Dermatology >>>> Epidermophytosis - signs and treatment

Epidermophytosis - signs and treatment.

Epidermophytosis is a fungal infection caused by anthropophilic (pathogenic for humans) fungi Trichophyton mentagrophytes var Interdigitale, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum. These strains cause mycoses of feet, nails, skin. The predisposing factors for the onset of athlete's foot are:

Decreased immune responses,
Endocrine disorders (diabetes mellitus, obesity),
hyperhidrosis,
Abrasions, abrasions and other microscopic damage to the skin (for example, from shaving, scratching).

Signs of epidermophytosis appear on the skin in the form of clearly delineated foci of reddened skin with a diameter of about 5 mm with an edematous edge around the perimeter. After a while, small spots merge and take up significant spaces on the skin. The most common locations of epidermophytosis foci are skin folds (including under the breast, in the groin area), the lateral surface of the fingers, the armpits, the inner thighs, the perineum, the skin of the sole of the foot.

Epidermophytosis can begin acutely, as a rule, in the hot season, when the body is subject to sweating, which creates favorable conditions for the growth of the fungus. The macerated surface of the skin is accompanied by itching, gets wet, flakes, sometimes bubbles form, which self-resolve with the formation of a crust. The disease often becomes chronic.

Epidermophytosis can be transmitted from person to person when using general hygiene items (combs, manicure sets, towels, washcloths, etc.); when visiting baths, saunas, swimming pools; when wearing slippers, other person's clothes.

Treatment of epidermophytosis involves the use of fungicidal drugs (locally Amikazol, Mikoseptin, Nitrofungin, Terbinafin, Wilkenson ointments, Tsinkudan, Undecin), with concomitant infections, systemic antifungal drugs are used, if allergies are suspected, antihistamines are prescribed. Drying agents are used prophylactically - powders (antifungal powders), antiperspirants, they carefully monitor the hygiene of problem areas on the skin.