Almost everyone in their life has experienced nail fungus and skin symptoms on their feet. In medicine, this disease is called ringworm. The causative agents of the disease are yeasts and molds Trichophyton, Mentagrophyton and Epidermophyton. In our article we will explain whether it is possible to get rid of fungus on the legs with the help of natural folk remedies.
A few words about mushrooms
Dermatomycosis of the foot can begin to develop after visiting public places (beach, pool, sauna, spa). Wearing leather shoes, which create a humid and warm atmosphere, is another factor in the development of the disease.
The yeast microflora is adapted to parasitic life in the upper layers of the skin, as well as in its derivatives - nails. During their lifetime, fungi destroy keratin, which worsens the condition of the feet.
A healthy person's skin is oily. Plays the role of a protective layer and helps fight infections.
If there is not enough fat in the body, for example, dryness or excessive sweating can cause micro-cracks in the skin. Thus, a favorable atmosphere is created for the fungi to multiply and penetrate deep into the foot. To eliminate the symptoms of mycosis, it is necessary to understand the cause of the disease and eliminate these factors.
The most common causes of nail and skin fungus on the legs:
- diabetes mellitus - this disease can not be cured, but with the help of special preparations the patient's condition can be maintained;
- problems with immunity;
- circulatory disorders in the legs;
- congenital deformities of the foot in the form of straight legs, narrow gaps between the toes;
- Wear the wrong (tight, non-hygroscopic, uncomfortable, synthetic) shoes.
Folk remedies for athlete's foot
As a rule, patients already see the fungus in the final stages. This is due to the fact that the disease does not manifest itself at the beginning of its development. If you are still able 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 pharmaceutical products.
Potassium permanganate
This solution in the form of a solution quickly and effectively fights infection in the feet. Potassium permanganate is the most popular antimicrobial drug used for a long time in medicine. Sold in powder and crystal form. A solution of potassium permanganate is harmful to fungal spores of nails and feet. 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. To get a solution similar to beet juice, you need to dilute the product in hot water, making sure that there are no undissolved crystals in the water. Dip your feet into it so that your feet are completely covered. The procedure takes at least ten minutes.
If you feel a burning sensation on the skin, reduce the concentration of potassium permanganate. After steaming, cut off the dead parts of the nail with nail scissors, treat the feet with a stiff file. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Harm of potassium permanganate: high concentrations of the solution can cause redness and irritation, as well as burns. Avoid contact of crystals with mucous membranes and eyes.
Iodine
Widespread folk remedies. Before starting treatment with iodine, 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 to the bend of the elbow and observe the reaction of the skin during the day. If there is no redness and itching, you can start treatment. When using the solution, the dosage must be strictly adhered to, otherwise you may burn and damage your nails and skin.
Be prepared for the tiles to turn yellow in a few days. 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. Damage 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 the mycosis. It can be from twenty days to several months. This time is sufficient for the full growth and regeneration of the nail plate. Observe strict hygiene during treatment and use only personal manicure tools.
Iodized foot bath. The treatment consists of steaming the skin in hot 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 stiff file, and the nail plates with manicure tools.
For more effectiveness, lubricate the feet with hydrogen peroxide at the end of the procedure and apply a gauze bandage on top for the night. This will increase the antibacterial effect. Such procedures can be performed no more than three times a week.
Preparation of iodine and vinegar solution. Therapy is carried out according to the scheme: for a week nails and feet should be treated daily with iodine, then for a week - table 9% vinegar. Continue alternative 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 tool 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. Without careful personal hygiene and daily disinfection of shoes, therapy will be useless.
Advantages of boric acid in the elimination of mycosis: the creation of an acidic environment helps to completely destroy the fungus, clean the skin and nails from dead cells. Also, the advantage of the drug is its relative effectiveness and low cost.
The course of treatment is about a month. If necessary, the period can be extended up to two months. The method of use is very simple: wipe the damaged areas every morning and evening with boric acid. If you have free time, you can pre-steam your feet to allow the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin.
Ammonia
The natural remedy actively combats hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating and unpleasant odors. The drug is easily tolerated by the body. Advantages of using ammonia in the treatment of mycosis: low cost, versatility (the drug has antibacterial and antifungal effects), no toxic effects.
Disadvantages: the possibility 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, because it will not lead to results, it will only cause burns.
It should be noted that ammonia is effective in the early stages of the disease. To increase the effect, it is recommended to keep the affected nails and feet in contact with ammonia for as long as possible. Prepare lotions for this.
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 rule, this time is enough to eliminate the most obvious symptoms of the disease.
Apple cider vinegar
The remedy has long been used in the treatment of mycosis. Apple bites contain active ingredients that destroy fungal spores, clean wounds and heal, 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 be an exception, but this is extremely rare. To increase the effect of therapy, it is recommended to treat not only the feet, but also socks and shoes with vinegar.
Foot baths. In a small bowl, mix two liters of warm water and three glasses of apple cider vinegar, soak your feet in the resulting solution so that they are completely covered with water. Unusually, you may feel a burning sensation, such a reaction will pass over time.
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 in a ratio of 1: 1. Soak the wool in the resulting solution and wrap it under your feet. Put plastic bags and warm socks on top. It is recommended to leave the compress overnight. The procedure should be performed 2-3 times a week for a month.
Prevention of foot fungus
Follow these tips to prevent mycosis:
- wear flip flops in public places (baths, swimming pools, saunas, dressing rooms), as the humid and hot environment always contributes to the development of pathogenic microflora;
- If you have to stay in closed shoes for a long time, use special protective creams;
- Disinfect shoes with special sprays once a month;
- drink a complex of vitamins and minerals from time to time to increase immunity;
- Give up bad habits;
- Thoroughly disinfect the floor and walls in the bathroom once a week;
- Wash bedding and underwear at high temperatures;
- Do not use someone else'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, contact a specialist.