are involved in the process - they thicken and crumble.

Miconazole, clotrimazole, econazole, naftifine, tolnaftate, ciclopirox ointments are used 1-2 times a day for four weeks. If ointments are ineffective, a course of griseofulvin or Lamisil is given. When nails are affected, Laceril, Lamisil, Exoderil are used topically.

Pityriasis versicolor

This disease is caused by two special fungi that differ from the causative agents of ringworm. The disease is contagious, although less contagious than ringworm.

Yellowish-brown spots appear on the smooth skin of the back, neck, limbs, and sometimes on the scalp; The disease got its name from the type of lesion - when scraped, a fine, bran-like peeling is revealed.

Treatment is carried out locally with nitrofungin, micoseptin, miconazole, resorcinol alcohol. Since the fungus can nest in other areas of the skin without appearing for some time, it is recommended to lubricate the entire skin with a 25% sodium thiosulfate solution twice a day for two to four weeks or, more simply, 2.5% m solution of selenium sulfide once a month for three months.

The disease is caused by rubrophyton and epidermophyton

The disease is caused by a group of related fungi (rubrophyton, epidermophyton) living on our skin. Infection occurs from patients most often in shower pools or baths. These diseases usually occur in children over seven years of age and adults. Increased sweating of the hands and feet, as well as the inguinal folds, where the main lesions are localized, plays a role in the development of the disease.

The lesions usually have the appearance of reddish elements, sometimes scalloped with peeling; they do not bother the patient much - they do not hurt or itch. Nails are often affected; they thicken, become dull, and scaly. When rubrophytosis affects the scalp, dandruff appears; sometimes you can see reddish, scaly plaques or scalloped elements.

Treatment of these diseases requires eliminating excess skin moisture. Nitrofungin, bifonazole ointments, mycoseptin, clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine are used locally. In persistent cases with constant relapses, the use of oral ketoconazole or fluconazole for four to six weeks (possibly two to three times a week) is justified.

If nails were affected, previously it was necessary to resort to removal; now you can cure a nail from fungus using exoderil under a patch, Laceril, Lamisil. I do not recommend, however, using these remedies on your own - the drugs are not without side effects and are sold by prescription, and nail ointments are not cheap, so a doctor's advice can help you save money.

Based on materials from the article by Professor Vladimir Tatochenko “Fungal diseases of the skin and mucous membranes”

Fungal diseases of the feet

Fungal diseases of the feet today can be called a disease of civilization.

Fungi or their spores are everywhere - in the air, in the soil, on the skin of every person. A healthy body is in symbiosis with the fungus. But as soon as the conditions change, the fungus immediately violates “neutrality.”

Some have learned to take fungi on their feet philosophically, as a given. You can’t get rid of it anyway, so why waste energy, nerves and money! Others may be happy to join the fight, but they give up in advance, having read that victory cannot be easy and quick. In the end, everything turns into a real thriller, where the “villain” doesn’t even consider it necessary to hide and torments decent people openly, slowly and painfully.

“Surviving” a fungus is really not that easy. And only a qualified specialist can solve this problem.

Development of the disease

The impetus for the development of the disease can be not only poorly chosen shoes, which cause increased temperature and sweating of the feet, but also endocrine diseases of the pancreas and thyroid glands. Loves fungus and areas of the body with impaired blood supply. An important factor opening the way to the disease is weakening immune system, in this case, the activation of all flora that lives on the human body and usually does not cause diseases occurs.

As a rule, the disease begins with the skin of the feet - peeling appears, the skin between the toes cracks and becomes white coating. Cracks and growths of rough skin appear on the heels.

Damage to the nail plates

If measures are not taken in time, damage to the nail plates occurs. The nail plates become yellow and often peel off from the nail bed. Sometimes multi-colored spots appear on the nails and they become cloudy. However, similar symptoms can occur in a wide variety of diseases not associated with fungal infection. Therefore, before prescribing treatment, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis by examining the affected areas under a microscope or by sowing a culture.

Most often, fungus is considered as a cosmetic defect. However, the problem is that affected nails are a constant reservoir of fungal infection, which can spread throughout the body, even affecting internal organs.

Treatment of fungal foot infections

To prevent the occurrence of fungal nail infections, you need to treat fungal infections of the feet as early as possible. Previously, the fungus was treated by treating the affected areas with antiseptics, or folk remedies. Now there are many drugs that can be used at the initial stage to get rid of mycosis of the feet (in the absence of pathology of the internal organs).

Difficulties arise if the disease has already affected the nails, or areas of hyperkeratosis (increased keratinization) have appeared on the skin of the feet. In this case, treatment must be comprehensive.

It must include a purpose antifungal drugs- if there are no contraindications to their use. In this case, if necessary, the patient should receive a highly qualified consultation with a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist (as indicated).

The second important stage in complex treatment fungal diseases is the mechanical removal of increased keratinization on the skin or nails. Today, several methods are used.

The most common is to dissolve the upper layers of the nail or areas of increased keratinization of the skin with special liquids at home. However, this is quite long and exhausting work, requiring large quantity time.

Surgical removal of the nail plate has recently become less common. Abroad, this method has long been abandoned. In Russia it is still used (although it has a number of complications)

The fastest, safest and most painless way to mechanically remove increased keratinization on the skin or nails is the hardware method (“medical pedicure”). Using this method, using a special apparatus equipped with many devices, nails are polished, filed, excess keratinization is removed from the skin, calluses are removed, etc. When polishing, the surface of the nail is leveled and layers affected by fungus are removed.

And if the doctor determines that in your case it will be sufficient only local treatment(applying varnishes, creams) - the thinner the affected nail tissue, the more contained in the varnish or cream active substances will penetrate better into the intercellular space of the nail plate.

Therefore, a “medical pedicure” will save you from long and exhausting work at home. After all, only a qualified specialist can determine the line where it is necessary to stop so as not to injure the nail bed.

Only an integrated approach to solving this problem will allow you to quickly and reliably get rid of the fungus.

Based on materials from the article by Oksana Makeenko “Fungal diseases of the feet”

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is an infection of the skin, paranasal sinuses and lungs or other internal organs caused by molds of the genus Aspergillus, in particular A. fumigatus. Infection occurs as a result of inhalation of fungal spores.

The disease is relatively rare, mainly among agricultural workers and pigeon keepers. Usually the tissue of the outer ear is affected (otomycosis), which is accompanied by itching and pain; When scratched, the skin may thicken and become gray or black in color.

A large number of spores entering the lungs causes extensive changes reminiscent of tuberculosis. Cutaneous aspergillosis responds well to antibiotic treatment. For pulmonary infections, amphotericin is used. However systemic lesions sometimes lead to death.

Maduromycosis

Maduromycosis (Madura foot) is an infection of the feet (and sometimes other parts of the body) caused by various types fungi or (in half the cases) bacteria of the genera Nocardia and Actinomyces, which form long branching filaments and in this respect are similar to fungi.

The disease is found in the tropics and southern United States. Regardless of the type of pathogen, swelling appears around the site of its introduction. On early stages Ulcerated tumors appear, but later they disintegrate to form abscesses connected by deep fistulas.

In advanced cases, the skin darkens and becomes covered with scars, ruptured abscesses and abscesses filled with mucous fluid with yellow, red, white or black granules. Coming out of the abscesses, these granules enter the soil, after which the pathogen can re-enter the body from the contaminated soil, usually through wounds on the feet, but sometimes on the hands.

If left untreated, the feet become deformed and eventually the muscles, tendons and bones are destroyed. Infection caused by Actinomyces, treatable with penicillin, caused by Nocardia - sulfa drugs. In severe cases, the limb is amputated to prevent secondary bacterial infection, which can be fatal.

Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis - chronic infection, affecting mainly the skin and superficial lymph nodes. Its causative agent is Sporotrichum schenckii, a fungus that usually attacks plants, in particular barberry. The disease occurs throughout the world, mainly among farmers and gardeners growing barberry.

Initially, a dense rounded nodule appears under the skin, which gradually fuses with the skin. When a superficial ulcer forms, the skin around it turns pink and then turns black. Numerous nodules and ulcers appear along the lymphatic vessels.

Sporotrichosis can develop on mucous membranes, bones and internal organs, and also spread throughout the body. With the exception of this latter, disseminated form, the disease is rarely fatal and can be treated with amphotericin.

Candidiasis (moniliasis)

Candidiasis (moniliasis) is an infection of the skin, nails, mucous membranes or internal organs caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida (Monilia) albicans. Candidiasis occurs throughout the world. The pathogen often enters the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and causes creamy white spots to appear on the tongue and oral mucosa, which spread to the roof of the mouth, tonsils and pharynx. Since the pathogen is ingested, infection of the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Damage to the nails (onychia) or periungual tissues (paronychia) begins with painful swelling and redness. The nail becomes hard, thick, streaked and often turns brownish in color. Sometimes there is a detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed, which becomes white or yellow. Vaginal candidiasis causes symptoms similar to thrush. When the lungs are affected, bronchitis or pneumonia occurs, and severe infection may manifest as lobar pneumonia. When an infection enters the blood or onto the meninges, the disease always has death. Treatment depends on the location of the lesion.

Dermatomycosis

Dermatomycosis is a superficial infection of the skin, nails or hair; the most common are dermatophytosis (the growth of fungi on dead parts of the skin and its derivatives), as well as the so-called. Athlete's foot (athlete's foot) and various other forms of dermatitis such as tinea versicolor and seborrheic eczema.

Versicolor (pityriasis versicolor)

Multi-colored (pityriasis). This common disease is caused by the fungus Pityrosporum orbiculare (formerly called Malassezia furfur). Only the outermost layer of skin is affected, usually on the torso and lower neck, where round, brownish-red, scaly patches appear, sometimes with mild itching.

Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis)

Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis). Develops on the surrounding skin sebaceous glands. It appears as flat or slightly swollen spots covered with greasy scales (see). Seborrheic eczema is most often caused by the yeast-like fungus Pityrosporum ovale.

Actinomycosis

Actinomycosis is traditionally considered as one of the mycoses, although this chronic, slowly developing infection is caused by several species of actinomycetes (most often Actinomyces israelii), which modern classification They are classified not as fungi, but as bacteria.

Having settled in the tissues of humans or animals, they form granules - clusters of numerous threads formed by their branching cells. Infection occurs when it enters the respiratory or digestive tract granules contained in abscess fluid. The infection can spread to any part of the body.

Initially, ulcerated tumors (granulomas) appear, which, disintegrating, turn into deep abscesses with internal passages and cavities. In most cases, the maxillofacial area and neck are affected. The skin in these areas thickens, loses its smoothness and becomes reddish or purple. Gradually, foci of infection open with the formation of fistulas.

IN chest actinomycetes inhabit the pleura and can grow into the wall chest cavity, forming chronic fistulas, sometimes spreading to the esophagus and pericardium (the outer lining of the heart). This form of the disease often ends in fatal bleeding. Another fatal form is actinomycosis. abdominal cavity. The first sign is the appearance of a tumor in the ileum and rectum. Then damage to the liver, spleen and kidneys develops, and in the absence of treatment, often also to the bones and central nervous system. The most effective treatments are penicillin and tetracyclines. The likelihood of recovery is highest in the case of skin lesions and decreases markedly as the infection spreads.

Operation: “clean feet”

Mycoses - (fungal diseases), diseases of humans and animals caused by microscopic pathogenic fungi (fungi).

Mycoses are divided into 4 groups.

Trichophytosis.

Trichophytosis is a fungal disease that affects the skin and hair, and sometimes nails.

The causative agent is the fungus Trichophyton. Infection occurs through contact with a sick person, as well as his things (hats, combs, scissors, bedding, etc.). Possible transmission in hairdressers, kindergartens, boarding schools, schools. Rodents (mice, rats) and cattle (mainly calves) also serve as carriers of the fungus. Infection of a person, as a rule, occurs through contact with hay, dust, contaminated hair affected by the fungus, and less often through direct contact with an animal. The disease is recorded more often in the autumn, which corresponds to periods of agricultural work.

Manifestations of trichophytosis

There are:

superficial,

chronic

infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis.

Superficial form of trichophytosis

The incubation period is 1 week. Depending on the location of the lesion, superficial trichophytosis of the scalp and smooth skin is distinguished. Nail damage in the superficial form is extremely rare. Superficial trichophytosis of the scalp occurs in childhood. As an exception, it occurs in infants and adults. The disease is characterized initially by single, and later by multiple foci measuring 1-2 cm, with irregular outlines and unclear boundaries. The lesions are located in isolation, without a tendency to merge with each other; the skin in the area of ​​the lesions is slightly swollen and reddened, covered with pityriasis-like scales of a grayish-white color, the layers of which can give the lesion a whitish appearance. Sometimes redness and swelling increase, blisters, pustules, and crusts appear. Within the lesions, the affected hair loses its color, shine, elasticity, and partially bends and curls. Their thinning is noted due to breaking off at a level of 2-3 mm from the surface of the skin. Sometimes the hair breaks off at the very root, then it looks like “black dots”. The hair stumps are dull and covered with a grayish-white coating. Sometimes only peeling is observed on the affected area. In such situations, upon careful examination, it is possible to identify “stumps” of hair. Superficial trichophytosis of smooth skin can be isolated or combined with damage to the scalp. Its primary localization is open areas of the skin - the face, neck, forearms, and also the torso. This form occurs at any age, equally often in men and women. The disease begins with the appearance of one or several pink-red spots that are swollen and therefore slightly protruding above the level of the surrounding skin. Unlike lesions on the scalp, spots have regularly rounded outlines and sharp boundaries. Their surface is covered with scales and small bubbles, which quickly dry into crusts. Over time, the inflammation in the center of the lesion weakens, and the lesion takes on the appearance of a ring. Itching is absent or mild.

Chronic form of trichophytosis

Chronic trichophytosis occurs in adolescents and adults, mainly in women, and is characterized by scant manifestations. Adult patients are usually not detected for a long time, which is due, on the one hand, to the insignificant severity of the manifestations of the disease and, in connection with this, low appealability of patients, and on the other hand, to the rarity of this fungal disease at the present time. As a rule, the disease is detected during an examination of the “epidemiological chain” to establish the source of infection of children in the family. In chronic trichophytosis, the scalp, smooth skin and nails, usually the fingers, are affected, either alone or in various combinations with each other. The favorite location is mainly in the occipital region and is manifested only by slight pityriasis-like whitish peeling. In some places, the scales are located on a barely noticeable lilac background. Broken hair in the form of “black dots” is difficult to detect. However, “black dots” may be the only sign of the disease. This form of chronic trichophytosis of the scalp is called black spot. Often, delicate scars remain in areas of lost hair.

Chronic trichophytosis of smooth skin is characterized by damage to the legs, buttocks, forearms and elbows, and less often to the face and torso. Occasionally the process becomes widespread. The lesions are represented by pinkish-bluish spots without clear boundaries, with a flaky surface. There are no marginal ridges, vesicles, or pustules. When the palms and soles are affected, mild redness, peeling, and increased skin pattern are observed. A continuous thickening of the stratum corneum is possible, as a result of which deep furrows and even cracks are formed on the palms and soles in places of skin folds. With trichophytosis of the palms and soles, blisters never form. Chronic trichophytosis is often accompanied by damage to the nail plates. In the initial period of the disease, a whitish-gray spot appears in the nail area, which gradually increases in size. Subsequently, the nail plate becomes dull, dirty gray in color with a yellowish tint; its surface is bumpy. Nails thicken, become deformed, and crumble easily.

Infiltrative-suppurative form of trichophytosis

The incubation period of infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis ranges from 1-2 weeks to 1-2 months. It begins with the appearance of one or more pale pink scaly spots with rounded outlines and clear boundaries. The marginal ridge is made of plaques, small bubbles that shrink into crusts. Subsequently, the lesions increase in size, inflammation increases, and they rise above the level of healthy skin. When the lesions merge, they form bizarre figures, their surface is covered with plaques, blisters, pustules and crusts. Vellus hair is involved in the process. When lesions are localized in the growth zone of long hair, “stumps” of broken hair are observed. Subsequently, inflammatory phenomena increase in foci localized in the area of ​​the scalp, beard and mustache growth - redness and swelling intensify, sharply demarcated hemispherical nodes of a bluish-red color are formed, the bumpy surface of which is covered with numerous lesions. The hair partially falls out, becomes loose and is easily removed. A very characteristic feature is the sharply expanded orifices. hair follicles, made with pus, released when pressed in the form of copious drops and even streams. The initially dense consistency of the nodes becomes soft over time. These lesions on the scalp resemble honeycombs, and in the area of ​​the beard and mustache they resemble wine berries. On smooth skin, flat plaques predominate, sometimes very extensive, gradually transforming into pustules. Developing suppuration leads to the death of fungi. They are preserved only in scales along the edges of the lesions, where they are detected during microscopic examination. With infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis, an increase in lymph nodes, sometimes there is general malaise, headaches, and increased body temperature.

Diagnostics carried out by a dermatologist using laboratory and instrumental methods research.

Microscopic examination. From foci of superficial and chronic trichophytosis on smooth skin, scales and “stumps” of broken vellus hair are scraped off with a blunt scalpel. Broken hair is removed with tweezers. Microscopically, convoluted threads of mycelium are found in scales from lesions on smooth skin. When examined microscopically under high magnification, the affected hair has clear boundaries and is filled with large fungal spores arranged in parallel longitudinal chains.

Cultural research. Colony growth is observed on the 5-6th day after sowing in the form of a white lump.

Treatment of trichophytosis

When treating trichophytosis of smooth skin without affecting vellus hair, external antifungal drugs are used. Apply 2-5% iodine tincture to the affected areas in the morning and apply antifungal ointment in the evening. Apply 10-20% sulfur, 10% sulfur-3% salicylic or 10% sulfur-tar ointment. Modern antifungal ointments are widely used - lamisil, mycospor, exoderil, clotrimazole, etc. In cases of significant inflammation, combination drugs containing hormones are used. With multiple lesions on the skin, especially with vellus hair involved in the process, as well as with damage to the scalp, systemic antifungal therapy is necessary. The main drug used in the treatment of trichophytosis is griseofulvin. Griseofulvin is taken daily until the first negative test, then every other day for 2 weeks, and then another 2 weeks at 3-day intervals. Hair is shaved during therapy. At the same time as taking the systemic drug, local antifungal therapy is carried out. If vellus hair is damaged, hair removal is performed with preliminary detachment of the stratum corneum of the skin. For detachment, lactic-salicylic-resorcinol collodion is used. In case of chronic trichophytosis of the scalp, to remove “black spots”, detachment of the stratum corneum is carried out according to the Arievich method: for 2 days, milk is applied under a compress salicylic ointment, then the bandage is removed and 2-5% salicylic ointment is also applied under the compress. The stratum corneum of the skin is removed with a blunt scalpel, and “blackheads” are removed with tweezers. Detachment is carried out 2-3 times. For infiltrative-suppurative trichophytosis, crusts are removed using 2-3% salicylic ointment. Disinfecting solutions are used (furacilin, rivanol, potassium permanganate, ichthyol solution), as well as absorbable ointments, in particular sulfur-tar.

Prevention consists of timely identification, isolation and treatment of patients with this disease. Periodic medical examinations in children's institutions are necessary. Relatives and people in contact with the patient must be examined. Particular attention should be paid to domestic animals (cows, calves), since they are often the source of infection.

Mycoses are a group of diseases caused by fungi. These can be dermatophyte fungi, molds, yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. All of them are capable of causing numerous skin diseases. The source of infection is humans, animals and the environment as a whole. Fungal skin diseases have serious consequences. The treatment process is lengthy and complex.

Types of fungal skin diseases

Each type of fungal disease, depending on the location of the skin lesion, is divided into several individual species. The danger of each of them lies not only in discomfort, but also in the degree of negative impact on the body. Some varieties can have a toxic effect on tissues and internal organs. Yeast fungi become the causative agents of the most common female disorder - thrush.

On the body

Fungal skin lesions on the body always have pronounced symptoms. The rarest type is systemic mycosis. The disease affects not only smooth skin, but also penetrates the internal organs. Keratomycosis, dermatomycosis and candidiasis are considered more common. Diseases differ in the depth of penetration of the microbe, the scale of damage and symptoms.

On the face

The most common fungal diseases of the face are:

• keratomycosis (trichosporia, pityriasis versicolor);
• dermatomycosis (trichophytia, mycosis, microsporia, favus);
• pyoderma (purulent rashes, which include acne, furunculosis, impetigo, hidradenitis);
• exanthema (viral fungal diseases, including herpes and papillomas).

On the scalp

Scalp fungus often goes undetected. For example, dandruff belongs to the category of fungal diseases. People are not always in a hurry to get rid of it, considering its appearance to be a seasonal reaction of the body, the result of using the wrong shampoos, or other consequences of environmental factors. The causative agent of dandruff is not only a pathogenic microbe, but also a number of serious diseases not related to the skin, but to the body as a whole. The most common scalp fungi are:

• trichophytosis;
• microsporosis;
• favus.

Symptoms of skin fungus

There are a huge number of varieties of fungal diseases. Some symptoms indicate a specific disease, but most of the signs are general. If several of them are identified, it is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo a special examination. When choosing how to treat fungus on the skin, you must be guided by many factors. Main symptoms of fungus:

• redness;
• peeling;

Fungus on the scalp is accompanied by the appearance of “crusts”, hair loss and dandruff. If fungal infection affects the nails, the development of the disease begins with thickening of the nail plate, yellow spots, peeling and deformation. On the genitals or mucous membranes, the disease is accompanied by a cheesy coating.

Treatment of skin fungus

Before prescribing a type of therapy for fungal diseases, a specialized examination of the patient is required. The doctor examines the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. A scraping, x-ray or ultrasound is prescribed if the fungus affects internal organs. The treatment complex includes not only antifungal agents for the skin, but also a special diet.

Basic hygiene attention to your own body – best prevention fungal skin diseases:

1. You should not wear someone else's shoes or clothes, or use by common means hygiene.
2. There is no need to be in contact with a person who shows signs of uncleanliness or skin irritation.
3. You should wash your hands as often as possible, especially after visiting public places.
4. Own body must be inspected regularly. This is especially true for the groin, feet, hands, head and face.

Tablets

Antifungal medications are prescribed only in cases of emergency or when identifying chronic form diseases. Most fungal infections are treated with creams, lotions, or patches. The most effective tablet drugs include Nystatin, Fluconazole, Pimafucort, Levorin. You should take any of the medications only as prescribed by your doctor and in accordance with the recommendations in the instructions.

Antifungal ointment

Some fungal diseases develop without physical discomfort. Mild forms of fungi can be treated with an antifungal skin cream. If there are complications, doctors prescribe additional measures - taking antibiotics. Erythromycin and salicylic ointment are considered the most effective means, maintaining their popularity in the treatment of fungal infections for many decades. Modern specialists It is recommended to use Clotrimazole, Decamine, Mycozolon, Zincundan.

Shampoo

The most common fungal disease is seborrhea. Effective way Her treatments are hair washes. It is recommended to use the products at any stage of fungal development. Experts prescribe antifungal shampoo Sebozol, Nizoral, Cynovit, Dandrhotal. The average course of use is 2 weeks. They must be used for some time after the symptoms disappear to consolidate the results.

Fungus

Dermatomycoses (fungal skin diseases) arise as a result of exposure to various pathogenic fungi on the body. Fungi, getting on the skin and mucous membranes, can penetrate inside and spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic vessels throughout the body. In the presence of concomitant diseases (metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders), and also with vitamin deficiency, the body’s resistance to the penetration of microorganisms decreases.

Sources of infection – animals, plants, sick people, in addition, infection can occur through infected objects. Fungi are widespread in nature, but only a small part of them are pathogenic (that is, capable of causing disease) for humans and animals. In addition to the contact of pathogenic fungi on the skin, favorable factors are also needed, such as increased sweating, sweat chemistry, a person’s age, the state of the endocrine glands, and so on. Infectious and chronic diseases, reducing the reactivity of the body, changing the chemistry of sweat, the condition of the skin, hair, also affect the occurrence of the disease. Public showers, mats in bathhouse changing rooms and gyms, sweat-soaked socks and closed shoes are the main sources of infection. Fungal diseases occur when using other people's combs, brushes and hats, especially in children.

Diagnosis . Since the external manifestations of fungal infections are similar to those of eczema or psoriasis, patients often require the help of a dermatologist to make a differential diagnosis. In addition to a visual examination, the doctor may resort to examining pieces of affected skin under a microscope. If hyphae are detected - thin fibers of fungal bodies, a diagnosis is made immediately and appropriate treatment is prescribed. Sometimes a culture of the fungus is prepared, but this delays the start of treatment by 2-3 weeks. If some lesions of the scalp are suspected, a study is carried out in ultraviolet rays.

Clinical manifestations of fungal skin lesions very diverse. Most often they have the appearance of round, inflamed spots, the surface of which is covered with grayish-white scales. Sometimes a slightly raised ridge is visible along the edge of the hearth, also with scales and crusts. The foci can merge with each other, forming a vast zone of polycyclic outlines. Patients are bothered by itching, which either increases or decreases. Usually the disease begins acutely, but then progresses chronic course and can last for years.

When the skin of the scalp is damaged, hair damage is added to the described picture (most often they break off spontaneously at the root). Sometimes the disease occurs with pronounced inflammatory phenomena and then you can see brightly hyperemic, sharply defined infiltrated lesions covered with a large number of purulent or bloody-purulent crusts. Quite often, general malaise, fever, headache, enlargement and tenderness of nearby lymph nodes.

When the skin of the feet is affected by fungi, quite often the disease begins with the appearance of a group of bubbles the size of a pinhead to a small pea. They capture the lateral and plantar surfaces of the feet, interdigital folds and then open, leaving extensive painful erosions. Most patients experience severe itching.

When nails are infected with fungi, a yellow spot or stripe appears at the free edge of the nail. Then the nail plate thickens, acquires a gray-yellow color, crumbles easily, and horny masses accumulate under it. If the disease lasts for a long time, the nail can be almost completely destroyed. Unfortunately, most patients miss these initial phenomena, associating changes in the nail plates with any injuries in the past.

Some people are predisposed to developing tinea groin due to the high humidity in the area. Inguinal ringworm occurs especially often in men due to the close contact of the skin of the scrotum with the skin of the inner thigh, where excess moisture is also created.

All fungal skin diseases are divided into 4 groups: keratomycosis, epidermomycosis, trichomycosis, deep mycosis .

Keratomycosis.

Keratomycosis includes pityriasis versicolor, erythrasma, and axillary trichomycosis. These diseases are not very contagious.

Pityriasis versicolor, or multi-colored , is a disease manifested by the appearance on the surface of the skin and at the mouths of vellus hair follicles of slightly flaky yellowish-brown or brownish-red spots. As the disease progresses, the spots increase in size, acquiring irregular shapes. In some cases there is itching. As a rule, spots appear on the back, chest, neck and some other parts of the body. Intense Impact sun rays causes the death of the fungus, but the affected areas do not tan and stand out clearly against the background of tanned skin. In winter, relapses of the disease often occur. Increased sweating contributes to the occurrence of the disease.

Erythrasma – a fungal disease that develops in skin folds and does not have pronounced inflammatory manifestations. The provoking factor for the appearance of this disease is excessive sweating. The disease is characterized by the appearance of brown spots in the folds of the skin, which merge as they grow, forming a solid spot that looks sharply different from normal skin. Erythrasma develops mainly in men in the femoral-scrotal fold, sometimes accompanied by moderate itching. U fat people the disease may be complicated by inflammatory phenomena. A chronic relapsing course is possible. Since the disease practically does not bother patients, it goes unnoticed for many years. Unpleasant sensations appear with diaper rash and exacerbation of the disease.

Epidermomycosis

This group of fungal diseases includes athlete's foot and candidiasis.

Athlete's foot – a disease that has a chronic relapsing nature. Infection occurs from sick people when visiting public baths, swimming pools, or at home when personal hygiene rules are violated. For a long time, athlete's foot can be asymptomatic or manifest itself as slight peeling in the interdigital folds and on the arch of the soles, accompanied by mild itching. During the period of exacerbation of the disease, redness of the skin, the appearance of blisters, cracks in the spaces between the toes, on the arch and lateral surfaces of the feet are noted. In some cases, the affected areas swell and pain occurs when walking. The nails of the big toes are often affected. Similar symptoms may appear on the palms, as well as on other parts of the body. In some cases, athlete's foot can develop into eczema. As a rule, the disease develops in the hot season, predisposing factors are increased sweating of the feet, flat feet, and close proximity of the toes.

Candidiasis – infection with yeast-like fungi. These fungi are widespread in nature (there are especially many of them on various vegetables, fruits, and fruits) and under certain conditions they become pathogenic for humans. What are these conditions? Injuries to the skin and mucous membranes, increased environmental humidity (in women’s hands it happens during the period of canning vegetables and fruits), the effect of alkalis and acids on the skin. Yeast-like fungi contribute to hypovitaminosis (especially vitamin B2), metabolic diseases (diabetes, obesity), vegetative neuroses, poor circulation of the extremities, gastrointestinal diseases, uncontrolled use of antibiotics, hormonal drugs.

When they come into contact with the oral mucosa (in the presence of other favorable factors), they cause stomatitis. The mucous membrane of the gums, cheeks, and palate turns red, and white pinpoint lesions appear on it, like grains of semolina. Then these lesions merge, forming a whitish film of different sizes. Yeast-like fungi can also cause skin lesions in the corners of the mouth, for example, mycotic erosion (yeast erosion of the corners of the mouth), which is clinically very similar to a streptococcal infection. Candidiasis in the area of ​​large folds of skin (more common in women) has the appearance of clear spots of a dark red color, with a moderately moist surface. The periphery of the spot is often surrounded by a whitish exfoliating stratum corneum of the skin. It is typical that around the main focus there are several smaller pockets of the same nature (daughter elements, screenings).

One of the common manifestations of candidiasis is interdigital yeast erosion of the hands. Women who, due to their occupation, have frequent and prolonged contact with water (laundresses, workers in fruit and vegetable enterprises, etc.) get sick more often. Initially, the skin in the interdigital fold macerates, swells, and acquires a whitish tint. The surface layer then peels off, revealing a moist, shiny red surface. Along its edges, a whitish, macerated stratum corneum is clearly visible, as if hanging over the erosion. As a rule, the process does not extend beyond the lateral surfaces of the fingers. When yeast-like fungi infect the nail folds, they swell, turn red, and with light pressure, droplets of pus appear from under the fold, and severe pain is noted. In the future, nail plates may also get involved in the process.

Women often experience vulvovaginal candidiasis. IN initial stages their illness is bothered by severe itching and, at times, burning in the genital area. Then whitish-gray deposits appear on the mucous membrane, and crumbly discharge from the vagina is noted. Sometimes the process spreads to the skin of the anus. The disease can be transmitted from a wife to her husband, who develops yeast balanoposthitis.

Trichomycosis

Diseases in this group are highly contagious. Fungi develop in the stratum corneum of the epidermis, causing an inflammatory response from other layers of the skin. Damage to the cuticles of the fingers and internal parts of the hair is often observed.

Typical diseases of this group are trichophytosis, microsporia and scab (favus).

Microsporia - a skin and hair disease caused by two types of fungi - fluffy microsporum (as a result of contact with cats and dogs) and rusty microsporum. Most often, the disease manifests itself in children: single round-shaped lesions with sharp boundaries appear on the scalp. In these areas, pityriasis-like peeling and brittle hair are noted (they are covered with a grayish coating). Inflammatory phenomena are mild, but the affected areas are swollen and covered with purulent crusts. In other parts of the body, when affected by microsporima, the appearance of erythematous spots is observed correct form, with clear boundaries and a raised red-pink ridge along the periphery. Nails are not affected by microsporia.

Trichophytosis (ringworm) – a fungal disease of the skin, hair and nails, especially contagious for children aged 4 to 13-14 years. There are superficial and deep trichophytosis. In the first case, patches of flaking with broken hair appear on the scalp, which become noticeable in the form of bald patches. On smooth skin, the disease manifests itself in the form of erythematous scaly spots of regular shape, with clear boundaries, a raised ridge along the periphery and a depression in the center. At the same time, nails may be affected: they begin to crumble and deform, their color changes. Deep trichophytosis appears in the form of rounded tumor-like formations with clear red boundaries, covered with crusts. When pressed, pus is released from these formations, swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes, allergic rashes and a sharp increase in body temperature may be observed. Cure occurs in 1.5 – 2 months.

Favus (scab) – fungal disease of the skin, hair and nails. Infection occurs through contact with a sick person or through objects infected by him, as well as through failure to comply with personal hygiene rules. The appearance of peculiar crusts (scutellums and scutes) of straw color with a saucer-shaped indentation in the central part and often penetrated by hair is noted. These formations, growing, form extensive lesions with crusts, under which skin atrophy and persistent baldness occur. The hair in the affected areas becomes dull, resembles an old wig, and is easily pulled out. On smooth skin, the disease manifests itself in the form of small erythematous-scaly lesions that merge into plaques covered with purulent crusts.

Deep mycoses

Deep mycoses include actinomycosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, aspergillosis and others.

Treatment of fungal skin diseases.

1) Treatment of fungal skin diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Fortunately, most fungal infections are caused by several related species of fungus, so treatment is much the same. The choice of one form of treatment or another depends on clinical picture, localization of the lesion and type of pathogen. As a rule, antifungal ointments, lotions, creams, softening and exfoliating agents are prescribed externally. Fungal infections of the scalp and nails usually require taking antifungal drugs orally - antifungal antibiotics (nystatin).

2) To alleviate the condition, baths and compresses with decoctions and infusions are recommended medicinal herbs(queen, centaury, dandelion and others). Drugs medicinal plants can be taken orally to boost immunity (for example, lingonberry and cranberry juices).

3) In acute exudative, infiltrative-suppurative processes, lotions, wet-dry dressings are prescribed to relieve inflammatory phenomena, and in chronic cases, soothing agents are prescribed.

Antifungal treatment with both external and internal means should be carried out until the pathogens are completely eradicated. You should not interrupt treatment just because it seems to you that your skin has completely cleared up and your health has improved. To be completely sure of a cure, it is necessary to repeat tissue studies from previously affected areas to make sure that there are no more fungi there. But even such careful tactics do not serve as a guarantee against a repeated outbreak of infection.

Prevention.

1) To prevent fungal skin diseases, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene, do not share the same towel, sponges, slippers, combs, brushes, hats, etc. with a sick person.

2) If your pet has a lesion on its fur or skin, be sure to show it to the veterinarian.

3) Keep your feet dry and clean, dry your feet thoroughly after swimming and exercising. physical exercise, reversing Special attention to the interdigital spaces.

4) Wear cotton socks rather than wool ones - the former absorb moisture much better.

5) In hot, stuffy weather, wear wicker sandals and sandals.

6) Sprinkle socks and shoes with antifungal dusts and powders.

Medical sections: skin diseases

Medicinal plants: calamus, speedwell, wine grapes, yellow capsule, onion, peppermint, wormwood, open lumbago, radish

Get well!

Fungi that cause diseases of the skin, hair and nails in humans are very resistant to external influences. There are about 500 species. They can remain in skin flakes and lost hairs for many months and even years.

Pathogenic fungi do not develop in the external environment. Their place of life is a sick person or animal.

Among the pathogenic fungi, there are those that settle in the stratum corneum of the skin, but they can affect not only the skin, but also the nails (hair is not affected). These fungi cause athlete's foot and large skin folds.

A number of fungi affect the skin, as well as hair and nails; they cause three diseases: microsporia, trichophytosis and favus. The first two diseases are collectively known as ringworm; favus is called scab.

These diseases are highly contagious and relatively slow to treat. Fungal diseases can affect both children and adults. At the same time, there is some selective effect of certain types of fungi depending on the age of the person. Thus, children most often develop microsporia of the scalp. Athlete's foot affects mainly adults. Chronic trichophytosis usually affects women and rarely men.

Infection with fungal diseases occurs through contact with a sick person or animal and with objects used by the patient. The danger of infection with fungal diseases also arises when the sanitary and hygienic operating conditions of a hairdressing salon are violated (unsatisfactory quality of cleaning of premises, use of undisinfected tools, dirty linen, etc.). In these cases, infection occurs through clippers, scissors, and linen, which contain cut hair, skin flakes, and nail clippings.

Athlete's foot Only people get sick. Among skin diseases caused by fungi, athlete's foot takes first place. It is distributed mainly among the urban population, affects adults and is very rare in children.

The most common manifestation of athlete's foot is damage to the feet (soles, interdigital folds). Athlete's skin diseases of large skin folds occur, groin areas, armpits, and nails. Hair, as a rule, is not affected by athlete's foot fungi.

Athlete's disease is a very contagious disease, which is facilitated by a number of reasons: the lack of systematic control of fungal infection in production conditions (failure to comply with sanitary rules when working in hairdressing salons, inadequate disinfection of tools and linen, etc.), insufficient personal hygiene, excessive sweating of a person's feet and hands, general weakening of health, etc.

The source of infection is a patient with epidermophytosis. The infection is transmitted through fungus-contaminated linen through poorly disinfected instruments.

Based on the location of the lesions, this disease is divided into athlete's foot and inguinal.

Athlete's foot has several forms.

1. Most often, cracks, redness, and peeling appear in the third and especially in the fourth interdigital folds, on the lateral and lower surfaces of the third, fourth and fifth fingers.

2. Bubbles appear on the surface of the skin or deep in it, which sometimes merge. The blisters burst with the release of a cloudy liquid, forming abrasions, which then shrink into crusts. The bubbles are located mainly on the inner arch and along the inner and outer edges of the feet. The same picture can be on the hands and fingers, which is the body’s reaction to the disease athlete’s foot (allergic reaction).

With the erased (hidden) form of epidermophytosis, which is located in the spaces between the third and fourth and between the fourth and fifth toes or in the arch of the foot and its lateral surfaces, only limited areas of peeling are noted, and sometimes a small crack at the bottom of the interdigital folds. The erased form of epidermophytosis, causing only slight itching, does not attract the attention of the patient and can exist for a long time, representing an epidemiological danger. Such patients, visiting hairdressers, baths, swimming pools, can spread the infection.

Athlete's inguinal usually affects the inguinal folds, but can also occur in the axillary folds, under the mammary glands.

Athlete's foot also affects the nails. Most often, the nail plates of the first and fifth toes are involved in the process. The nails become yellowish in color, sharply thicken, and lose strength with the nail bed. Sometimes epidermophytosis is manifested by the appearance of yellowish-brown spots on the nails and peeling of the periungual skin.

It must be said that each of the listed forms of epidermophytosis, under unfavorable conditions, can be complicated by inflammatory phenomena, expressed in the addition of a pyogenic infection. In this case, the lesions spread quickly, redness, swelling, and pustules appear. The disease is accompanied by severe pain, burning, and often increased temperature.

A type of epidermophytosis is rubrophytia, rare nowadays.

Unlike athlete's foot, this disease can also affect the nails of the fingers and toes. Rubrophytosis does not affect hair (except for vellus hair). Most often, rubrophytosis affects the palms and soles.

With microsporia of the scalp caused by feline fungus, a small number of foci of peeling with a diameter of 3-5 cm appear. The foci are round in shape, with sharp boundaries, and do not tend to merge with each other. The skin in the lesions is covered with small whitish pityriasis scales. All hair on the lesions is broken off at a height of 4-8 mm.

With microsporia of the scalp caused by a “rusty” fungus, numerous lesions of different sizes appear - bald patches of irregular shape, not sharply demarcated from healthy skin, with a tendency to merge with each other. From the merging of individual lesions, larger bald spots are formed. The hair on them may be broken off, but not all of it. Among the broken hair (at a height of 4-8 mm), preserved hair can be found. Microsporia caused by a “rusty” fungus is characterized by the location of lesions on the scalp, involving adjacent areas of smooth skin.

Foci of microsporia on smooth skin look like red, round, sharply demarcated inflammatory spots. Small bubbles and crusts are visible along the edges of the spots. With microsporia caused by a “rusty” fungus, in addition to such spots, bright red flaky spots of various sizes are often observed, shaped like rings located one inside the other; the skin inside the rings has a normal appearance.

Nails are not affected by microsporia.

Trichophytosis caused by trichophyton fungi. This disease is most often observed in school children, and preschool age, but also occurs (in a special form) in adults.

Trichophytosis can affect separately scalp heads, smooth skin, nails or all these areas together.

There are superficial and deep trichophytosis. Superficial trichophytosis leaves no traces after healing.

Superficial trichophytosis of smooth skin most often occurs on exposed parts of the body - on the face, neck, hands, and forearm. Round spots of bright red color of a rounded shape appear on the skin, sharply demarcated from healthy skin, ranging in size from one to five kopeck coins, with a tendency to rapidly increase. The central part of the lesion is usually paler in color and covered with scales, and the edges are slightly raised above the skin level in in the form of a roller (small bubbles can sometimes be found on it). Microscopic examination of the scales reveals the fungus Trichophyton.

Superficial trichophytosis of the scalp has the appearance of small-sized and different-shaped multiple foci of whitish peeling, with blurred boundaries. Only part of the hair on the lesions is broken off. The hair rises 1-3 mm above the skin level and looks like it has been cut. Hence the name ringworm. The remains of individual hairs, broken off flush with the skin, look like black dots. On the affected areas, the skin is covered with small whitish-gray scales.

Chronic trichophytosis is most often observed in women. Beginning in childhood, this disease progresses extremely slowly and, if left untreated, lasts until old age. Chronic trichophytosis affects the scalp, smooth skin and nails.

On the scalp of patients with chronic trichophytosis, small bald patches, as well as small foci of peeling, are found. Affected hairs may be single, low-cropped, often close to the surface of the skin (“black-spotted” hairs).

Chronic trichophytosis appears more clearly on smooth skin, thighs, buttocks, legs, shoulders and forearms. Skin lesions - in the form of pale, bluish-red, slightly flaky spots with blurred outlines. These spots bother patients little and often go unnoticed. The scales from flaky areas of the skin contain large quantities of trichophytosis fungi, which can cause ringworm in people who come into contact with patients.

With chronic trichophytosis, a change in the palms is observed, which consists of thickening of the skin, slight redness and peeling. Sometimes the same rashes are observed on the soles.

Trichophytosis of the nails is observed in patients with trichophytosis of the scalp due to the transfer of fungi to the fingernails. First, spots appear and changes in the nail plate are observed, and then the nail begins to grow abnormally. The surface of the nail becomes uneven, striated with transverse grooves and depressions. The nail plate loses its shine and smoothness, becomes cloudy, and then brittle and brittle. In some cases, the nail plate thickens, and in others, loosening, it begins to collapse from the free edge. The remains of the nail plate disfigure the fingers with uneven edges. Inflammatory changes in the skin around the affected nails are usually not observed.

Deep trichophytosis is caused by trichophyton fungi that live in the skin of animals. Humans become infected from sick calves, cattle, and horses. Unlike the superficial form, deep trichophytosis is acute.

When trichophytons penetrate the skin, acute inflammation develops, which affects all layers of the skin. Therefore, deep trichophytosis is also called blister.

Bright red spots first appear on the head, and then signs of deep inflammation develop. Areas of inflammation, merging, form a continuous focus, which, like an abscess or tumor, protrudes above the skin. The surface of the lesion is covered with crusts. Hair within the affected area falls out easily. After the abscesses open, the disease itself may result in recovery. After treatment, the disease leaves scars on which hair does not grow back. The course of the disease is long - 8-10 weeks or more.

On smooth skin with deep trichophytosis, inflammatory bright red spots are formed, sharply demarcated from healthy skin and rising above it. Lesions are round or oval in shape. Many small merging pustules form on them. In the center of each pustule there is a hair sticking out, which is freely removed.

Deep trichophytosis most often develops in men in the area of ​​the beard and mustache, and in children - on the scalp.

When scab affects the scalp, round yellow crusts develop on the skin, which tightly cover the hair. The center of the crust is recessed so that the crust is shaped like a saucer. When the crusts merge, extensive lumpy layers are formed that protrude above the skin level. Each crust is a cluster of fungi.

Under the influence of the harmful effects of the fungus, the skin under the crusts becomes very thin, while the hair papillae are destroyed and the hair dies. It is very characteristic that the hair on the head retains its usual length, does not break off, but as if lifeless, it loses its shine and becomes dull, dry, as if dusty, and acquires a gray color, reminiscent of a wig. Scab is characterized by persistent baldness at the affected sites, which in advanced cases can spread to the entire surface of the scalp, but at the same time there is often a narrow strip along the edge on which the hair is preserved. When affected by scab, the hair emits a peculiar “mouse” smell.

Smooth skin is rarely affected by scab, only if there is damage to the scalp. Red, scaly spots form on the skin, and sometimes yellow crusts that can merge.

When nails are affected by scab, they thicken, acquire a yellowish color, and become brittle and brittle. Basically, the same changes occur as when nails are affected by trichophytosis. As a rule, inflammatory changes in the skin around the affected nails are not observed.

Prevention of fungal diseases. The source of infection with fungal diseases are sick people and objects that have acquired fungi from sick people, as well as sick animals. Transmission of fungi can occur through combs, combs, headbrushes, hair clippers, shaving brushes, underwear and bedding, clothing, gloves and many other items if they were used by patients.

The greatest danger to children is from cats with microsporia, especially stray cats.

Outbreaks of fungal diseases can occur in schools, nurseries, and kindergartens, where preventive measures were not taken in a timely manner when the first case of a fungal disease appeared.

Fungal diseases in children's groups are detected through regular medical examinations.

One of the decisive conditions for the success of the fight against fungal diseases is the isolation of the sick person from the healthy.

An important condition for preventing fungal diseases is following the rules of personal hygiene.

If sick, the patient is not allowed to visit baths, showers, hairdressers and other public service institutions. After washing his basin, the washcloth must be washed thoroughly hot water with soap. Wash the razor, soap dish, comb and soap utensil with hot water and soap after use. It is not recommended to use a brush for soaping; it is better to replace it with cotton wool or a clean cloth and burn them every time after shaving.

It is necessary to wash the patient’s linen, as well as store dirty and washed linen separately from the linen of other family members; the patient’s dirty linen is collected in a bag and before washing, boiled in a soap solution for at least 15 minutes, and then thoroughly ironed.

The floor in the apartment is washed daily with hot water and soap, after pouring a 5% chloramine solution for 1.5 - 2 hours.

To prevent the spread of fungi, the patient should wear a cap or scarf during the day and at night, which tightly covers the scalp, forehead and back of the neck. They should be changed daily. It is advisable to make several of these caps or scarves from white linen and store them separately. Before washing, used caps are boiled in soapy water for 15 minutes or soaked in a 5% chloramine solution. At the end of the treatment, the caps and scarves must be burned.

Hair removed during treatment of patients with fungal disease must be carefully collected and burned.

Do not allow dust to accumulate in the room where the patient is. Dust from household items must be wiped with a cloth soaked in a 2% chloramine solution. Then it is better to burn the rag. The room needs to be ventilated more often.

Outerwear and underwear used by the patient must be submitted for disinfection. If this cannot be done, then the clothes should be thoroughly brushed, ironed with a hot iron, and then aired for several days in the sun or frost. It is better to burn the hat used by the patient (if the scalp is affected).

In addition to constantly maintaining general sanitary order and cleanliness, hairdressing salon workers are required to refuse service to adults and children if they have signs of a skin disease. Manicurists should not serve persons with signs of nail disease.

In the “Sanitary Rules for the Construction, Equipment and Maintenance of Hairdressing Salons”, approved by the Deputy Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the USSR on June 19, 1972, Ch. VI, paragraph 23 states: “Visitors with changed skin(rash, spots, peeling, etc.) are served in a hairdressing salon only upon presentation of a doctor’s certificate stating that their disease is not contagious.”

The fight against fungal diseases cannot be successfully carried out only by medical workers. The entire population should be familiar with the external manifestations of fungal diseases, routes of infection, as well as measures to combat them.