Onychomycosis is a nail fungus that most commonly affects the toes.Pathogenic microorganisms feed on the organic composition of the nail plate.Anyone who works in damp rooms, neglects personal hygiene and visits public pools and swimming pools is at risk of contracting this unpleasant disease.
Under the influence of a fungal infection, the nail plate deforms, turns yellow and splits.Without proper treatment, the fungus progresses and can lead to nail removal.In the early stages of the disease, drug treatment is not necessary;You can get rid of nail fungus at home using folk remedies.
What is the fungus afraid of?
A fungal nail infection takes weeks to heal.To speed up the healing process, you need to know that the pathogenic microorganism is afraid of:
- acidic environment;
- bleaching;
- special antifungals and natural antifungals;
- high temperatures – if heated above +75 °C for 20 minutes, the mycosis dies.
Therefore, when treating toenail fungus, you must carefully treat inner and outer shoes, wash socks and bed linen at temperatures above 75 ° C.
Treating nail fungus at home
In untreated cases, you can seek help from conventional medicine.Essential oils, cheap medicines and medicinal plants are proven remedies that help quickly get rid of fungus on toenails.
Birch tar
This safe remedy is highly effective in the fight against mycoses.The easiest way is to use store-bought tar soap, which consists of 15% birch tar.Generously soap your toes twice a day and leave on for 5-10 minutes.The course of treatment lasts 10-17 days.
A solution made from 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 smeared 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 are most effective.
To make a garlic salve, select a fresh, juicy clove of garlic and grind the cloves into a pulp.The resulting mass is poured with 2 tbsp.l.sunflower oil.The product is applied liberally to the affected and adjacent nails, as well as the skin surrounding the source of infection.The treated toes are wrapped with a bandage and left in this form until morning.To make a tincture, mix equal parts freshly squeezed garlic and ethyl alcohol.The composition is infused for 2-3 days and then used to treat affected nails.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil works fastest in its pure form.Generously grease the affected nail and the surrounding skin twice a day.As a rule, such procedures do not cause irritation or allergic reactions in adults.For children, it is recommended to make foot baths with the addition of 5-10 drops of tea tree oil.However, if in the first case it takes about two weeks to get rid of onychomycosis, then foot baths will have an 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 fungal spores have not yet penetrated deep 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 infection site.6% table vinegar is mixed in equal proportions with warm water and the feet are soaked in the resulting bath for about half an hour.The procedure is carried out daily for at least two weeks.
Salicylic acid
This inexpensive medicine is very effective in the fight against mycoses.To combat nail fungus it is better to purchase a 5% solution of salicylic acid, to treat skin 1%.
A cotton swab or cotton pad is generously moistened with the product and the affected nail plate is treated.The process is repeated twice a day for a week.Then you need to take a seven-day break and, if necessary, repeat the treatment.
iodine
Treatment with iodine can only be carried out 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 nail plates with celandine juice is a dirty but effective way to get rid of toenail fungus.Infected areas are smeared with freshly squeezed plant juice, wrapped with a bandage and left for 4 hours.The process is repeated daily until the therapeutic effect occurs.
If you cannot cure nail fungus at home, consult a doctor.For an accurate diagnosis, you need to take a test to determine the type of pathogen and the degree of onychomycosis.After that, the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive drug treatment, which includes external and internal agents.In advanced cases, removal of the nail plate may be necessary.