Almost everyone in their life has encountered signs of fungus on the nails and skin of their feet. In medicine, this disease is called ringworm of the foot. The causative agents are yeasts and molds Trichophyton, Mentagrophyton and Epidermophyton. Is it possible to get rid of foot fungus with the help of natural folk remedies, we will tell in our article.
A few words about the fungus
Dermatomycosis of the foot can begin to develop after visiting public places (beach, pool, sauna, spa). Wearing leather shoes, creating a humid and warm atmosphere, is another factor that provokes the development of the disease.
The microflora of yeast is adapted to parasitic life in the upper layers of the skin, as well as on its derivatives - nails. During its life, the fungus destroys keratin, which worsens the condition of the legs.
A healthy person has fat on the skin. It acts as a protective layer and helps fight infections.
If there is not enough fat in the body, such as dryness or excessive sweating, microcracks can form on the skin. This creates a favorable atmosphere for the reproduction of fungi and their penetration deep into the foot. To eliminate the signs of mycosis, you need to understand the cause of the disease and eliminate these factors.
The most common causes of toenail and foot fungus are:
- diabetes mellitus - this disease is not curable, but with the help of special drugs can maintain the patient's condition;
- immune problems;
- impaired blood circulation in the legs;
- congenital deformities of the foot in the form of flat feet, narrow spaces between the toes;
- wearing inappropriate (tight, non-hygroscopic, uncomfortable, synthetic) shoes.
Folk remedies for the treatment of fungus on the feet
As a rule, patients notice the fungus in the last stages. This is due to the fact that at the beginning of the disease it practically does not manifest itself. If you still managed to diagnose the disease at an early stage, you can try to get rid of it with the help of natural folk remedies. In the later stages, the treatment of foot fungus is effective only with the use of pharmaceuticals.
Potassium permanganate
This tool in the form of a solution quickly and effectively fights foot infection. Potassium permanganate is the most popular antimicrobial drug, which has long been used in medicine. It is sold in the form of powder and crystals. Potassium permanganate solution is detrimental to nail and foot fungus spores. It has disinfectant properties. It is important to note that only freshly prepared solution is effective.
Methods of using potassium permanganate in the treatment of mycosis: used in the form of foot baths. It is necessary to dilute the product in warm water to obtain a solution similar to beet juice, making sure that no undissolved crystals remain in the water. Dip your feet into it so that your feet are completely covered. The duration of the procedure is at least ten minutes.
If you feel burning of the skin, reduce the concentration of potassium permanganate. After burning, cut the dead nail particles with nail scissors, treat the feet with a stiff file. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Harm from potassium permanganate: at high concentrations the solution may cause redness and irritation as well as burns. Avoid contact of the crystals with the mucous membranes and eyes.
iodine
Widespread folk remedy. Before starting iodine treatment, you should check the sensitivity to the components of the solution. To do this, do the following test: apply a drop of iodine on the bend of the elbow and observe the reaction of the skin throughout the day. If there is no redness and itching, then treatment can begin. When using the solution, the dosage must be strictly adhered to, otherwise you can burn yourself and damage your nails and skin.
Be prepared for the fact that for several days the tiles will have a yellow tinge. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct treatment sessions before the weekend or during the holidays, especially for women in the summer.
Iodine has a disinfectant antimicrobial effect. Harm from the use of the solution is possible only in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug. The course of treatment directly depends on the degree of neglect of mycosis. It can vary from twenty days to several months. This period is completely sufficient for the full growth and recovery of the nail plate. During treatment, observe good hygiene and use only personal manicure tools.
Iodine foot bath. The treatment consists of steaming the skin in warm water. Add a few drops of 5% iodine solution to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. After burning, carefully treat the feet with a hard file, and nail plates with manicure tools.
For greater efficiency at the end of the procedure, lubricate the feet with hydrogen peroxide and apply a gauze bandage on top overnight. This will enhance the antibacterial effect. Such procedures can be performed no more than three times a week.
Preparation of a solution of iodine and vinegar. The therapy proceeds according to the scheme: for a week the nails and feet should be treated daily with iodine, then for a week - table 9% vinegar. Continue alternating treatments for one to two months until you see results.
Boric acid
It is a fine, odorless, crystalline powder that is freely available in pharmacies. This drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, with individual intolerance to the components of the drug, kidney disease. It is not recommended to treat large areas of the body with boric acid, as well as children under 12 years of age. The therapy will be useless without careful personal hygiene and daily disinfection of shoes.
The advantages of boric acid in the elimination of mycosis: the creation of an acidic environment contributes to the complete destruction of fungi, cleansing the skin and nails of dead cells. Also, the advantage of the drug is its relative cheapness with high efficiency.
The course of treatment is about a month. If necessary, the period may be extended to two months. The method of use is very simple: every day, morning and evening, wipe the affected areas with boric acid. If you have free time, you can pre-steam your legs so that the active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin.
ammonia
Natural medicine actively fights hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating and odor. The drug is easily tolerated by the body. Advantages of the use of ammonia in the treatment of mycosis: low cost, flexibility (the drug has antibacterial and antifungal effect), no toxic effect.
Disadvantages: the likelihood of allergies in case of individual intolerance. It is not recommended to use the drug for large areas of the body affected by the fungus, as this will not lead to results, but will only cause burns.
It is worth noting that ammonia is effective in the early stages of the disease. To enhance the effect, it is desirable to keep the affected nails and feet in contact with ammonia for as long as possible. To do this, make lotions.
How to use: Dilute two tablespoons of ammonia in a glass of water. Before going to bed, soak gauze in the resulting solution and wrap your feet with it. Put a plastic bag and warm socks on top. Leave the compress on overnight. The course of treatment is two weeks. As a rule, this time is enough to eliminate the most obvious symptoms of the disease.
Apple vinegar
The drug has long been used in the treatment of mycosis. The composition of the apple bite includes active ingredients that destroy fungal spores, clean and heal wounds and soften the skin.
With this tool you can treat both small areas of skin and large areas. There are no contraindications to the use of apple bite, individual intolerance may leave an exception, but this is extremely rare. To enhance the effect of therapy, vinegar treatment is recommended not only on the feet but also on socks and shoes.
Foot baths. Mix two liters of warm water and three cups of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, dip your feet in the resulting solution so that they are completely covered with water. By habit you can feel burning, over time such a reaction will pass.
The duration of the first procedure should not exceed two minutes, you can gradually increase the interval. The maximum duration of the procedure is twenty minutes. The course of treatment is one month, the number of procedures is not more than three per week.
Apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil. Mix apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil 1: 1. Soak gauze in the resulting solution and wrap it around the soles of your feet. Put plastic bags and warm socks on top. It is recommended to leave the compress overnight. The procedure should be performed within a month, 2-3 times a week.
Prevention of fungus on the feet
To avoid mycosis, follow these recommendations:
- In public places (bath, pool, sauna, dressing room) always wear flip flops, as the humid and warm environment contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora;
- If you are forced to stay in closed shoes for a long time, use special protective creams;
- Disinfect shoes once a month with special sprays;
- Drink periodically a complex of vitamins and minerals to boost immunity;
- Give up bad habits;
- Once a week, disinfect the floors and walls in the bathroom well;
- Wash bed and linen at high temperatures;
- Do not use other people's shoes, socks, tights;
- Do a pedicure 1-2 times a month to remove keratinized dermis.
Remember that the fungus is easier to prevent than to cure. If signs of illness appear, contact a specialist.