Fungal infections, or dermatomycosis, are quite common in the population. They can be caused by different pathogens and localized in different parts of the body. Thus, the activity of the fungi Epidermophyton floccosum and other epidermophyton can lead to the development of epidermophytosis inguinal.
The reasons for the development of the disease
Epidermophytosis inguinal occurs as a result of infection with fungal organisms that can infect the outer layers of the skin. Epidermophytos are quite common, so almost every person occasionally encounters them. Fungi are easily transmitted:
- by contact (from sick people);
- by household (when using objects shared with a sick person – washcloths, towels, shoes, linen, etc.);
- with insufficient hygiene when visiting public places, for example, a sauna or swimming pool.
However, the infection may not develop after every contact of a healthy person with the pathogen. The likelihood of epidermophytosis increases:
- with a decrease in the body’s defenses (against the background of other diseases, an unhealthy lifestyle, etc.);
- with frequent presence in conditions of high temperature, as well as humidity (with regular visits to baths, saunas, beaches, swimming pools, work in hot shops, playing sports, etc.);
- in the presence of diabetes mellitus;
- when basic hygiene is neglected, for example, when using joint washcloths or towels;
- in the presence of all kinds of damage to the skin.
Symptoms of a fungal infection
Inguinal epidermophytosis manifests itself on the skin of the groin area. The infection most often affects the upper and inner thighs, and can spread to the gluteal folds, the skin around the anus, and the scrotum. In some situations, foci of the disease are observed in the armpits or directly under the mammary glands (in the formed fold). It is extremely rare that the skin in the interdigital spaces suffers from epidermophytosis inguinal and even less often it becomes the cause of the destruction of the nail plate.
The first manifestation of the disease is small flaky specks. They look red and inflamed and are usually less than half a centimeter in size . Over time, the size of such spots increases, they become oval. Areas of infection with a red surface, look friable and swollen. On closer inspection, you can see that the spots are covered with small bubbles, possibly crusting.
If the infection continues to develop, the lesions merge. As a result, inflamed and itchy areas are formed on the skin, the size of which reaches fifteen centimeters, and sometimes more. The central part of such a spot looks pale and sunken. And along the edges of the formation there is a roller formed from exfoliating cells of the epidermis.
It should be noted that manifestations of epidermophytosis inguinal can be observed not only in the groin. Sometimes foci of infection occur on other areas of the skin, for example, on the surface of the hands, abdomen or back. But this disease never affects the scalp.
In the absence of adequate and timely therapy, the disease can become chronic.
Skin treatment for epidermophytosis
Timely seeking medical help and correct diagnosis make it possible to cope with epidermophytosis inguinal in a relatively short period of time – in two to three weeks. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a specialist dermatologist and is complex. Patients are prescribed a variety of medications that may be presented:
- antihistamines;
- antiseptics;
- antifungal drugs;
- anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.
Usually, doctors strongly recommend that patients with epidermophytosis perform mandatory disinfection of their home and personal belongings:
- wipe all surfaces and objects with vinegar solution;
- throw away washcloths, as well as pumice and other things that cannot be disinfected;
- wash towels with clothes at a temperature of 90 ° C;
- disinfect shoes with vinegar essence.
Medicines in the treatment of epidermophytosis inguinal
All medicines for the treatment of this disease should be selected exclusively by the attending physician on an individual basis. So, to neutralize the inflammatory process and wetness (when the infection is at an acute stage of its development), patients are shown the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antiseptics, most often in the form of solutions:
- resorcinol (1%);
- silver nitrate (0.25%);
- chlorhexidine (0.1%).
Such drugs should be used to apply lotions to the affected areas. In parallel, doctors often advise taking antihistamines , which are good at reducing the severity of itching and neutralizing swelling.
After eliminating the main manifestations of the inflammatory process, you can switch to the use of local antifungal drugs:
- sulfur-tar ointment 3 – 5%;
- iodine solution 2%;
- fucorcin ;
- ointments with terbinafine or ketoconazole , etc.
It should be noted once again that the choice of medication is carried out by a doctor. Typically, antifungal medications should be used twice daily until the skin is fully healed. This usually takes about one – one and a half months.
In the event that the inguinal epidermophytosis occurs in a particularly severe form or becomes chronic, it becomes necessary to take antifungal drugs internally. The doctor may prescribe drugs based on:
- fluconazole ;
- intraconazole ;
- ketoconazole ;
- terbinafine .
If the ailment is complicated by the addition of a secondary infection, antibiotic therapy is indispensable. Usually, treatment with antibacterial drugs is carried out at the initial stage – in parallel with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs for local action.
You should not try to cope with epidermophytosis on your own. Improper treatment of the infection is fraught with the development of a chronic form of this disease.