Almost every person in his life has seen signs of nail and skin fungus on his feet. In medicine, this disease is called ringworm of the foot. The causative agents are yeasts and molds Trichophyton, Mentagrophyton and Epidermophyton. It is possible to get rid of the fungus on the legs with the help of natural folk remedies, we will tell in our article.
A few words about the mushroom
Foot dermatomycosis can begin to develop after visiting public places (beach, swimming pool, sauna, spa salon). Wearing leather shoes that create a humid and warm atmosphere is another factor that causes the development of the disease.
The microflora of yeast is adapted to parasitic life in the upper layers of the skin, as well as on its derivatives - the nails. During their life, fungi destroy keratin, which worsens the condition of the legs.
A healthy person has fat on the skin. It acts as a protective layer and helps fight infections.
If there is not enough fat in the body, for example with excessive dryness or sweating, microcracks can form on the skin. Thus, a favorable atmosphere is created for the reproduction of the fungus and their penetration deep into the foot. To eliminate the signs of mycosis, it is necessary to understand the cause of the development of the disease and eliminate these factors.
The most common causes of nail and skin fungus on the legs are:
- diabetes mellitus - this disease is not curable, however, with the help of special preparations, it is possible to maintain the patient's condition;
- problems with immunity;
- impaired circulation in the legs;
- congenital deformities of the foot in the form of flat feet, narrow spaces between the toes;
- wearing the wrong shoes (tight, non-hygroscopic, uncomfortable, synthetic).
Folk remedies for foot fungus
As a rule, patients notice the fungus already in the last stages. This is due to the fact that at the very beginning of the development of the disease, it practically does not manifest itself. If you still managed to diagnose the disease at an early stage, you can try to get rid of it with the help of natural folk remedies. In the later stages, the treatment of the fungus on the legs is effective only with the use of pharmaceuticals.
Potassium permanganate
This tool in the form of a solution quickly and effectively fights foot infections. Potassium permanganate is the most popular antimicrobial drug that has long been used in medicine. Sold in the form of powder and crystals. A solution of potassium permanganate is harmful to the spores of the nail and leg fungus. It has disinfectant properties. It is important to note that only a freshly prepared solution is 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, make sure that no undissolved crystals remain in the water. Dip your legs in so that your feet are completely covered. The duration of the procedure is at least ten minutes.
If you feel a burning sensation in your skin, reduce the concentration of potassium permanganate. After steaming, cut off the dead nail particles with nail scissors, 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 the crystals with mucous membranes and eyes.
Iodine
Widespread folk remedy. Before starting iodine treatment, it is necessary to check the sensitivity to the components of the solution. To do this, perform the following test: apply a drop of iodine on the elbow bend and observe the reaction of the skin during the day. If there is no redness and itching, treatment can begin. When using the solution, it is necessary to strictly observe the dosage, otherwise it is possible to burn yourself and damage your nails and skin.
Be prepared for the fact that for several days the dishes will have a yellow tint. It is therefore advisable to carry out treatment sessions before the weekend or during the holidays, especially for women in the summer.
Iodine has an antimicrobial disinfectant 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 neglect of mycosis. It can range from twenty days to several months. This period is enough for the nail plate to grow and fully recover. For the period of treatment, observe meticulous 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 a 5% iodine solution to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. After steaming, carefully work your feet with a stiff file and your nails with manicure tools.
For greater effectiveness, at the end of the procedure, lubricate the legs with hydrogen peroxide and apply over a gauze bandage for the night. This will enhance the antibacterial effect. Such procedures can be carried out no more than three times a week.
Preparation of a solution of iodine and vinegar. Therapy takes place according to the scheme: a week the nails and feet should be treated daily with iodine, then a week - 9% table vinegar. Keep alternating treatments for a month or two until you see results.
Boric acid
It is a fine, odorless crystalline powder, available free of charge at the pharmacy. This remedy 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 the age of 12. Therapy will be useless without careful personal hygiene and daily disinfection of shoes.
The advantages of boric acid in the elimination of mycosis: the creation of an acidic environment contributes to the complete destruction of the fungus, purifying the skin and nails of dead cells. In addition, the advantage of the drug is its relative cheapness with high efficiency.
The course of treatment is about a month. If necessary, the duration can be extended up to two months. The method of use is very simple: every day, morning and evening, rub the affected areas with boric acid. If you have free time, you can pre-heat your legs so that the active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin.
Ammonia
A natural remedy actively fights hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating and an unpleasant smell. The drug is easily tolerated by the body. Advantages of using ammonia in the treatment of mycosis: low price, versatility (the drug has an antibacterial and antifungal effect), there is no toxic effect.
Disadvantages: the likelihood 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 a result, it will only cause burns.
It is worth noting that ammonia is effective in the early stages of the disease. To enhance the effect, it is desirable to keep the affected nails and feet in contact with ammonia as long as possible. To do this, make lotions.
How to use: Dilute two tablespoons of ammonia in a glass of water. Before going to bed, dip the gauze into the resulting solution and wrap your feet with it. Put a plastic bag and warm socks on top. Leave the compress overnight. The course of treatment is two weeks. As a rule, this time is enough to eliminate the most noticeable symptoms of the disease.
apple cider vinegar
The remedy has long been used in the treatment of mycosis. The composition of the apple bite includes active ingredients that destroy the spores of the fungus, clean and heal wounds and soften the skin.
With this tool you can treat both small areas of the skin and large surfaces. There are no contraindications to the use of apple bite, individual intolerance can leave an exception, but this is extremely rare. To enhance the effect of therapy, it is recommended to treat not only the feet, but also socks and shoes with vinegar.
Foot baths. Mix two liters of warm water and three cups of apple cider vinegar in a small bowl, dip your feet into the resulting solution so that they are 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 one month, the number of procedures is not more than three per week.
Apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil. Mix apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil 1: 1. Dip the gauze into the resulting solution and wrap it around the soles of your feet. Place plastic bags and warm socks on top. It is recommended to leave the compress overnight. The procedure must be done within a month, 2-3 times a week.
Foot fungus prevention
To avoid mycosis, follow these tips:
- In public places (bathroom, swimming pool, sauna, changing room) always wear flip-flops, as a humid and warm environment contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora;
- If you are forced to stay in closed shoes for a long time, use special protective creams;
- Once a month disinfect shoes with special sprays;
- Periodically drink a complex of vitamins and minerals to increase immunity;
- Give up bad habits;
- Once a week, thoroughly disinfect bathroom floors and walls;
- Wash the bed and underwear at high temperatures;
- Do not use someone else's shoes, socks, pantyhose;
- Do a pedicure 1-2 times a month to remove the keratinized dermis.
Remember that the fungus is easier to prevent than to cure. If signs of disease appear, contact a specialist.