Few people know what a fungus looks like on the skin of the legs, despite the prevalence of this infection. It is out of ignorance that many people mistake a yeast infection for a common irritation or allergic reaction, so they start treatment at an advanced stage when the disease progresses. Fungal infections are resistant, according to statistics, 20% of the total population is susceptible to them.
What does a yeast infection look like?
The fungus belongs to the category of infectious diseases that affect the skin, mainly on the feet. There are several types of diseases, but the most common is mycosis. The fungus is resistant, it can adapt to almost any condition. Even if a person gets rid of the disease, a relapse is often unavoidable, as fungal spores continue to live on clothing and shoes. In most cases, mycosis affects the nail plates and the skin of the feet.
Few know what a foot fungus looks like. The fungus is of several types, each of which has 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 progress and the skin is shed and covered with red-pink spots;
- If the disease is not treated properly, the fungal infection spreads to the nail plates and changes 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 as itching, which is often unbearable. To accurately depict the appearance of the disease, just look at the pictures on this topic.
The process of getting a yeast infection.
The fungus affects people regardless of their age and professional activity. The infection is easily transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person (especially when you put on someone else's shoes). You can also get infected in public places like bathrooms, saunas, and swimming pools. Upon contact with 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 yeast infection includes certain categories of people:
- company employees who attend a public shower after a work shift;
- people who are professionally engaged in sport;
- military personnel (mainly sailors);
- public service workers;
- miners.
Fungal infection quite often affects housewives and those whose professional functions are directly related to water.
Fungi on the skin: 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 initially it is necessary to identify the type of pathogens and their form. This can only be done in a medical facility. If a person, from external signs, suspects that he has a fungus on the skin, he should urgently consult a dermatologist.
The specialist must necessarily carry out an initial examination of the patient, perform the necessary tests (complete blood count, microscopy). If the diagnosis is confirmed, the person is prescribed the necessary treatment. They can be creams, topical ointments, and oral tablets. Only the doctor decides how to treat the disease, it is not recommended to prescribe antifungal drugs for oneself.
Home remedies
At the initial stage of the development of the disease 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 tincture of banana 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 container, and the lower legs there for 15-20 minutes. After that, clean your feet thoroughly with a paper towel and smear 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 were affected by the fungus, the treatment will be longer. Of the traditional medicine, iodine and 9% vinegar are the most 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 cut the nail plate as much as possible.
Home 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 penetrated the bloodstream. In this case, it is better to turn to specialists for help, who can advise not only competent, but also safe treatment.
Skin fungi do not cause significant harm to human health, but very often they cause discomfort, since the affected areas of the skin and nails do not look very attractive. The presence of this disease prevents a person from accessing public places (swimming pools, saunas, water parks), although it is in these institutions where the infection is common. As a preventive measure, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene and monitor your health.