How to treat skin fungus on the legs?

The group of infectious diseases includes foot fungus, which is a type of mycosis.This pathology is caused by microscopic fungi.A disease of the nail plates is called onychomycosis.

Fungal infections of the feet

This is a very common disease among men and women.The most common types of mycosis are:

• trichophytosis;
• candidiasis;
• Athlete's foot.

Some fungi can affect both animals and humans.It is necessary to know not only what mycosis is, but also why it develops.The main mechanism of human infection is contact.It is implemented in direct and indirect ways.In the first case, fungi get on the feet through contact with soil, plants or a sick person.There are known cases of familial infection.

Indirect transmission of the pathogen occurs through contact with animal care items and personal belongings of patients.This could include shoes, towels and scissors, as well as bath accessories.

Often, transmission factors are socks, stockings and other personal items.Foot fungus can develop after visiting public baths and swimming pools.The process involves both the skin of the feet and the nail plates.

Predisposing factors are:

• increased sweating of the feet;
• the presence of calluses and abrasions;

• wearing tight shoes;
• lack of personal hygiene;
• wearing someone else's shoes;
• accommodation in dormitories;
• weakened immunity;
• poor nutrition;
• the presence of other skin diseases;
• hypovitaminosis;
• alcohol addiction;
• smoking;
• walking barefoot;
• endocrine disorders.

This problem is more often encountered by weakened people.

General clinical manifestations

Fungus on the sole and nails can go unnoticed for a long time.The following symptoms are observed with this disease:

• peeling of the skin;
• dryness;
• presence of diaper rash;
• thickening of the skin and nail plates;
• brittle nails;
• redness;
• itching;
• white or yellowish coating;
• presence of erosions;
• skin soreness.

Fungus on the feet looks different.It all depends on the type of pathogen and the underlying disease.Sometimes an unpleasant odor leaves a person.Fungus on the foot does not lead to a deterioration in the general condition.There are no symptoms of intoxication, since fungi are opportunistic microbes and are localized in the superficial layers of the skin.

One leg is affected initially.Then the fungi are carried to the second limb.Most often the following areas are involved in the process:

• dorsum of foot;
• spaces between 4 and 5 fingers;
• nail plates.

Depending on the clinical signs, squamous, dyshidrotic and intertriginous forms of the disease are distinguished.In the first case, scales appear on the reddened skin.Peeling is observed.Itching is a variable symptom.It does not bother all patients.With the dyshidrotic form of mycosis, bubbles appear on the fornix.They may increase in size.After a few days they open.Erosion appears in their place.An area of diaper rash appears.As the erosions dry out, peeling is observed.

If foot skin fungus is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.Pain appears.Possible fever.Fungal infection sometimes provokes the development of intertriginous mycosis.Its main feature is the presence of cracks with a white rim.Over time, weeping develops.Soreness appears.Erosion forms in the area of cracks.This form of the disease occurs in a chronic form with exacerbations in the summer.

Development of onychomycosis of the legs

Along with fungus, onychomycosis can be found on the feet.With it, the nails are involved in the process.The prevalence of this pathology among the population is 10-20%.In recent years, cases of the disease in children have increased.Fungi actively grow and multiply not only on the skin, but also on the nail plates.

People with varicose veins, hyperhidrosis, flat feet and endocrine diseases often face a similar problem.Fungi multiply inside the nail, gradually leading to its destruction.If the disease is not treated, it can last for years.The outcome is nail detachment.Hyperkeratosis often develops.

There are hypertrophic, normotrophic and atrophic onychomycosis.In the first case, the nail becomes dull and thickens.With atrophy, the color of the plate changes to brown.Its detachment is observed.With normotrophic onychomycosis, the shape and size of the nail do not change.With the development of onychomycosis on the feet, the following symptoms are observed:

• decreased nail density;
• changing its color;
• the presence of white or yellow spots;
• itching;
• skin cracks;
• peeling;
• thickening of the plate;
• increased fragility.

If nail fungus is not treated, there is a risk of developing paronychia.In this condition, purulent inflammation of the nail bed occurs.

Examination and treatment tactics

You need to know not only how the fungus on the foot begins, but also how to get rid of it.The treatment regimen is determined by the attending physician.Before this, the following studies will be needed:

• examination using a Wood's lamp;
• microscopy of scrapings;
• general clinical tests;
• sowing on a nutrient medium.

Differential diagnosis is carried out with psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, congenital pachyonychia, trauma and eczema.

Every experienced dermatovenerologist knows how to treat toenail fungus.Antifungal drugs are used in the form of solutions, creams and varnishes.

Treatment for foot fungus often involves surgery.The affected nail is removed.

For long-term cases of athlete's foot, a systemic treatment for foot fungus based on miconazole or ketoconazole may be prescribed.Proper treatment can destroy germs.There are products on the market that make it easier for the affected nail plates to come off.They are available in the form of patches.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment of skin fungus on the legs, vitamins, antibiotics (in case of secondary infection) and various ointments based on zinc and salicylic acid are prescribed.

You also need to follow some rules:

1. Feet should be washed daily.
2. You need to change your socks more often.
3. After finishing therapy, old things should be thrown away.
4. Socks, tights and stockings should be washed in a separate basin.
5. When a fungus is detected on the foot, treatment will be successful if you wear closed slippers.

At the end of therapy, a control examination of the scraping is carried out.