The skin fungus on the legs in the photo and in life looks ugly.It creates many problems not only with appearance, unpleasant odor and constant discomfort, but can cause severe fungal infections that spread far beyond the foot.
What does fungus on the legs, fingers, nails look in the photo
The appearance of the fungus is diverse - it depends on the type of pathogen, skin characteristics, the statute of limitations of the disease, the conditions in which the patient lives, the characteristics of his hygiene regime.The main areas of localization of the lesion are nails, folds between the fingers and the sole.
The affected nails (onychomycosis) usually have an untidy appearance-yellow, uneven edge, increased fragility, due to which they crumble.Often the nails become convex, but this also happens unevenly.
Intermitted folds are an area where high humidity is almost constantly preserved.They are affected by people who wear uncomfortable or not corresponding weather shoes.With constant secretion of sweat, the reproduction of fungi is activated, and red spots appear, reminiscent of scuffs, yellowish-pale crusts, blood wounds with a white raid.
The lesion of the sole is characterized by peeling of the skin over the entire surface, coarsening, layered.At the same time, inconvenience may occur when walking, increased sweating, which even more stimulates the growth of the fungus.
Types of fungus of the legs
Mycoses (fungal diseases) of the legs are manifested varied due to the fact that they are caused by various pathogens.Depending on the type of fungus and characteristics of the patient’s skin, several types of disease are distinguished.
Rubrophytia is called tr.Mentagrophytesvar- an extremely contagious fungus that lives in wet rooms (public baths, pools).A characteristic feature is peeling and redness of the skin, swelling of the legs, itching and combs, bleeding easily occurs when damaged.
Candidiasis is a infection with a fungus of the genus Candida, which is the most common pathogenic fungus.The defeat of the interdigital folds and soles is characteristic.There is severe itching, pain, peeling of the skin.Under exfoliated scales, you can see erosion with a white raid.
Onychomycosis is the damage to the nails, which can have various severity.Skin lesion, less deep than Rubrophytius, is called epidermophytia.She is characterized by unexpressed swelling, but noticeable peeling of the skin.
Stages of development
Regardless of the type of pathogen, the fungus takes place in its development several stages:
| The initial stage | The pathology is similar to the stratified of the legs - itching, dryness and peeling of the skin, small cracks appear, swelling is possible. |
| The middle stage | Active exfoliation of large layers of the skin, the appearance of spots of various shade, severe swelling, itching and maceration (combs) on the skin. |
| Severe stage | Deep cracks from which blood can be released, abundant skin exfoliation, the appearance of deep skin defects, and foci of secondary infection. |
Failure lesions proceed according to a similar scheme - at first the edge of the nail plate is affected, then gray paths appear all over the nail, the nail thickens, becomes brittle, changes color (yellow, white or black).
Symptoms of fungal diseases of the legs
The most striking symptom of the fungal damage to the foot is severe itching.In the early stages of the disease, it is present only when walking or finding in an uncomfortable, “incomplete” shoes in which sweating is stimulated.Then it becomes constant and very strong.Water or pumice procedure can alleviate the condition, but their effect is temporary.
The second bright symptom is peeling of the skin.It is expressed, sometimes reaches catastrophic proportions, when large layers of the skin are exfoliated.But it can be less pronounced in nature - the constant exfoliation of scales, which captures an increasing area of the foot.
Changing the shape of the nails with onychomycosis - nails become thick and brittle.The layer located under the nails (hyperkeratosis) crumbles when the nails are cut.In some cases, it is possible to loosen the nail in the nail bed, in difficult situations - loss.A new nail in its place grows with hyperkeratosis and “paths”, irregular shape.
The initial stage
The skin fungus on the legs, the photo of which can be seen later, is distinguished by gradual development.Therefore, in the early stages, the disease may not manifest itself in any way.The first signs are quite non -specific - itching during prolonged walking, coarsening of the skin, the appearance of peeling scales on the soles.Nail fungus does not manifest itself for a longer time than a skin fungus.
Some signs by which you can suspect the fungus:
- The condition of the skin worsened after the pool, sauna, gym or any other place with high humidity and large number of visitors;
- itching intensifies in a humid environment;
- The pigmentation of the skin has changed - spots appeared;
- Peeling occurs unevenly along the entire foot, concentrating more in the area between the fingers and on the sole;
- Similar symptoms are observed simultaneously among several people who together visited places of possible infection or live in the same apartment.
Interdalz form
This form is the most unpleasant for the patient.The main localization of the lesions is the folds between the fingers, most often 3 and 4 of the finger suffer, less often - the fold between 1 and 2. This is associated with the features of the structure of the sole.For the fungus, the conditions of high temperature and humidity are optimal, while the minimum exposure to air or mechanical factors that can eliminate the fungus.
It is such conditions that are created in the fold between 3 and 3 fingers - the least mobile of all.
Characteristic symptoms - itching and burning in the place of lesion, the appearance on the skin of lesions resembling rubbing, with the progression of the disease, they become inflammatory ulcers covered with white coating.Touching them is extremely painful, the symptoms of the disease are enhanced in hot weather, in uncomfortable shoes and with an increase in humidity.
How the squamous-hyperkeratotic stage manifests itself
This stage is characteristic of diseases that affect the sole.Its most vivid symptoms are expressed skin peeling, its excessive keratinization.The soles look rude, the sensitivity of the skin decreases, touching it becomes unpleasant.The scales are exfoliated by large layers, or vice versa, their separation occurs with difficulty, while the skin is possible.
On the feet affected by the fungus, corns, corns and other pathological phenomena arise easier.Walking becomes uncomfortable - during a long -term stay in shoes, itching and pain in the legs intensify.
Dyshidrotic stage
It is characterized by a change in sweating.None of the types of fungus can settle in the sweat gland, but indirectly, affecting the epidermis, the inflammatory process disrupts sweating.
The peculiarity of this form is the formation of large blisters on the skin, which easily merge with each other.Most often, the disease begins with an inter -backball form and acquires a severe course as progress.
The second characteristic feature is abundant sweating and unpleasant smell of legs.On the soles there are apocrine (distinguishing thick sweat) sweat glands, this explains the more sharp than in open areas, the smell even in healthy people.Due to the fungus, sweating increases, therefore, the smell increases.
Diagnosis of the fungus of the legs
The skin fungus on the legs, the photo of which will be given below, has characteristic external manifestations, so the dermatologist begins the diagnostic process by examining the affected limb.This procedure should be carried out exclusively in gloves, since for the doctor there is a great risk of getting infected from the patient.
The information received during the inspection clarifies the history of the anamnesis - a visit to places where the fungus, wearing someone else's shoes or living in the same apartment with a sick person can live.
For a more accurate diagnosis, a microbiological examination is carried out - a small fragment of the skin, nail or separated from bubbles is collected in a sterile container, and then examined under a microscope.Such an analysis takes time, therefore, it is carried out to confirm or adjust the treatment regimen, or in cases where the appearance of the fungus raises doubts.
Effective treatment methods
The main task of treatment is to eliminate the pathogen.To do this, various products are used that are applied to affected skin or taken inside.Treatment is mandatory for all family members to exclude re -infection.
For the same purpose, the patient needs to be accustomed to comply with the rules of personal hygiene and caution when visiting public places where you can get infected with a fungus.
In therapy, the fungus should in no case use antibiotics - these drugs cause the death of bacteria and free the living space for fungi, thereby aggravating the patient's condition.But a good effect is given by products that increase immunity, since the fungus is part of a normal skin microflora.
Pharmaceuticals good and inexpensive ointments
The skin fungus on the legs is treated comprehensively.The main thing to do is to eliminate the pathogen.
For this, antifungal ointments are used - they are applied directly to the skin and affect the affected area of the foot.In addition, they do not cause systemic side effects, i.e.Do not absorb into the blood.
The ointment is applied to the skin after washing the legs, the amount of application 3-8 per day, depending on the intensity of the process and the type of ointment.The tool does not need to be washed off, but it should be allowed to absorb (5-10 minutes) before putting on socks and shoes.
To fight the fungus of nails, there are medicinal varnishes.They are colorless and do not have a smell.The varnish covers the nails with a layer of a medicinal substance that is held for a day, is not washed off with water, is not washed, and does not require update during the day.This allows people who have a tight work schedule, or those who are sick on vacation.
To enhance the effect of antifungal ointments, it is recommended to treat the skin with local antiseptics - miramistin, alcohol solutions of boron and salicylic acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine.
Preparations for internal use
The use of drugs for oral administration is indicated in cases where the disease has acquired a severe course, extensive distribution or the patient is not able to treat the legs with antifungal agents with a sufficient frequency.Also, drugs can be prescribed to strengthen immunity.
The skin fungus on the legs, which is presented in the photo further in the article, is treated with antifungal pills.They are used in combination with ointments or as an independent tool.Which tool is shown in this case, the doctor decides.
With the development of complications of the fungus, hospitalization and the introduction of the same drugs intravenously may be required.
In complex therapy, anti -inflammatory tablets, drugs to increase immunity, and other drugs at the discretion of the specialist can be prescribed.The purpose of their purpose is to increase the body's resistance to pathogenic influences and enhance the effectiveness of antifungal treatment.
Folk remedies against the fungus
Folk remedies for the fight against fungus are also based on an anti -inflammatory and disinfectant effect.For the most part, these are foot baths based on various medicinal fees.Their effectiveness is lower than pharmacy drugs, but allows you to improve the health of the patient.Before using them, it is advisable to consult a doctor so as not to reduce the overall effectiveness of treatment.
The skin fungus on the legs (the photo below shows how unattractive the problem looks, if not treated) is successfully eliminated by baths with celandine or calendula.To do this, plant raw materials are insisted in boiling water, the resulting mixture is filtered and dissolved in warm water.The temperature of the bath should be such that the patient is comfortable to lower his legs into it.
As additional components, you can add chamomile, burdock, plantain and wormwood.
There are also recommendations to use washing powder (any) as the main therapeutic component of the bath, lubricate the affected areas with BF glue, as well as iodine or vinegar.It should be remembered that folk recipes require caution in circulation so that health is not harmful.
Prevention
To avoid infection with a fungus, several simple rules should be observed:
- observe the rules of personal hygiene - the legs should be clean and dry, for dry skin you need to use the cream;
- wear comfortable socks and shoes corresponding to the weather, choose “breathing” materials that create comfortable conditions for the skin;
- When visiting pools, public baths and other places where you can get infected with a fungus, use slippers for the pool and after returning home to wash your legs;
- use only your hygienic accessories - towels, pedicure scissors;
- If the fungus is detected, the whole family needs to be treated, regardless of whether the symptoms have appeared.
A good result gives hardening and other procedures that strengthen the immune system.This avoids the development of fungal infection during infection.It is important to monitor the nutrition - the receipt of a sufficient amount of proteins and vitamins supports immunity, and the excess of sweets can stimulate the growth of fungi.
Photos of the skin fungus on the legs look repulsive, but this disease is curable with the right approach.It can be cured quite quickly (within 1-2 weeks).If complications have not developed, then the patient can undergo a course of treatment without interrupting work and rest.Hospitalization is required only in the most severe and advanced cases in patients with immunity disorders.