Almost everyone in his life has found signs of nail and skin fungus on his feet. In medicine, this disease is called ringworm of the feet. The causative agents are yeasts and mold fungi Trichophyton, Mentagrophyton and Epidermophyton. Is it possible to get rid of fungus on the feet with the help of natural folk remedies, we will tell in our article.
A few words about fungi
Foot dermatomycosis can begin to develop after visiting public places (beaches, swimming pools, saunas, spa salons). Wearing leather shoes that create a moist and warm atmosphere is another factor that triggers the development of the disease.
Yeast microflora is adapted to the life of parasites in the upper layers of the skin, as well as on its derivatives - nails. Throughout their lives, the fungus destroys keratin, which worsens the condition of the feet.
Healthy people have fat on their skin. It acts as a protective layer and helps fight infection.
If there is not enough fat in the body, for example, with excessive dryness or sweating, micro cracks can form on the skin. Thus, a favorable atmosphere is created for the reproduction of the fungus and its penetration deep into the feet. To eliminate the signs of mycosis, you need to understand the causes of the development of the disease and eliminate these factors.
The most common causes of nail and skin fungus on the feet are:
- diabetes mellitus - this disease can not be treated, 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 feet in the form of flat feet, narrow space between the toes;
- wearing improper shoes (tight, not hygroscopic, uncomfortable, synthetic).
Folk remedies for foot fungus
As a rule, patients see the fungus is already in its final stages. This is due to the fact that at the beginning of the development of the disease, it is practically unreal. If you still manage to diagnose the disease at an early stage, you can try to get rid of it with the help of natural folk remedies. At a later stage, the treatment of fungus on the feet is effective only with the use of pharmaceutical products.
Potassium permanganate
This tool in the form of a solution quickly and effectively fights infections on the feet. Potassium permanganate is the most popular antimicrobial drug that has long been used in medicine. Sold in powder and crystal form. Potassium permanganate solution is harmful to fungal spores of nails and feet. Has disinfectant properties. It is important to note that only newly prepared solutions are 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 no insoluble crystals remain in the water. Dip your feet into it so that the 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 steaming, cut the nail dead particles with nail clippers, treat the feet with a hard file. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Harm of potassium permanganate: at high concentrations, the solution can cause redness and irritation, as well as burns. Avoid contact of crystals with mucous membranes and eyes.
Iodine
Extensive folk remedies. Before starting treatment with iodine, you need to check the sensitivity to the components of the solution. To do this, run 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 be started. When using the solution, the dosage must be strictly adhered to, otherwise you can burn and harm your nails and skin.
Be prepared for the fact that for a few days the plate will have a yellow color. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct treatment sessions before the weekend or during the holidays, especially for women in the summer.
Iodine has a disinfectant antimicrobial 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 directly depends on the degree of mycosis neglect. It can range from twenty days to several months. This period is enough for the nail plate to grow and fully recover. For the duration of the treatment, adhere to thorough 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 5% iodine solution into the bathtub. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. After steaming, carefully process the feet with a hard file, and nail plates with a manicure tool.
For greater effectiveness, at the end of the procedure, lubricate the feet with hydrogen peroxide and apply a gauze bandage on top for the night. This will increase the antibacterial effect. Such a procedure can be performed no more than three times a week.
Preparation of iodine and vinegar solutions. Therapy takes place according to the scheme: one week nails and feet must be treated daily with iodine, then one week - a table of 9%vinegar. Continue alternating 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 pharmacies. The 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 futile without thorough personal hygiene and daily disinfection of shoes.
Advantages of boric acid in the elimination of mycosis: the creation of an acidic environment contributes to the complete destruction of fungi, cleansing the skin and nails from dead cells. Also, the advantage of the drug is its relative cheapness with high efficiency.
The course of treatment is about a month. If necessary, the period can be extended up to two months. The method of its use is very simple: every day, morning and evening, wipe the affected area with boric acid. If there is free time, can pre-steam the feet so that the active ingredient penetrates deep into the skin.
Ammonia
Natural remedies actively fight hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating and unpleasant odors. Drugs are easily absorbed by the body. Advantages of using ammonia in the treatment of mycosis: low price, versatility (the drug has antibacterial and antifungal effects), no toxic effects.
Disadvantages: the possibility of allergies in case of individual intolerance. It is not recommended to use the drug for large areas of the body affected by the fungus, as this will not lead to results, it will only cause burns.
Keep in mind that ammonia is effective in the early stages of the disease. To increase its effect, it is desirable to keep the affected nails and feet in contact with ammonia for as long as possible. To do this, make a lotion.
How to use: Dissolve two tablespoons of ammonia in a glass of water. Before 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 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.
Apple cider vinegar
This drug has long been used in the treatment of mycosis. The composition of apple bites includes active ingredients that destroy fungal spores, clean and heal wounds, and soften the skin.
With this tool, you can treat both small areas of skin and large surfaces. There are no contraindications to the use of apple bites, individual intolerance may leave an exception, but this is very rare. To enhance the therapeutic effect, 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 the foot into the resulting solution so that it is completely covered with water. Out of habit, you can 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 a month, the number of procedures is not more than three a week.
Apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil. Mix apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil 1: 1. Soak gauze in the resulting solution and wrap around the soles of your feet. Place a plastic bag 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 prevent mycosis, follow these recommendations:
- In public places (baths, swimming pools, saunas, dressing rooms) always wear slippers, because the humid and warm environment contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora;
- If you have to stay in closed shoes for a long time, use a special protective cream;
- Once a month, disinfect shoes with a special spray;
- Drink vitamin and mineral complexes regularly to boost immunity;
- Get rid of bad habits;
- Once a week, thoroughly disinfect the floor and walls in the bathroom;
- Wash bedding and underwear at high temperature;
- Don’t wear other people’s shoes, socks, tights;
- Do a pedicure 1-2 times a month to remove keratinized dermis.
Remember that fungi are easier to prevent than to cure. If signs of illness appear, call a specialist.