When a nail infection develops, attention needs to be paid to nail repair to prevent the condition from progressing and spreading to the sensitive skin of the hands or feet.
During treatment, you can use topical or oral medications. In order to improve the treatment effect, it is recommended to use folk remedies for treating onychomycosis.
Treat toenail fungus with folk remedies
If you notice an infection on a sensitive surface of the skin of your hands or feet, or if your nail plate is damaged, treatment should begin immediately, as the initial stages of the fungus can be cured quickly and without the use of medications.
Fungal development is divided into three stages: initial stage, active stage, and late stage.In all three stages, girls can use folk remedies to fight nail fungus, since they have a disinfecting effect that ensures the gradual elimination and destruction of the causative bacteria.However, for the active form of the fungus, medical treatment is required, which includes two types of drugs:
- Topical (cream, ointment, spray);
- Internal (tablet).
No matter what medications you take to restore your natural manicure, you'll need to use traditional recipes to accompany your treatment.
If folk remedies are used to treat onychomycosis, the most effective treatments usually work in three directions:
- Prevent pathogenic bacteria from multiplying.
- The destruction of microorganisms is related to the destruction of their cell membranes.
- Normalization of the surface microbiota and restoration of its condition.
As a standard, natural ingredients have a caring effect, therefore, while destroying pathogenic bacteria, their use helps to moisturize and nourish the matrix.
What determines the effectiveness of treatment?
To increase the effectiveness of nail treatments, it is recommended to use traditional formulas.However, they do not always lead to positive results.
Remember in advance that even when performing home techniques for restoring the health of the coating, it is necessary to pay attention to contraindications.The main one is personal intolerance.If you are allergic to a certain ingredient, using it to fight fungus will not produce good results.
In addition, the effect after manipulation depends on the initial state of the natural manicure.If the girl's damage has reached an advanced stage, which means that internal and external medications need to be prescribed, home remedies will not be effective.
The results also depend on the type of fungus, since some pathogenic microorganisms cause inflammatory processes in the body that can only be eliminated by taking antifungal drugs.
How to organize the treatment process correctly
In order to ensure the rapid elimination of the fungus, it is first necessary to pay attention to the treatment plan.It is recommended to consult your doctor to choose the right medicine for you based on the type of fungus.
However, regardless of the form of injury, it is important to consider that treatment must be comprehensive.It should not have a method designed to eliminate the fungus.
As standard, several technologies are used simultaneously:
- Use a steam bath to initially prepare the skin.
- Use topical medications (varnishes, ointments, serums).
- Use medicated dressings, lotions, or nail masks.
- Use a file to remove free edge overgrowth and polish the upper cuticles.
Also, you'll need to pay attention to hand or foot hygiene during treatment, as this can often lead to nail plate fungus.
To improve local immunity by accelerating metabolism and clearing fungi, you should apply essential oils to the cuticles and gently massage them on your fingers while applying the ointment.
Folk remedies for onychomycosis
In addition to medical treatment, it is recommended to influence the fungus by using folk recipes.Their main advantage is that they are safe and therefore generally have no side effects.
However, keep in mind that to prevent irritation or inflammation of the treatment area, make sure you are using ingredients that will not cause an allergic reaction.
iodine
Iodine is a natural antiseptic, so it should be used on nails every day.When applied to the nail, the solution coats it and gradually penetrates the matrix, ensuring the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and the normalization of the nail microbiota.
It can be used in its pure form.To do this, apply a thin layer of the solution to your nails every day with a brush or cotton swab and let it dry slightly.In the morning, the color will lighten as most of the liquid is absorbed.
Iodine is often added to baths to enhance the effectiveness 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 nails, but also skin, dispensing the drug several times a day, since it is quickly absorbed.
You can use peroxide for quick compression:
- Apply the liquid to the skin of your feet or hands.
- Wrap the area to be treated with cotton cloth pre-soaked in the solution.
- Cover the dressing with plastic wrap or plastic wrap.
- After 15 minutes, remove the auxiliary elements and wait for complete absorption of the solution.
Since hydrogen peroxide is mild, it can be used several times a day.However, it is not recommended to leave it overnight as a dressing.
Potassium permanganate solution
It's not easy to get potassium permanganate these days because it's banned, but it's a great disinfectant that quickly stops the proliferation of microorganisms on surfaces.
When performing a steam bath, potassium permanganate and iodine are used as additional ingredients.You need to add a little to make the water a light pink color.
You can make a lotion that combines three ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon propolis;
- 2 tablespoons alcohol;
- 3-4 drops of potassium permanganate.
Mix the mixture thoroughly and apply to fungal infected nails for 20-25 minutes.
Soda and Propolis
These ingredients can be used individually, as they have strong disinfecting properties, or in a formula.
To do this, mix them in equal proportions, apply to the damaged areas of the skin or nails, and wrap them with plastic wrap.Leave the compress on for 15 minutes and then wash off with cold water.
Apply propolis alone to your nails at night, touching the ridges and cuticle areas, as it also has moisturizing and nourishing properties, increasing local immunity.
vanilla
Herbs are often used to eliminate fungi, although they are readily available and have a mild effect on tissues.The more herbs you mix, the more effective the solution will be.
Most herbs can be used:
- marigold;
- chamomile;
- Celandine;
- Propolis;
- Burdock;
- lilac.
They can be used as a regular decoction.To do this, pour them into boiling water and brew for 20 minutes, then filter.Apply the cooled liquid to a cotton pad, apply it to your fingertips and hold it in place with an adhesive tape for half an hour.
Essential oil applications
In addition to moisturizing and nourishing, oils gradually break down the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria, thus ensuring their death.
Use different oils:
- eucalyptus;
- tea tree;
- Propolis;
- Celandine;
- rosemary;
- Lavender.
You can also use regular cooking oils - butter, vegetable oil, olive oil.They are also effective against microorganisms.
It is recommended to apply it alone and apply a thin layer to your nails at night.To avoid staining your bedding, you can wear cotton gloves or socks over it.
tar soap
Soap contains tar and therefore has an inhibitory effect on fungal nail infections.
You need to use soap in its pure form - for this, wash your feet or hands with it until a thick lather develops, then wash it off.You can also apply a compress, which involves applying a small amount of liquid soap to your nails and then sprinkling them with sea salt or club soda.The fingertip should be bandaged and left in this condition overnight.
You can use laundry soap instead of tar soap, but it must have an active concentration of 72%.
Kombucha
Kombucha is often used in situations where there are inflammatory processes present in the body or outside the body.It is safe and allergic reactions to this ingredient generally do not occur.
For compression, you need to cut off a small piece of the ingredient - it should be slightly translucent, then apply it to a clean nail and stick it with adhesive tape.Afterwards, put cotton gloves on your hands, socks on your feet, and leave the lotion in place overnight.
There are recipes that you can use kombucha on every day.
folk recipes
In addition to using natural ingredients alone as a bath or compress, you can also make your own masks, salves, or serums.They take more time, but they contribute to a strong antibacterial effect, making it possible to stop using the medication.
Application of vinegar essence
Typically, table vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or wine vinegar are used in antifungal formulas.However, in the treatment of advanced nail lesions, acetic acid can be used, and acetic acid will kill some pathogenic microorganisms when used for the first time.
For this application, you need to mix four components:
- 3 tablespoons vinegar;
- 3 tablespoons vodka (or medical alcohol);
- 2 egg whites;
- 1 teaspoon glycerin.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly, cool slightly, apply to the nails and wrap it with gauze.After 15 minutes, the previous mixture dries out and is then compressed a second time.
The remaining mixture can be stored in the refrigerator, and this process can be carried out up to twice a week.
Ointment composed of dimethyl phthalate, glycerin and vinegar
This recipe also involves the use of vinegar essence, which has a concentration of 70%.Therefore, this formula is not recommended for use in the initial stages of fungal infections and on sensitive skin around the nails.
The ointment contains four ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vinegar;
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil;
- 1 teaspoon dimethyl phthalate;
- eggs or a teaspoon of glycerin.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly, it is recommended to mix with a blender and leave in a cool place for a day.After that, the ointment is applied to the affected nail and wrapped in polyethylene for 20 minutes; first, it must be partially rubbed into the cuticle.
Garlic and Onion Compress
The compress can also be used to treat advanced lesions as it involves mixing the main ingredients with alcohol, which has a strong antiseptic effect.
This recipe consists of 4 ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic;
- half an onion;
- 1 tablespoon 90% alcohol;
- A glass of distilled water.
Garlic and onions need to be grated with a fine grater and the juice squeezed out with cheesecloth.The substance is then mixed with alcohol and water.Once ready, you can store the product in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Soak a cotton pad in the liquid, then apply to the nail and tape it in place for 25-30 minutes.
Celandine Soup
It is recommended to use a mixture of antifungal herbs, celandine being one of the most effective types that ensures the restoration of the nail microbiota.
To decoct celandine, you need to pour boiling water in a ratio of 1:5 for half an hour, drain and cool.Soak a cotton pad in the decoction and leave it on the fungal affected area for several hours or overnight.
You can use this recipe every day as it is completely safe.
Copper sulfate-based ointment
Copper sulfate is a chemical used for cosmetic purposes to nourish natural manicure and prevent fungus from re-forming.
However, keep in mind that you cannot use it regularly as the plant is poisonous and therefore excessive doses can cause nail damage and skin irritation.
You need to be careful with sulfuric acid:
- Clean surfaces and prepare them for work.
- Apply the concentrate to the coating and wait for it to harden.
- Grate the onion with a fine grater and apply the pulp to your nails.
- Wrap fingertips with cellophane and secure.
- After 6-7 hours, wash off the solution.
Sulfuric acid should not be used more than 2 times per week to ensure the safety of its effects.
Bath with sea salt and essential oils
Before almost every antifungal treatment, it is recommended to take a steam bath so that the products used penetrate the structure more quickly and thus produce a positive effect.
You can add auxiliary ingredients to your bath to increase its effectiveness.Salt and oil are often used for this purpose:
- Add a tablespoon of sea salt to a cup of boiling water and dissolve.
- After the liquid has cooled to the optimal temperature, add 5-6 drops of essential oil (you can add several types).
- Soak your feet or hands in the solution for 20 minutes.
- After bathing, dry your skin with a dry towel and apply antifungal ointment.
Daily bathing can quickly eliminate fungus.
in conclusion
To get rid of the fungus, doctors prescribe standard medical treatments, including the use of ointments, creams, and pills.However, some lesions can be eliminated with folk remedies, while increasing local immunity.However, be careful when using homemade solutions as they also have health and dosage restrictions.