If a fungal infection occurs on the nails, you need to take care of their recovery in order to prevent the progression of the disease and its spread to the delicate skin of the hands or feet.
For treatment, you can use medications for external or internal use.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 delicate 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 the use of medications.
There are three stages of fungal development: initial, active, advanced.At all three stages, the girl can use folk remedies for nail fungus, as they have a disinfectant 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 must 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 action:
- Preventing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
- Destruction of microorganisms, which is accompanied by the destruction of their cell membrane.
- Normalization of surface microflora and restoration of its condition.
Natural ingredients have a nourishing effect by default and therefore simultaneously contribute to the destruction of pathogenic bacteria, moisturizing and nourishing 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 carrying out home technologies to restore the health of the coating, you need to pay attention to contraindications.The main reason is individual intolerance.If you are allergic to any component, using it in the fight against fungi will not give a good result.
In addition, the effect after manipulation depends on the initial state of the natural manicure.If the girl had an advanced stage of damage, which requires the prescription of internal and external medications, home remedies will not bring results.
The result also depends on the type of fungus, since some pathogens lead to the development of inflammatory processes in the body, which can only be eliminated by taking antifungal drugs.
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 your doctor to choose the medications that are right for you depending on the type of fungus.
However, regardless of the type of damage, it is important to remember that treatment must be comprehensive.There should not be a single method for eliminating the fungus.
By default, several techniques are used at the same time:
- Preliminary preparation of the skin for manipulation using a steam bath.
- Application of external medications (varnishes, ointments, serums).
- Using medical compresses, lotions or masks for nails.
- Using a file, remove the overgrown part of the free edge and polish the upper stratum corneum.
In addition, you need to pay attention to the hygiene of your hands or feet during treatment, as this often leads to nail plate fungus.
To strengthen local immunity by accelerating metabolism and removing fungus, you should apply essential oils to the cuticles and lightly massage your fingers when applying ointments.
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 and therefore usually do not cause side effects.
However, keep in mind that in order to avoid irritation or inflammation in the treated area, care must be taken to ensure that no allergic reactions occur to the components you use.
iodine
Iodine is a natural antiseptic and should therefore be applied to your nails daily.When applied to the nail, the solution envelops it and gradually penetrates the matrix, ensuring the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and the normalization of nail microflora.
It is allowed to be used in pure form.To do this, spread the solution in a thin layer on your nail every day using a brush or cotton swab and let it dry a little.In the morning the color will be paler as most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Iodine is often added to baths to enhance the effects of antifungal treatments.Add 5-7 drops per liter.
Hydrogen peroxide
In addition to iodine, hydrogen peroxide is also used as a disinfectant solution.Since it has a gentle effect, it is recommended to treat not only the nails but also the skin and distribute the medicine several times a day as it is quickly absorbed.
For a quick compress you can use peroxide:
- Apply the liquid to the skin surface of your feet or hands.
- Wrap the area to be treated on top with a cotton cloth previously soaked 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.
Because hydrogen peroxide is gentle, it can be used several times a day.However, it is not recommended to leave it on overnight as a compress.
Potassium permanganate solution
Potassium permanganate is currently not easy to obtain because it is banned, but it is a good disinfectant that quickly stops the reproduction of microorganisms on the surface.
Potassium permanganate, like iodine, is used as an additional component when conducting steam baths.You need to add something so that the water is slightly pink.
You can make lotions by mixing three ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of propolis;
- 2 tablespoons alcohol;
- 3-4 drops of potassium permanganate.
The mixture is mixed thoroughly and spread on the nails infected with fungus for 20-25 minutes.
soda and propolis
The components can be used individually, as they have powerful disinfectant properties, or in a recipe.
To do this, they are mixed in equal proportions, applied to the damaged skin or nail area and wrapped on top with cling film.Leave the compress on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.
Propolis is spread separately on the nails at night, touching the area of side ridges and cuticles, as it additionally has moisturizing and nourishing properties and strengthens 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.
Most medicinal herbs are allowed to be used:
- marigold;
- Chamomile;
- celandine;
- propolis;
- Burdock;
- Purple.
They can be used as a regular decoction.To do this, they are poured with boiling water, brewed 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 their moisturizing and nourishing effects, oils are also used to gradually break down the cell membrane of pathogenic bacteria, causing them to die.
Different oils are used:
- Eucalyptus;
- tea tree;
- propolis;
- celandine;
- Rosemary;
- Lavender.
You can also use regular cooking oils – butter, vegetable, olive oil.They also act against microorganisms.
It is recommended to apply them separately and spread a thin layer on the nails at night.To avoid stains on the bedding, you can wear cotton gloves or socks over them.
Tar soap
Soap contains tar and therefore has an aggressive effect on nail fungal infections.
You need to use soap in its pure form - to do this, wash your feet or hands with it until a thick foam appears, and then wash it off.You can also make a compress by applying a small amount of liquid soap to the nail and then sprinkling it with sea salt or soda.The fingertips should be bandaged and left in this state overnight.
Instead of tar soap, you can also use laundry soap, but it must have an active ingredient concentration of 72%.
Kombucha
Kombucha is often used for inflammatory processes in the body or externally.It is safe and an allergic reaction to the component usually does not occur.
To make the compress, you need to cut a thin slice of the ingredient - it should be slightly translucent - and then apply it to the cleaned nail and secure it with an adhesive plaster.The hands are then covered with cotton gloves and the feet with socks and the lotion is left in this position overnight.
You can use recipes that use kombucha daily.
Folk recipes
In addition to using natural ingredients for baths or compresses separately, you can make masks, ointments or serums yourself.They take more time, but contribute to a strong antibacterial effect, which makes it possible to avoid taking 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, you can use vinegar essence, which destroys some pathogenic microorganisms during the first application.
To apply you need to mix four components:
- 3 tablespoons vinegar;
- 3 tablespoons of vodka (or medical alcohol);
- 2 egg whites;
- A teaspoon of glycerin.
The components are mixed thoroughly, cooled a little, applied to the nails and wrapped with gauze on top.After 15 minutes, the previous mixture dries up 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 uses vinegar essence, the concentration of which is 70%.For this reason, the use of the recipe is not recommended in the initial stages of a fungal infection, as well as with sensitive skin around the nails.
The ointment contains 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 thoroughly mixed, it is recommended to beat them with a mixer, and then store them in a dark, cool place for a day.Then the ointment is spread on the affected nails and wrapped in polyethylene for 20 minutes;First it must be partially rubbed into the epidermis.
Garlic and onion compress
The compress can also be used in the treatment of advanced forms of lesions, as the main components are mixed with alcohol, which has a strong antiseptic effect.
The recipe combines 4 components:
- 3 cloves of garlic;
- Half an onion;
- One tablespoon of alcohol 90%;
- A glass of distilled water.
Garlic and onions must be grated on a fine grater, and then squeezed out the juice using cheesecloth.The mass is then mixed with alcohol and water.After preparation, you can store the product in the refrigerator in a well-sealed container.
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 an antifungal herbal mixture, and celandine is one of the most effective species that ensure the restoration of nail microflora.
To prepare a decoction of celandine, you need to pour boiling water in a 1:5 ratio for half an hour, then strain and cool.Cotton pads are soaked with the decoction and applied to the fungal areas for several hours or overnight.
You can use the recipe every day as it is completely safe.
Ointment based on copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is a chemical substance used for cosmetic purposes to nourish natural manicure and prevent the formation of new fungi.
However, keep in mind that frequent use is not possible as the plant is poisonous and overdose can lead to destruction of nails and skin irritation.
You need to use vitriol carefully:
- Clean the surface and prepare it for work.
- Apply the concentrate to the coating and wait for it to harden.
- Grate the onion on a fine grater and spread the pulp on your nails.
- Wrap your fingertips in cellophane and secure.
- After 6-7 hours, wash off the solution.
You should not use vitriol more than twice 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 do steam baths so that the applied product penetrates the structure faster and gives a positive result.
You can add auxiliary components to the baths that 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 oil (several types can be added).
- Soak your feet or hands in the solution for 20 minutes.
- After the bath, dry your skin with dry towels and apply an antifungal ointment.
Daily baths are allowed 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 while strengthening local immunity.However, be careful when using homemade solutions as they also have health and dosage limitations.