When a fungal infection appears on the nails, you need to pay attention to their recovery to prevent the progression of the disease and its spread to the sensitive skin of the hands or feet.
For treatment, you can use external or internal medications, and to increase the effectiveness of the manipulations, it is recommended to use folk remedies for nail fungus.
Treat toenail fungus with folk remedies
If an infection is detected on the sensitive surface of the skin of the hands or feet, or damage to the nail plate, treatment should be started immediately, since the initial stages of the fungus can be quickly cured without medication.
There are three stages of fungal development: initial, active, progressive.During all three stages, girls can use folk remedies against nail fungus because they have an antiseptic effect that gradually eliminates and destroys pathogenic bacteria.However, with the active form of the fungus, drug treatment is prescribed, which includes two drugs:
- External (cream, ointment, spray);
- Internal (tablet).
Regardless of what medication you use to restore natural nails, you need to combine treatment with the use of traditional recipes.
If you treat nail fungus with folk remedies, the most effective ones usually have 3 directions of action:
- Prevents the growth of disease-causing bacteria.
- Kills microorganisms, which is associated with the destruction of their cell membranes.
- Normalizes surface microflora and restores its condition.
As a rule, natural ingredients have a caring effect, therefore, at the same time as killing pathogenic bacteria, their use helps to moisturize and nourish the foundation.
What determines treatment effectiveness?
To increase the effectiveness of nail treatment, it is recommended to use traditional recipes.However, they do not always lead to positive results.
Please note in advance that even when performing home technologies to restore the health of the coating, you need to pay attention to contraindications.The main thing is individual intolerance.If you are allergic to an ingredient, using it in the fight against fungus will not bring good results.
In addition, the effectiveness after manipulation also depends on the initial state of the natural manicure.If the girl is damaged at an advanced stage, which means that internal and external medications must be prescribed, home remedies will not bring results.
The result also depends on the type of fungus, since some pathogenic organisms lead to the appearance 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 removal of the fungus, you must first pay attention to the treatment regimen.You should consult your doctor to choose the right medication for you depending on the type of fungus.
However, regardless of the type of damage, it is important to note that treatment must be comprehensive.It should not have a method aimed at eliminating the fungus.
According to the standard, several techniques are used simultaneously:
- Preliminarily prepare the skin for manipulation using a steam bath.
- Apply external drugs (varnish, ointment, serum).
- Use compresses, lotions or nail masks.
- Use a file to remove the overgrowth of the free edge and polish the upper horn layer.
In addition, during treatment, you need to pay attention to hand or foot hygiene because this often leads to nail fungus.
To increase local immunity by accelerating metabolism and eliminating fungus, you should apply essential oil to the epidermis and, when applying the ointment, gently massage it on your fingers.
Folk remedies to treat 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, so they usually have no side effects.
However, remember that to avoid irritation or inflammation in the treatment area, make sure there are no allergic reactions to the ingredients you use.
Iodine
Iodine is a natural antiseptic so you should use it every day on your nails.When applied to the nail, the solution envelops the nail and gradually penetrates the matrix, ensuring the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and normalization of the microflora on the nail.
It is allowed to be used in its pure form.To do this, use a brush or cotton swab to apply a thin layer of solution to your nails every day and let it dry a bit.In the morning, the color will become lighter because most of the liquid has been 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 gentle effect, so it is recommended to treat not only the nails, but also the skin, distributing the drug several times a day because the drug is quickly absorbed.
You can use peroxide for a quick compress:
- Apply the liquid to the skin surface of your feet or hands.
- Wrap the area to be treated on top with a cotton cloth pre-soaked in the solution.
- Cover the gauze with a plastic bag or cling film.
- After 15 minutes, remove the auxiliary parts and wait until the solution is completely absorbed.
Because hydrogen peroxide is so mild, it can be used multiple times a day.However, it is not recommended to leave it in compressed form overnight.
Potassium permanganate solution
Nowadays it is not easy to get potassium permanganate because it has been banned, but it is a good disinfectant that quickly stops the growth of microorganisms on surfaces.
Potassium permanganate is used, as well as iodine, as an additional ingredient when performing steam baths.You need to add a little to give the water a pinkish color.
You can make lotion with three ingredients mixed:
- 1 tablespoon propolis;
- 2 spoons of wine;
- 3-4 drops of potassium permanganate.
The mixture is thoroughly mixed and distributed on the fungus-infected nail for 20-25 minutes.
Soda and propolis
The ingredients can be used separately as they have strong antiseptic properties or together in one formulation.
To do this, they are mixed in equal proportions, applied to damaged skin or nails and covered with cling film on top.Leave the compress on for 15 minutes then rinse with cool water.
Propolis is distributed separately on the nails at night, touching the area of the lateral ridges and the cuticle, as it also has moisturizing and nourishing properties, increasing local immunity.
herbal medicine
Although readily available and gentle on tissue, herbs are often used to eliminate fungus.The more herbs you mix, the more effective the solution will be.
Most medicinal herbs are allowed to be used:
- Calendar;
- Chamomile;
- celandine;
- Propolis;
- burdock;
- Lilac.
They can be used as a regular decoction.To do this, they are poured with boiling water and brewed for 20 minutes, then filtered.The cooled liquid is soaked in a cotton pad, applied to the fingertips and fixed with adhesive plaster for half an hour.
Application of essential oils
In addition to moisturizing and nourishing, the oil is also used to gradually break down the cell membranes of disease-causing bacteria, ensuring their death.
Different oils are used:
- eucalyptus;
- Tea tree;
- Propolis;
- celandine;
- Rosemary;
- Lavender.
You can also use regular cooking oils - avocado, vegetable, olive.They will also be effective against microorganisms.
It is recommended to apply them separately, spreading a thin layer on the nail at night.To avoid getting your bed sheets dirty, you can wear gloves or cotton socks on top.
tar soap
Soap contains tar, so it has a strong effect on fungal nail infections.
You need to use soap in its pure form - to do this, wash your feet or hands with soap until a thick foam forms, then rinse.You can also apply a compress by applying a small amount of liquid soap to the nail, then sprinkling sea salt or soda on the nail.The fingertips must be bandaged and left in this condition overnight.
Instead of tar soap, you can use laundry soap but it must have an active ingredient concentration of 72%.
Kombucha
Kombucha is often used when there is an inflammatory process in the body or externally.It is safe and allergic reactions to the ingredients usually do not occur.
To make a compress, you need to cut a thin slice of the material - it should be slightly translucent, then apply it to the cleaned nail and attach it with adhesive plaster.Then, you put cotton gloves on your hands, socks on your feet and leave the lotion in this position overnight.
You can use recipes that involve daily use of kombucha.
Folk recipes
In addition to using natural ingredients for bathing or compresses, you can make your own mask, ointment or serum at home.They take more time but help create a strong antibacterial effect, allowing you to stop using the drug.
Application with vinegar essence
Typically, table vinegar, apple cider vinegar or wine are used in antifungal formulations.However, when treating severe forms of nail damage, you can use vinegar essence, which when used for the first time will kill some pathogenic microorganisms.
For application you need to mix four ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons vinegar;
- 3 spoons of vodka (or medical alcohol);
- 2 egg whites;
- One teaspoon of glycerin.
The ingredients are thoroughly mixed, cooled slightly and applied to the nails, then wrapped with gauze on top.After 15 minutes, the previous mixture dries and apply a second time.
The remaining mixture can be stored in the refrigerator and the procedure is carried out up to twice a week.
Ointment with o-phthalic acid dimethyl ester, glycerin and vinegar
This recipe also involves the use of vinegar essence, the concentration of which is 70%.Because of this, this formula is not recommended for use in the early stages of fungal infections, as well as on sensitive skin around the nails.
The ointment includes four ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vinegar;
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil;
- 1 teaspoon o-phthalic acid dimethyl ester;
- Chicken eggs or a teaspoon of glycerin.
The ingredients are thoroughly mixed, it is recommended to beat with a blender, then store in a cool, dark place for a day.Then the ointment is distributed on the affected nails 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 in the treatment of severe forms of damage because it involves mixing the main ingredients with alcohol, which has a strong antiseptic effect.
Formula combines 4 ingredients:
- 3 cloves of garlic;
- Half an onion;
- One spoon of 90% alcohol;
- A glass of distilled water.
Garlic and onions need to be pureed on a fine blender, then use cheesecloth to squeeze out the juice.Then the mass is mixed with alcohol and water.Once prepared, you can store the product in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
The cotton pad is soaked in the liquid, then applied to the nail and fixed with adhesive plaster for 25-30 minutes.
Celandine decoction
It is recommended to use a mixture of antifungal herbs, and celandine is one of the most effective that ensures the restoration of the microflora on the nails.
To make a decoction of celandine, you need to pour boiling water in a ratio of 1:5 for half an hour, then filter the water and let it cool.Cotton pads are soaked in a decoction and applied to the area infected with the fungus for several hours or overnight.
You can use this formula every day as it is absolutely safe.
Ointment based on copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is a chemical used for cosmetic purposes to nourish natural nails and prevent the re-formation of fungus.
However, remember that you cannot use it regularly, because the plant is poisonous, so excessive use can lead to destruction of nails and irritation on the skin.
You need to use vitriol carefully:
- Clean the surface, prepare it for work.
- Apply the concentrate to the coating and wait until it hardens.
- Grind the onion on a fine blender 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.
Bath with sea salt and essential oils
Before almost any antifungal treatment, a steam bath is recommended so that the applied product penetrates the structure faster, leading to positive results.
You can add auxiliary components to the bath to increase their effectiveness.Salt and oil are often used for this:
- Add a teaspoon of sea salt to a cup of boiling water and dissolve.
- After the liquid cools to the optimal temperature, add 5-6 drops of essential oil (several can be added).
- Soak your feet or hands in the solution for 20 minutes.
- After showering, dry your skin with a dry towel and apply antifungal ointment.
Daily bathing is allowed to quickly remove the fungus.
Conclude
To get rid of 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 increasing local immunity.However, be careful when using homemade solutions as they also have health and dosage limitations.