Mycosis is an unpleasant fungal disease. The duration of treatment is long, there is a high risk of re-infection. For greater effectiveness, traditional medicines are combined with folk remedies. The latter has the advantage of low cost. It is important not only to get rid of the foot fungus in time, but also to prevent it from developing.
Causes and symptoms of defeat
Initially, the symptoms of the disease appear on the feet and only eventually spread to the toes. In advanced cases, the nail plate is affected. In this case, the patient feels: itching; peeling; burning; pain.
Sometimes the pathology can develop from the nail plate. This is possible if an infection is introduced during the pedicure. Common symptoms of foot fungus include:
- formation of cracks in the corner;
- roughening of the skin;
- formation of bubbles with clear liquid;
- redness.
The fungus may be an allergic reaction. In this case, the disease is acute. The causes of mycosis can be different:
- low immunity;
- prolonged exposure of the foot to a warm and humid environment;
- vascular pathology;
- foot injuries;
- wearing poor quality shoes;
- diabetes;
- immunodeficiency pathologies.
It will be difficult to get rid of the foot fungus quickly, as the larger the affected area, the longer the therapy will last. Effective treatment is only possible if the drugs are properly selected.
Traditional treatment
Ointments, which contain substances that neutralize the mycelium, are most commonly used to remove fungi on the feet. They are for external use only. Most formulations contain additional ingredients in the form of vitamin and mineral supplements. They help speed up the recovery process.
Fungal lesions are eliminated with antifungal agents. Not only do they eliminate the symptoms, but they also affect the cause of the disease. An ointment containing undecylenic acid and zinc is also effective, so the drug may have a fungistatic effect.
The budget option is liniment, which contains xeroform, tar and camphor. These active ingredients penetrate deeply quickly, relieving inflammation and itching.
Some experts recommend the use of medicated varnishes. The main advantage of this dosage form is the long-term effect on the nail plate.
You can use pills to get rid of foot fungus. Their special feature is that they disrupt the ergosterol production process and kill pathogenic microorganisms. Such drugs have a number of contraindications and should only be taken as directed by a specialist.
Folk remedies
Medical treatment is quite expensive but not always effective. The combination of traditional medicine and traditional recipes will help you achieve good results in a short time.
The following remedies and herbs will help you get rid of foot fungus:
- iodine;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- dandelion;
- soda.
Iodine is a good antiseptic and a fairly strong halogen. Most fungal strains are made up of protein, so this product helps to overcome them effectively. Prior to use, ensure that the patient is not allergic to or hypersensitive to iodine. However, such a folk remedy only helps in the initial stages of the lesion, as the effect only applies to the upper layer. The iodine solution is highly concentrated and must be diluted with alcohol before use. It is recommended to take the medicine at night. The duration of treatment should be at least one week.
Hydrogen peroxide helps to normalize metabolic processes. Applications are based on a 3% solution. They should be kept for 10 minutes. To achieve this effect, such compresses should be performed twice daily for 5 days.
Celandine is often used to treat skin conditions. This can be explained by the presence of saponins and alkaloids in the juice. Based on the plant, baths, infusions, compresses and decoctions are made. Freshly squeezed juice is quite effective. Used for compresses. Dry or fresh grass can be used for bathing. Take about 1 liter of liquid per 100 g of dry base. Baths should be done for 10 days every day. After the procedure, the legs are wiped dry and the dead skin is removed. The affected areas are lubricated with juice.
Baking soda has an emollient and antiseptic effect. In its pure form it is rarely used. In most cases, this product is combined with salt or soap. Baths made with soda and sea salt give a good effect. If you want, you can add a few drops of iodine. You need to steam your feet twice a day. The therapy course lasts about 5 days.
Folk remedies help to eliminate the fungus in a week, but only if the cause of the fungal lesion is eliminated.
Preventive measures
It is easier to prevent a disease than to cure it for a long time. Fungal infections develop in a warm, humid environment. You only need to wear good quality and sized shoes. You are not allowed to walk barefoot in public areas. In this case, it is better to prefer rubber slippers.
When buying new shoes, do not try on without socks. It’s better not to use a shopping sock because it could have been worn by a person infected with the fungus. After bathing or showering, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
The use of individual and sterilized devices for pedicure is recommended. If the pedicure is done in a salon, you should only prefer a reliable master who uses high quality and safe materials. Foot hygiene is an important part of prevention.
There are several treatments available for the treatment of foot fungus. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before using them. Fungal lesions can only be recovered in the initial stages with folk remedies, and a combined approach is needed to treat more advanced cases.