Almost everyone in their life has found signs of nail fungus and skin on their feet. In medicine, this disease is called mycosis of the foot. The causative agents are Trichophyton, Mentagrophyton and Epidermophyton yeasts and mold fungi. It is possible to get rid of leg fungus with the help of natural folk remedies, we will tell in our article.
A few words about the fungus
Foot dermatomycosis can start to develop after visiting public places (beach, swimming pool, sauna, spa salon). Wearing leather shoes that create a humid and warm atmosphere is another factor that causes the disease to develop.
The yeast microflora is adapted to parasitic life in the upper layers of the skin, as well as in its derivatives - the nails. During their lifetime, fungi destroy 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, for example with dryness or excessive sweating, microcracks can form in the skin. This creates a favorable atmosphere for the fungus to reproduce and penetrate deep into the foot. To eliminate the signs of ringworm, you need to understand the cause of the development of the disease and eliminate these factors.
The most common causes of nail and skin fungus on the legs are:
- diabetes mellitus - this disease is not treatable, however, with the help of special preparations, the patient's condition can be maintained;
- problems with immunity;
- impaired circulation in the legs;
- congenital deformities of the foot in the form of flat feet, narrow spaces between the toes;
- wearing incorrect shoes (tight, non-hygroscopic, uncomfortable, synthetic).
Folk remedies for foot fungus
As a rule, patients perceive the fungus already in the last stages. This is due to the fact that at the beginning of the development of the disease, it practically does not manifest itself. If you still managed to diagnose the disease at an early stage, then try to get rid of it with the help of natural folk remedies. In the later stages, leg fungus treatment 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 that has long been used in medicine. Sold in the form of powder and crystals. A potassium permanganate solution is harmful to nail and leg fungus spores. It has disinfecting properties. It is important to note that only a freshly prepared solution is effective.
Methods of using potassium permanganate in the treatment of mycoses: used in the form of a foot bath. It is necessary to dilute the product in warm water to obtain a solution similar to beet juice, make sure that undissolved crystals do not remain in the water. Dip your legs 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 your skin, reduce the concentration of potassium permanganate. After steaming, cut off dead particles from the nail with nail scissors, treat the feet with a hard file. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Potassium permanganate damage: in 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 treatment with iodine, you need to check the sensitivity to the components of the solution. To do this, do the following test: apply a drop of iodine to the crook of your elbow and observe the skin reaction throughout the day. If there is no redness and itching, treatment can begin. When using the solution, the dosage must be strictly observed, otherwise you may burn yourself and harm your nails and skin.
Be prepared for the fact that for several days the boards will have a yellow tint. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out treatment sessions before weekends or during holidays, especially for women in summer.
Iodine has an antimicrobial disinfectant effect. The harm from using 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 ringworm. It can range from twenty days to several months. This period is enough for the nail plate to grow and recover completely. During the treatment period, observe meticulous 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 a 5% iodine solution to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 15 to 20 minutes. After steaming, carefully process the feet with a hard file and the nails with manicure tools.
For greater effectiveness, at the end of the procedure, lubricate the legs with hydrogen peroxide and apply a gauze bandage on top for the night. This will increase the antibacterial effect. Such procedures can be performed no more than three times a week.
Preparation of a solution of iodine and vinegar. Therapy takes place according to the scheme: one week the nails and feet should be treated daily with iodine, then a week - table 9% vinegar. Keep alternating treatments for one to two months until you see results.
Boric acid
It is a fine, odorless crystalline powder, available free of charge in pharmacies. This remedy 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 old. Therapy will be useless without careful personal hygiene and daily disinfection of shoes.
The advantages of boric acid in the elimination of ringworm: the creation of an acidic environment contributes to the complete destruction of the fungus, cleaning the skin and nails of dead cells. In addition, the drug's advantage is its relatively low cost 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 night, clean the affected areas with boric acid. If you have free time, you can pre-cook the legs so that the active ingredients penetrate deeply 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 ringworm: low price, versatility (the drug has an antibacterial and antifungal effect), there is no toxic effect.
Disadvantages: the likelihood of allergies in case of individual intolerance. It is not advisable to use the drug on large areas of the body affected by the fungus, as this will not lead to a result, 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 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 the gauze in the resulting solution and wrap your feet with it. Place a plastic bag and warm socks on top. Leave the compress 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 remedy has been used for a long time in the treatment of mycoses. The composition of the apple bite includes active ingredients that destroy the spores of the fungus, clean and heal wounds and soothe the skin.
With this tool, you can treat small areas of skin and large surfaces. There are no contraindications to the use of apple bite, individual intolerance can leave an exception, but this is extremely rare. To maximize the effect of the therapy, it is recommended to treat not only the feet with vinegar, but also the socks and shoes.
Foot baths. Mix two liters of warm water and three cups of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, soak your feet in the resulting solution so that they are completely covered in water. Out of habit you may feel a burning sensation, over time this 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. Dip the gauze into the resulting solution and wrap it around the soles of your feet. Place plastic bags and warm socks on top. It is advisable to leave the compress overnight. The procedure should be carried out within a month, 2-3 times a week.
Prevention of foot fungus
To prevent ringworm, follow these recommendations:
- In public places (bath, swimming pool, sauna, changing room) always wear flip flops, as 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;
- Once a month, disinfect shoes with special sprays;
- Periodically drink a complex of vitamins and minerals to boost immunity;
- Abandon bad habits;
- Once a week, thoroughly disinfect the bathroom floor and walls;
- Wash bed and underwear at high temperatures;
- Do not wear someone else's shoes, socks, tights;
- Get a pedicure 1-2 times a month to remove the keratinized dermis.
Remember that fungus is easier to prevent than to cure. If signs of illness appear, contact a specialist.