Onychomycosis is a type of nail fungus that most commonly affects the toes.Pathogenic microorganisms feed on the organic components of the nail plate.Those who work in damp rooms, neglect personal hygiene, and frequent public baths and swimming pools are at risk of contracting this unpleasant disease.
Under the influence of fungal infection, the nail plate becomes deformed, yellowed, and cracked.Without proper treatment, the fungus can progress and may cause nail loss.In the early stages of the disease, there is no need to use medical treatment; you can use folk remedies to remove onychomycosis at home.
What are fungi afraid of?
Fungal nail infections can take several weeks to heal.In order to speed up the healing process, you need to know that pathogenic microorganisms are afraid of:
- acidic environment;
- bleach;
- Special antifungals and natural antifungals;
- High temperatures - Fungi die when heated above +75°C for 20 minutes.
Therefore, during the treatment of onychomycosis, shoes, socks and bed sheets indoors and outdoors need to be carefully handled at temperatures above 75°C.
Treat onychomycosis at home
In untreated cases, you can seek help from traditional medicine.Essential oils, cheap medicines, and medicinal plants are time-tested remedies that help get rid of toenail fungus quickly.
birch tar
This safe treatment is very effective in fighting fungal diseases.The easiest way is to use store-bought tar soap, which contains 15% birch tar.Apply the soap generously to your toes twice a day and leave on for 5-10 minutes.The course of treatment lasts 10-17 days.
A solution of birch tar is most effective.Dilute 80 ml of glycerol and an equal amount of birch tar in 100 ml of ethanol.Apply the resulting preparation to fully lubricate the nail plate twice a day.
garlic
This plant has significant antibacterial and antifungal properties.It can be used alone, in the form of pulp, or in combination with other methods.Garlic ointments and tinctures are most effective.
To prepare garlic ointment, choose a fresh, juicy head of garlic and grind its cloves into pulp.Pour the resulting mass into 2 tablespoons.Lake sunflower oil.The product adequately lubricates the affected nail and adjacent nails, as well as the skin surrounding the source of infection.治疗后的脚趾用绷带包裹起来，一直保持到早上。To obtain a tincture, mix equal parts freshly squeezed garlic and ethanol.The composition is injected for 2-3 days and then used to treat the affected nails.
tea tree oil
Pure tea tree oil works the fastest.Lubricate the affected nail and surrounding skin well twice daily.Generally, this type of surgery does not cause irritation or allergic reactions in adults.For children, it is best to add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil when soaking their feet.But if it is the first case, it takes about two weeks to remove the onychomycosis, then it will take 1-2 months for the foot bath to be effective.
vinegar
Although vinegar is popular for fighting nail fungus, it only helps in the initial stages when the fungal spores have not yet penetrated deep into the nail plate.
Before using vinegar, it is recommended to trim the affected area of the nail so that the acid can penetrate deeper into the infected area.Mix equal parts of 6% vinegar and warm water and soak your feet in the resulting bath for about half an hour.The procedure is performed once a day for at least two weeks.
salicylic acid
This inexpensive medicine is very effective in fighting fungal diseases.To fight onychomycosis, it is better to buy a 5% solution of salicylic acid for skin treatment - 1%.
Wet a cotton swab or disc well with the product and treat the affected nail plate.This process is repeated twice daily for one week.You then need to rest for 7 days and, if necessary, repeat the treatment process.
iodine
Iodine treatment can only be performed if the toe has no mechanical damage or cracks.Before applying the product, cut your nails as short as possible.Dip a cotton swab generously into iodine and apply it to the infected nail plate and adjacent nails.This process is repeated twice a day for half a month.When treating nails with iodine, it is important not to forget the surrounding skin - it is best to disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide.
Celandine
Treating your nail plate with celandine juice is a dirty but effective way to get rid of toenail fungus.Apply freshly squeezed plant juice to the infected area, wrap it with a bandage, and leave it for 4 hours.Repeat the procedure daily until therapeutic effects appear.
If you can't cure onychomycosis at home, talk to your doctor for help.To get an accurate diagnosis, you'll need tests to determine the type of pathogen and the extent of onychomycosis.Afterwards, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive drug treatment, including external and internal medications.In advanced cases, the nail plate may need to be removed.