Few people know what a fungus on the skin of the legs looks like, 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 that they begin treatment at an advanced stage as the disease progresses. Fungal infections are resistant, according to statistics, 20% of the total population are susceptible.
What does a fungal infection look like?
The fungus belongs to the category of infectious diseases that affect the skin, mainly on the feet. There are many types of illnesses, but the most common is yeast infection. The fungus is resilient, it can adapt to almost any condition. Even if a person gets rid of the disease, a relapse is often inevitable, as the fungal spores continue to live in clothes and shoes. In most cases, the yeast infection affects the nail plates and the skin of the feet.
Not many people know what a foot fungus looks like. 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 microcracks;
- the fungus continues to grow and the skin peels off and becomes covered with red-pink spots;
- if the disease is not properly treated, the fungal infection spreads to the nail plates, changing their color, shape and structure.
The last stage is characterized by exfoliation of the skin, as well as the appearance of deep cracks 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, it is enough to look at the pictures on this topic.
The process of getting fungal infection
The fungus affects people regardless of their age and occupation. The infection is easily spread from an infected person to a healthy person (especially by putting on someone else's shoes). You can also get infected in public places such as baths, saunas, and swimming pools. Getting on the skin, the fungus gradually begins to destroy the nail plates, while moving throughout the body. That is why the advanced stage of the disease lends itself only to complex therapy (creams, ointments, drops and tablets).
The risk group for a fungal infection includes certain categories of people:
- employees of companies who attend a public shower after a shift;
- people professionally involved in sport;
- military personnel (mainly sailors);
- public service workers;
- minors.
Fungal infection quite often affects housewives and people whose professional tasks are directly related to water.
Skin fungus: diagnosis and treatment
Having learned what a skin fungus looks like on the legs, you can immediately determine this disease. But self-medication in this case is inappropriate, since it is initially necessary to identify the type of pathogens and their form. This can only be done in a medical facility. If a person, by external signs, suspects that he has a skin fungus, then he should urgently consult a dermatologist.
The specialist must necessarily carry out an initial examination of the patient, pass the necessary tests (complete blood count, microscopy). If the diagnosis is confirmed, the person is prescribed the necessary treatment. These can include creams, topical ointments, and oral tablets. Only the doctor decides how to treat the disease, it is not recommended to prescribe antifungal drugs.
Folk remedies
At the initial stage of the development of the disease or as an addition to drug therapy, 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 tincture of plantain or chamomile flowers. To do this, you need to take 2 tbsp. l herbs and pour 200 ml of boiling water. The tincture should be cooled, poured into a pelvis and lower legs for 15-20 minutes. After that, carefully wipe your feet with a paper towel and smear them with birch tar, paying special attention to the affected skin. The procedure should be repeated every day until the signs of the disease completely disappear.
If the nail plates have been affected by the fungus, the treatment will take longer. Among traditional medicine, iodine and 9% vinegar are the most commonly used. Fluids should be combined in equal proportions, and the affected nails should be lubricated with the resulting drug. In this case, it is advisable to saw off the nail plate as much as possible.
Folk remedies are very effective in some cases. However, it is not recommended to use them at an advanced stage of the disease, when the fungal infection has already entered the bloodstream. In this case, it is better to turn to specialists for help, who can advise not only competent treatment, but also safe treatment.
Skin fungi do not cause significant damage to human health, but very often they cause discomfort, because the affected areas of the skin and nails are not very attractive. The presence of such a disease prevents a person from accessing public places (swimming pools, saunas, water parks), while it is in these establishments that the infection is common. As a preventive measure, you must adhere to the rules of personal hygiene and monitor your health.