How to treat foot fungus at home with folk remedies: recipes

One of the most common pathologies of the feet and toenails is fungus. Treating this ailment is time consuming, as getting rid of a yeast infection is not easy. In addition to drug therapy, home remedies are used that, even in advanced cases, give excellent results. In the early stages of the disease, you can cure the infection with natural recipes on your own at home.

What are foot fungus and ways of infection?

Mycosis or dermatomycosis is an infectious lesion of the skin of the legs, interdigital areas, fingers, nails. A predominantly fungal infection of the foot occurs in cultures where it is customary to wear closed shoes most of the time. Most often, the disease affects the elderly and people with weakened immunity due to any serious pathology (immunodeficiency, pemphigus, diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders in the extremities and others).

The causative agents of fungal infection parasitize on the stratum corneum of the skin. They produce enzymes that break down keratin. Its cell walls (membranes) contain mannan substances that inhibit local immunity and contribute to the development of a chronic inflammatory process in the skin. Among the many pathogens of mycosis, the main ones are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum.

You can get infected with a fungus in two ways: direct or indirect. The first variant of infection offers several versions:

• close contact with a sick person;
• contact with an infected animal;
• through the soles with which the sole comes into contact;
• through the soil in which the pathogen lives.

An indirect route of infection with mycosis of the foot occurs:

• when using household items or personal hygiene items belonging to a sick person;
• when using objects that have been touched by an infected animal.

Symptoms of the disease.

Depending on the type of fungus, specific symptoms of the disease are distinguished. For example, for a long time, dermatophytes do not show themselves in any way, penetrating deeply at this time into the layers of the skin or under the nail bed. If the causative agent of mycosis is trichophytosis, the signs of infection are immediately visible: a yeast-like microorganism causes inflammation of the nails and skin, destroying tissues in a short time. Even for an experienced dermatologist it is difficult to know what type of infection a patient has without laboratory tests.

In an early stage of the disease, there are common symptoms of foot fungus:

• cracks in the sole;
• itching, burning, dryness, peeling of the skin;
• unpleasant foot odor;
• discoloration and brittle nails;
• shiny skin surface;
• thickening and redness of the epidermis;
• increased sensitivity of the sole;
• the appearance at the site of inflammation of bubbles filled with liquid.

Forms of fungal infection

The external manifestations of the fungus depend not only on the type of pathogen, but also on the degree of participation in the inflammatory process of the skin, nails and hair on the legs. Dermatologists distinguish the following forms of mycosis of the feet:

1. Squamous (scaly) form. Redness and peeling of the skin is observed in the initial stage. The affected areas have different areas.
2. Hyperkeratotic stage. Severe roughness of the sole, deep cracks in or near the heels. Both legs are affected at the same time.
3. Intertriginous form. It is considered the most common. It affects the area between 4 and 5 fingers, less often it develops between 3 and 4. The cracks are replaced by erosion, which begins to get wet, itches, burning occurs. Streptococci penetrate the loose structure of tissues and cause pustular inflammation.
4. Dyshidrotic form. The watery blisters that appear on the epidermis merge. Once hidden, extensive ulcers develop. The fungal infection spreads to the hands.

Treatment of foot fungus with home remedies.

All home remedies against foot fungus have several tasks: destruction of the fungal mycelium, elimination of symptoms of inflammation, restoration of skin integrity, increased local immunity, prevention of relapse of the disease. For these purposes decoctions and infusions for oral administration are used, as well as solutions, ointments and compresses for external use.

Numerous plants, minerals, chemical compounds (copper sulfate) and even gunpowder have antifungal properties, this is proven by scientific research. More than 1000 names of representatives of the flora have been identified that have a pronounced fungicidal and antifungal effect. The composition of such plants includes benzoic and salicylic acid, furocoumarin, novoimanin and other substances that have a therapeutic effect on fungal infection.

Rules and principles of treatment.

Before you start to treat foot fungus on your own with folk remedies, you should consult a doctor to prevent further development of the pathology. It is very difficult to cure mycosis in an advanced way, therefore, if a few days after the start of the use of one or another method of positive dynamics did not come, you should consult a doctor.

There are many popular recipes based on the use of natural and herbal ingredients. Home treatment of foot fungus is recommended before bed to allow time for the medicine to take effect. Regardless of the chosen method of getting rid of mycosis, you must adhere to the basic rule: carry out therapy not only until the symptoms completely disappear, but also for a while after that. During therapy, it is necessary:

• follow a diet low in sugar in the diet, that is, eliminate sweet and starchy foods from the daily menu;
• exclude the use of cosmetic varnish, which creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria;
• carry out regular treatment with iodine of the nail plates affected by a fungal infection (with onychomycosis);
• disinfect floor coverings and footwear to prevent relapse.

Foot bath for mycosis of the feet.

In the early stage of the disease, therapeutic foot baths are very helpful in relieving symptoms. Traditional medicine offers many of the ingredients with which these treatments are made. These are decoctions and infusions of herbs (celandine, wormwood, yarrow, oak bark and others), vinegar, soda and other components. Fight infections with trays every day, soaking your feet in a warm, freshly prepared solution for 15 to 20 minutes.

The average course of treatment for adults is 2 weeks, but if necessary, the procedure can be carried out longer. Foot baths help not only to stop the growth of the fungus, but also to eliminate unpleasant odors and eliminate excessive sweating from the feet. With proper hygiene of the lower extremities, the positive effect will be noticeable a few days after the start of treatment. Examples of trays that are easy to make at home to get rid of foot fungus:

• Take 3 liters of warm water, add 200 g of sea salt. For greater efficiency, you can add ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon), a decoction of chamomile or pine needles (250 ml).
• Pour warm water into a container, add 50 ml of apple or table cider vinegar and some granules of potassium permanganate. After the procedure, lubricate the affected skin with tea tree oil.

Compresses and lotions

In complex home therapy of mycosis of the feet, it is advisable to use compresses or lotions. For these procedures, celandine oil, garlic, onion, alcoholic tinctures, iodized salt and peppermint are used. Kombucha, pumpkin pulp and fresh burdock leaves are applied to sore spots. The selected substances are crushed, applied to the area between the toes and feet for 40-50 minutes and wrapped on top with a plastic bag (cling film). The course of treatment is 1 to 2 times a day until complete recovery.

Essential oils and natural pastes

Effectively treat foot fungus at home using natural vegetable and essential oils. An extract of tea tree (soothes the skin, eliminates itching), lemon (strengthens nails, increases local immunity), cinnamon (prevents fungus from multiplying), rosemary (regenerates tissues) has proven to be excellent. An effective natural antiseptic lavender oil, which has an analgesic and wound-healing effect, eliminates the symptoms of mycosis much faster than other home remedies.

You can apply the essential oil in its pure form (after an allergy test) or make natural pastes by mixing a few drops with any vegetable oil (coconut, cocoa, olive, jojoba). Manipulations should be carried out 3 times a day for several weeks. If the nails are affected by mycosis of the feet, this treatment will last until the plaque is completely renewed (several months).

Herbal decoctions and tinctures.

The popularity of medicinal herbs in the treatment of fungal infections is due to their high efficiency and availability. Herbal medicines are used not only to kill the fungus, but also to prevent infections. The main methods of treating mycosis at home are the use of tinctures (infusion of medicinal herbs with ethyl alcohol), decoctions (herbs are heat treated by languishing in a steam bath so that they do not boil) and infusions (herbs are poured with boiling water and infused).

The method and duration of therapy depend on the patient's age, concomitant diseases, and the severity of symptoms. Average duration of use: 2-3 times a day for 14-30 days. The most effective antifungal herbs for treating yeast infections are:

• birch buds;
• cold mint
• aloe;
• eucalyptus;
• walnut leaves;
• medicinal chamomile;
• Japanese sophora;
• Puppeteer;
• celandine;
• runnik;
• Kalanchoe;
• common juniper.

How to cure a foot fungus at home

Traditional methods of getting rid of the fungus have proven to be effective. To forget about mycosis of the feet forever, it is necessary during treatment and later to properly care for the foot area. For a quick recovery, you will need:

• dry skin thoroughly after bathing;
• wear only dry and clean shoes;
• do not overheat the legs, avoid excessive sweating;
• in hot weather, wear open-toed sandals;
• wear socks made of natural fabrics that have high levels of air permeability and hygroscopicity;
• Always wear personal slippers when showering in a public place.

Useful tools and products in the kitchen

It is easy to find home remedies at home to get rid of the fungus. Every housewife, among the tools available in the kitchen or in the refrigerator, has some kind of cure for mycosis. More affordable:

• Coffee. In this case, the aromatic drink serves for external use. Regular foot baths of fresh strong coffee will help to cope with the disease.
• Garlic. There are many options for using the plant, but the simplest is garlic juice, which is rubbed into the affected tissues. The process is done with a cotton swab 3 to 5 times a day until symptoms disappear.
• Onion. Fresh onion porridge should be placed in a plastic bag that is placed on the foot. The edges of the bag should be tied so that the loop does not touch the sole and the leg is in a makeshift vapor-air chamber overnight. As a general rule, 5 sessions are enough to get rid of foot fungus.

Traditional pharmacy medicine

If there is no time to find a remedy for foot fungus at home, you can buy an effective medicine of natural origin at a pharmacy. Among them:

• Potassium permanganate. The remedy, popularly known as potassium permanganate, is effective in treating mycosis. To cope with the problem, it is necessary to apply a compress soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate on the leg every night until the problem disappears.
• Iodine. The areas of the skin affected by the fungus are treated with a 5% alcohol solution 2 times a day. Contraindication to such treatment is the high sensitivity of the skin and individual intolerance to ingredients.
• Iodinol. With onychomycosis, a universal blue solution is used to soften the nail plate, which has managed to become very rough. Iodinol is used to cleanse the tissues affected by the yeast infection 2 to 4 times a day.
• Propolis. For the treatment of mycoses, alcohol tincture is often used. You can make a homemade solution by infusing propolis with vodka or alcohol, but this will not affect the effectiveness. For the treatment and prevention of fungus, you need a cotton swab soaked in dye, apply it to the infected area and wait for it to dry completely 1-2 times / day.
• Ammonia. A tablespoon of the product should be diluted in a glass of distilled water, then saturate the fabric with the resulting solution, wrap the feet, secure with adhesive plaster and hold the compress overnight.
• Boric acid. For antifungal therapy, you will need a powder, which is sprinkled on the feet in the correct dosage after steaming and putting the socks on top. The procedure is done every night. Boric acid is left overnight.

Herbal medicine for mycosis of the feet.

Some plants are a natural antibiotic, while others have a complex effect on the affected area. For the treatment of mycoses, poisonous herbs are often used, the ingestion of which is unacceptable. The destruction of the membrane cells of pathogenic fungi occurs due to the presence of an aggressive plant environment, which leads to a rapid neutralization of the pathology. Powerful herbs include:

• black night shadow;
• cheremitsa;
• male fern
• blackening of the lumbago.

Effective home remedies for foot fungus.

In order for home remedies for mycoses to help, the treatment process must be properly organized. Before starting any procedure, you need to steam your legs, cut oversized nails, grind loose tissue, remove rough and dead skin. Only then can folk recipes be successfully applied. The natural ingredients not only completely destroy the fungal infection, but also return the nails and skin to a healthy appearance. The most effective home remedies need to be discussed in more detail.

Garlic compresses

An ancient home remedy for foot fungus is garlic compresses. The effectiveness of this simple and affordable method is due to the composition of the plant. In addition to vitamins, carbohydrates, and proteins, garlic contains ascorbic acid, which is harmful to harmful microorganisms. You should be aware that if you use a garlic compress recklessly, it can burn your skin. For this reason, during treatment, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage and duration of therapy. Garlic compress recipe:

• melt 50 g of butter, add 1 head of minced garlic, 2 tbsp. l. coarse rock salt and mix well;
• apply the resulting mass on sterile gauze in an even layer and apply to the affected areas for 1 hour;
• treat with a compress several times a day, leaving the limbs immobile during the procedure;
• the recommended course of treatment is 1 month.

Vinegar

You can fight mycosis with any vinegar essence: wine, apple, rice, malt or cane. The principle of action of vinegar is the penetration of its substances into infected tissues and the destruction of the cell membranes of the fungus. Mycosis does not develop under the influence of an acidic environment, since colonies of pathogenic microflora die under its influence. At the initial stage of treatment, a low concentration of vinegar (3%) should be used, gradually increasing.

Before being treated with this method, it is necessary to check the infected area of the skin for abrasions and cracks so as not to cause inflammation or chemical burns of the epithelium. If they are not there, you can start using the vinegar compress:

• Stir until smooth 2 Tbsp. l. nine percent vinegar, 1 tbsp. l. glycerin and 2 tbsp. l. vodka;
• dip pieces of bandage into the finished mixture and apply to the site of localization;
• after the dressing dries, re-moisten the bandages in the medicinal mixture;
• the time of use of compresses should not exceed 1 hour / day;
• course duration - 2 weeks.

Sodium bicarbonate

Treating foot fungus with baking soda at home works well. At the first suspicion of a fungal infection, it is necessary to use sodium bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate), which reduces the acidity of the epidermis. In addition to the antiseptic effect, baking soda softens the skin and nail plates, allowing drugs to penetrate more easily after use. Under the influence of alkali, the affected tissues become more susceptible to the action of any other treatment.

With mycosis, soda can be used dry, diluted with water, and in combination with other natural or unnatural ingredients. With onychomycosis, soda paste will be more effective. To prepare it you will need:

• 3 tbsp. L. soda mix with 1 tbsp. l. water until a thick and homogeneous mass is obtained;
• then soda paste should be applied to the affected nail, avoiding contact with the skin;
• after that, the mass must be acidified with freshly prepared lemon juice, which will immediately react with the soda;
• the solution should be removed 5-7 minutes after application and wash your feet with soap;
• the procedure is carried out every day before going to bed until the condition of the nail improves.

Tea tree oil

In dermatology, tea tree oil has been used for more than a dozen years, because it has established itself as a highly effective remedy for skin diseases. The natural composition of the essential liquid determines its cytotoxic activity, that is, the ability to fight pathogenic microorganisms. Treatment options will vary depending on whether the infection is the skin or the nail.

You can heal the nail plate if you drip 1 drop of tea tree oil on the affected area every day. It will take about 2 months to fully recover and strengthen the nail. It is best to use a diluted extract as your exclusive treatment. To do this, you need to take vegetable oil (3 parts), mix with essential oil (1 part), shake and apply to the skin 2-3 times a day for 1. 5 months. It is better to regulate the course of treatment with a doctor. Clove essential oil can be used as an analog.

Hydrogen peroxide

In the fight against fungal infection, hydrogen peroxide, which is considered the best antiseptic with a pronounced antibacterial effect, helps. The drug is widely used both in medicine and at home for the treatment of mycosis. Hydrogen peroxide does not accumulate in the body, therefore the development of allergic reactions is excluded. With mycoses, baths are effective, helping to soften the affected epithelium for the additional flow of doctor-prescribed antifungal gels, ointments, creams, or sprays.

Doing a hydrogen peroxide foot bath at home is easy:

• Pour warm water into a container and add a 3% preparation at the rate of 100 ml per 2 liters of water;
• lower your feet into a bowl and hold it there for 20 minutes;
• so that the solution does not cool down, the addition of small portions of boiling water is required;
• after the procedure with a pumice stone, remove the softened tissue;
• remove moisture with a sponge and apply the prescribed medicine to the surface of the skin;
• bathe every day until the condition improves.

Laundry soap or tar

For more than a dozen years, people at home have been cured of a yeast infection with the help of tar or laundry soap. By observing the rules for treating affected skin, you can quickly get rid of itchy and unpleasant feet. To accelerate the healing of tissues, you need to combine soap with salt or iodine. The following recipe will help improve blood circulation in tissues:

• steam your legs in warm water before going to bed;
• then rinse them well with laundry soap;
• treat soapy feet with a washcloth, then a pumice stone;
• then dry, grease with cream;
• treat areas of infection with a birch tar fungus;
• let it soak for 1. 5 hours, then remove it with a cotton ball;
• put clean socks on your feet and do not take them off for 2 days;
• Repeat the procedure once a week until the problem is eliminated.

Salicylic ointment

The main advantage of treating mycosis with salicylic ointment is its high antifungal activity. The drug kills pathogens, prevents their reproduction, removes the keratinized layers of the epidermis, and rarely causes side reactions. With mycosis of the legs, apply salicylic ointment in the form of compresses. On the softened skin or the nail plate, the drug in a concentration of 5 or 10% is applied in a thin layer, after which the leg is placed in a plastic bag and socks are placed on top. The procedure lasts 1 hour 2 times a day for 10 days.

Propolis

As already mentioned, propolis for mycosis is effective as a tincture. The alcohol component also has a positive effect on pathogenic microorganisms. It is possible to prepare an ointment from a beekeeping product, which should be rubbed overnight on the affected areas for 10-14 days. Its recipe is simple:

• mix 20 g of crushed propolis (without wax) and 100 g of sea buckthorn oil;
• heat the ingredients in a water bath for 30 minutes;
• cool mixture, strain through cheesecloth, use as directed.

Celandine and chamomile

Medicinal herbs, especially chamomile and celandine, are believed to get rid of a fungal infection more quickly. It is better to use them together. To achieve a quick effect, you need to drink chamomile broth or tea (to increase the general immunity) and make baths with celandine infusion. You should know that the fresh juice of the latter burns, so it should be used in its pure form with extreme caution.

For infusion, crushed stems of a dried plant are needed. In a glass of boiling water, you need to brew 1 tbsp. l. celandine, let stand for 1 hour, then dilute with a little hot water. With mycoses, the solution is used for therapeutic baths, which are carried out every day for 15 minutes. As a rule, such treatment relieves the initial stage of the disease in 14 days.

Calendula infusion

The flowers of this plant contain a large group of biological substances that have a strong antimicrobial effect. Especially quickly, calendula infusion copes with onychomycosis. Before using the drug, the nails must be steamed and processed. After mechanical cleaning of the nail plate from fungal plaque and dead tissue, it is necessary to moisten a cotton ball in the infusion and apply it to the affected area. The procedure is done every day for 4-8 weeks. It is easy to prepare the product at home:

• pour a glass of boiling water over 1 tbsp. l. dried or fresh calendula flowers;
• do not insist on a water bath for 10 minutes;
• cool, strain, store at a temperature not higher than 4 ° C.

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. Item materials do not require self-treatment. Only a qualified physician can diagnose and give treatment recommendations, based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.