Onychomycosis is a common infectious disease of the nails, which manifests itself not only as a cosmetic defect, but can also cause many inconveniences: itching, peeling of the skin, inflammation of the periungual cavity. The infection can be cured with the help of medicines, but the available methods and folk remedies for toenail fungus or hands will cope with the task no worse.
What is nail fungus?
Onychomycosis appears as a result of dermatophyte fungi entering the nail plate and actively multiplying. Characteristic symptoms of infection are the appearance of diaper rash between the toes, swelling of the epidermis, cracked skin, peeling, and an unpleasant odor.The appearance of the nail first acquires a yellowish or brownish color, and over time the nail plate completely changes shape.This disease is dangerous because it is easily transmitted through common objects from a sick person to a healthy person.
What determines the effectiveness of fungal treatment?
Pharmaceutical products help get rid of fungus, but often official medicine recommends including folk recipes for nail fungus in the treatment regimen. To completely get rid of this problem, you must follow the main rule - taking medicines and folk remedies must be done without skipping, otherwise all efforts will be in vain.
Removing nail fungus using folk remedies is not a one-day problem. Sometimes it takes weeks or even months to get rid of the bacteria completely. It should be remembered that unilateral therapy will be effective only in the case of primary infection, when the disease is in an acute form. Chronic onychomycosis is best treated comprehensively: by combining antibacterial tablets with antifungal creams and folk recipes.
Treatment of nail fungus with folk remedies
There is no quick way to cure onychomycosis. However, with due diligence, you can achieve not only good results, but also completely get rid of the infection. Folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus can be combined with pharmaceutical drugs or used independently. Among the popular recipes, the most effective in the fight for beautiful nails are those that include the following components:
- iodine;
- essential oils;
- tea tree oil;
- bee products;
- apple cider vinegar;
- celandine;
- garlic;
- birch tar;
- Kombucha
Iodine
An alcohol solution of iodine is an excellent remedy, a strong antiseptic with antifungal properties. This drug is suitable for the treatment of acute forms of fungal infection. Try these folk remedies for nail fungus using iodine:
- Recipe No. 1. For the first two weeks, treat your nails with fucorcin solution twice a day. Then the nail plate is lubricated with iodine for two weeks. Apply iodine with a cotton swab, lightly touching the skin. To completely cure the fungus and remove the remaining symptoms of the disease, 9% vinegar lotion is applied to the nail plate for another 2 weeks. The general course of therapy is 6 weeks.
- Recipe No. 2. Add 15-20 drops of iodine to a bowl of hot water. Steam the skin on your feet well, then cut off the softened pieces of nail with tweezers. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the skin and cover the affected area with an antiseptic bandage.
- Recipe No. 3. Apply 1 drop of iodine alcohol solution to the affected nail twice a day for 1-2 months. To prevent the spread of fungus, it is recommended to treat healthy nails with tincture of iodine, but in a dose of 1 drop every two days.
Propolis
Bee products have long been known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Reviews from people say that it is better to use propolis to treat mycoses. It perfectly relieves itching and inflammation, activates the growth of healthy nail plates. For fungal symptoms, try the following recipe:
- Buy 20% propolis colored alcohol at the pharmacy.
- Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the plate.
- Place dry cotton on top and secure with a bandage or plaster.
- After a day, remove the compress and remove the soft layer with a nail file.
- The affected part of the leg or hand is treated with a mixture of propolis until recovery is complete.
Therapeutic bath
The purpose of this procedure is to soften the plate as much as possible, and then carefully remove the affected layer with tweezers or scissors. Traditional medicine recommends bathing in warm water at least 2-3 times a week. To prepare a solution, you can use soda, sea or table salt, as well as decoctions of chamomile, calendula or oak bark herbs. Try this traditional remedy for nail fungus:
- Prepare a bowl filled with five liters of hot water.
- Add 4 teaspoons of baking soda or salt to the water.
- Pour in a glass of any antiseptic herbal decoction, you can add a few spoons of vinegar essence.
- Steam your feet or hands in the basin for 15-20 minutes.
- Then dry your feet thoroughly and cut off the affected area.
Vinegar bath
Everyone knows that fungal infections die in an acidic environment, which is why vinegar is so popular in the treatment of onychomycosis. The easiest way to get rid of affected nails is to make a vinegar bandage and put socks made of natural fabric on your feet. For those who have little time left, traditional healers recommend trying a vinegar bath:
- Pour 250 ml of apple cider vinegar or table vinegar into a bowl of water.
- Dip your feet in the solution and steam for 10-15 minutes.
- Dry your feet without rinsing.
- Apply an antifungal ointment prescribed by your doctor.
- Repeat the procedure every 2 days until recovery is complete.
Celandine
Traditional methods of treating nail fungus often include recipes with celandine. This plant is able to overcome the infection even in advanced stages. Celandine has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. To eliminate the symptoms of the fungus, you can prepare a healing bath from celandine juice, make an ointment, alcohol tincture or oil.
Juice
During the flowering season of celandine, cut the stem of the plant at least 10 centimeters from the road, then follow the instructions:
- Pass the plant through a meat grinder.
- Squeeze the juice from the pulp.
- Repeat the procedure until you have collected about 200 ml of liquid.
- Mix celandine juice with 70% alcohol.
- Let it sit for at least 24 hours.
- Lubricate the affected area with the prepared tincture.
- It is better to carry out the procedure after steaming.
- The course of treatment is 1 month.
Oil
Celandine oil is considered an effective antifungal agent.It is best to apply topically in the form of a compress on steamed feet or hands.To prepare celandine oil, you must use the following recipe:
- Dry the stem of the plant and knead it with your hands.
- Put the raw material in a glass jar and pour any oil so that it rises 2-3 centimeters above the grass.
- Leave the mixture for about an hour at room temperature, then put it in a cool, dark place for a week.
- After a while, put the same amount of oil into the jar as the first time.
- The mixture is applied to the affected area of the nail plate for 3-4 weeks.
Garlic juice
Onions and garlic are two root vegetables that save you from many infectious diseases. Traditional craftsmen believe that garlic juice can help get rid of fungus if you prepare it in the following way:
- Pass the head of garlic through a press.
- Squeeze the juice from the pulp through a cheesecloth.
- Mix the juice with water and pure medical alcohol in a 1-1-1 ratio.
- The resulting solution is used to wipe the affected nail plate twice a day until it is completely healed.
Kombucha
From this plant and sugar syrup, folk healers prepare a sweet and sour drink that can combat many problems. You can use kombucha to treat nails like this:
- Remove the film from a small piece of kombucha.
- Blend the ingredients until soft.
- Steam your feet first. Rub the fresh mixture into the area affected by the fungus 3-4 times a day.
- It is recommended to do the treatment at home for 4-6 weeks.
Birch tar
Traditional methods of treating nail fungus often include the use of pure birch tar. It has excellent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, and softens keratin plates well. Try this homemade recipe:
- Apply natural birch tar to the feet that have been treated with tar soap, rub a little into the skin of the feet.
- For an hour and a half, try not to move, do not wear shoes.
- When the bulk is absorbed, wear thick socks.
- After 2-3 days, wash off the remaining mixture with soap and water.
- Repeat the procedure until the fungus is completely gone.
Hydrogen peroxide
This medicine is best used in addition to official treatment methods. Hydrogen peroxide has disinfectant properties, softens nails and helps drugs penetrate easily to the site of inflammation. You can use this medicine:
- Prepare a cotton compress. Before treating your feet with antifungal medication, steam your feet in a salt bath.
- Then apply a cotton pad soaked in peroxide solution to the affected area.
- Leave for 2-3 hours, then cut the affected nail area with scissors and lubricate the cleaned plate with antibacterial ointment.
- It is better to repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
Sea and table salt
For additional therapy, you can prepare products based on two types of salt: sea and table. The first helps to soften the nails, and the second acts as an antiseptic. Here are some recipes:
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda and an equal amount of salt in cold water. Soak your nails in the solution for 10 minutes. Then rinse in warm water, wipe dry and apply an antifungal medication.
- Make a thick solution from a glass of water and a spoonful of salt. Wet a cotton pad and apply it to the nail for a few minutes. Then wash the affected area with water and baking soda. The course of the treatment procedure is 10 days.
Nail fungus prevention
It is not difficult to treat nail fungus using traditional methods, but it is better to prevent its occurrence altogether. To avoid fungal infections, doctors recommend following simple preventive measures:
- If your palms or feet are sweaty, use an antibacterial spray or frequently wipe your hands and feet with a chlorhexidine solution. To consolidate the effect, it should also be used to treat shoes, socks, and gloves.
- Wear comfortable shoes only, avoid tight shoes and sneakers.
- Never use other people's personal items or hygiene products.
- Always wear shoes at the beach, in the bathhouse or in the pool.
- Avoid manicures in beauty salons with a dubious reputation, and do not use varnish or other cosmetics on damaged nails.