Onychomycosis is a nail fungus that most often affects the toes.Pathogenic microorganisms feed on the organic composition of the nail plate.Those who work in humid environments, neglect personal hygiene and visit public toilets and swimming pools are at risk of contracting this unpleasant disease.
Under the influence of a fungal infection, the nail plate deforms, turns yellow and cracks.Without proper treatment, the fungus progresses and can lead to nail removal.In the initial stages of the disease it is not necessary to resort to pharmacological treatment;you can get rid of nail fungus with folk remedies at home.
What is the mushroom afraid of?
Fungal nail infections take weeks to cure.To speed up the healing process, you need to know that the pathogenic microorganism is afraid of:
- acidic environment;
- bleach;
- special natural antifungal and antifungal agents;
- high temperatures - if heated above +75 ̊ C for 20 minutes, the mycosis dies.
Therefore, during the treatment of toenail fungus, it is necessary to carefully treat inner and outer shoes, wash socks and bedding at temperatures above 75 ̊ C.
Treat nail fungus at home
In untreated cases, you can turn to traditional medicine for help.Essential oils, cheap pharmaceuticals and medicinal plants are time-tested remedies that help quickly eliminate fungus from toenails.
Birch tar
This safe remedy is very effective in fighting mycosis.The easiest way is to use store-bought tar soap, which is made of 15% birch tar.Twice a day, lather your toes generously and leave for 5-10 minutes.The course of treatment lasts 10-17 days.
A birch tar solution works most effectively.80 ml of glycerin and the same amount of birch tar are diluted in 100 ml of ethyl alcohol.The resulting preparation is generously lubricated on the nails twice a day.
Garlic
This plant has pronounced antimicrobial and antifungal properties.It can be used alone, in the form of chopped pulp or in combination with other means.Garlic ointment and tincture work most effectively.
To make garlic ointment, select a fresh, juicy head of garlic and grind its cloves into pulp.The resulting mass is poured with 2 tbsp.the.sunflower oil.The product is generously lubricated on the affected and nearby nails and on the skin around the source of the infection.The treated fingers are wrapped in a bandage and left in this form until the morning.To obtain a tincture, mix equal parts freshly squeezed garlic and ethyl alcohol.The composition is infused for 2-3 days, after which it is used to treat the affected nails.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil works faster in its pure form.Twice a day, generously lubricate the affected nail and the skin around it.As a rule, such procedures do not cause irritation or allergic reactions in adults.For children it is preferable to carry out foot baths with the addition of 5-10 drops of tea tree oil.But if in the first case it takes about two weeks to eliminate onychomycosis, foot baths will take effect only after 1-2 months.
Vinegar
Despite the fact that vinegar is popular in the fight against nail fungus, it helps only in the initial stages, when the fungal spores have not yet penetrated deep into the nail plate.
Before using vinegar, it is recommended to cut the affected areas of the nails so that the acid penetrates deeper into the site of the infection.6% table vinegar is mixed in equal parts with warm water and the feet are immersed in the resulting bath for about half an hour.The procedure is performed daily for at least two weeks.
Salicylic acid
This inexpensive pharmaceutical product is very effective in the fight against mycosis.To combat nail fungus, it is better to purchase a 5% solution of salicylic acid, for skin treatment - 1%.
A cotton ball or disk is generously moistened with the product and the affected nail plate is treated.The procedure is repeated twice a day for a week.Then you need to take a seven-day break and, if necessary, repeat the course of treatment.
Iodine
Iodine treatment can be carried out only if there is no mechanical damage or cracks on the toes.Before applying the product, cut the nail as short as possible.A cotton swab is generously moistened with iodine and applied to the infected nail plate and adjacent nails.The procedure is repeated twice a day for half a month.When treating nails with iodine, it is important not to forget about the surrounding skin - it is better to disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide.
Celandine
Treating your nails with celandine juice is a dirty but effective way to get rid of toenail fungus.The infected areas are covered with freshly squeezed vegetable juice, wrapped in a bandage and left for 4 hours.The procedure is repeated every day until the therapeutic effect occurs.
If you can't treat nail fungus at home, see a doctor for help.For an accurate diagnosis, you will need to take a test to determine the type of pathogen and the degree of onychomycosis.Subsequently, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive drug treatment, including external and internal agents.In advanced cases, removal of the nail plate may be necessary.