Treatment of nail fungus and foot fungus, if the disease has not progressed, can be done at home using home remedies.There are some time-tested traditional medicine recipes that are simple and easy to prepare.Getting rid of unpleasant diseases is quite possible if you follow their instructions methodically and carefully.
Fungal infections of the skin and nails of the feet are more than just a cosmetic problem.If this problem is not addressed in time, it could lead to serious problems for human health.This is why various folk remedies are so popular today for treating toenail fungus.We'll look at the easiest and safest recipes you can make at home.
Symptoms of foot fungus
This fungus often affects the skin on the legs, feet and between the fingers and is known as athlete's foot.But in the vast majority of cases, a fungal infection settles on the nail plate, which is known in the scientific community as onychomycosis.
How to identify onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is characterized by being mainly distributed on two fingers - the big finger and the little finger.The nails on these fingers become uneven, bumpy, and have dark white or yellowish spots.Nail plates with longer disease may separate from the bed in areas of spots.It is completely deformed and has a tendency to grow inward.
Symptoms of foot fungus
The feet may develop redness, followed by peeling, itching (mild to severe), pustular rash, excessive sweating, and possibly a bad odor.Heels also often crack and peel.
Risk factors for developing fungi
- Impaired metabolism;
- weight gain, diabetes;
- Gastrointestinal disorders;
- Thyroid and adrenal gland problems;
- Skin disease (psoriasis);
- Insufficient blood flow to the extremities;
- Diseases related to the immune system;
- increased sweating (including feet);
- family medical history;
- age.
Before you start treating fungus at home
In order for treatment to be effective, the following must occur:
- Before taking any action, feet should be steamed with hot soap and soda water (50°C).Bath time can range from 15 minutes to an hour (if the nails are very hard).
- Use alcohol to treat the instruments you will be using, and treat the surgical area with a chlorine-based product or bleach.
- If the nail plate is affected by fungus, cut or file the affected nail.
- Remove dead skin from feet.
remember:Moisturizers should not be used on areas affected by fungus!
Toenail fungus: treatment with folk remedies
There is no doubt that a mycologist will prescribe the most effective treatment for you.But if the condition of the legs is not very serious and the condition has not gone far, you can try the following folk remedies.
1 recipe using apple cider vinegar
We need apple cider vinegar.We moisten a cotton swab with it and apply it to the fungus-infected nails.Wrap the compress in plastic wrap and walk for 3 hours a day.We continued these procedures until we noticed a new, clean plate growing.
Recipe 2 – Essential Oil and Olive Oil Blend
We will need:
- Tea tree oil or oregano oil (1 teaspoon);
- Olive oil (½ teaspoon).
Mix both ingredients and apply to fungal infected nails.Let them dry naturally.The procedure should be performed in the morning and evening until symptoms subside.
Recipe 3 – Celandine Treatment
Another folk remedy for fighting toenail fungus is celandine.This plant is poisonous, so it must be used in measured doses.But it is believed to be very helpful even for advanced stage onychomycosis.We need celandine juice.
How to prepare celandine juice
Freshly picked, washed and dried celandine is passed through a meat grinder.Transfer the pulp to gauze, fold in 3-4 layers, and squeeze out.We need 200 ml of juice, mixed with 200 ml of 70% alcohol.Fluid infusion for one day.
After steaming, the resulting tincture should be applied to the affected nails.Perform this procedure 3-4 times a day until healthy nails grow.
Foot Fungus: Treatment at Home
Now let’s take a look at some time-tested recipes that will help deal with foot fungus.
1 recipe containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
We will need:
- baking soda (2-5 teaspoons);
- 3% Hydrogen Peroxide – You’ll need enough to make a liquid paste.
Apply the paste to a cotton pad and apply to affected areas of skin (including heels).We wrap everything in a bag or plastic wrap and put a sock on top.The more severe the form of the disease, the longer you need to keep the dressing on - at least 30 minutes.After removing the dressing, it is necessary to wash the feet, dry them, apply oil on them (vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil) and put on socks again - until the morning.
Recipe 2 – Fungal Ointment
We will need:
- 9% vinegar (½ half-liter jar) or vinegar essence;
- Butter - 30-40 g;
- Egg in shell - 1
Place a simple shell egg into a jar of vinegar.If it is very dirty, it should be cleaned first.Leave it in vinegar for 3-5 days.After 5 days, it will become soft and the shell will completely dissolve.The only thing that does not dissolve is the film of the egg, which can be wrapped around the affected nail, for example.However, we don't need it as a salve.
- Remove the eggs and place on a plate.The yolks should be almost half-cooked.If we use essence, the yolks will be like rubber balls.
- Wipe well.
- Add butter.If we have fragrance, then we need more oil - 150 grams.Stir everything well until smooth.
- Add a few drops of vinegar to the pulp.
- Apply to the entire foot, wrap with film and put on socks.
The ointment should be applied every day and taken for a walk for 1-2 hours in the morning and evening.The surgical procedure continues until the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Both recipes are also suitable for treating onychomycosis.
3 recipes using garlic
You can also use garlic to treat foot fungus at home.
Grate garlic and apply it to the fungus-infected feet, then wrap the feet in cellophane and put on socks.
The procedure can be uncomfortable, and some people may experience throbbing and cramping.Therefore, it is recommended to apply hot compresses at night.If it feels completely unpleasant, then you can use onions instead of garlic.By the way, they "work" better together.
Tips to help you recover faster from fungus
Before using any prescription or treatment, you must:
- Iron bedding, sheets, and socks with a hot iron;
- Treat the inside of the shoes with a 40% acetic acid solution, then place them in a plastic bag and leave them in the refrigerator overnight.
These procedures should be performed at the beginning and end of treatment.If treatment is long-term, it should be done monthly.
Prevent fungal infections
These rules will help you avoid fungal infections and should be followed throughout your life.
- Don't wear other people's shoes.
- Do not use other people's manicure equipment.
- Wash your feet every day and dry your nails and the spaces between your toes thoroughly.
- Wear clean socks and tights every day.
when things are bad
Treating foot fungus at home and using folk remedies are the most convenient, safe, and non-toxic methods, but they are not always the most effective.You must remember that if there is no relief and the condition worsens, then you should seek expert help.In most cases, pharmacological antifungal treatment is required, including oral medications and the use of topical antifungals (ointments, creams).