Almost everyone has encountered signs of nail fungus and the skin on the feet in his life. Medically, this disease is called tinea pedis. The pathogens are the yeast and mold fungi Trichophyton, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton. Is it possible to get rid of fungus on the legs with the help of natural folk remedies, we will tell in our article.
A few words about fungi
Dermatomycosis of the feet can begin to develop after visiting public places (beach, swimming pool, sauna, spa salon). Wearing leather shoes that create a damp and warm atmosphere is another factor that can trigger the development of the disease.
Yeast flora is suitable for parasitizing the upper layer of the skin and its derivatives - the nails. During their lifetime, the fungus destroys keratin, which can worsen the condition of the legs.
A healthy person has fat on the skin. It acts as a protective layer and helps fight infection.
If there is not enough fat in the body, such as dryness or excessive sweating, microcracks can form in the skin. Thus, a favorable atmosphere is created for the reproduction of the fungus and its penetration into the feet. To get rid of the signs of mycosis, you need to understand why the disease develops and eliminate those factors.
The most common causes of nail and skin fungus on the legs are:
- Diabetes - there is no cure for this disease, but with the help of special preparations, the patient's condition can be maintained;
- immune problems;
- impaired circulation in the legs;
- Congenital foot deformities in the form of flat feet, narrow spaces between the fingers;
- Wearing incorrect (tight, non-absorbent, uncomfortable, synthetic) shoes.
Folk remedies for tinea pedis
Often, patients notice that the fungus is already in its final stages. This is because at the onset of disease development, it does not actually manifest itself. 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. In later stages, the treatment of leg fungus is only effective with the use of medicines.
potassium permanganate
This tool fights foot infections quickly and effectively in the form of a solution. Potassium permanganate is the most popular antibacterial drug and has long been used in medicine. Sold in powder and crystal form. Potassium permanganate solution is harmful to fungal spores on nails and legs. Has sanitizing properties. Note that only freshly prepared solutions will work.
Use of potassium permanganate in the treatment of fungal diseases: in the form of a foot bath. It is necessary to dilute the product in warm water to obtain a solution similar to beetroot juice, making sure that there are no undissolved crystals in the water. Dip your legs into it so your feet are completely covered. The duration of this process is at least ten minutes.
If you feel a burning sensation in your skin, reduce the concentration of potassium permanganate. After steaming, use nail scissors to cut off the dead particles on the nails, and use a hard file to treat the feet. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Potassium permanganate hazards: At high concentrations, the solution can cause redness and irritation, as well as burns. Avoid contact of lens with mucous membranes and eyes.
iodine
A popular folk remedy. Before starting treatment with iodine, you need to check your sensitivity to the components of the solution. To do this, take the following test: Put a drop of iodine on the crook of your elbow and watch your skin react throughout the day. If there is no redness and itching, treatment can be started. When using this solution, the dosage must be strictly observed, otherwise it will burn the nails and skin.
The plate will turn yellow after a few days of preparation. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out treatment on weekends or before holidays, especially for women in summer.
Iodine has a disinfecting and antibacterial effect. The use of this solution to cause harm is only possible in cases of personal intolerance to the ingredients of the drug. The course of treatment depends directly on the degree of neglect of mycosis. It can vary from twenty days to several months. This time is enough for the nail plate to fully grow and recover. During treatment, observe hygiene and use only personal manicure tools.
Iodine foot bath. Treatment involves steaming the skin in warm water. Add a few drops of a 5% iodine solution to the tub. The duration of the process is 15-20 minutes. After steaming, carefully treat the feet with a hard file and the nail plates with a manicure tool.
To be more effective, at the end of the procedure, lubricate the leg with hydrogen peroxide and use a gauze bandage on top overnight. This will enhance the antibacterial effect. Such procedures can be performed up to 3 times per week.
Preparation of iodine and vinegar solutions. Treatment is carried out according to a plan: nails and feet must be treated with iodine daily for one week, then one week - 9% vinegar. Continue alternating treatments for one to two months until you see results.
Boric acid
It is a fine, odorless, crystalline powder that is available for free at drugstores. This therapy is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, individuals with intolerance to the components of the drug, kidney disease. Treatment of large areas of the body with boric acid is not recommended, and children under 12 years of age. Treatment is useless without good personal hygiene and daily sanitizing of shoes.
Advantages of Boric Acid in Eliminating Fungal Diseases: Creating an acidic environment helps destroy fungi completely and cleans dead cells on skin and nails. In addition, the drug has the advantage that it is relatively inexpensive and efficient.
The course of treatment is about one month. If necessary, the period can be extended to two months. The method of use is simple: every morning and evening, rub the affected area with boric acid. If you have free time, you can pre-steam your legs to allow the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin.
ammonia
A natural remedy to actively combat hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating and bad odor. The drug is easily tolerated by the body. Advantages of using ammonia water for the treatment of fungal diseases: cheap, versatile (the drug has antibacterial and antifungal effects), no toxic side effects.
Disadvantage: possibility of allergy in case of individual intolerance. It is not recommended to use the drug on large areas of the body affected by the fungus, as this will not result in results, only burns.
Notably, ammonia is effective in the early stages of the disease. To enhance the effect, it is best to leave the affected nails and feet in contact with ammonia for as long as possible. To do this, make a lotion.
How to use: Dilute two tablespoons of ammonia in a glass of water. Before going to bed, soak gauze in the solution and wrap your feet in gauze. Put a plastic bag and put warm socks on it. Let the dressing overnight. The course of treatment is two weeks. Usually, this period of time is enough to eliminate the most visible symptoms of the disease.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The therapy has long been used to treat fungal diseases. The ingredients in apple bites include active ingredients that destroy fungal spores, clean and heal wounds, and soften the skin.
With this tool, you can work on small areas and large surfaces of the skin. There are no contraindications to the use of apple bites, with the possible exception of individual intolerances, but this is extremely rare. To increase the therapeutic effect, it is recommended to treat not only the feet but also socks and shoes with vinegar.
Foot bath. Combine 2 warm water and 3 cups apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and dip your feet in the solution so that they are completely covered with water. Out of habit, you will feel a burning sensation that will pass over time.
The duration of the first program should not exceed two minutes, and the intervals can be increased gradually. The maximum duration of this process is twenty minutes. The course of treatment is one month, and the number of operations does not exceed three per week.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Vegetable Oil. Mix apple cider vinegar with vegetable oil 1: 1. Soak gauze in the resulting solution and wrap it around the soles of your feet. Put a plastic bag and warm socks on top. It is recommended to leave the dressing overnight. The procedure should be performed within a month, 2-3 times a week.
prevent foot fungus
To avoid fungal diseases, follow these recommendations:
- Always wear flip-flops in public places (bathrooms, swimming pools, saunas, changing rooms), as a humid and warm environment contributes to the development of pathogenic flora;
- If you are forced to wear closed shoes for a long time, use a special protective cream;
- Disinfect shoes with a special spray once a month;
- Drink multivitamins and minerals regularly to boost immunity;
- Get rid of bad habits;
- Thoroughly disinfect bathroom floors and walls once a week;
- wash beds and underwear at high temperatures;
- Do not use other people's shoes, socks, tights;
- Exfoliate the keratinized dermis with a pedicure 1-2 times a month.
Remember, fungus is easier to prevent than to treat. If signs of illness appear, contact a specialist.