Effective treatment of foot fungus. Fungus on the feet is a fairly common disease; according to statistics, at least as many as one in four people on the planet suffer from it. Since most people don't even suspect they are carriers of the fungus, this is made worse because it either settles unknowingly or develops unknowingly.
Fungi are not only aesthetically and physically inconvenient, but also synthesize toxic substances that can build up in the body and poison it. That's why it's so important to know how to prevent and fight this disease to stay healthy. How does the fungus affect the legs? What contributed to this?
Causes of Foot Fungus
Simple ways for the parasitic fungus to penetrate the skin may be cracks and abrasions between the toes due to excessive sweating, or conversely, dry feet, various abrasions from wearing shoes that are too narrow, and the feet are not clean after washing. In addition, various endocrine and vascular diseases, varicose veins, diabetes, flat feet, and decreased immunity or stress can cause fungal infections.
The fungus is spread through close contact with the patient, through the items he uses - towels, washcloths, shoes, clothes, manicures and even combs. Especially in this regard, public areas, such as bathtubs and swimming pools, become dangerous because heat and moisture are ideal conditions for fungal growth. Once inside the nail plate, composed almost entirely of keratin, the fungus begins to grow and multiply slowly. It gradually replaces the nail, dissolves it, and begins to spread further into the surrounding skin. With a fungal infection, cracks and peeling occur first between the toes, and then the skin starts to become red and itchy.
signs of foot fungus
Foot fungus is characterized by:
- blackened nails
- Nail platinum becomes brittle and peels off
- The shape of the nail itself is deformed
- Pain at the tip of the toe
- stench
Therefore, at the first manifestation of a fungal infection, there is an urgent need to take steps to combat the fungus in order to stop it from spreading further along the skin. If the fungus is not treated at all, it can move from one nail to another and further to nearby areas of skin, and in very severe cases, even internal organs can be damaged.
If you suspect you have a fungal infection, you can do this screening test at home: Dilute potassium permanganate crystals in warm water to make a purple solution. Dip your foot in it and hold it for a while. The affected area of the nail will remain light in color and the unaffected area will turn brown.
You can contact a dermatologist - a dermatologist, who will likely send you an analysis - scrape to determine the type of fungus, and he will then prescribe the necessary treatment.
Folk remedies for tinea pedis
You can effectively treat fungus on your legs using folk methods, especially if this treatment can be successful in the early stages of the disease. Previously, when this powerful antifungal drug was not available in pharmacies, people managed and responded to fungal infections without using folk recipes:
- Treat foot fungus with onions. The easiest remedy is to use onions. Grate and squeeze the juice out of the onion head, and rub oil on the fungus-affected area of the leg. When the juices are dry, the legs don't need to be washed off, and this process is best done before bed.
- sea salt. The sea salt solution will help heal the fungus within 10 days. Twice a day - morning and evening, wash your feet in the tub with sea salt (1 teaspoon per 1 glass of water). Then dip the lint in the salt solution, apply the lint to the area affected by the fungus and keep it until dry. Then wash your feet with soda water (in the same proportion as sea water) and dry your feet.
- Use garlic. A good effect is to treat foot fungus with a garlic salt infusion. Prepare a salt solution (1 tsp salt per 1 liter of water). Take 1 tablespoon of this solution and add 1 large clove of crushed garlic. Strain through cheesecloth and squeeze, add 4 tablespoons of brine to the resulting mixture. Lubricate the area affected by the fungus 2 times a day with the prepared solution. A fresh solution needs to be prepared each time for treatment.
- Clay treatment. Clay is another helper for foot mycosis. Dilute clay powder (sold at drugstores) with cold water to a thick sour cream consistency, then apply a thick layer to the affected area, wrapping with linen. You will need to remove the bandage before the clay dries and rinse your feet with a lemon solution (1 tablespoon lemon juice to 1 cup water). The clay lotion should be used at least 2 times a day, preferably 3 times, with a fresh portion of clay each time.
- Celandine juice. In summer, if celandine is growing in your country house, you can use the sap of this plant, as it has a strong antifungal effect. The plant needs to be picked and the orange sap will immediately appear on it and lubricate the affected area with it. Keep in mind that the process is not very pleasant, it will be itchy, but it will pass as the juice is absorbed. After a few minutes, lubricate the area again with the juice and repeat 3-4 times. You need to repeat the process twice a day for a month. Also, you can prepare yourself celandine oil, which can also be used against foot fungus year-round, not just during the summer months when this plant blooms.
- Treat with celandine dressing. If you have dried celandine, grind it into a powder and mix it with tea tree oil to make a thick lotion. Compress the affected area of the leg daily. Keep doing this until the old fungal nail falls off and a new one grows.
- Propolis. Propolis alcohol tincture is an effective and affordable antifungal remedy that you can always buy at a pharmacy. Propolis has antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, regenerative and anesthetic properties and is harmful to fungi. Moisten a cotton swab with 20% propolis tincture, apply to the affected area, wrap the legs in polyethylene and secure all areas with a bandage, preferably at night. After about a month of treatment, the fungal-infected nail will fall off and a new one will grow.
- Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is another effective remedy for foot fungus, lubricate the affected area several times a day and the fungus will subside. For example, you can do this while sitting in front of the TV watching your favorite show. Apply a cotton swab dipped in apple cider vinegar to the troubled area of your leg and replace it with a new one when it dries. Over time, the fungus on the legs can slough off.
- Herbal ointment. You can prepare yourself a healing antifungal herbal balm: Pour 0. 5 liters of sunflower oil into an enamel bowl, then add 1 tablespoon of chopped dried herbs: mint, comfrey and golden root (Rhodiolarosea). Heat on low heat, but not over 65 degrees. Turn off the stove and let it cook for 12 hours, straining. Add the oil solution of vitamins A, E and D to the balm, 1 tablespoon each, mix everything, and lubricate the affected area with the balm at least 2 times a day. You will need to store the balm in the refrigerator, and it will have a shelf life of no more than six months.
- Birch tar. Birch tar sold in pharmacies is another of the strongest enemies of foot fungus. Lubricate affected areas on toes and nail plates after each shower, then do not wash off. After a few such procedures, you won't even notice how the fungus disappears without a trace. Personally, this method has helped me a lot with my foot fungus, which I once picked up while going to the pool.
If someone in your household has a fungal infection, then you need to take precautions so that an infection does not occur.
- Don't walk around the house barefoot or put your feet on a sofa or chair until the fungus has healed.
- Before bathing, you should wash thoroughly with any chlorinated liquid product, which will kill the fungus.
- Scissors, nail files, and other items for pedicures and manicures must be wiped down with alcohol.
- If fungus is found on one of the spouses, he needs to go to bed with clean, ironed cotton socks and change the bedding weekly.
- Make sure to wipe the inside of the shoe with a solution of apple cider vinegar, 40% acetic acid, or formalin.
prevent foot fungus
- Never wear someone else's shoes and when visiting - slippers provided to you. It is best to bring a change of shoes or socks with you to the room.
- In the cold season, be sure to change your shoes to replaceable ones and don't overheat your feet, as mushrooms start to attack when your feet are sweaty.
- Don't forget to bring rubber slippers when you go to the solarium, swimming pool, sauna, bath or therapeutic bath in a sanatorium. In the tub, pour boiling water over benches and basins, and place a sheet or towel on a shelf where only you can lie down and sit on it.
- Do not walk barefoot in public places such as hotels, sports locker rooms, train cars, and beaches without flagstones. The last precaution is not superfluous either, the hot and humid sand is a breeding ground for fungal infections, with lots of fungal-infected scales and nail fragments hiding inside.
- Change bath and shower mats from cloth and sponge to rubber. Moisture remains in the folds, skin flakes and nail fragments get stuck, and the rubber pads are always easy to soak in hot water.
- After a shower or bath, wipe your feet thoroughly until dry, taking care especially between the toes so that no moisture is left behind and the fungus has a chance to settle.
- Change socks, stockings, or tights every day. Don't let anyone temporarily use documents, manicure tools, sponges, towels.
- Do not wear the same pair of shoes more than two days in a row. Let it dry properly during the day.
- When shopping for shoes, never try them on barefoot.
- Monitor the condition of your feet and take good care of your feet—sweating, dry, and calluses take prompt action to prevent cracked legs.
- However, if you suspect that you might get a fungus infection while going to the pool or the beach, when you get home, wipe your feet with a cotton swab dipped in a 6% vinegar solution or wash them with tar soap.
Follow these precautions, remembering that disease is always easier to prevent than to treat later.