When a fungal infection appears in the nails, it is necessary to pay attention to their restoration 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 nail fungus with folk remedies
If an infection of the sensitive surface of the skin of the hands or feet is detected, or damage to the nail plate, treatment should be started immediately, as the initial stages of the fungus can be cured quickly without resorting to medication.
There are three stages of fungus development: initial, active and advanced.During the three stages, the girl can use folk remedies against nail fungus, as they have a disinfectant effect that ensures the gradual elimination and destruction of pathogenic bacteria.However, with the 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 need to 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:
- Prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
- Destruction of microorganisms, which is associated with the destruction of their cell membrane.
- Normalization of surface microflora and restoration of its condition.
As a rule, natural components have a caring effect, therefore, simultaneously with the destruction of pathogenic bacteria, their use helps to moisturize and nourish the matrix.
What determines the effectiveness of the 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.
Remember in advance that even when carrying out homemade technologies to restore the health of the coating, you need to be aware of contraindications.The main one is individual intolerance.If you are allergic to any component, using it to combat fungi will not bring a good result.
Also, the effect after manipulation depends on the initial state of the natural manicure.If the girl has damage at an advanced stage, which involves prescribing internal and external medications, 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 with the use of 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 that you consult your doctor to choose the right medications for you based on the type of fungus.
However, regardless of the form of damage, it is important to consider that treatment must be comprehensive.There should be no method that aims to eliminate the fungus.
As standard, several techniques are used simultaneously:
- Preliminary preparation of the skin for manipulation in a steam bath.
- Application of external medicines (varnishes, ointments, serums).
- Using medicated compresses, lotions or nail masks.
- Using a file to remove the overgrown part of the free edge and polish the upper stratum corneum.
Also, during treatment, you need to pay attention to hand or foot hygiene, as this often causes nail fungus.
To increase local immunity, accelerating metabolism and eliminating fungi, essential oils should be applied to the cuticle and, when applying ointments, massage your fingers lightly.
Folk remedies for nail fungus
In addition to drug treatment, it is recommended to influence the fungus using folk recipes.Their main advantage is that they are safe, so they generally have no side effects.
However, remember that to avoid irritation or inflammation in the treated area, make sure there is no allergic reaction to the components 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 use in its pure form.To do this, use a brush or cotton swab to spread the solution on the nail 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 to 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 it not only with your nails, but also with your 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 on top with a cotton cloth previously soaked in the solution.
- Cover the compress with a plastic bag or plastic wrap.
- After 15 minutes, remove the auxiliary elements and wait until the solution is completely absorbed.
Because hydrogen peroxide is mild, it can be used several times a day.However, it is not recommended to leave it in a compress overnight.
Potassium permanganate solution
It is not easy to obtain potassium permanganate now because it is banned, but it is a good disinfectant that quickly prevents the proliferation of microorganisms on the surface.
Potassium permanganate is used, like iodine, as an additional component when creating steam baths.You need to add a little so that the water turns slightly pink.
You can make lotions with which three ingredients are mixed:
- 1 tablespoon of propolis;
- 2 tablespoons of alcohol;
- 3-4 drops of potassium permanganate.
The mixture is mixed well and distributed over nails infected with fungus for 20-25 minutes.
Soda and propolis
The components can be used separately, as they have strong disinfecting 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 on top with plastic wrap.Leave the compress on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.
Propolis is distributed separately on the nails at night, touching the region of the lateral ridges and cuticles, as it also has moisturizing and nourishing properties, increasing 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 will be.
Most pharmaceutical herbs can be used:
- Calendula;
- Chamomile;
- Celandine;
- Propolis;
- Burdock;
- Lilac.
They can be used as a regular decoction.To do this, they are poured with boiling water and infused for 20 minutes, then filtered.The cooled liquid is applied to cotton wool, 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 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 common edible oils - butter, vegetable, olive.They will also be effective against microorganisms.
It is recommended to apply them separately, spreading a thin layer over your nails at night.To avoid staining your bedding, you can wear cotton gloves or socks over it.
Tar soap
The soap contains tar, so it has an aggressive effect on fungal nail infections.
It is necessary to use soap in its pure form - to do this, wash your feet or hands with it until a thick foam forms, and then wash.You can also make a compress, which consists of 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 condition overnight.
Instead of tar soap, you can use laundry soap, but it must have an active substance concentration of 72%.
Kombucha
Kombucha is often used in the presence of inflammatory processes in the body or externally.It is safe and there is generally no allergic reaction to the component.
For the compress, you need to cut a thin slice of the ingredient - it should be slightly translucent, then apply it to a clean nail and fix it with an adhesive plaster.After that, cotton gloves are placed on the hands, socks on the feet and the lotion is left in this position overnight.
You can use recipes that involve using kombucha every day.
Popular recipes
In addition to the separate use of natural ingredients for baths or compresses, you can make homemade masks, ointments or serums.They take longer, but they help create a strong antibacterial effect, which makes it possible to stop 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 damage, vinegar essence can be used, which, upon first use, destroys some pathogenic microorganisms.
For application you need to mix four components:
- 3 tablespoons of vinegar;
- 3 tablespoons of vodka (or medical alcohol);
- 2 egg whites;
- A teaspoon of glycerin.
The components are mixed well, cooled a little and applied to the nails, wrapped on top with gauze.After 15 minutes, the previous mixture dries and a second compress is applied.
The rest of the mixture can be stored in the refrigerator, and the procedure is carried out no more than 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%.Therefore, the recipe is not recommended for use in the initial stages of fungal infection, as well as on sensitive skin around the nails.
The ointment includes four components:
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar;
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil;
- 1 teaspoon of o-phthalic acid dimethyl ester;
- Chicken egg or a teaspoon of glycerin.
The components are mixed well, it is advisable to beat them in a blender and then store them for a day in a dark, cool place.Then the ointment is distributed 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 to treat advanced injuries, as it involves mixing the main ingredients with alcohol, which has a strong antiseptic effect.
The recipe combines 4 components:
- 3 cloves of garlic;
- Half an onion;
- One tablespoon of 90% alcohol;
- A glass of distilled water.
Garlic and onion must be grated on a fine grater, and then squeeze the juice through cheesecloth.Then the mass is mixed with alcohol and water.After preparation, the product can be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator.
Cotton pads are soaked in the liquid, then applied to the nail and fixed with adhesive plaster for 25 to 30 minutes.
Celandine Decoction
It is recommended to use a mixture of herbs against fungi, with celandine being one of the most effective types that guarantee 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 pads are soaked in the decoction and applied to the fungus-infected areas for several hours or overnight.
You can use the recipe every day as it is absolutely safe.
Copper sulfate ointment
Copper sulfate is a chemical substance used for cosmetic purposes to nourish natural manicure and prevent the formation of fungus.
However, remember that it cannot be used frequently, as the plant is poisonous, so exceeding the dosage can cause nail destruction and skin irritation.
You need to use vitriol carefully:
- Clean the surface, preparing it for work.
- Apply the concentrate to the coating and wait until it hardens.
- 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 2 times a week to ensure the safety of its effects.
Baths with sea salt and essential oils
Before almost every antifungal treatment, it is recommended to take a steam bath so that the applied product penetrates the structure more quickly, leading to a positive result.
You can add auxiliary components to the baths that will increase their effectiveness.Salt and oils are often used for this:
- Add a tablespoon of sea salt to a cup of boiling water and dissolve.
- After the liquid has cooled to the ideal 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 taking a bath, dry your skin with dry towels 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 tablets.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.