Few people know the appearance of a fungus on the skin of the legs, despite the prevalence of this infection. It is out of ignorance that many people mistake a fungal infection for a common irritation or allergic reaction, so they begin treatment at an advanced stage, when the disease progresses. Fungal infections are resilient, according to statistics, 20% of the total population is susceptible to them.
What does a fungal infection look like?
The fungus belongs to the category of infectious diseases that affect the skin, especially on the feet. There are several types of the disease, but the most common is ringworm. The fungus is resistant, it can adapt to almost all conditions. Even if a person gets rid of the disease, a relapse is often inevitable, as fungal spores continue to live on clothing and shoes. In most cases, ringworm affects the nail plates and the skin of the feet.
Few know what a fungus looks like on the foot. The fungus is of several types, each with its own symptoms and manifestations:
- the initial stage of the fungus is manifested by redness of the skin, swelling and micro-cracks;
- the fungus continues to progress and the skin peels and is covered with reddish pink spots;
- if the disease is not treated properly, the fungal infection spreads to the nail plates, changing its color, shape and structure.
The last phase is characterized by the exfoliation of the skin, as well as the appearance of deep fissures that cause pain and bleeding. At all stages of development, the fungus on the toes manifests itself as itching, which is often unbearable. To accurately represent the appearance of the disease, just look at the photos in this topic.
The process of getting a fungal infection
The fungus affects people regardless of age and professional activity. The infection is easily transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person (especially when putting on someone else's shoes). You can also become infected in public places, such as baths, saunas and swimming pools. Reaching the skin, the fungus gradually begins to destroy the nail plates as it moves throughout the body. That is why the advanced stage of the disease lends itself only to complex therapies (creams, ointments, drops and pills).
The risk group for contracting a fungal infection includes certain categories of people:
- company employees who attend a public shower after the work shift;
- people who are professionally involved in the sport;
- military personnel (mainly sailors);
- public service workers;
- miners.
Fungal infection often affects housewives and those people whose professional functions are directly related to water.
Cutaneous fungus: diagnosis and treatment
Once you learn what a fungus looks like on the skin of your legs, you can immediately determine this disease. But self-medication, in this case, is inadequate, as it is necessary to initially identify the type of pathogens and their form. This can only be done at a medical center. If a person, due to external signs, suspects that he has a fungus on his skin, he needs to see a dermatologist urgently.
The specialist must perform a first examination of the patient, perform the necessary tests (blood count, microscopy). If the diagnosis is confirmed, the person will receive the necessary treatment. They can be creams, topical ointments and oral pills. Only the doctor decides how to treat the disease, it is not recommended to prescribe antifungals for yourself.
Folk remedies
In the initial stage of disease development or in addition to drug treatment, traditional medicine is perfect. There are several ways to get rid of foot fungus. To cure the fungus on the skin, it is recommended to prepare a plantain tincture or chamomile flowers. To do this, you need to take 2 tablespoons. l herbs and pour 200 ml of boiling water. The tincture should be cooled, poured into a basin and on the lower legs for 15-20 minutes. Then, clean your feet thoroughly with a paper towel and grease with birch tar, paying special attention to the affected skin. The procedure should be repeated every day until the signs of the disease are completely gone.
If the nail plates are affected by the fungus, the treatment will take longer. In traditional medicine, iodine and 9% vinegar are the most commonly used. The fluids must be combined in equal proportions and the affected nails must be lubricated with the resulting medication. In this case, it is advisable to saw the nail blade as much as possible.
Folk remedies are very effective in some cases. However, it is not recommended to use them in an advanced stage of the disease, when the fungal infection has already entered the bloodstream. In that case, it is better to turn to specialists for help, who can advise not only competent but also safe treatment.
Fungi on the skin do not cause significant damage to human health, but they often cause discomfort, since the affected areas of the skin and nails do not look very attractive. The presence of this disease prevents access to public places (swimming pools, saunas, water parks), although it is in these institutions that infection is frequent. As a preventive measure, you must follow personal hygiene rules and monitor your health.