When a fungal infection appears in the nails, you should pay attention to their restoration in order to prevent the disease from progressing and spreading 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 manipulations, it is recommended to use folk remedies for nail fungus.
Treatment of toenail fungus with folk remedies
If an infection of the sensitive surface of the skin of the hands or feet, or damage to the nail plate is detected, treatment should be started immediately, as the initial stages of the fungus can be quickly cured without the use of medications.
There are three stages of mushroom development: initial, active, advanced.During all three stages, the girl can use folk remedies against nail fungus, as they have a disinfecting effect that ensures the gradual elimination and destruction of pathogenic bacteria.However, with an 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, you should accompany the treatment with the use of traditional recipes.
If you treat nail fungus with folk remedies, the most effective of them usually have three directions of effect:
- Preventing the spread of pathogenic bacteria.
- The destruction of microorganisms, which is accompanied by the destruction of their cell membrane.
- Normalizing the surface microflora and restoring its condition.
As a standard, natural ingredients have a caring effect, therefore, simultaneously with the destruction of pathogenic bacteria, their use helps to hydrate and nourish the matrix.
What determines the effectiveness of 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 keep in mind in advance that even when performing home technology for restoring the health of clothing, you should pay attention to contraindications.The main thing is individual intolerance.If you are allergic to a component, its use in the fight against fungi will not lead to a good result.
In addition, the effect after manipulation depends on the initial state of the natural nail polish.If the girl had an advanced stage of the injury, which means the prescription of internal and external medicines, home remedies will not bring results.
The result also depends on the type of fungus, as some pathogenic organisms lead to 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 the rapid elimination of fungi, you must first pay attention to the treatment regimen.It is recommended to consult your doctor to choose the medications that are suitable for you based on the type of fungus.
However, regardless of the form of injury, it is important to consider that the treatment should be comprehensive.There should not be a method aimed at eliminating fungi.
As a standard, several techniques are used simultaneously:
- Preliminary preparation of the skin for manipulation using a steam bath.
- Application of external medications (lacquers, ointments, serums).
- Use of medicated compresses, creams or masks for the nails.
- Using a file to remove the overburdened part of the free edge and polish the upper layer of the corneum.
Also, during treatment, you should pay attention to the hygiene of your hands or feet, as this often leads to nail plate fungus.
To increase local immunity by accelerating metabolism and removal of fungi, you should apply essential oils to the cuticle and, when applying ointments, do a light massage on your fingers.
Folk remedies for nail fungus
In addition to drug treatment, the influence of fungi through the use of folk recipes is recommended.Their main advantage is that they are safe, so there are usually no side effects.
However, keep in mind that to prevent irritation or inflammation in the treated area, make sure there is no allergic reaction to the ingredients 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 the matrix, ensuring the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and the normalization of the nail microflora.
It is allowed to be used in its pure form.To do this, use a brush or a cotton swab to spread the solution on your nails every day in a thin layer and let it dry a little.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 gentle effect, therefore 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 surface of the skin of your feet or hands.
- Wrap the area to be treated with a cotton cloth previously moistened in the solution.
- Cover the compress with a plastic bag or cling film.
- 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 as a compress overnight.
Potassium permanganate solution
It is not easy to get potassium permanganate now because it is banned, but it is a good disinfectant that quickly stops the spread of microorganisms on surfaces.
Potassium permanganate is used, as well as iodine, as an additional component when conducting steam baths.You need to add a little so that the water is a little pink.
You can make lotions for which three ingredients are mixed:
- 1 tablespoon of propolis;
- 2 spoons of alcohol;
- 3-4 drops of potassium permanganate.
The mixture is thoroughly mixed and spread over the nails infected by the fungus for 20-25 minutes.
Soda and propolis
The components can be used separately, as they have strong disinfectant properties, or in a recipe.
To do this, they are mixed in equal proportions, applied to the damaged area of the skin or nails and wrapped with cling film on top.Leave the compress on for 15 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
Propolis is spread separately on the nails at night, affecting the area of lateral ridges and cuticles, as it also has moisturizing and nourishing properties, increasing local immunity.
Plants
Despite their availability and gentle effect on tissues, herbs are often used to eliminate fungi.The more herbs you mix, the more effective the solution will be.
Most pharmaceutical herbs are allowed to be used:
- Calendula;
- Chamomile;
- Celandine;
- Propolis;
- Burdock;
- Lilac.
They can be used as a regular stew.To do this, they are poured with boiling water and boiled 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 ordinary food oils - butter, vegetable, 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 bed, you can wear gloves or cotton socks over it.
Tar soap
The soap contains tar, so it has an aggressive effect on fungal nail infections.
You need to use soap in its pure form – to do this, wash your feet or hands with it until a thick lather is created 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 with sea salt or baking soda.The fingertips should be bandaged and left in this condition overnight.
Instead of tar soap, you can use laundry soap, but it must have a concentration of the active substance of 72%.
Kombucha
Kombucha is often used in the presence of inflammatory processes in the body or outside.It is safe and an allergic reaction to the component usually does not occur.
For the compress, you need to cut a thin slice of the compound - it should be slightly transparent, and then apply it to the cleaned nail and attach it with an adhesive 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 include the use of kombucha every day.
Popular recipe
In addition to the special use of natural ingredients for baths or compresses, you can make homemade masks, ointments or serums.They take more time, but help to create a strong antibacterial effect, which makes it possible to stop using medicines.
Applications with vinegar essence
Typically, table, apple or wine vinegar is used in antifungal recipes.However, when treating advanced forms of nail lesions, you can use vinegar essence, which, with the first use, destroys some pathogenic microorganisms.
For application you need to mix four ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of vinegar;
- 3 spoons of vodka (or medical alcohol);
- 2 egg whites;
- A teaspoon of glycerin.
The components are thoroughly mixed, 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 o-phthalic acid dimethyl ester, glycerin and vinegar
This recipe also includes the use of vinegar essence, the concentration of which is 70%.Because of this, the recipe is not recommended for use in the initial stages of fungal infection, as well as on sensitive skin around the nails.
Ointment includes four ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar;
- 1 tablespoon of 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 put them for a day in a dark and cool place.After that, the oil is spread over the affected nails and wrapped with polyethylene for 20 minutes;first, it should be partially rubbed into the epidermis.
Compress with garlic and onion
The compress can also be used in the treatment of advanced forms of lesions, as it involves mixing the main ingredients with alcohol, which has a strong antiseptic effect.
The recipe combines 4 ingredients:
- 3 cloves of garlic;
- Half an onion;
- A tablespoon of 90% alcohol;
- A glass of distilled water.
Garlic and onion must be grated on a fine grater, and then squeeze the juice using cheesecloth.The mass is then 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 25-30 minutes.
Celandine decoction
It is recommended to use a mixture of herbs against fungi, and celandine is one of the most effective types that ensures the restoration of the nail microflora.
To make a decoction of celandine, you need to pour boiling water in a ratio of 1:5 for half an hour, then strain and cool.Cotton swabs are soaked in the decoction and applied to the areas infected by the fungus 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 nail polish and prevent the re-formation of the fungus.
However, keep in mind that you cannot use it often, as the plant is poisonous, so overdosing can lead to nail destruction and skin irritation.
You should use vitriol with caution:
- Clean the surface, preparing it for work.
- Apply the concentrate to the layer and wait until it hardens.
- Grate the onion on a fine grater and spread the pulp over your nails.
- Wrap the fingertips in cellophane and secure.
- After 6-7 hours, wash off the solution.
You should not use vitriol more than 2 times a week to ensure the safety of its effects.
Bath with sea salt and essential oils
Before almost any antifungal treatment, it is recommended to take steam baths so that the applied product penetrates the structure faster, leading to a positive result.
You can add auxiliary ingredients to baths that will increase their effectiveness.Salt and oils are often used for this:
- Add a tablespoon of sea salt to a glass of boiling water and dissolve.
- 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 the skin with a dry towel and apply antifungal ointment.
Baths are allowed every day to quickly eliminate the fungus.
conclusions
To remove the fungus, doctors prescribe standard drug treatment, which includes the use of ointments, creams and pills.However, some lesions can be eliminated with folk remedies, increasing local immunity at the same time.However, be careful when using homemade solutions, as they also have health and dosage limitations.