The treatment of fungal infections of the feet using topical preparations is performed on an outpatient basis. For a quick recovery, it is important to follow medical recommendations, know how to treat foot fungus at home and how to properly perform the necessary procedures.
General rules
Therapeutic and hygienic measures should be performed regularly, treatment can not be interrupted until the fungus is completely eliminated. The duration of the recovery process depends on the degree of neglect of the disease and the area of the lesion.
For a successful outcome of the treatment and prevention of infection of others, it is recommended to follow the basic rules:
- For the entire period of treatment you should refuse to visit swimming pools, saunas, beaches, pedicure rooms.
- The patient must have individual means for hygienic treatment of the feet: files, pumice, soap, towels, etc.
- Shoes must be well disinfected and dried. The insoles and the inner surface of the shoes can be treated with special solutions or sprays.
- The feet should be kept dry at all times. The causes of fungal diseases are actively multiplying in a warm and humid environment. After water treatments, the feet should be wiped with a clean cloth, and in case of excessive sweating of the feet, use talc, powders and powders.
- Particular attention is paid to knitwear. It is better to choose natural cotton socks. Such a material absorbs moisture well and provides normal ventilation of the skin of the feet. Socks should be changed as often as possible and used products should be boiled.
- Medical treatment is carried out strictly in accordance with the instructions of the attending physician after confirmation of the diagnosis with the results of laboratory tests of infected material.
Keratinized skin on the toes and feet should be permanently removed with a special foot brush or pumice stone. Otherwise, cracks may form through which the fungus will penetrate the deep layers of the epidermis and bloodstream.
Comfortable shoes made of natural materials should be preferred to prevent the accumulation of excess moisture.
Foot baths
Therapeutic baths are an indispensable element in the treatment of fungal diseases of the feet at any stage of the infectious process. Procedures for burning the feet in hot water with the addition of various active ingredients are a preparatory stage before the application of basic antifungal drugs.
Foot baths can be applied twice a day or at bedtime. The duration of the procedure depends on the composition of the bath, but does not exceed the half-hour threshold.
Medicinal herbs
Decoctions of medicinal herbs are used for antifungal foot baths:
- plantain;
- wormwood;
- burdock;
- milkweed;
- yarrow;
- marigold flowers.
Herbs can be combined or steamed separately. For best effect, the decoction should be strong enough. The required amount of vegetable raw materials should be poured with boiling water. Once the temperature of the decoction becomes tolerable for the skin, you can put your feet in the bath and steam your feet for 15-20 minutes.
Celandine
Celery preparations are often used in the fight against foot fungus. The use of dried celandine grass is recommended for the preparation of foot baths. You can buy it at a pharmacy or prepare it yourself.
The decoction is prepared in the amount of 8 tablespoons of grass per 2 liters of boiling water, then cooled to a temperature of 50 ° C and placed in a convenient container. The feet should be kept in the tub until cool. The course of treatment is 20 days.
vinegar
The acidic environment has a detrimental effect on the pathogenic microflora that causes mycoses. As an effective treatment for foot fungus at home, folk remedies use baths with vinegar essence.
Vinegar is taken in the amount of 100 ml of essence per 2 liters of warm water. The approximate duration of the procedure is one third of an hour. Such a home remedy for fungus can significantly speed up the treatment carried out by modern pharmaceutical products.
soda and salt
Salt and soda solutions for soaking your feet allow you to fight foot fungus in the initial stages. There are many options for making foot baths with salt and soda at home. The simplest and most effective recipes:
- In two liters of warm water dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt and baking soda, soak your feet for 20 minutes.
- To two liters of boiling water add a similar amount of strong decoction of oak bark, a few drops of peppermint oil and essential oil of tea tree, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of sea salt. The duration of the suffocation is half an hour. The duration of treatment is 14 days.
- In warm water mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and coarse salt, add a few tablespoons of liquid soap with antibacterial effect (tar can be used). Boil your feet in the prepared solution for up to half an hour, at the end of the procedure let your feet dry without wiping or rinsing with clean water.
Salt helps strengthen nails and regenerate epidermal tissues, and soda softens the skin by cleansing and disinfecting the surface of the feet. Iodine saline solutions have a pronounced fungicidal effect.
Steaming your feet with vodka, ammonia, propolis, strong coffee, birch tar, hydrogen peroxide and garlic juice are very helpful.
Compresses, rubbing, lotions
You can remove the fungus on the feet with the help of compresses and various rubs according to recipes of alternative medicine. The procedure is performed after careful treatment and burning of the feet.
The healing mass is applied to the affected area, fixed with a gauze bandage and isolated on top with clean socks. Provided that there are no aggressive substances in the composition of the compress, the bandage is left overnight.
The most popular recipes for homemade antifungal compresses for the treatment of fungus on the feet:
- On the infected skin apply finely chopped fresh leaves of rowan, cover with burdock leaf and wrap in cellophane.
- Apply 35% salicylic ointment evenly on the lesions of the fungus, wrap with cling film. Change the bandage once a day.
- Pass a few cloves of garlic through a press, mix with an equal amount of oil until smooth. Apply the resulting mass on the sore spot, wrap with film, leave overnight. Garlic will sting, but it's a good way to quickly cure foot fungus.
- Onion puree is used for compresses in pure form, you just need to change the bandages as often as possible. If the itching becomes unbearable, you can dilute the onion with Vaseline in a ratio of 1: 1.
- Night vinegar compresses show good results. It is more convenient to use a cotton swab dipped in a weak solution of vinegar essence.
- Alcohol wraps help with foot fungus. A small piece of linen cloth soaked in an aqueous solution of ammonia is wrapped around the diseased leg and insulated with polyethylene. The course is designed for 7-10 days.
- Mashed potato sprouts insist on vodka for a day. The finished porridge is used to compress the legs before bedtime.
- If the fungus is localized in the interdigital folds, you can apply a paste of mint grass and salt on the affected skin. This remedy perfectly fights the manifestations of itching, removes odors and other symptoms.
The method of rubbing the affected skin with birch tar, alcoholic iodine solution, garlic juice, tea tree oil and celandine helps to quickly get rid of foot fungus at home.
Many topical antifungal pharmaceuticals are recommended for use in the form of compresses if mycosis has reached an advanced stage.
Medicinal antifungals
The fastest way to cure a fungal infection is with the right combination of folk remedies and antifungal drugs. Drugs for fungal diseases are divided into two main groups: topical and systemic.
Oral antifungals are prescribed for drug therapy of fungi in advanced form in the absence of contraindications. Taking tablets is associated with a risk to the liver, they should be taken only in the dose prescribed by your doctor.
The choice of topical medications depends on the type of causative agent and the patient's financial capabilities. Removing the fungus can take several months and not everyone can buy expensive drugs.
Preparations for external use are available in the form of creams, gels, ointments, sprays, varnishes and solutions. Well-known pharmaceutical companies produce a series of products for the complex treatment of fungi.
Regardless of the form, brand and price category, the main difference is the type of active ingredient in the drug. It is this criterion that determines the effectiveness of the drug in relation to a particular type of infectious agent.
Antifungal drugs contain fungistatic substances: sertocanazole, bifonazole, ketoconazole, oxyconazole, terbinafine, cyclopyroxalamine, amorolfine.
It is easier to defeat the fungus on the feet with the help of topical preparations in the early stages of the disease, when the first signs of infection appear, if the treatment is carried out continuously in accordance with the attached instructions.
Rules of personal hygiene as a prevention against foot fungus
Prevention of fungus on the feet is primarily a measure of personal hygiene aimed at preventing infection, creating an environment hostile to microorganisms.
It is important to remember that mycotic lesions of the legs can last a long time, almost without manifesting themselves, they are characterized by a chronic recurrent course.
Pathogens that affect the foot are unusually stubborn, love moisture, wet unventilated interdigital folds of the feet, lower and side surfaces of the sole.
The following is a short list of personal hygiene practices (well known but not always followed) to avoid becoming infected with this intrusive infection:
- Keep your feet dry and cool;
- Make a pedicure in a timely manner and regularly, using tools that have undergone appropriate disinfection, using modern auxiliary and care products;
- Wash your feet daily with warm soapy water, use antibacterial soap, if necessary, wash your feet several times a day;
- Wipe dry your toes from the base to the very tip, the skin between the toes, the whole foot;
- Fighting sweaty feet
- Use antifungal foot powders, if necessary - antifungal cosmetic and healing creams, gels, nail polishes;
- Go barefoot, barefoot at least at home, to the countryside;
- Keep your toes slightly apart;
- Do not walk barefoot in changing rooms, showers, gyms, fitness clubs and other public places - wear flip-flops (rubber slippers, waterproof slippers);
- Do not use someone else's sponge, towel, towel, slippers (even within the family);
- In case of infection, separate a separate towel for the affected area or use disposable paper towels;
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes made of leather and other natural materials;
- Avoid rubber and plastic shoes - a favorable environment for the growth of dermatomycetes;
- Keep shoes clean and dry, ventilate them, treat the inside of shoes with antifungal powder or spray;
- In summer, wear light, well-ventilated shoes;
- Change your sneakers on time; if they can be washed, wash them at least once a month;
- Change socks more often (knee pads, socks, tights), especially in hyperhidrosis, if necessary - more often;
- Wear socks made of hygroscopic materials (natural fibers or special synthetics);
- Wash socks to kill fungal spores in very hot water twice; rinse your socks thoroughly after washing with washing powder so as not to worsen the condition of the skin;
- For the proper sanitary and hygienic condition of sinks, showers, baths, sinks wash them regularly, use special products;
- Do not self-medicate, consult a doctor in the early stages of fungal disease; do not put others at risk of infection;
- Be especially careful in the presence of fungal diseases in households;
- Help elderly family members to follow the prescription of dermatologists and the necessary sanitary and hygienic requirements for the treatment of this disease.
Giving up bad habits is a significant contribution to the prevention of foot fungus
Bad habits (excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, drug addiction), improper wakefulness - sleep, work - rest, inappropriate behavior in stressful situations usually lead to a serious decrease in immunity, circulatory disorders.
Unreasonable unbalanced diet, excessive consumption of light carbohydrates, lack of physical activity - to obesity. Against the background of weakened immunity, circulatory disorders and obesity, a favorable climate is formed for infection and the development of infection in generalized dangerous disease.
This shows the urgent need to give up bad habits.
Folk and pharmaceutical remedies for the prevention of fungus on the feet
When choosing folk remedies to prevent fungus on the feet, it should be remembered that mushrooms do not like acidic environments; a slightly acidic medium (pH 5, 5) is sufficient to stop the growth of the fungus. For preventive purposes it is recommended periodically:
- Treat your feet with diluted lemon juice or fermented dairy products (kefir, sour milk, etc. ).
- Take baths with salt water (2 tablespoons of salt in 0, 5 liters of water) or light vinegar water (1 cup of table vinegar in 3 to 4 liters of water) or carbonated water (1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate in 1 liter of water).
Almost everyone has had a fungal infection and knows that it is very difficult to get rid of it. To cure the disease, you need to spend a lot of time, effort and money, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. Think about how to treat foot fungus at home to forget about the disease as soon as possible.
What you need to know about the fungus
Foot fungus is a contagious infectious disease that affects a person's skin and nails. Most often this disease affects the elderly and the elderly. The infection takes root perfectly in warm and humid places: in baths, saunas, showers. You can get infected by visiting public places barefoot, by trying on shoes and during a pedicure, by insufficient sterilization of instruments.
Note!
Mycosis develops when the immune system is weakened and when an infection enters wounds or cuts.
The quickest way to get rid of the fungus is to start treatment when the first signs of the disease appear. It is quite difficult to diagnose mycosis itself, especially in the initial stage. Usually the infection does not manifest itself in any way, then there is itching, bad breath, peeling and discoloration of the nails. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, contact a dermatologist immediately. He, after a visual examination and tests, will be able to confirm the exact diagnosis and then write a detailed treatment plan.
If you do not start to fight the disease, you can be completely without a fingernail. In the initial stage, the doctor will prescribe drugs and alternative methods that can be used at home to treat fungal infections.
Medicines to treat fungus
There are various drugs to eliminate mycosis. You can quickly cure your feet from fungus with the help of modern pharmaceutical products. They kill the cause of the disease and prevent further spread of the infection. The drugs are available in different forms of release, depending on the location of the fungus and the size of the affected area, the type of drug is chosen.
Before using fungicides, consult a doctor, he will tell you how to quickly get rid of the fungus on your feet at home, taking into account your condition and possible contraindications.
Important!
It is not desirable to self-medicate, if the means used are not appropriate, then complications may occur and the situation may worsen.
To remove the fungus from the soles of the feet, it is best to use ointments, it is convenient to use suspensions on the skin between the toes and creams and nail polishes.
Important!
The scheme of drug use depends on the type of pathogen and the depth of the lesion. It may take 9-12 months to beat advanced mycosis.
Folk remedies for the treatment of fungus on the feet
Traditional recipes help get rid of mycosis in the early stages of the disease. Numerous home remedies for fungus on the toes allow the use of ordinary products that are easily found in every home.
The main thing is to follow the recommendations for use and not to interrupt the therapy until a stable result is obtained.
Important!
Before using ointments and compresses, the feet should be steamed in a bath with salt or soda. To do this, add 1 tablespoon to 1 liter of hot water. liters of salt and soda. Warm the feet for 10-15 minutes, treat the feet and toes with pumice, and nails - with a soft file. Then continue further care.
iodine
Alcoholic iodine solution is a powerful antiseptic with a pronounced antifungal effect. It destroys the protein structures that make up the cause of mycosis.
Before using iodine recipes, be sure to test for an allergic reaction. Many people suffer from intolerance to this drug. The drug should not be used by people with thyroid disease.
You can use an iodine bath before going to bed. To do this, dissolve 3 tbsp. l. iodine in 5 liters of hot water, support your feet for 20 minutes and dry them well with a towel. The treatment is performed every other day.
Mix alcohol and iodine in equal proportions, apply the resulting liquid only on the affected areas, contact of the solution with healthy tissues can cause epidermal burns. Treat your feet 5-10 days before bedtime.
Hydrogen peroxide
The tool is known for its antiseptic properties and ability to soften tissues. Used in many recipes, including to combat fungal infections.
Bath with hydrogen peroxide against nail fungus. Pour 100 ml of peroxide in 2 liters of warm water, steam your feet for 15-20 minutes, then wipe and treat the skin with pumice or brush, cut your nails.
Apply 3% peroxide solution on a gauze bandage and apply it for 30-40 minutes on the injured area. The procedure should be repeated twice a day.
vinegar
Mycosis has a protein structure, which is why it is afraid of deviations from the normal level of acidity. Acetic acid destroys the cells of the causative agent, which turns out to remove fungus on the feet.
For treatment, 9% apple cider vinegar diluted with water in equal proportions is used. Wet a sock or cotton swab (depending on the size of the affected area) and put it on or put on your feet. The compress lasts 20 minutes, the procedure is repeated twice a day for 10 days.
Mix 70% vinegar and vegetable oil in equal proportions. Rub the resulting mass daily for a month or until complete recovery.
Pour 1 egg 30 g of water and vinegar, mix well. Lubricate the affected areas of the foot with this product during the day until the manifestations of the fungus are completely eliminated.
The tool should be used with caution: before use, it is recommended to apply a greasy cream on healthy areas of skin to protect the skin from burns.
Celandine
Medicinal herbs help to get rid of many diseases, including skin. Home remedy for fungus with celandine will effectively eliminate the disease in the early stages of development and will be an effective type of therapy to eliminate the old form of mycosis. This poisonous plant suppresses the activity of the pathogen, causing mycotic cells to die. Folk recipes use both flowers and leaves of celandine.
Apply fresh celandine juice on cracks, injuries and rashes. It eliminates the infection and helps speed up the recovery process. Treat your feet every three days until the symptoms of the disease are completely eliminated.
Pour dry celandine with a glass of boiling water and cook on low heat for 10 minutes. Pour the resulting liquid into a container and lower your feet there to boil for 20 minutes. This bath softens the skin and relieves puffiness.
Mix well the dried celandine and tea tree oil until a paste is obtained. Apply the resulting mass on the affected area of the foot and fix with a bandage. The compress is made before bedtime. Rinse your feet in the morning with warm water.
Fungal infection is the most common type of disease, affecting about 20% of the world's population. Getting rid of the disease is not so easy, but with the right therapy it is possible. Treatment of foot fungus at home is most effective in the early stages of the disease. There are many ways to get rid of ringworm at home: pharmaceuticals or folk recipes. It is best to start therapy only after consulting a doctor, he will help you choose the most effective treatment.