Almost every person in their life has encountered signs of nail and skin fungus on their feet. In medicine, this disease is called ringworm. The causative agents are the yeasts and molds Trichophyton, Mentagrophyton and Epidermophyton. Whether it is possible to get rid of fungus on the feet with the help of natural folk remedies, we will say in our article.
A few words about the fungus
Dermatomycosis of the feet can begin to develop after visiting public places (beach, pool, sauna, spa). Wearing leather shoes that create a humid and warm atmosphere is another factor that provokes the development of the disease.
The microflora of the yeast is adapted to the life of the parasite in the upper layers of the skin, as well as on its derivatives - nails. During their life, fungi destroy keratin, which worsens the condition of the legs.
A healthy person has fat on their skin. It acts as a protective layer and helps fight infections.
If there is not enough fat in the body, for example, with 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 skin fungus are:
- diabetes mellitus - this disease is not treated, however, with the help of special preparations, the patient's condition can be maintained;
- immunity problems;
- impaired circulation in the legs;
- congenital deformities of the feet in the form of flat feet, narrow spaces between the toes;
- wearing the wrong (narrow, non-hygroscopic, uncomfortable, synthetic) footwear.
Folk remedies for foot fungus
As a rule, patients notice the fungus in the last stages. This is due to the fact that at the beginning of the disease development is practically not manifested. If you still managed to diagnose the disease at an early stage, you can try to solve it with the help of natural folk remedies. In the later stages, the treatment of fungus on the feet is effective only with the use of pharmaceutical products.
Potassium permanganate
This tool in the form of a solution quickly and effectively fights foot infections. Potassium permanganate is the most popular antimicrobial drug used for a long time in medicine. It is sold in powder and crystal form. Potassium permanganate solution is harmful for fungal spores of nails and feet. 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: it is used in the form of foot baths. The product needs to be diluted in warm water to get 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 a burning sensation on the skin, reduce the concentration of potassium permanganate. After steaming, cut off the dead nail particles with nail scissors, treat the feet with a hard file. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Harm of potassium permanganate: at high concentrations the solution can cause redness and irritation, as well as burns. Avoid contact of crystals with mucous membranes and eyes.
Iodine
Widespread folk remedy. Before starting iodine treatment, you must check the sensitivity to the components of the solution. To do this, perform the following test: apply a drop of iodine to the elbow joint and observe the skin reaction throughout the day. If there is no redness and itching, then treatment can be started. When using the solution, the dosage must be strictly adhered to, otherwise you can burn and damage nails and skin.
Be prepared for the fact that the plates will have a yellow tint for a few days. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out treatments before the weekend or during the holidays, especially for women in the summer.
Iodine has a disinfectant antimicrobial action. Damage from the use of the solution is possible only in the 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 last from twenty days to several months. This period is quite enough for the nail plate to fully grow and recover. During the treatment, carefully observe 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 steaming, carefully process the feet with a hard file, and the nail plates with manicure tools.
For greater efficiency, at the end of the procedure, lubricate your feet with hydrogen peroxide and apply a gauze bandage overnight. This will enhance the antibacterial effect. Such procedures can be performed no more than three times a week.
Preparation of iodine and vinegar solution. The therapy is carried out according to the scheme: nails and feet should be treated with iodine daily for one week, then with table 9% vinegar for one week. Continue alternating treatments for one to two months until you see results.
Boric acid
It is a fine odorless crystalline powder, which 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.
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 from 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 duration can be extended up 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 feet so that the active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin.
Ammonia
The natural remedy actively fights hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating and unpleasant odor. The drug is easily tolerated by the body. Advantages of the use of ammonia in the treatment of mycosis: low cost, versatility (the drug has antibacterial and antifungal effect), no toxic effect.
Disadvantages: 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, because it will not lead to results, it 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 that the affected nails and feet be 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 on top of warm socks. Leave the compression 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 apple bites 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 bites, individual intolerance may leave an exception, but this is extremely rare. In order to enhance the effect of the therapy, vinegar treatment is recommended not only for the feet, but also for 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. Out of habit you can feel a burning sensation, in time such a reaction will pass.
The duration of the first procedure should not be longer than 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 does not exceed three per week.
Apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil. Mix apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil 1: 1. Soak the gauze with the obtained solution and wrap it around the sole. Put plastic bags and warm socks on top. It is advisable to leave the compression overnight. The procedure should be performed within a month, 2-3 times a week.
Prevention of foot fungus
To avoid mycosis, follow these recommendations:
- Always wear flip-flops in public places (bathroom, pool, sauna, locker room), because a 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;
- Occasionally drink a complex of vitamins and minerals to strengthen immunity;
- Give up bad habits;
- Thoroughly disinfect bathroom floors and walls once a week;
- Wash bed and underwear 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 fungi are easier to prevent than to treat. If signs of illness appear, consult a specialist.