Almost every person in his life has encountered signs of fungus on the nails and skin on the feet. In medicine, this disease is called tinea pedis. The causative agents are yeast and mold fungi Trichophyton, Mentagrophyton and Epidermophyton. Is it 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 fungus.
Foot dermatomycosis can begin to develop after visiting public places (beach, swimming pool, sauna, spa salon). The use of leather shoes that create a humid and warm environment is another factor that provokes the development of the disease.
The yeast microflora is adapted to parasitic life in the upper layers of the skin, as well as its derivatives - the nails. During his life, fungi destroy keratin, which worsens the condition of the legs.
A healthy person has oily skin. It acts as a protective layer and helps fight infection.
If there is not enough fat in the body, for example, with dryness or excessive sweating, microcracks can form in the skin. Thus, a favorable environment is created for the reproduction of the fungus and its deep penetration into the foot. To eliminate the signs of mycosis, you need 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 cannot 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 foot deformities 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 later stages. This is due to the fact that at the 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 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. It is 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 there are no undissolved crystals in the water. Dip your legs in it so that your feet are completely covered. The duration of the procedure is at least ten minutes.
If you feel a burning sensation on 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.
Potassium Permanganate Harm: In high concentrations, the solution can cause redness and irritation, as well as burns. Avoid contact of crystals with mucous membranes and eyes.
Iodine
Widespread folk remedy. Before starting iodine treatment, you need to check the sensitivity to the components of the solution. To do this, carry out the following test: apply a drop of iodine in the crease of the elbow and observe the reaction of the skin throughout the day. If there is no redness or itching, then treatment can begin. When using the solution, the dosage must be strictly observed, otherwise you can burn yourself and damage your nails and skin.
Be prepared for the fact that for several days the plates will have a yellow tint. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out treatment sessions before weekends or during vacations, especially for women in 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 abandonment of mycosis. It can vary from twenty days to several months. This period is enough for the nail plate to grow and fully recover. During the treatment period, observe meticulous hygiene and use only personal manicure tools.
Iodine foot bath. The treatment consists of steaming the skin with warm water. Add a few drops of 5% iodine solution to the bath. The duration of the procedure is 15-20 minutes. After steaming, carefully process the feet with a hard file, and the nail plates with manicure tools.
For greater effectiveness, at the end of the procedure, lubricate the legs with hydrogen peroxide and apply gauze on top 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 is carried out according to the scheme: a week - nails and feet should be treated daily with iodine, then a week - 9% table vinegar. Continue alternating treatments for a month or two until you see results.
Boric acid
It is a fine, odorless crystalline powder that is freely available in pharmacies. 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 12 years of age. Therapy will be useless without careful personal hygiene and daily shoe disinfection.
The advantages of boric acid in the elimination of mycoses: the creation of an acidic environment contributes to the complete destruction of the fungus, cleansing the skin and nails of dead cells. Also, the advantage of the drug is its relative low cost 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, wipe the affected areas with boric acid. If you have free time, you can pre-vaporize your legs so that the active ingredients penetrate deep into the skin.
Ammonia
A natural remedy that actively combats hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating and unpleasant odour. 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 probability of allergies in case of individual intolerance. It is not advisable to use the drug for large areas of the body affected by the fungus, since this will not give any results, 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 convenient to keep the affected nails and feet in contact with the ammonia for 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, soak gauze in 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 general rule, this time is enough to eliminate the most obvious symptoms of the disease.
Apple vinager
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, cleanse and heal wounds, 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 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 in 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. Soak gauze in the resulting solution and wrap it around the soles of the feet. Put plastic bags and warm socks on. It is advisable to leave the compress overnight. The procedure should be carried out within a month, 2-3 times a week.
Prevention of foot fungus.
To avoid mycosis, follow these recommendations:
- In public places (bathroom, swimming pool, sauna, changing rooms) always wear flip-flops, since 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 bedding and underwear at high temperatures;
- Do not wear someone else's shoes, socks, stockings;
- Get a pedicure 1-2 times a month to remove keratinized dermis.
Remember that fungi are easier to prevent than to cure. If signs of disease appear, contact a specialist.