Skin cancer of the legs is a malignant lesion of the tissues of the epithelial layer, which is characterized by extremely aggressive growth and early formation of metastases.
Among all oncologies, basal cell and squamous cell forms of malignant lesions of the skin of the lower extremities account for about 90% of all clinical cases.
Basal cell carcinoma is characterized by extremely aggressive, penetrating growth of pathological tissue with the frequent occurrence of recurrent tumors after surgical treatment. A feature of this pathology is the virtual absence of metastases. Because of this, basal cell carcinoma occupies an intermediate position between malignant and benign neoplasms.
The squamous cell form of malignant neoplasm, in addition to infiltrative growth, is characterized by early hematogenous and lymphogenous spread of cancer cells. This disease mainly affects older people. It is noteworthy that squamous cell carcinoma in most cases forms in the form of several lesions.
Malignant degeneration of skin melanocytes is considered a fairly rare cancer of the skin (10% of all diagnosed tumors). Despite the limited spread of the disease, mortality from this oncology ranks first among all skin pathologies.
Cancer damage to connective tissue elements in the structure of cancer incidence is 0.5%.
Skin cancer on the leg begins as a nodular skin lesion that is red in color. The boundaries of oncology are clearly separated from nearby healthy tissues. During this period, patients notice a sharp itching sensation in the tumor area. Subsequently, the neoplasm grows to significant sizes. The formation of multiple ulcerations can often be observed on its surface. Late stages of the disease are characterized by deep and penetrating growth of cancer tissue, during which the destruction of blood vessels and nerve endings occurs, which is accompanied by intense pain.
Basalioma of the skin on the leg
There are two main clinical forms of squamous cell carcinoma:
Squamous cell skin cancer of the legs
Melanoma of the skin of the lower extremities grows at the site of age spots and nevi. A tumor in the form of a small node is capable of forming numerous secondary lesions in distant organs and systems of the body.
In the later stages of the cancer process, neoplasms of all types cause symptoms of cancer intoxication such as general malaise, loss of performance, fatigue, intense pain, low-grade body temperature and sudden weight loss.
Diagnosis is made based on visual examination and biopsy. Laboratory analysis of biological material from a cancer tumor indicates the type and stage of the disease.
The main principle of treatment for malignant neoplasms of the epithelial layer is surgical removal of the tumor. It should be noted that the earlier surgery is performed, the less chance of relapse of the disease.
In the preoperative period, as a rule, the patient is exposed to highly active radiological radiation. Radiation therapy in oncology ensures stabilization of cancer growth, which in turn creates the most favorable conditions for radical excision of cancer tissue.
Modern medical standards for cancer care require chemotherapy after surgery. Taking a course of cytotoxic drugs minimizes the possibility of re-formation of a secondary cancerous tumor.
Almost all people have small cosmetic defects of various types and sizes on their skin. Some of them are safe, although not very aesthetically pleasing, while others are better to get rid of quickly.
Almost all people have small cosmetic defects of various types and sizes on their skin. Some of them are safe, although not very aesthetically pleasing, while others are better to get rid of quickly. To figure out what yours are, contact an experienced cosmetologist-dermatologist.
It is best to remove all excess from the skin in winter - the absence of sunlight and heat will allow the healing process to proceed calmly.
Skin formations that a cosmetologist removes are divided into two groups:
These skin defects have a number of features in common.
What does it look like? Round lesions ranging in size from 2 mm to 1 cm with a slightly granular surface and a “umbilical” depression in the center. They hardly differ in color from normal skin or have a slightly noticeable yellowish tint. They protrude slightly above the surface of the skin.
Where? Hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands is most often unevenly “scattered” over the skin of the forehead, cheeks, temples and near the nose.
How to get rid of it? Using electrocoagulation. It is better to remove foci of hyperplasia while they are small, since with age they can become quite large, and then at the site of their removal (especially on the forehead) a pit may remain for quite a long time. Increased sebum secretion can contribute to the faster development of hyperplasia, therefore, after removal and falling off of the crusts, it is advisable to use cosmetics that reduce sebum secretion.
What does it look like? Syringomas are thickenings of sweat glands - small round, slightly loose compactions no larger than a match head. In color they either do not differ from the surrounding skin, or have a slightly yellowish tint - as if many lumps are deep in the skin and shine through it. Syringomas can occur in people of any age, starting from adolescence.
Where? On the skin around the eyes, mainly under the lower eyelids.
How to get rid of it? Using electrocoagulation.
What does it look like? Xanthelasmas look like small “bags of fat” scattered unevenly in the skin of the eyelids. They are irregular in shape, soft, yellow-white in color, and can be quite large - from 1 to 4-5 match heads. Most often found in people over 30 with high cholesterol levels.
Where? On the skin around the eyes, mainly on the upper eyelids.
How to get rid of it? Using electrocoagulation. If the level of cholesterol in the blood remains high, xanthelasma may appear again after removal. Therefore, it is advisable to combine cosmetic procedures with treatment aimed at lowering cholesterol levels, which is carried out by a therapist. This includes diet and special medications.
What do they look like? Small white “dots”, smooth, regular in shape. In essence, this is a blockage of the sebaceous glands, similar in origin to “blackheads” on the nose.
How to get rid of it? Milia are superficial formations, sometimes they can be removed simply with a needle, but often they can be deeper and then require the use of a coagulator. Unlike the previously described formations, milia can go away on their own. But if there are a lot of them, and they are clearly increasing in number and size, it is better to contact a cosmetologist to remove them and find out the reasons for their appearance.
What does it look like? A round or oval flat formation of a yellow-brownish hue. Keratomas can be either small “dots” or large “blobs” covered with loose yellow-brown crusts. The sudden, abundant appearance of “flocks” of keratomas scattered throughout the skin may indicate problems in the body.
Where? Typically, keratomas are located on the chest, neck, and face, although theoretically they can appear on any part of the skin. They often occur in tanning enthusiasts on the face, décolleté, neck and abdomen, although they can also “please” those who sunbathe infrequently.
How to get rid of it? Keratomas are not dangerous to health. They must be removed if they quickly enlarge, darken, become inflamed or bleed. In this case, the doctor will send the questionable area for histological examination. Keratomas develop in people whose upper layer of skin is prone to excessive thickening, so they are advised to use peelings, home or professional, scrubs, medicated body milk with fruit acids or urea.
These formations are removed using electrocoagulation with the parallel use of immunomodulatory methods.
What do they look like? Like tiny “bags” or “droplets” the color of normal skin, hanging on a thin stalk or sitting like a rounded “button”. They can be either single or abundantly covering the skin. The appearance of papillomas indicates a weakening of local immunity to the human papillomavirus.
Where? On the skin of the neck, armpits and under the breasts, less often on other areas of the skin. Almost everyone has papillomas, “relatives” of warts.
How to get rid of it? It is advisable to combine electrocoagulation of papillomas with strengthening the local immunity of the skin. It is advisable to use oxygen-ozone therapy (daily application of ozonated oil and injection of an oxygen-ozone mixture twice a week 7-10 times), local use of ointments with an immunomodulatory effect (ointments with interferon).
Papillomas are superficial formations, so the skin heals quickly after their removal.
If there are a very large number of papillomas or their reappearance after their removal, systemic immunocorrection is prescribed: oral administration of immunomodulators or an injection course. For this, Lykopid, Immunomax, Panavir, Polyoxidonium, Kagocel and a number of other drugs are used (as prescribed by a doctor).
What do they look like? Formations of irregular shape with a rough surface. They can be quite large. The appearance of warts near the nail or on the sole of the foot is especially unpleasant - in these areas, their removal is most labor-intensive.
Where? Most often on the skin of the hands and feet, although they can be located anywhere.
How to get rid of it? Warts must be removed, as they are contagious - this is the most famous viral skin problem. Warts are removed by electrocoagulation or cauterization with liquid nitrogen. Electrocoagulation is preferable, as it allows you to “target” more accurately and not injure the skin around the wart, and the healing process is easier under the crust, and not under the bubble, as when using liquid nitrogen. Before removing a wart, it is advisable to inject an anesthetic, lidocaine or ultracaine, under it, which will eliminate pain.
For multiple warts, systemic immunocorrection is necessary, as well as examination to identify possible causes that contribute to decreased immunity.
What do they look like? Like calluses. Against the background of various “problems” with the feet (excessive sweating, orthopedic defects of the foot, wearing uncomfortable tight shoes, swelling of the feet), viruses and (or) bacteria can form painful inflamed thickenings of the skin - “corns”. They usually try to fight them with a pedicure, at home or professional, but, as a rule, this does not help.
Where? On the sole and sides of the toes.
How to get rid of it? Remove “corns” using electrocoagulation, remove background causes (sweating, swelling, etc.) and increase local immunity. An excellent effect is achieved by a combination of homeopathic injections that tonify blood circulation in the legs, eliminating excessive sweating of the feet with Dysport, and administering interferon preparations under the corn.
Treatment of “corns” is not a quick process, but it is very useful, since a painful “corns” that interferes with walking forces people to finally address the serious problems that contribute to its appearance.
The editors thank the specialists of the BioMi Vita clinic for their assistance in preparing the material.
Skin is the outer covering of the body; it is an organ with a very complex structure that performs a number of important vital functions. In addition to protecting the body from harmful external influences, the skin performs receptor, secretory, metabolic functions, plays a significant role in heat regulation, etc.
The skin area of an adult reaches an average of 1.6 m2. Skin color depends on the translucency of the blood and the greater or lesser presence of melanin pigment. In the area of natural openings (mouth, nose, anus, urethra, vagina), the skin passes into the mucous membrane. On the surface of the skin you can find a peculiar pattern of triangular and rhombic fields limited by grooves; it is especially distinct on the palms, fingers and soles. The skin is covered almost all over with hair.
Rice. 1.Structure of the skin of a human finger: 1-5 - epidermis (1 - basal layer; 2 - spinous layer; 3 - granular layer; 4 - shiny layer; 5 - stratum corneum); 6 - excretory duct of the sweat gland; 7 and 8 - dermis (7 - papillary layer; 8 - reticular layer); 9 - terminal section of the sweat gland; 10 - adipose tissue.
Skin structure . There are two sections in the skin: the upper - epithelial (epidermis) and the lower - connective tissue (the skin itself - dermis). The border between the epidermis and dermis appears as an uneven wavy line due to the presence of special outgrowths on the surface of the dermis, the so-called dermal papillae (Fig. 1).
The epidermis consists of five layers of cells. The layer of epidermis located directly at the border with the dermis is called the main basal layer. It consists of one row of cells separated by narrow slit-like tubules and interconnected by protoplasmic processes. The cells of the basal layer have two characteristics: 1) they constantly multiply and, through differentiation, form cells of the overlying layers; 2) these cells form and also contain the pigment melanin.
The second layer is called subulate. It consists of several rows of irregularly shaped cells with a light nucleus, also separated by slit-like tubules. The third layer is called granular: it consists of one or two rows of elongated, elongated cells, closely adjacent to each other.
In their protoplasm there are grains of keratohyalin, which is the first stage in the formation of the horny substance. The fourth layer is called shiny. It is found only in areas with thick epidermis (palms, soles), has the appearance of a shiny strip consisting of flattened anucleate cells, and is the next stage in the formation of the horny substance. The last, upper layer of the epithelium is the stratum corneum, consisting of thin anucleate cells, closely connected to each other and containing a special protein substance - keratin. In the outermost part, the stratum corneum is less compact; individual plates lag behind each other, causing constant physiological discharge of obsolete epithelial elements. The thickness of the epidermis and, in particular, its stratum corneum varies in different areas of the skin. It is most powerful on the palms and soles, much thinner on the side surfaces of the body, especially thin on the eyelids and external genitalia of men.
The dermis is the connective tissue part of the skin, consisting of two layers: subepithelial, the so-called papillary, and reticular. The papillary layer is built of soft fibrous connective tissue, consisting of thin bundles of collagen, elastic and argyrophilic (reticulin) fibers. The latter, at the border with the epithelium, together with the interstitial substance, form the so-called basement membrane, which plays a large role in the metabolic processes between the epithelium and the dermis. The collagen fibers of the papillary layer gradually transform into thicker bundles of the reticular layer and form here a dense plexus with a large number of elastic fibers. The reticular and papillary layers contain various cellular elements (fibroblasts, histiocytes, mast cells, etc.); among the connective tissue fibers there are small bundles of smooth muscles associated with hair follicles.
Thick bundles of collagen fibers of the reticular layer pass directly into the subcutaneous fatty tissue, where they form a wide network, the loops of which are filled with fat cells. Fatty fiber causes mobile attachment of the skin to the underlying tissues and protects it from mechanical damage and tears.
The skin has a large number of blood and lymphatic vessels.
Arterial vessels form two networks. The first of them is located on the border between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue; smaller vessels extend from it into the reticular layer of the dermis. At the border with the papillary layer, they branch and form a second network, from which capillaries extend, penetrating the papillae (capillary loops). Venous vessels form three networks. One of them is located under the papillae, the second in the lower half of the dermis and the third in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. The epidermis is devoid of blood vessels and is nourished by the dermis. Lymphatic vessels form two networks in the dermis: superficial and deep.
The nervous apparatus of the skin consists of numerous nerve fibers penetrating the dermis and special terminal formations, the so-called encapsulated corpuscles (Meissner, Vater-Pacini, Ruffini, Krause flasks). The innervation of the epidermis is carried out by thin nerve fibers penetrating through the intercellular canaliculi of the main and spinous layers.
The skin is usually considered from the point of view of its aesthetic qualities, often forgetting that it is a vital organ with a special structure and a whole range of functions. Its main purpose is to protect internal organs and tissues from the effects of negative environmental factors.
The histological structure of the skin explains its unique properties. Appearance and condition play an important role in the diagnosis of various disorders. Skin is studied not only by the branch of anatomy - histology, but also by such areas of medicine as dermatology and cosmetology.
Soft, elastic fabric is resistant to temperature changes, various liquids, non-concentrated acids and alkalis. It is sensitive, but very durable, and has a complex system of receptors that convey information to the brain about the state of the environment. One of its most important functions is aesthetic.
The salons offer a wide range of services with which it becomes possible to prolong youth and beauty. Only by knowing the structural features of the skin can you provide it with proper, high-quality care.
Human skin consists of three layers, which are divided into smaller ones. The surface layer of the skin is the epidermis. This is a kind of barrier between the body and the outside world. It protects the body from external influences, signals problems in the functioning of internal organs, and requires careful treatment and proper care.
Most cosmetic products on the market and cosmetic procedures are aimed at maintaining the attractive appearance of the epidermis. Its structure is very complex.
The topmost layer of skin is a thin film consisting of small horny scales connected by intercellular lipids. The latter have powerful moisture-repellent properties, protect the skin from dehydration and penetration of liquid from the outside. During development, the cells of the stratum corneum lost their organelles and nucleus, turning into scales.
Cosmetics consist of substances foreign to the body, so upon contact with them, the outer layer of the skin weakens, which is fraught with loss of moisture and other unpleasant manifestations. High-quality caring products can give the upper layer of the epidermis elasticity and firmness, and moisturize it.
Throughout their life, corneocytes or horny scales are exposed to mechanical stress, friction and other factors that do not affect them in the best way; they wear out and are replaced by new ones.
The dermis is the skin itself, protected by the epidermis. These two large layers are connected by a basement membrane. The structure of the dermis is organized in a special way. It contains lymphatic and blood vessels that provide adequate nutrition to the cells.
The middle layer of the skin is formed from collagen fibers, which provide it with elasticity and the necessary rigidity, while elastin fibers provide elasticity, the ability to stretch and return to its original position.
The interfibrous space of the dermis is filled with a specific substance resembling a gel. Mainly it is hyaluronic acid. It is responsible for retaining moisture in cells. Human skin, that is, the dermis itself, consists of two layers.
The structure of facial skin plays an important role in cosmetology, as it allows specialists to develop effective products and techniques to provide high-quality, complete skin care and slow down age-related and destructive processes in it.
Cells of the dermis and epidermis, under the influence of certain factors, are damaged and replaced with new ones. Regeneration processes slow down with age, which causes the formation of wrinkles, unevenness, loss of contour clarity and other defects.
The changes occurring in the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis are caused by age-related features of the structure and functions of the skin. The older a person gets, the slower the skin is renewed, damaged cells accumulate inside, which causes loss of firmness and elasticity.
A special set of functions is performed by the lipid layer of the skin, consisting of fat cells. It is also called hypodermis or subcutaneous fatty tissue. This is a supply of useful nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of the skin, support for the dermis, and a storehouse of energy. This inner layer of skin also participates in the synthesis of certain sex hormones, softens mechanical stress on the body, and gives elasticity and convexity to the shape.
The lipid layer is a tissue that consists of many small lobules, with blood vessels passing through it. Due to poor nutrition, consumption of alcoholic beverages, smoking, and pathological processes in the body, this layer suffers degenerative changes (fat accumulates in excess in the lobules, the septa thicken, inflammation and swelling may occur). This definitely affects the appearance.
The structure of human skin is considered together with the muscular aponeurotic system. The structure of the facial skin contains muscles that provide facial expressions (changes in expression, movement of lips, eyebrows, smiles). Their peculiarity is that they are not connected to bone tissue. The muscles are firmly attached to the skin, creating heaviness, as a result of which the structure of the epidermis of the skin changes.
Today, the cosmetology market offers various services that involve the introduction of special drugs to paralyze muscles. This helps maintain skin youth, structure and function, however, side effects may occur or addiction may develop over time if such procedures are abused.
Not only is the structure of the skin itself complex, but also the system of blood vessels that are responsible for feeding the dermis and some layers of the epidermis with oxygen and nutrients. The action of various cosmetics is aimed at activating blood circulation. They are used to tone and strengthen the capillaries that form a complex network under the skin. With the help of massage you can also improve the movement of blood through small vessels.
The speed of blood circulation in the cells that make up the skin affects regeneration processes. Some scientists argue that the cells of the epidermis and dermis are able to retain toxic substances, preventing them from entering the bloodstream, with which they are carried throughout the body.
Another important question: what is the significance of skin? There is a definition that this is the most extensive and largest vital organ, providing reliable protection to the entire body. The thickness of the skin varies - from 0.5 to 5 mm.
The functions of the epidermis, middle layer and fiber differ. They can be divided into basic and additional, active and passive. The skin protects the body from exposure to cold and heat, mechanical damage, chemicals, and pathogenic microorganisms. These functions can be classified as passive.
Active skin functions:
The importance of skin is difficult to overestimate. People spend a lot of money and effort to slow down the aging process in her and maintain her attractive appearance until old age. Every year more and more plastic and surgical techniques appear to prolong the youth and beauty of the skin.
Knowing the scheme of the skin and the features of its structure, specialists are developing ways to influence this organ.
Cosmetics and folk remedies can improve the condition of the skin, moisturize, and add shine to the surface layers of the epidermis. To influence the deeper layers, it will take time and special preparations. It is not always possible to achieve a positive result using traditional methods, because in some cases the tissue categorically refuses to accept foreign substances.
Before carrying out any procedure that involves a profound effect on living cells, a thorough examination should be carried out, contraindications should be excluded, and the individual characteristics of the body should be taken into account. This will help you get a good result and avoid negative consequences.
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Skin is one of the human organs that perform a protective role and a number of biological functions. Skin covers the entire human body, and depending on height and weight, its area ranges from 1.5 to 2 m2.
The main purpose of leather is, of course, protection from external environmental influences. But our skin is multifunctional and complex and takes part in a number of biological processes occurring in the body.
Let's look at the main functions of the skin:
The skin consists of three main layers:
In turn, each layer of skin consists of its own individual structures and cells. Let's look at the structure of each layer in more detail.
The epidermis is the outer layer of skin, formed mainly from the protein keratin and consisting of five layers:
The epidermis does not contain blood vessels, so the supply of nutrients from the inner layers of the skin to the epidermis occurs due to diffusion (penetration of one substance into another) of tissue (intercellular) fluid from the dermis layer to the layers of the epidermis .
Intercellular fluid is a mixture of lymph and blood plasma. It fills the space between cells. Tissue fluid enters the intercellular space from the terminal loops of blood capillaries. There is a constant exchange of substances between tissue fluid and the circulatory system. Blood delivers nutrients to the intercellular space and removes cell waste products through the lymphatic system.
The thickness of the epidermis is approximately 0.07 - 0.12 mm, which is equal to the thickness of a simple sheet of paper.
In some areas of the body, the thickness of the epidermis is slightly thicker and can be up to 2 mm. The most developed stratum corneum is on the palms and soles, much thinner on the abdomen, flexor surfaces of the arms and legs, sides, eyelid skin and genitals.
Skin acidity pH is 3.8-5.6.
In the basal layer of the epidermis, cell division occurs, their growth and subsequent movement to the outer stratum corneum. As the cell matures and approaches the stratum corneum, the protein keratin accumulates in it. Cells lose their nucleus and major organelles, turning into a “sac” filled with keratin. As a result, the cells die and form the uppermost layer of skin from keratinized scales. These scales shed over time from the surface of the skin and are replaced by new cells.
The entire process from the birth of a cell to its exfoliation from the surface of the skin takes an average of 2-4 weeks.
The scales that make up the uppermost layer of the epidermis are called corneocytes. The scales of the stratum corneum (corneocytes) are connected to each other by lipids consisting of ceramides and phospholipids. Due to the lipid layer, the stratum corneum is practically impermeable to aqueous solutions, but solutions based on fat-soluble substances are able to penetrate through it.
Inside the basal layer there are cells melanocytes , which secrete melanin - the substance on which skin color depends. Melanin is formed from tyrosine in the presence of copper ions and vitamin C , under the control of hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. The more melanin contained in one cell, the darker the color of a person's skin. The higher the melanin content in the cell, the better the skin protects from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
With intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin, the production of melanin in the skin sharply increases, which provides the skin with a tan.
The effect of cosmetics on the skin
All cosmetics and procedures intended for skin care mainly affect only the top layer of skin - the epidermis .
The dermis is the inner layer of skin, ranging from 0.5 to 5 mm thick depending on the part of the body. The dermis consists of living cells , is supplied with blood and lymphatic vessels, contains hair follicles, sweat glands, various receptors and nerve endings. The basis of cells in the dermis is fibroblast , which synthesizes the extracellular matrix, including collagen , hyaluronic acid and elastin .
The dermis consists of two layers:
The hypodermis is a layer consisting primarily of adipose tissue, which acts as a heat insulator, protecting the body from temperature changes.
The hypodermis accumulates nutrients necessary for skin cells, including fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, F, K).
The thickness of the hypodermis varies from 2 mm (on the skull) to 10 cm or more (on the buttocks).
Cellulite occurs during inflammatory processes in the hypodermis that occur during certain diseases.
The skin is made up of a large number of different cells. To understand the processes occurring in the skin, it is good to have a general understanding of the cells themselves. Let's look at what the various structures (organelles) in the cell are responsible for:
Dry skin causes a lot of problems for its owners. As a rule, the matter does not end with dryness; in parallel, other symptoms are present: dullness, irritation, itching, peeling, and tightening. Dry skin is more susceptible to natural and household factors, ages more quickly and becomes more inflamed.
The objective sensations of those with dry skin are also far from pleasant. Clothes in contact with the skin and touch also cause irritation, and the very appearance of the skin, reminiscent of desert soil, depresses the mood.
The problem should not be ignored, since it is not only aesthetically unsightly, but is often a sign of certain diseases.
Moisture ensures elasticity and firmness of the skin, as well as cell nutrition. The degree of hydration is determined by the condition of the stratum corneum of the skin and the amount of sebum, which are responsible for moisture exchange between the dermis and the environment. The moderate stratum corneum and fat create a lipid film on the skin, which prevents moisture from leaving the skin and aggressive environmental factors from penetrating into the skin.
The unformed protective lipid film, caused by external or internal factors, leads to excessive evaporation of moisture, which means dry skin. At the same time, microcirculation of blood and trophism deteriorates, and collagen fibers suffer. The skin becomes not only dry, but also flabby.
Dry skin occurs due to a decrease in sebum production in the presence of provoking factors. Sometimes ineffective sebum secretion is a hereditary feature of the body.
It should be understood that in cases where dry skin is caused by internal causes (diseases or conditions of the body), no external influences - creams, baths and other procedures aimed at moisturizing and nourishing the skin do not lead to the desired effect. And only treatment of the underlying disease can improve the condition of the skin.
Dry skin can be general or affect certain areas of the body (face, arms, legs, etc.). The localization of dryness can directly or indirectly indicate the reasons for its occurrence.
There is a simple home test to help determine if you have dry skin: press your fingers on the skin until marks remain - if they do not disappear for a long time, there is a problem with dryness.
It should be understood that a qualified specialist - a dermatologist - must find out the cause and then prescribe treatment. If harmless dry skin can be dealt with without medical help, then in case of illness, creams and other products will simply be useless.
If dry skin occurs with complications in the form of irritation and microcracks, basic therapy should include ointments with dexpanthenol. Only after the irritation has been relieved can you switch to cosmetics and creams. Alcohol-containing cosmetics, aggressive peelings, and film masks should be excluded. Do not actively dry your skin with a towel after washing.
In most cases, the cause of this phenomenon is external factors. If, in addition to dryness, there are also cracks on the fingers, this may indicate hypovitaminosis, allergic contact dermatitis, fungal infections, etc. (see causes of cracks on the hands). If you have weeping cracks between your fingers, you should consult a doctor - most likely it is eczema.
In the twenty-first century, fungal skin diseases are diagnosed in every third patient who consults a dermatologist. In order for treatment to be as effective as possible, it is necessary to correctly diagnose the process at the earliest stage and correctly determine the cause of the disease.
There are many varieties of fungi, but they are conventionally divided into two types. Some are initially present in the human body, being in a “dormant” state, while others enter the skin from the environment.
Mycoses affect the mucous membranes, skin, nails, hairy parts of the body, and in severe, advanced cases, internal organs. Experts subdivide the types and types of fungi depending on their habitat:
In order to prescribe effective treatment, it is very important to diagnose the causative agent of the infection, since different types of fungi react differently to certain medications.
For example, toe fungus affects the epidermis and feeds on tiny particles of skin, while mycosis of the scalp affects the hair follicles. Therefore, it is necessary to select a treatment with the most effective set of fungus-killing substances, based on their penetrating ability and duration of exposure.
When fungal spores enter the body, the skin, mucous membranes, nail plates and even internal organs are affected. But rapid proliferation of the fungus is possible only if there are certain prerequisites that contribute to the development of the disease.
Weak immunity is the main factor contributing to the rapid development of fungal infections. Therefore, when prescribing a course of complex treatment for any mycosis, the dermatologist always recommends taking vitamin supplements that enhance immunity.
Trichophytosis - acute stage
Low immunity and stress are the main factors that provoke the appearance of a fungal infection.
But there are other reasons for the development of fungal diseases:
It is important to remember that failure to follow simple rules of personal hygiene is the main cause of infection. Someone else's comb is a carrier of infection and can cause dandruff. There are no replacement shoes in the sauna - the risk of infection with mycosis of the nails and feet increases many times. Someone else's soap or shampoo is an excellent environment for infection; there is a high risk of damage to the mucous membranes.
Depending on how deeply the spores penetrate the skin and the location of the source of infection, one or another fungal disease can be diagnosed:
To correctly diagnose the causative agent of infection, it is necessary to take an analysis for pathogenic microflora.
Mycoses are classified according to the location of the source of infection, the degree of tissue damage and the type of pathogen.
The infection affects only the stratum corneum and outer layer of skin. A distinctive feature is the low probability of infection of others and the absence of inflammatory processes.
This group of fungal infections includes the following diseases:
Each of these infections has distinctive treatment and prevention features.
A tendency to increased sweating, individual skin characteristics, hormonal and endocrine disorders, as well as individual characteristics of the chemical composition of sweat are the main factors that provoke the development of infection.
The infection is caused by yeast-like fungi and is more often diagnosed in people aged 16 to 25 years. It is at this time that active hormonal changes occur, caused by puberty. It has been noticed that the development of this fungal skin disease is often diagnosed against the background of diabetes mellitus, vegetative neurosis, accompanied by excessive sweating, and tuberculosis.
Yellow-brown and pink blurry spots on the body that increase significantly in size over time. Subsequently, the spots acquire a dark brown or beige color, covering increasingly larger areas of healthy skin.
The patient does not experience discomfort or pain. There is slight itching of the affected areas and peeling of the skin. That is why it is extremely difficult to diagnose infection in the early stages; patients simply do not attach importance to it and do not notice the infection.
Fungal infection of the body
Localization of spots - chest, upper back, neck, stomach, sides, outer surface of the shoulders. Sometimes there is damage to the scalp, but without damage to the follicles.
The course of the infection is sluggish and prolonged with frequent manifestations of relapses.
Pseudo-fungal skin diseases caused by corynobacteria, which can be conditionally classified as saprophytes. Bacteria multiply only in the upper layers of the skin and do not affect nails and hair.
The saprophyte can be present on the skin of the carrier for years, and increased humidity and heat can provoke its reproduction. It is especially worth noting that the development of erythrasma is due to the individual characteristics of the skin - increased sweating, oiliness, acid-base balance.
Infection is possible through bed linen, personal hygiene items, while visiting a sauna, bathhouse or swimming pool, as well as through sexual contact.
The infection is localized in the folds of the skin, and light brown or red spots appear. The surface of the spot is smooth, sometimes with soft scales. Over time, the spots merge, affecting increasingly larger areas of the skin.
The spots have a clear scalloped outline and most often occur in women - under the breasts, in the armpits and in the navel area. In men, the inguinal-femoral area and the scrotum area are affected.
An exacerbation of the infection is observed during the hot period, when sweating is increased. There is no pain, infection can be diagnosed only by examination in the light of a mercury-quartz lamp equipped with a Wood filter.
A skin infectious disease caused by pathogenic dermatophyte fungi. It is transmitted from person to person; animals are also sources of infection.
Damage to deep folds under the breasts
There are several categories of the disease:
Foci of localization of infection:
Only a doctor can diagnose the disease after microbiological examination of the affected area. Self-medication can lead to exacerbation of the disease.
As a result of a fungal infection of the scalp, several types of disease can be diagnosed:
If correct diagnosis and treatment are not carried out in a timely manner, then double infection is possible, accompanied by inflammatory and purulent processes.
Fungal nail diseases occupy a leading position among foot infections. The disease manifests itself quite quickly, within three days after infection. Fungus is diagnosed on the feet twice as often as on the nail plates of the hands.
As the infection develops, deeper and deeper layers of the nail plate are affected, and when the root plate of the nail is destroyed, its growth stops completely. Fungal spores penetrate the edge of the nail, and the fungus gradually spreads to the skin surrounding the nail. Trimming infected edges regularly can help prevent the spread of the disease. That is why, with rapid nail growth, the disease quickly passes.
As the infection progresses, complete destruction of the nail is possible; in advanced forms, treatment of nail fungus can become a painful and lengthy process.
This type of infection is extremely contagious and is instantly transmitted through contact with objects used by a sick person. Most often, the infection can be acquired in swimming pools and on the beach, in baths or saunas, and also by simply trying on shoes. Nystatin ointment is used as prophylaxis.
When affected by the fungus, the nail plate thickens, and a change in color is observed along the edges and the entire surface of the nail (yellowish and brownish spots). The surface is cloudy, dull, the nail flakes.
The lesion is expressed by thickening of the stratum corneum, peeling and dryness. The surface of the foot is deformed, thickenings appear in the form of a roller. Cracks and peeling may appear in the heel area, the patient experiences burning and itching, and whitish hollow blisters are noticeable.
The disease is highly contagious, so all family members should be treated.
Lesions of the hands are less common, but have a clear clinical picture - damage to the back of the hand and the nail plate.
The clinical picture is expressed by ring formations with a clearly defined raised contour. This fungal skin infection is often confused with allergic reactions, so it is very important to conduct a microbiological analysis for the presence of pathogenic fungi.
Localization – groin area, buttocks, folds under the breasts. With increased sweating, hormonal imbalance and untimely treatment, the infection affects deeper and deeper layers of the skin.
Dermatologists call fungal infections the retribution of Civilization and Progress. Damage to the nail plates is diagnosed three times more often than mycoses of smooth skin. An increase in the incidence rate is observed with increasing age of the patient. Therefore, doctors confidently say that the first assistants in the fight against fungus are immunity and hygiene.
It is very important to determine the type of pathogenic fungus at an early stage. Only in this case is it possible to develop an optimal treatment regimen. Diagnosis is carried out based on the analysis of samples (scrapings) from the affected areas of the skin. For primary diagnostics, mercury-quartz lamps are used, with special attachments, in the light of which fungal colonies are clearly visible.
Mycoses are characterized by a long course and periodically acute relapses. Therefore, it is very important to carry out comprehensive treatment – external and internal. Systemic treatment helps restore immunity and speed up recovery.
Modern treatment methods no longer require complete hair removal from damaged areas using a patch or laser hair removal. It is important that antifungal drugs are prescribed in combination - externally and internally; if necessary, additional pathogenetic therapy must be carried out.
Effective fungistatic drugs of general action, prescribed orally: ketoconazole, terbinafine, griseofulvin, itraconazole.
The dosage and duration of taking the drugs depends on the general condition of the patient, body weight, age, the presence of allergic reactions and chronic diseases.
The scalp is cleansed of visible dirt and exfoliated skin flakes and treated with fungicidal and symptomatic preparations:
The choice of drug is based on test results; if the pathogen is not identified, then a broad-spectrum drug is prescribed.
For treatment to be effective and to prevent re-infection, the hair on the head must be shaved every ten days. Fungicidal preparations must be alternated during the treatment process.
In the presence of endocrine system disorders and chronic trichophytosis, it is advisable to prescribe corrective drugs and stimulating therapy.
The course of treatment is at least a month. Only after three examinations with a break of five days can we talk about complete recovery. A control final microbiological examination is prescribed one month after the end of taking the drugs.
Since the treatment is long-term and the active ingredients are toxic, such systemic therapy is prescribed individually for pregnant and lactating women, children and patients with kidney and liver diseases.
Fungal diseases of the scalp are contagious and quickly spread from person to person, especially in large groups and confined spaces (schools, preschool institutions, factories). Therefore, it is important to quickly identify the source of infection.
All the patient’s belongings must be thoroughly disinfected, and family members must undergo preventive treatment.
In some cases, it is important to establish the correct diagnosis, since the development of a fungal infection may be associated with disruption of the endocrine system or sluggish chronic liver diseases. In this case, the dermatologist should prescribe medications based on the recommendations of the attending physician, strictly individually.
The risk of spreading nail fungus in adults is much higher than in children. Since nail growth slows down in older people, damage to the plate occurs twice as often as with normal growth.
People suffering from varicose veins, diabetes mellitus and heart failure are also at risk. We must remember that even a cosmetic procedure - nail extensions - carries the risk of fungal infection.
The photo shows advanced mycosis of the nail plate
There are medical and surgical methods to eliminate the infection. Of course, radical surgery should be resorted to only when necessary, in particularly advanced cases of the disease.
Mycosis of toenails is treated with general and external drugs: griseofulvin (an inexpensive and effective means of combating mycosis of the nail), amorolfine, ciclopirox, bifonazole, itraconazole, terbinafine.
When prescribing treatment, the dermatologist is guided by the patient’s body weight, age, as well as the general clinical picture of the body’s condition.
The modern pharmaceutical industry offers a large selection of antimycotic medicinal plasters and varnishes:
It is important to remember that before each application of the medicine, the nail must be treated with medical alcohol.
There are folk remedies that will help cope with the infection - baths with soda solution, iodine applications at night, fresh walnut peel juice, celandine juice and ordinary laundry soap.
In case of advanced mycosis, it is advisable to remove the nail surgically, which guarantees a complete recovery.
Fungal infections are resistant to low temperatures and can survive in the environment for more than two years. Only constant, competent prevention can eliminate the risk of re-infection.
When starting treatment, it is necessary to treat all shoes, gloves, socks, slippers and bedding with an anti-fungal solution. We must not forget about common areas - the bathroom and toilet. It is also necessary to carry out high-quality disinfection here.
If mycosis is not completely cured, sooner or later a relapse will occur, but the fungus will already be resistant to the previous medicine. For the same reason, it is important to avoid re-infection, for example from old shoes, and to change treatment methods.
Too narrow shoes and excessive sweating of the feet can provoke the development of a fungal infection.
Simple and affordable preventive measures:
It is much easier to avoid infection than to undergo expensive and lengthy treatment. Fungal infection is very insidious, highly resistant and capable of periodic acute relapses.
Nail fungus quickly develops immunity to the substances included in the main antifungal drugs... Read more about doctors' opinions on the treatment of onychomycosis.
I didn’t even know that there were so many fungal diseases. I myself had a skin fungus on my leg. I'll say a very unpleasant thing. And it hurts to walk, and it itches uncontrollably. She was treated with tablets and ointment for about three weeks and was smeared prophylactically for another week. But now I wonder if the main reason for its occurrence is decreased immunity, then if you raise it, then the fungus will no longer attach itself?
I’m also shocked by such quantity and variety. I was also very surprised that those people who engage in an active lifestyle: fitness, swimming pool, exercise equipment are more susceptible to fungus. It always seemed to me that when you play sports, your health is stronger and no nasty things will stick to you. But when she caught a skin fungus in the shower of the fitness room. This was a surprise. Later, the mycologist told me that it is in the showers and locker rooms that various fungi thrive. She said that it is necessary to do preventive measures, at least baths with soda after sports. do some exercise for your feet and hands and don’t walk barefoot.
Oh, skin fungus is a different story. Not only can it grow in any part of the body, but it is also contagious. By the way, I recently found out that lichen is also a skin fungus, and what’s more, it comes in different types. My son now has ringworm. The dermatologist said that the treatment would be at least a month, or even two. I hope he will be cured by school. They even wanted to put me in a hospital, but I decided that I would fly at home. They prescribed pills and ointment, and also told me to treat it with iodine, and the saddest thing is that I can’t wash for two weeks, otherwise the water will spread the infection throughout my body. Well, at least not all the treatment.
Fungal diseases, of course, can be widespread and unpleasant, but the fungus itself is not as terrible for the skin as it seems. Especially if you start treatment right away. I had it on my leg, cured it in a week, another week of prevention. Only the ointment was enough. There was no discomfort other than itching. I only had to process the shoes, but during my illness I wore sneakers that I had not liked for a long time, but it was a pity to throw them away. I treated them every evening and then simply threw them away. I immediately bought cheap socks so that I wouldn’t mind throwing them away after one use. None of the household became infected with the fungus, although no prophylaxis was used.
Yes, the variety of fungal diseases is just scary. I've had skin fungus several times and it's always different. For the last few years, when I haven’t returned from vacation, I’ve had another fungus on my toes. It seems like I’m doing prevention, but no, it’s candidiasis, or tinea versicolor, or trichophytosis. At least don’t go anywhere outside your hometown. I’m already even thinking about which universal remedy to take so that I don’t bring any more nasty stuff.