Nail fungus (or onychomycosis) is a disease that, according to recent data, affects one in five people in the world. Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies, as well as the prevention of this disease are very pressing issues, since it can become infected quite easily - for example, simply walking on the beach, in the pool, in the bathhouse barefoot or trying on someone's shoes other people, as well as through non-sterilized pedicure equipment in the salon. But you can only quickly get rid of nail fungus at the very beginning of the development of the disease. An advanced fungus will require treatment, which can last several months and will be accompanied by the mandatory prescription of special medications, that is, carried out using traditional methods.
Folk remedies for nail fungus, unlike chemical agents to combat nail fungus, are practically non-toxic and have no effect on the patient's body.
Various types of nail fungus
- Hypertrophic.It is characterized by a change in the color of the nail plate, loss of shine, thickening of the nail and its deformation. Plate edges may be subject to destruction. Most of the time, the thumb is the first to be involved in the process.
- Normotrophic.In this case, the color of the nail also changes, areas appear in the form of dark spots and stripes, however, the thickness of the plate remains the same and its shine is maintained.
- Onycholytic(another name is atrophic). This variety is characterized by the detachment of the affected areas from the nail plate, until its total loss.
- Wiped out.It is characterized by peeling of the skin on the fingers and there is practically no pain.
- Intertriginousa type of foot fungus characterized by intense pain. The patient presents redness on the skin of the foot, especially between the toes, followed by peeling.
Why does he appear
For the development of the disease, not only the contact itself is necessary, but also certain conditions. Infection occurs by contact and household methods, mainly due to violation of the general principles of compliance with hygiene standards. An infected person and his personal belongings (as well as objects in public places with which he has come into contact) are potentially dangerous in terms of the possibility of transmitting nail fungus. The disease develops rapidly in people with reduced immunity, as well as in those who neglect personal hygiene and in the presence of a number of other provoking factors. Shoes, towels, cloths, socks, the floor of common showers and even beach sand can become a source of infection, but it is not necessary for the person to actually get sick. Nail fungus can be transmitted through transport handrails, money, door handles - however, people suffer from it less often, simply because hands are washed more often and the skin on the hands does not rot.
In what cases does the fungus develop?
- Various ways of reducing the protective properties of the immune system;
- Injuries to the nail bed, nail, skin of the foot;
- The habit of wearing uncomfortable, closed and inappropriately sized shoes made of poorly breathable material;
- Wearing someone else's shoes;
- Violation of the circulatory system, especially in the lower extremities;
- Increased sweating;
- Increased humidity and temperature;
- Overweight;
- Diabetes;
- Phlebeurism.
Traditional treatment methods
So, what folk remedies can cure nail fungus?
Nail fungus has high adaptive properties and incredible vitality. For example, fungal spores inside shoes can remain viable for up to four years and infect humans. Effective, although sometimes long-term, treatment with folk remedies at home for this disease is an alternative option for getting rid of nail fungus or can be used as an additional method to traditional drug therapy.
Advice!A nail affected by onychomycosis can only be cured if the treatment process is organized correctly.
General rules:
- Use disposable files for processing or disinfect metal files after use.
- Before treatment, the nail must be steamed, trimmed and the affected parts removed with a file.
- All products are applied to affected areas of the skin and nails, including healthy tissue.
- Socks and bandages need to be disinfected by boiling in water and soda.
- Once every few days, bedding should be washed in a machine at a temperature of 70 to 90 degrees.
Folk recipes against nail fungus:
- Iodine.Any pharmacy always has a 5% iodine solution in stock. Reviews on the Internet say that it is quite possible to remove the fungus using this method. Every day, iodine is applied twice to the affected areas - in the morning and in the evening before bed. The procedure is repeated until a healthy nail grows. The best results can be achieved in the initial phase of the disease.
Observation!If you think that your skin is still affected by fungi after iodine treatment, you may be mistaken, as your condition may be associated with a chemical burn. Use the cream to accelerate the restoration of the epidermis. It is recommended that a control culture be carried out at the end of the fungus treatment by a dermatologist or mycologist.
- Garlic.Prepare your nails according to the instructions above. Grind the garlic into a paste and apply it in the form of a cake on the affected dry area. Then put on a finger guard or secure bandage. These dressings are left on overnight and washed with soap and water in the morning. The course lasts until the symptoms disappear, bandages are applied every two days.
- Onion.The onion is grated and the released juice is applied to the affected area. It is not necessary to rinse the product.
- Onion peel.Another way to cure fungus involves using an infusion of onion skin oil. 2 tbsp. spoons of crushed dry raw materials are placed in 3 tbsp. spoons of liquid edible oil. The infusion is maintained for 25 days, shaking the container periodically and applied to the affected areas of the legs. The treatment is applied 3 times a day until recovery.
- Celandine.For some reason, there is practically no information on the forums about how to treat nail fungus with celandine. But this is a very good remedy that has been used successfully for more than a century. A freshly harvested plant secretes orange juice at the site of the rupture, which is applied to all affected parts of the foot, including healthy tissue. The procedure must be repeated at intervals of 3-4 minutes. four times in a row and twice a day - in the evening and in the morning. Within 30 days you will definitely see a positive result.
- Potassium permanganate.In the evening, after steaming, wipe your feet with gauze or a cloth dipped in a solution of potassium permanganate in the areas where the fungus lives.
- Medical alcohol.A cotton swab dipped in alcohol is applied to the affected areas and between the fingers for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day, for 14 days.
- Sea salt. Baths with a concentration of 100 grams of salt per 100 ml of water are recommended. The course is 20 days.
- Radish.The radish tops are dried and turned into powder. You can use it frequently by putting it in socks, shoes and spraying it on the affected areas.
Important!Socks should be cotton and changed daily.
- Treatment with vinegar and eggs.A raw chicken egg is placed in 100 ml. vinegar essence 9% and place in a dark place until the peel dissolves. Then the film is removed from the egg and mixed with 200 g. melted butter. The resulting ointment is applied to the affected parts of the foot and wrapped in plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Leave overnight. The course usually lasts 3 weeks.
Observation!Do not be afraid of the appearance of an itching sensation, it will disappear on its own over time.
- Clay.Medicinal pharmaceutical clay is diluted with water to the consistency of thick sour cream and applied to the affected areas in a thick layer. They bandage it with linen cloth and, without letting the clay dry completely, remove it after a while. The skin and nails are washed in water and rubbed with lemon juice or citric acid solution. The procedure is repeated three times a day.
- Coffee.Six st. spoons of natural ground coffee are placed in a liter of boiling water and infused at such a temperature that you can put your feet in the water. The session should last around 35 minutes and take place before bed. In the morning, it is recommended to rinse your feet in cold water.
- Propolis.Among the best methods for treating foot fungus with folk remedies, pharmaceutical alcohol or homemade propolis tincture are rightfully considered one of the most effective. Treatment by applying tincture to the affected areas, although long-lasting, is very effective.
Important!Prohibited for use by lactating and pregnant patients!
- Soap and birch tar.At night, before going to bed, steam your feet and rub them with a towel (not stiff) for 20 minutes or less in soap and water. The rough areas of the skin and the affected parts of the nail are cut off, the feet are wiped dry and a softening cream is applied. Then, in the morning, the feet are rinsed with cold water and birch tar is applied to the affected areas and cotton socks are put on, which are worn for 2 days. Then the tar is washed off with soap (tar or washing powder) and the tar is applied again for two days. A week later, the short course is repeated.
Prevention
For the procedures to have the desired effect, a series of requirements must be met:
- Wash your feet twice a day - in the morning and before bed - with tar soap. It not only provides disinfection, but also relieves discomfort in the early stages of the disease.
- Shoes must be washed not only outside, but also inside.
- Shoes should be periodically treated with antifungal medications.
- It is recommended to wear shoes made from natural, breathable materials.
- Excessive sweating should be avoided by wearing seasonally appropriate shoes and socks.
- It is not possible to visit beaches, saunas, swimming pools and baths during the period of illness.
- Under no circumstances should you use other people's hygiene products and shoes.
- You can't walk in unreliable places without "guest" shoes or slippers in general.
- Socks should be changed at least twice a day.
- After a pedicure, you must thoroughly disinfect tools and equipment.