Onychomycosis is a nail fungus that most commonly affects the toes.Pathogenic microorganisms feed on the organic composition of the nail plate.Those who work in damp rooms, neglect personal hygiene and visit public baths and swimming pools are at risk of contracting this unpleasant disease.
Under the influence of a fungal infection, the nail plate is deformed, turns yellow and splits.Without proper treatment, the fungus progresses and can lead to nail removal.In the initial stages of the disease, it is not necessary to use drug treatment;You can get rid of nail fungus with home remedies at home.
What is the fungus afraid of?
Fungal nail infections take weeks to heal.To speed up the healing process, you need to know what the pathogenic microorganism is afraid of:
- acidic environment;
- bleach;
- special antifungal agents and natural antifungals;
- high temperatures - when heated above +75 ̊ C for 20 minutes, mycosis dies.
Therefore, during the treatment of toenail fungus, it is necessary to carefully treat indoor and outdoor shoes, wash socks and bedding at temperatures above 75 ̊ C.
Treat nail fungus at home.
In untreated cases, you can seek help from traditional medicine.Essential oils, cheap pharmaceuticals and medicinal plants are proven remedies that help to quickly eliminate toenail fungus.
birch tar
This safe remedy is very effective in the fight against mycosis.The easiest way is to use store-bought tar soap, which consists of 15% birch tar.Twice a day, lather your toes generously and leave for 5 to 10 minutes.The course of treatment lasts 10 to 17 days.
A birch tar solution is the most effective.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 nail plates twice a day.
garlic
This plant has pronounced antimicrobial and antifungal properties.It can be used alone, in the form of crushed pulp or in combination with other means.Garlic ointment and tincture work more effectively.
To prepare garlic ointment, select a fresh, juicy head of garlic and grind its cloves into a pulp.The resulting mass is poured with 2 tbsp.l.sunflower oil.The product is generously lubricated on the affected and neighboring nails and on the skin around the source of infection.The treated fingers are wrapped in a bandage and left that way until morning.To obtain a tincture, mix freshly squeezed garlic and ethyl alcohol in equal parts.The composition is infused for 2-3 days, after which it is used to treat 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, these procedures do not cause irritation or allergic reactions in adults.For children, it is preferable to perform foot baths with the addition of 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil.But if in the first case it takes about two weeks to get rid of onychomycosis, foot baths will take effect only after 1-2 months.
Vinegar
Although vinegar is popular in the fight against nail fungus, it only helps in the initial stages, when the spores of the fungus have not yet penetrated deeply into the nail plate.
Before using vinegar, it is recommended to trim 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% salicylic acid solution, and for skin treatment - 1%.
A cotton swab or disc is generously moistened with the product and the affected nail plate is treated.The procedure is repeated twice a day for a week.Then it is necessary to take a break for seven days and, if necessary, repeat the treatment.
Iodine
Iodine treatment can only be carried out if there are 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 nail plates with celandine juice is a messy but effective way to get rid of toenail fungus.Infected areas are coated with freshly squeezed plant juice, wrapped in a bandage and left for 4 hours.The procedure is repeated daily until the therapeutic effect occurs.
If you cannot cure nail fungus at home, consult 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.After this, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive drug treatment, which includes external and internal agents.In advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove the nail plate.