How to treat fungus on the skin of the legs?

The group of infectious diseases includes foot fungus, which is a type of ringworm.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 ringworm are:

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

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

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

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

The predisposing factors are:

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

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

This problem is most often encountered by debilitated 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:

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

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

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

• dorsum of the 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.This does not bother all patients.In the dyshidrotic form of ringworm, blisters appear in the fornix.They can increase in size.After a few days they open.Erosion appears in its place.An area of diaper rash appears.As the erosions dry, peeling is observed.

If the foot skin fungus is complicated by a bacterial infection, the exudate becomes purulent.The pain appears.Possible fever.Fungal infection sometimes causes the development of intertriginous mycosis.Its main characteristic is the presence of cracks with a white border.Over time, crying develops.The pain appears.Erosion forms in the area of fissures.This form of the disease proceeds chronically with exacerbations in the summer.

Development of onychomycosis of the legs

Along with the fungus, onychomycosis can be found on the feet.With it, the nails are involved in the process.The prevalence of this pathology in 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 result is nail detachment.Hyperkeratosis often develops.

There are hypertrophic, normotrophic and atrophic onychomycosis.In the first case, the nail becomes opaque and thickens.With atrophy, the color of the plaque changes to brown.Your detachment is observed.In 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;
• itch;
• cracks in the skin;
• peeling;
• plaque thickening;
• greater 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 foot fungus starts, 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:

• examination with Wood's lamp;
• microscopy of scrapings;
• general clinical examinations;
• sow in nutrient medium.

Differential diagnosis is made with psoriasis, onychodystrophy, lichen planus, pachyonychia congenita, trauma and eczema.

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

Treatment for foot fungus usually 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 to remove affected nail plates.They are available in the form of patches.

To increase the effectiveness of treating fungus on the skin of 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. Stockings, 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 scraping control examination is carried out.