Almost every person in his life has encountered signs of fungus on the nails and skin on the feet. In medicine, this disease is called foot ring. The causative agents are yeast and fungus Trichophyton, Mentagrophyton and Epidermophyton. Is it possible to get rid of foot fungus with the help of natural folk remedies, we will show in our article.
A few words about mushrooms
Dermatomycosis of the foot can begin to develop after visiting public places (beach, pool, sauna, spa salon). Wearing leather shoes that create a humid and warm atmosphere is another factor that provokes the development of the disease.
The yeast microflora is adapted to parasitic life in the upper layers of the skin, as well as in its derivatives - nails. During their lifetime, the fungus destroys keratin, which worsens the condition of the feet.
A healthy person has oily 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 development of the disease and eliminate these factors.
The most common causes of nail fungus and skin on the feet are:
- diabetes mellitus - this disease is not treatable, however, with the help of special preparations, the patient's condition can be preserved;
- problems with immunity;
- impaired circulation in the foot;
- congenital deformities of the foot in the form of flat feet, narrow spaces between the toes;
- wearing incorrect shoes (tight, not hygroscopic, uncomfortable, synthetic).
Folk remedies for foot fungus
As a rule, patients notice the fungus already in the final stages. This is due to the fact that at the beginning of the development of the disease, it is practically not manifested. If you still managed to diagnose the disease at an early stage, you can try to get rid of it with the help of folk remedies. In the later stages, the treatment of foot fungus is effective only with the use of pharmaceutical products.
Potassium permanganate
This tool in the form of a solution quickly and effectively fights foot infection. Potassium permanganate is the most well-known antimicrobial drug that has long been used in medicine. Sold in powder and crystal form. A solution of potassium permanganate is harmful to the fungus spores of the nails and toes. It has disinfectant properties. It is important to note that only a 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 a burning sensation on the skin, reduce the concentration of potassium permanganate. After evaporation, the dead nail particles are cut with scissors, treat the feet with a strong file. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Disadvantage of potassium permanganate: in high concentrations, the solution can cause redness and irritation as well as burning. Avoid contact of the crystals with the mucosa and eyes.
Jodi
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 to the elbow bend and observe the skin reaction throughout the day. If there is no redness and itching, then treatment can begin. When using the solution, the dose should be strictly adhered to, otherwise you may burn and damage your nails and skin.
Be prepared for the fact that in a few days the tiles will have a yellow tinge. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out treatment sessions before the weekends or during the holidays, especially for women in the summer.
Iodine has an antimicrobial disinfectant 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 depends directly on the degree of mycosis negligence. It can range from twenty days to several months. This period is quite enough for the nail plate to grow and fully recover. For the treatment period, observe strict hygiene and use only personal manicure tools.
Foot bath with iodine. The treatment consists of evaporating the skin in warm water. Add a few drops of a 5% iodine solution to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. After evaporation, carefully process the feet with a strong file, and nail plates with manicure tools.
For greater effectiveness, at the end of the procedure, lubricate the feet with hydrogen peroxide and apply a gauze bandage on overnight. This will improve the antibacterial effect. Such procedures can be performed no more than three times a week.
Prepare a solution of iodine and vinegar. The therapy is carried out according to the scheme: one week the nails and feet should be treated daily with iodine, then one week - table vinegar 9%. Continue alternative treatments for one to two months until you see results.
Boric acid
It is a fine, odorless crystalline powder, which is available for free at the pharmacy. 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. Therapy will be useless without careful personal hygiene and daily shoe disinfection.
Advantages of boric acid in the elimination of mycosis: the creation of an acidic environment contributes to the complete destruction of fungi, clearing the skin and nails of dead cells. Also, the advantage of the drug is its relative freedom 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 the feet so that the active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin.
Ammonia
A natural remedy actively fights hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating and unpleasant odor. The drug is easily tolerated by the body. Advantages of using ammonia in the treatment of mycosis: low price, versatility (the drug has an antibacterial and antifungal effect), no toxic effect.
Disadvantages: the likelihood of allergies in case of individual intolerance. It is not recommended to use the medicine for large areas of the body affected by the fungus, as this will not lead to the result, it will only cause burns.
It is worth noting that ammonia is effective in the early stages of the disease. To increase 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 in 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.
Uthull molle
The drug has long been used in the treatment of mycosis. The composition of apple bite includes active ingredients that destroy fungal spores, cleanse and heal wounds and soften the skin.
With this tool, you can treat both small areas of skin as well as large areas. There are no contraindications to the use of apple bite, individual intolerance may leave an exception, but this is extremely rare. To increase the effect of therapy, it is recommended to treat with vinegar not only the feet, but also socks and shoes.
Foot bath. 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 may feel a burning sensation, 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 advisable to leave the compress on overnight. The procedure should be performed within a month, 2-3 times a week.
Prevention of foot fungus
To avoid mycosis, follow these recommendations:
- In public places (baths, swimming pools, saunas, changing rooms) always wear clothes, as a humid and warm environment contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora;
- If you are forced to stay indoors for a long time, use special protective creams;
- Once a month, disinfect shoes with special spray;
- Periodically drink a complex of vitamins and minerals to boost immunity;
- Give up bad habits;
- Once a week, thoroughly disinfect the floors and walls in the bathroom;
- Wash the bed and underwear at high temperatures;
- Do not use someone else's shoes, socks, tights;
- Do a pedicure 1-2 times a month to remove keratinized dermis.
Remember that fungus is easier to prevent than to cure. If signs of illness appear, contact a specialist.