How to treat fungus on the feet at home with folk remedies: recipes

One of the most common pathologies of the feet and toenails is the fungus. The treatment of this disease takes a long time, as it is not easy to get rid of a fungal infection. In addition to drug therapy, folk remedies are used, which even in advanced cases give excellent results. In the early stages of the disease, you can cure the infection yourself with natural recipes at home.

What are foot fungus and ways of infection

Mycosis or dermatomycosis is an infectious damage to the skin of the feet, interdigital areas, toes, nails. Mostly fungal infection of the foot occurs in crops where it is common to wear closed shoes most of the time. More often the disease affects the elderly and people with weakened immunity due to some serious pathology (immunodeficiency, pemphigus, diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders in the extremities and others).

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

You can get the 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 plants with which the sole comes into contact;
• through the soil in which the pathogen lives.

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 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 appear in any way, penetrating deep into the layers of the skin or under the nail bed. If the cause of mycosis is trichophytosis, then the signs of infection are visible immediately - a yeast-like microorganism causes inflammation of the nails and skin, destroying tissues in a short time. Even an experienced dermatologist finds it difficult to tell what kind of infection a patient has without laboratory tests.

In the early stages 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 fluid.

Forms of fungal infection

The external manifestations of the fungus depend not only on the type of pathogen, but also on the degree of involvement in the inflammatory process of the skin, nails, hair on the feet. Dermatologists distinguish the following forms of athlete's foot:

1. Squamous form (scaly). In the initial stage, redness and peeling of the skin is observed. The affected areas have different areas.
2. Hyperkeratotic stage. Strong roughness of the sole, deep cracks in or near the heels. Both legs are affected simultaneously.
3. Intertriginous form. It is considered the most common. It affects the area between 4 and 5 fingers, less often develops between 3 and 4. The cracks are replaced by erosion, which begins to get wet, itching, burning. Streptococci penetrate the loose tissue structure, causing pustular inflammation.
4. Dyshydrotic form. Watery blisters that appear on the epidermis merge. Once hidden, extensive ulcers develop. Mycosis spreads to the hands.

Treatment of fungus on the feet with folk remedies

All folk remedies against fungus on the feet have several tasks: the destruction of the fungal mycelium, eliminating the symptoms of inflammation, restoring the integrity of the skin, increasing local immunity, preventing recurrence of the disease. Decoctions and infusions for oral use are used for these purposes, as well as solutions, ointments and compresses for external use.

Many plants, minerals, chemical compounds (copper sulfate) and even gunpowder have antifungal properties - this has been proven by scientific research. More than 1000 names of representatives of the flora have been identified, which 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 in fungal infections.

Rules and principles of treatment

Before you start to treat the fungus on the feet 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 form, therefore, if a few days after the start of using one or another method of positive dynamics does not come, then you should consult a doctor.

There are many popular recipes based on the use of herbal and natural ingredients. Home treatment for foot fungus is recommended at bedtime to allow time for the drug to work. Regardless of the chosen method of removing mycosis, you must adhere to the basic rule: to conduct therapy not only until the symptoms disappear completely, but also some time after. During therapy it is necessary:

• follow a low-sugar diet, that is, remove sweet, starchy foods from your daily diet;
• excludes the use of cosmetic varnish, which creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria;
• carry out regular treatment with iodine on nail plates affected by fungal infection (with onychomycosis);
• disinfect floors and shoes to prevent recurrence.

Foot bath for mycosis of the feet

In the early stages of the disease, therapeutic foot baths are very helpful in relieving symptoms. Traditional medicine offers many of the ingredients from which these treatments are made. These are decoctions and infusions of herbs (yellow, wormwood, yarrow, oak bark, etc. ), vinegar, soda and other components. Fight the infection with trays daily by dipping your feet in a warm, freshly prepared solution for 15-20 minutes.

The average course of treatment for adults is 2 weeks, but if necessary, the procedure can be done longer. Foot baths help not only to stop the growth of the fungus, but also to eliminate unpleasant odors, eliminate excessive sweating of the feet. With proper lower limb hygiene, the positive effect will become noticeable within a few days after starting treatment. Examples of trays that are easily made at home to get rid of foot fungus:

• Take 3 liters of warm water, mix in it 200 g of sea salt. For effectiveness you can add ground cinnamon (1 tbsp), chamomile decoction or pine needles (250 ml).
• Pour warm water into a basin, add 50 ml of table or apple cider vinegar and a few granules of potassium permanganate. After the procedure, smear the affected skin with tea tree oil.

Compresses and lotions

In home complex therapy of mycosis of the feet, it is recommended to use compresses or lotions. Celery oil, garlic, onion, alcoholic tinctures, iodized salt, mint are used for these procedures. Kombucha, pumpkin puree, fresh burdock leaves are applied to inflamed areas. 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 (adhesive foil). The course of treatment is 1-2 times a day until complete recovery.

Essential oils and natural pastes

Effective treatment of fungus on the feet at home with natural plant and essential oils. Tea tree extract has proven to be excellent (soothes the skin, eliminates itching), lemon (strengthens nails, increases local immunity), cinnamon (prevents the growth of fungi), rosemary (regenerates tissues). Effective natural antiseptic lavender oil, which has an analgesic and healing effect on wounds, therefore eliminates the symptoms of mycosis much faster than other folk 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 each vegetable oil (coconut, cocoa, olive oil, jojoba). The manipulations should be performed 3 times a day for several weeks. If the nails are affected by mycosis of the feet, then such treatment continues until the complete renewal of the plate (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 medicine is used not only to eliminate the fungus, but also to prevent infection. The main methods of treating mycosis at home are the use of tinctures (infusion of medicinal herbs with ethyl alcohol), decoctions (herbs are thermally treated by exhaustion in a steam bath so as not to boil) and infusions (herbs are flooded with boiling water andinfusion).

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

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

How to cure foot fungus at home

Traditional methods of removing the fungus have proven to be effective. To forget forever about the mycosis of the feet, it is necessary during treatment and then to take proper care of the foot. For a quick recovery you will need:

• dry the skin well after bathing;
• wear only dry and clean shoes;
• do not overheat your feet, avoid heavy sweating;
• in warm weather, wear sandals with open toes;
• wear socks made of natural fabrics that have high levels of air permeability and hygroscopicity;
• Always wear personal slippers when bathing in a public place.

Convenient tools and products in the kitchen

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

• coffee. In this case, the aromatic drink is used for external use. Regular foot baths made from freshly brewed strong coffee will help to deal with the disease.
• Garlic. There are many possibilities for using the plant, but the simplest is garlic juice, which is rubbed into the affected tissues. The process is performed with a cotton swab 3 to 5 times a day until the symptoms disappear.
• Onions. Fresh onions should be placed in a plastic bag that is worn on the legs. The ends of the bag should be tied so that the bow does not touch the sole and the foot is in an improvised steam chamber throughout the night. As a rule, 5 sessions are enough to get rid of foot fungus.

Pharmacy traditional medicine

If you do not have time to look for a cure for foot fungus at home, then an effective remedy of natural origin can be bought at a pharmacy. Between them:

• Potassium permanganate. The drug, known as potassium permanganate, is effective in treating mycosis. To deal with the problem, it is necessary to apply a compress soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate every night on the feet until the problem disappears.
• iodine. Areas of skin affected by the fungus are treated with 5% alcohol solution 2 times a day. Contraindications to such treatment are high sensitivity of the skin and individual intolerance to the ingredients.
• iodinol. In onychomycosis, a universal blue solution is used to soften the nail plate, which has managed to become very rough. Iodinol is used to wipe the tissues affected by the fungal infection 2 to 4 times a day.
• propolis. Alcoholic tincture is often used to treat fungal infections. You can make a homemade solution by pouring propolis with vodka or alcohol, but this will not affect the effectiveness. For treatment and prevention of fungus you need a cotton swab soaked in tincture, apply to the infected area and wait for complete drying 1-2 times a day.
• ammonia. One tablespoon of the product should be diluted in a glass of distilled water, then saturate the tissue with the resulting solution, wrap the legs, secure with adhesive tape and keep the compress overnight.
• Boric acid. For antifungal therapy you will need a powder that is sprinkled on the feet in the right dose after steaming and socks are worn on top. The procedure is done every night. Boric acid is left overnight.

Herbal remedies for athlete's foot

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

• black nightingale;
• cherry tree;
• male fern;
• blackening lumbago.

Effective folk remedies for the treatment of fungus on the feet

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

Compresses with garlic

Garlic compresses are an old home remedy for treating fungus on the feet. 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 unwisely, you can burn your skin. Therefore, the dosage and duration of therapy should be strictly observed during treatment. Recipe for garlic compress:

• melt 50 g butter, add 1 head of minced garlic, 2 tbsp coarse salt and mix well;
• apply the resulting mass on sterile gauze in an even layer and apply on the affected areas for 1 hour;
• apply 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 the infected tissues and the destruction of the cell membranes of the fungus. Mycosis does not develop under the influence of an acidic environment, as colonies of pathogenic microflora die under its influence. In the initial stage of treatment should use a low concentration of vinegar (3%), which gradually increases.

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

• stir until smooth 2 tbsp nine percent vinegar, 1 tbsp. liters of glycerin and 2 tablespoons of vodka;
• dip pieces of bandage in the finished mixture and apply on the site;
• after the bandage dries, re-moisten the bandages in the healing mixture;
• the time for using compresses should not exceed 1 hour / day;
• course duration - 2 weeks.

Baking soda

Treating foot fungus with baking soda at home gives good results. At the first suspicion of 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 the drugs to penetrate more easily after use. Under the influence of alkalis, the affected tissues become more susceptible to the action of any other treatment.

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

• 3 tbsp. l. soda mixed with 1 tbsp. l. water until a thick and homogeneous mass;
• then soda paste should be applied to the affected nail, avoiding skin contact;
• then the mass should be acidified with freshly prepared lemon juice, which will immediately react with soda;
• the solution should be removed 5-7 minutes after application and wash your feet with soap;
• the procedure is performed daily before bedtime until the condition of the nails improves.

Tea tree oil

In dermatology, tea tree oil has been used for more than ten years, as it has established itself as a highly effective means of treating skin pathologies. The natural composition of the essential fluid determines its cytotoxic activity, ie the ability to fight pathogenic microorganisms. Treatment options will vary depending on whether the infection is the skin or the nails.

You can cure nail plate by dripping 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 to treat the sole. To do this, you need to take vegetable oil (3 parts), mix with essential oil (1 part), shake and apply on 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 analogue.

Hydrogen peroxide

In the fight against fungal infection helps hydrogen peroxide, which is considered the best antiseptic with a pronounced antibacterial effect. The drug is widely used both in medicine and at home to treat fungal infections. Hydrogen peroxide does not accumulate in the body, so the development of any allergic reactions is excluded. In mycoses, baths are effective, which help to soften the affected epithelium for further leakage of antifungal gels, ointments, creams or sprays prescribed by a doctor.

Preparing a foot bath with hydrogen peroxide at home is easy:

• pour warm water into a basin and add 3% detergent in the amount of 100 ml per 2 liters of water;
• lower your legs into a container and hold for 20 minutes;
• so that the solution does not cool, it is required to add small portions of boiling water;
• after the pumice procedure, remove the softened tissue;
• remove moisture with a sponge and apply the prescribed drug on the surface of the skin;
• take baths every day until the condition improves.

Laundry soap or tar

For more than a decade, people at home have been treated for a fungal infection with tar or laundry soap. By following the rules for treating the affected skin, you can quickly get rid of itching and unpleasant foot odor. To speed up tissue healing, you need to combine soap with salt or iodine. The following recipe will help improve blood circulation in the tissues:

• steam your feet in warm water before bed;
• then lather them well with laundry soap;
• treat soapy feet with a towel, then pumice stone;
• then wipe dry, smear with cream;
• treat the sites of infection with fungi with birch tar;
• soak it for 1, 5 hours, then remove with cotton swabs;
• put on clean socks on your feet and do not take off for 2 days;
• repeat the procedure once a week until the problem is resolved.

Salicylic ointment

The main advantage of treating mycosis with salicylic ointment is its high antifungal activity. The drug kills pathogens, prevents their reproduction, eliminates keratinized layers of the epidermis and rarely causes side effects. For mycosis of the feet, apply salicylic ointment in the form of compresses. On the softened skin or nail plate, the drug in a concentration of 5 or 10% is applied in a thin layer, then the foot 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 with a bee product, which should be rubbed overnight in the affected areas for 10-14 days. His 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 the mixture, strain through cheesecloth, use as directed.

Celandine and chamomile

It is believed that medicinal herbs, especially chamomile and celandine, will get rid of a fungal infection the fastest. It is better to use them together. To achieve a quick effect, you should drink broth or chamomile tea (to increase overall immunity) and take baths with infusion of celandine. You should know that the fresh juice from the last burns, so it should be used in its pure form with extreme care.

The infusion requires crushed stems of a dried plant. In a glass of boiling water you need to boil 1 tbsp. l. celandine, leave for 1 hour, then dilute with a little hot water. In mycoses, the solution is used for therapeutic baths, which are done every day for 15 minutes. As a rule, such treatment relieves the initial stage of the disease for 14 days.

Marigold infusion

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

• pour a glass of boiling water 1 tbsp dried or fresh marigold 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. The materials of the article do not call for self-medication. Only a qualified physician can diagnose and make treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.