When a fungal infection appears on the nails, it is necessary to pay attention to its restoration to prevent the progression of the disease and its spread to the sensitive skin of the hands or feet.
For treatment, you can use medications for external or internal use, and to increase the effectiveness of the manipulations, it is recommended to use folk remedies for nail fungus.
Treatment of toenail fungus with home remedies.
If an infection of the sensitive skin surface of the hands or feet, or damage to the nail plate, is detected, treatment should be started immediately, since the initial stages of the fungus can be quickly cured without resorting to the use of medications.
There are three stages of fungal development: initial, active and advanced.During the three stages, the girl can use home remedies against nail fungus, as they have a disinfectant effect that ensures the gradual elimination and destruction of pathogenic bacteria.However, with the active form of the fungus, drug treatment is prescribed, which includes two types of drugs:
- External (creams, ointments, sprays);
- Internal (tablets).
Regardless of the medications you take to restore a natural manicure, it is necessary to accompany the treatment with the use of traditional recipes.
If you treat nail fungus with folk remedies, the most effective ones usually have three directions of effect:
- Prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
- Destruction of microorganisms, which is associated with the destruction of their cell membrane.
- Normalization of surface microflora and restoration of its state.
As a rule, natural components have a caring effect, therefore, simultaneously with the destruction of pathogenic bacteria, their use helps to moisturize and nourish the matrix.
What determines the effectiveness of the treatment?
To increase the effectiveness of nail treatment, it is recommended to use traditional recipes.However, they do not always lead to a positive result.
Please note in advance that even when using home technologies to restore the health of the coating, you should pay attention to contraindications.The main one is individual intolerance.If you are allergic to any component, its use in the fight against fungus will not give good results.
In addition, the effect after manipulation depends on the initial state of the natural manicure.If the girl had an advanced state of damage, which involves the prescription of internal and external medications, home remedies will not give results.
The result also depends on the type of fungus, since some pathogenic organisms cause the appearance of inflammatory processes in the body, which can only be eliminated by taking antifungals.
How to properly organize the treatment process.
To ensure quick elimination of the fungus, you must first pay attention to the treatment regimen.It is recommended to consult with your doctor to choose the right medications for you based on the type of fungus.
However, regardless of the form of damage, it is important to consider that treatment must be comprehensive.There should be no single method aimed at eliminating the fungus.
As standard, several techniques are used simultaneously:
- Preliminary preparation of the skin for manipulation using a steam bath.
- Application of external medications (varnishes, ointments, serums).
- Use medicated compresses, lotions or nail masks.
- Use a file to remove the too large part of the free edge and polish the upper stratum corneum.
In addition, during treatment it is necessary to pay attention to hand or foot hygiene, as this often leads to the appearance of fungus on the nail surface.
To increase local immunity by accelerating metabolism and eliminating fungus, it is advisable to apply essential oils to the cuticle and, when applying ointments, lightly massage your fingers.
Folk remedies for nail fungus.
In addition to drug treatment, it is recommended to influence the fungus through the use of folk recipes.Their main advantage is that they are safe, so they do not usually have side effects.
However, keep in mind that to prevent irritation or inflammation in the treated area, make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the components you use.
iodine
Iodine is a natural antiseptic, so it should be used daily on your nails.When applied to the nail, the solution envelops it and gradually penetrates into the matrix, ensuring the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and the normalization of the nail microflora.
It is allowed to use it in its pure form.To do this, use a brush or cotton swab to spread the solution on the nail every day in a thin layer and let it dry slightly.In the morning, the color will become paler as most of the liquid is absorbed.
Iodine is often added to baths to enhance the effect of antifungal treatments.To do this, add 5-7 drops per liter.
hydrogen peroxide
In addition to iodine, hydrogen peroxide is also used as a disinfectant solution.It has a mild effect, so it is recommended to treat not only the nails, but also the skin, distributing the medicine several times a day, as it is quickly absorbed.
You can use peroxide for a quick compress:
- Apply the liquid to the skin surface of your feet or hands.
- Wrap the area to be treated with a cotton cloth previously soaked in the solution.
- Cover the compress with a plastic bag or plastic wrap.
- After 15 minutes, remove the auxiliary elements and wait until the solution is completely absorbed.
Since hydrogen peroxide is mild, it can be used several times a day.However, it is not recommended to leave it on a compress overnight.
Potassium permanganate solution
Now it is not easy to get potassium permanganate because it is prohibited, but it is a good disinfectant that quickly stops the proliferation of microorganisms on the surface.
Potassium permanganate is used, like iodine, as an additional component when performing steam baths.You have to add a little so that the water is slightly pink.
You can make lotions for which three ingredients are mixed:
- 1 tablespoon of propolis;
- 2 tablespoons of alcohol;
- 3-4 drops of potassium permanganate.
The mixture is mixed well and distributed on the nails infected with fungus for 20 to 25 minutes.
Soda and propolis
The components can be used separately, as they have strong disinfectant properties, or in a single recipe.
To do this, they are mixed in equal proportions, applied to the damaged area of the skin or nails and wrapped with transparent film on top.Leave the compress for 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.
Propolis is distributed separately on the nails at night, touching the area of the lateral ridges and cuticles, since it also has moisturizing and nourishing properties, increasing local immunity.
Herbs
Despite their availability and gentle effect on tissues, herbs are often used to eliminate fungus.The more herbs you mix, the more effective the solution will be.
The use of most pharmaceutical herbs is allowed:
- Calendula;
- Chamomile;
- Celandine;
- Propolis;
- Burdock;
- Lilac.
They can be used as a regular decoction.To do this, they are poured with boiling water, cooked for 20 minutes, and then filtered.The cooled liquid is applied to a cotton pad, applied to the fingertips and fixed with an adhesive plaster for half an hour.
Application of essential oils.
In addition to the moisturizing and nourishing effect, oils are also used to gradually break down the cell membrane of pathogenic bacteria, which ensures their death.
Different oils are used:
- Eucalyptus;
- tea tree;
- Propolis;
- Celandine;
- Rosemary;
- Lavender.
You can also use regular edible oils: butter, vegetable and olive.They will also be effective against microorganisms.
It is recommended to apply them separately, spreading a thin layer on the nails at night.To avoid staining your bedding, you can wear gloves or cotton socks on top.
tar soap
Soap contains tar, so it has an aggressive effect on fungal nail infections.
You must use soap in its pure form;To do this, wash your feet or hands with it until a thick foam forms and then wash it off.You can also make a compress, which involves applying a small amount of liquid soap to the nail and then sprinkling it with sea salt or soda.The tips of the fingers should be bandaged and left in this condition overnight.
Instead of tar soap, laundry soap can be used, but it must have an active substance concentration of 72%.
Kombucha
Kombucha is often used in the presence of inflammatory processes in the body or externally.It is safe and usually there is no allergic reaction to the component.
For the compress, you need to cut a thin slice of the ingredient;It should be slightly translucent, then apply it to the clean nail and fix it with a plaster.After that, cotton gloves are put on the hands, socks on the feet, and the lotion is left in this position overnight.
You can use recipes that involve using kombucha every day.
Popular recipes
In addition to the separate use of natural ingredients for baths or compresses, you can make homemade masks, ointments or serums.They take longer, but help create a strong antibacterial effect, allowing you to stop using medications.
Applications with vinegar essence
Typically, table, apple, or wine vinegar is used in antifungal recipes.However, in the treatment of advanced forms of nail lesions, vinegar essence can be used, which, upon first use, destroys some pathogenic microorganisms.
For the application it is necessary to mix four components:
- 3 tablespoons of vinegar;
- 3 tablespoons of vodka (or medicinal alcohol);
- 2 egg whites;
- A teaspoon of glycerin.
The components are mixed well, cooled slightly and applied to the nails and wrapped with gauze on top.After 15 minutes, the previous mixture dries and a second compress is applied.
The remaining mixture can be stored in the refrigerator and the procedure is carried out a maximum of twice a week.
Ointment with dimethyl ester of o-phthalic acid, glycerin and vinegar.
This recipe also involves the use of vinegar essence, the concentration of which is 70%.Because of this, the prescription is not recommended for use in the initial stages of the fungal infection, nor on the sensitive skin around the nails.
The ointment includes four components:
- 1 tablespoon vinegar;
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil;
- 1 teaspoon o-phthalic acid dimethyl ester;
- Chicken egg or a teaspoon of glycerin.
The components are mixed well, it is advisable to beat them with a blender, and then store them for a day in a dark and cool place.After this, the ointment is distributed on the affected nails and wrapped in polyethylene for 20 minutes;First, it should be partially rubbed into the epidermis.
Garlic and onion compress
The compress can also be used in the treatment of advanced forms of injuries, as it involves mixing the main ingredients with alcohol, which has a strong antiseptic effect.
The recipe combines 4 components:
- 3 cloves of garlic;
- Half an onion;
- A tablespoon of 90% alcohol;
- A glass of distilled water.
Garlic and onion should be grated on a fine grater, and then squeeze the juice through cheesecloth.Then the mass is mixed with alcohol and water.After preparation, you can store the product in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator.
Cotton pads are soaked in the liquid, then applied to the nail and fixed with an adhesive plaster for 25 to 30 minutes.
Celandine decoction
It is recommended to use a mixture of herbs against fungus, and celandine is one of the most effective types that ensures the restoration of the nail microflora.
To make a decoction of celandine, it is necessary to pour boiling water in a ratio of 1:5 for half an hour, then strain and cool.Cotton pads are soaked in the decoction and applied to the fungal infected areas for several hours or overnight.
You can use the recipe every day as it is absolutely safe.
Ointment based on copper sulfate.
Copper sulfate is a chemical substance used for cosmetic purposes to nourish the natural manicure and prevent the new formation of fungus.
However, keep in mind that you cannot use it frequently, as the plant is poisonous, so exceeding the dosage can lead to nail destruction and skin irritation.
You should use vitriol carefully:
- Clean the surface, preparing it for work.
- Apply the concentrate on the coating and wait until it hardens.
- Grate the onion on a fine grater and spread the pulp over your nails.
- Wrap your fingertips in cellophane and secure.
- After 6 to 7 hours, rinse the solution.
You should not use vitriol more than 2 times a week to ensure the safety of its effects.
Baths with sea salt and essential oils.
Before almost any antifungal treatment, it is recommended to perform steam baths so that the applied product penetrates the structure more quickly, leading to a positive result.
You can add auxiliary components to baths that will increase their effectiveness.For this, salt and oils are usually used:
- Add a tablespoon of sea salt to a glass of boiling water and dissolve it.
- After the liquid has cooled to the optimal temperature, add 5-6 drops of essential oils (several types can be added).
- Soak your feet or hands in the solution for 20 minutes.
- After bathing, dry your skin with dry towels and apply antifungal ointment.
Baths are allowed every day to quickly eliminate the fungus.
Conclusions
To eliminate the fungus, doctors prescribe standard drug treatment, which includes the use of ointments, creams and pills.However, some lesions can be eliminated with home remedies and at the same time increase local immunity.However, be careful when using homemade solutions as they also have health and dosage restrictions.