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 damp rooms, neglect personal hygiene, and visit public baths and swimming pools are at risk of getting this unpleasant disease.
Under the influence of a fungal infection, the nail plate becomes 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 folk remedies at home.
What is the fungus 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 antifungal agents and natural antimycotics;
- high temperatures - when heated above +75 ̊ C for 20 minutes, the mycosis dies.
Therefore, during the treatment of toenail fungus, you need to carefully treat indoor and outdoor shoes, wash socks and bed linen at temperatures above 75 ̊ C.
Treating nail fungus at home
In untreated cases, you can seek help from traditional medicine.Essential oils, cheap pharmaceuticals, and medicinal plants are time-tested remedies that help get rid of fungus on toenails quickly.
Birch tar
This safe remedy is highly 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, generously soap your toes and leave for 5-10 minutes.The course of treatment lasts 10-17 days.
A solution of birch tar 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 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 most effectively.
To prepare garlic ointment, select a fresh, juicy head of garlic and grind its cloves into pulp.The resulting mass is poured with 2 tbsp.l.sunflower oil.The product is generously lubricated on the affected and neighboring nails and the skin around the source of infection.The treated toes are wrapped in a bandage and left in this form until the 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 fastest 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 make 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 get rid of onychomycosis, foot baths will bring effect only after 1-2 months.
Vinegar
Despite the fact that vinegar is popular in the fight against nail fungus, it only helps in the initial stages, when fungal spores 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 to the site of infection.6% table vinegar is mixed in equal parts with warm water, and feet are soaked 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 treating the skin - 1%.
A cotton swab 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
Treatment with iodine 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 the nail plates with celandine juice is a dirty 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, including external and internal agents.In advanced cases, removal of the nail plate may be necessary.