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 foot infections

This is a very common disease among both men and women.The most common types of fungal infections 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 primary mechanism of human infection is contact.It is implemented in a direct and indirect manner.In the first case, fungi enter 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.

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

The predisposing factors are:

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

• wear tight shoes;
• lack of personal hygiene;
• wearing someone else's shoes;
• dormitory accommodation;
• weakened immunity;
• poor diet;
• the presence of other skin diseases;
• hypovitaminosis;
• alcohol dependence;
• smoking;
• walk barefoot;
• endocrine disorders.

This problem is more often encountered by weakened people.

General clinical manifestations

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

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

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

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

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

According to clinical signs, scaly, dyshidrotic and intertriginous forms of the disease are distinguished.In the first case, scales appear on reddened skin.Peeling is observed.Itching is a variable symptom.This does not bother all patients.With the dyshidrotic form of mycosis, bubbles appear on the fornix.Their size may increase.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 the foot skin fungus is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.Pain appears.Possible fever.Fungal infection sometimes causes the development of intertriginous mycoses.Its main characteristic is the presence of cracks at the white edge.Over time, the crying develops.Pain appears.Erosion forms at the cracks.This form of the disease presents in a chronic form with exacerbations in summer.

Development of onychomycosis of the legs

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

People suffering from varicose veins, hyperhidrosis, flat feet and endocrine diseases often face a similar problem.The fungi multiply inside the nail, gradually causing its destruction.If the condition is left untreated, it can last for years.The result 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 plaque changes to brown.His 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:

• decrease in nail density;
• change its color;
• the presence of white or yellow spots;
• itching;
• skin cracks;
• peeling;
• thickening of the plaque;
• increased fragility.

If nail fungus is left untreated, 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 begins on the foot, but also how to get rid of it.The treatment regimen is determined by the attending physician.Before that, the following studies will be necessary:

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

The differential diagnosis is carried out with psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, pachyonychia congenita, 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, systemic foot fungus treatment with miconazole or ketoconazole may be prescribed.Proper treatment can destroy germs.There are products on the market that make it easier to remove affected nail plates.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 a few rules:

1. Feet should be washed daily.
2. You need to change your socks more often.
3. Once therapy is over, old items 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 the treatment, a scratching control examination is carried out.