How to quickly cure a fungus on the skin of the feet at home

fungus on the skin of the feet

Treatment of foot fungus with the use of local preparations is carried out on an outpatient basis. For a quick recovery, it is important to follow medical recommendations, to know how to treat fungus on the legs at home and how to perform the necessary procedures correctly.

General rules

Therapeutic and hygienic measures should be carried out regularly, treatment cannot 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 successful treatment and prevention of infection of others, it is recommended to follow the basic rules:

  1. During the entire course of treatment, you should refuse to visit swimming pools, saunas, beaches, pedicure rooms.
  2. The patient must have individual means for the hygienic treatment of the feet: files, pumice stone, soap, towels, etc.
  3. Shoes should be thoroughly disinfected and dried. Insoles and the inner surface of shoes can be treated with special solutions or sprays.
  4. Feet must be kept dry at all times. The causative agents of fungal diseases actively multiply in a warm and humid environment. After water procedures, the feet should be wiped with a clean towel, and in case of excessive sweating of the legs, use talcum powder, powders and powders.
  5. Particular attention is paid to knitwear. It is best to choose natural cotton socks. Such 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.
  6. Drug treatment is carried out strictly in accordance with the instructions of the attending physician after confirming the diagnosis with the results of laboratory tests of infected material.

Keratinized skin on the fingers and soles of the feet should be constantly removed with a special foot brush or a pumice stone. Otherwise, cracks may form, through which the fungus will penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and blood circulation.

Comfortable footwear made from natural materials is preferred to prevent the buildup of excess moisture.

Foot baths

therapeutic bath for mycosis of the feet

Therapeutic baths are an indispensable element in the treatment of fungal diseases of the legs at any stage of the development of the infectious process. The procedures of steaming the feet in hot water with the addition of various active ingredients are a preparatory stage before the application of the main antifungal drugs.

Foot baths can be applied twice a day or daily at bedtime. The duration of the procedure depends on the composition of the bath, but does not exceed a threshold of half an hour.

medicinal herbs

For antifungal foot baths, decoctions of medicinal herbs are used:

  • plantain;
  • mugwort;
  • burdock;
  • milkweed;
  • yarrow;
  • calendula flowers.

The herbs can be combined or steamed separately. For the best effect, the decoction should be strong enough. The required amount of vegetable raw materials should be poured with boiling water. As soon as 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

Preparations of celandine are often used in the fight against fungus on the legs. For the preparation of foot baths, it is recommended to use dried celandine grass. You can buy it at a pharmacy or prepare it yourself.

The decoction is prepared at the rate 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 remain in the bath until it cools. The duration of treatment is 20 days.

Vinegar

An acidic environment has a detrimental effect on the pathogenic microflora responsible for fungal infections. As an effective treatment for foot fungus at home, folk remedies use baths with vinegar essence.

Vinegar is taken at the rate of 100 ml of essence for 2 liters of lukewarm water. The approximate duration of the procedure is a third of an hour. Such a home remedy for fungus can significantly speed up the treatment performed by modern pharmaceuticals.

soda and salt

Salt and soda solutions for soaking the feet allow you to fight the fungus on the feet at the initial stage. There are many options for preparing foot baths with salt and soda at home. The simplest and most effective recipes:

  • In two liters of warm water, dissolve 2 tablespoons of table salt and baking soda, soak your feet for up to 20 minutes.
  • To two liters of boiling water, add a similar amount of strong decoction of oak bark, a few drops of mint oil and essential oil of tea tree, 2 tablespoons of soda, 2 tablespoonsof sea salt. The duration of steaming is half an hour. The duration of treatment is 14 days.
  • In warm water, mix 1 tablespoon with a slide of soda and coarse salt, add a couple of tablespoons of liquid soap with antibacterial effect (tar can be used). Steam the feet in the prepared solution for up to half an hour, at the end of the procedure leave the feet to dry without wiping or rinsing with clean water.

Salt helps strengthen the nails and regenerate epidermal tissues, and soda softens the skin, cleans and disinfects the surface of the feet. Saline solutions with an iodine mixture have a pronounced fungicidal effect.

Steaming the feet with vodka, ammonia, propolis, strong coffee, birch tar, hydrogen peroxide and garlic juice helps a lot.

Compresses, frictions, lotions

compress for fungus on the skin of the feet

You can eliminate the fungus on the legs with the help of compresses and various rubs according to recipes of alternative medicine. The procedure is carried out after careful treatment and steaming of the legs.

The healing mass is applied to the affected area, fixed with a gauze bandage and isolated from above with clean socks. Provided that there are no aggressive substances in the composition of the compress, the dressing is left overnight.

The most popular recipes for homemade antifungal compresses for the treatment of foot fungus:

  • Finely chopped fresh rowan leaves are applied to the infected skin, covered with a burdock leaf on top and wrapped in cellophane.
  • Apply the 35% salicylic ointment evenly to the lesions of the fungus, wrap with cling film. Change the dressing once a day.
  • Pass a few cloves of garlic through a press, mix with an equal amount of butter until smooth. Apply the resulting mass to the sore spot, wrap with a film, leave for the night. Garlic will sting, but it is a good way to cure foot fungus quickly.
  • Onion porridge is used for compresses in its pure form, you just need to change the bandages as often as possible. If the itching becomes unbearable, you can dilute the onion with petroleum jelly in a 1: 1 ratio.
  • Acetic compresses at night give good results. It is more convenient to use cotton wool soaked 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 a sore leg and insulated with polyethylene. The course is designed for 7-10 days.
  • Mashed potato sprouts insist on vodka for a day. Ready gruel is used for foot compresses before going to bed.
  • If the fungus is localized in the interdigital folds, you can apply a porridge of peppermint grass and salt to the affected skin. This remedy perfectly fights manifestations of itching, eliminates an unpleasant odor and other symptoms.

The method of rubbing the affected skin with birch tar, an alcoholic solution of iodine, garlic juice, tea tree oils and celandine helps to quickly get rid of the fungus on the legs at thehome.

Many local pharmaceutical antifungal drugs are recommended to be used in the form of compresses if the mycosis has reached an advanced stage.

Medicinal antifungal agents

The fastest way to cure a fungal infection is to use the right combination of folk remedies and antifungal drugs. Medicines for fungal diseases are divided into two main groups: for local and systemic use.

Oral antimycotics are prescribed for drug treatment of a fungus in an advanced form in the absence of contraindications. Taking tablets is associated with a risk to the liver, they should be taken only in the dosage indicated by the doctor.

The choice of local drugs depends on the species of the causative agent of the disease and the financial capabilities of the patient. Elimination of the fungus can take several months, and not everyone can afford 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 whole 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 of the drug. It is this criterion that determines the effectiveness of the drug against a particular type of infectious agent.

Antifungal drugs contain fungistatic substances: sertocanazole, bifonazole, ketoconazole, oxiconazole, terbinafine, ciclopiroxalamine, amorolfine.

It is easier to defeat the fungus on the legs with the help of local preparations in the early stages of the development of the disease, when the first signs of infection appear, if the treatment is carried out continuously according to the attached instructions.

Rules of personal hygiene as a prevention against fungus on the legs

foot hygiene to prevent skin fungus

Prevention of foot fungus is primarily a personal hygiene measure aimed at preventing infection, creating an environment hostile to microorganisms.

It is important to remember that mycotic lesions of the feet can last a long time, almost without manifesting themselves, they are characterized by a chronic recurrent course.

Pathogenic microorganisms that affect the foot are exceptionally tenacious, they love moisture, moist unventilated interdigital folds of the feet, lower and lateral surfaces of the sole.

Here is a short list of personal hygiene practices (well known, but not always followed) to avoid catching this compulsive infection:

  • Keep your feet dry and cool;
  • Regularly perform a pedicure in a timely manner using tools that have undergone appropriate disinfection treatment, using modern auxiliary and care products;
  • Wash your feet with warm soapy water daily, use antibacterial soap if necessary, wash your feet several times a day;
  • Wipe your toes from base to tip, the skin between the fingers, the whole foot;
  • Fight sweaty feet
  • Use antifungal powders for the feet, if necessary - cosmetic and medicinal antifungal creams, gels, nail polish;
  • Walk barefoot, barefoot at least at home, in the countryside;
  • Keep your toes slightly apart;
  • In locker rooms, showers, gyms, fitness clubs and other public places, do not walk barefoot - wear flip-flops (rubber slippers, waterproof slippers);
  • Do not use someone else's sponge, washcloth, 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 and well-ventilated shoes;
  • Change your sneakers in a timely manner; if they can be washed, wash them at least once a month;
  • Change socks (socks, stockings, tights) more often, especially in case of hyperhidrosis, if necessary - more often;
  • Wear socks made of hygroscopic materials (natural fibers or special synthetics);
  • Wash the socks to kill fungal spores in very hot water twice; rinse the socks thoroughly after washing them with washing powder so as not to aggravate the condition of the skin;
  • For the good sanitary and hygienic condition of sinks, showers, bathtubs, basins, wash them regularly, use special products;
  • Do not self-medicate, consult a doctor in the early stages of a fungal disease; do not expose others to the risk of infection;
  • Be especially careful in the presence of fungal diseases in households;
  • Help elderly family members to comply with the prescription of dermatologists and the necessary sanitary and hygienic requirements aimed at treating this disease.

Giving up bad habits is an important contribution to the prevention of foot fungus

give up bad habits to prevent fungus

Bad habits (excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, drug addiction), poor wakefulness - sleep, work - rest, improper behavior in stressful situations usually lead to a serious decrease in immunity, circulatory disorders.

Unreasonable unbalanced diet, excessive consumption of light carbohydrates, physical inactivity - up to obesity. Against the background of weakened immunity, circulatory disorders and obesity, a favorable climate is formed for infection and the development of infection into a generalized dangerous disease.

It indicates an urgent need to give up bad habits.

Folk and pharmaceutical remedies for the prevention of foot fungus

When choosing folk remedies for the prevention of foot fungus, it should be remembered that fungi do not like an acidic environment; to stop the growth of fungi, a slightly acidic environment (pH 5. 5) is sufficient. As a preventive measure, it is advisable to periodically:

  • Treating the feet with diluted lemon juice or fermented milk 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) orsparkling water (1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 liter of water).

Almost everyone has suffered 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 at a late stage in the development of the disease. Consider how to treat a fungus on the legs at home in order to forget about the disease as soon as possible.

What you need to know about mushrooms

Fungus on the feet is a contagious infectious disease that affects a person's skin and nails. Most often, this disease affects adults 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, trying on shoes and performing a pedicure, with insufficient sterilization of instruments.

On a note!

Thrush develops with a weakened immune system and when an infection gets into wounds or cuts.

The fastest 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 on your own, especially at the initial stage. Usually the infection does not manifest itself in any way, then itching, unpleasant smell from the feet, peeling and discoloration of the nail appear. As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, contact a dermatologist immediately. After a visual examination and tests, he 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 nailless. At the initial stage, the doctor will prescribe drugs and alternative methods that can be used at home to treat mycoses.

Medicines for the treatment of fungus

There are various drugs to eliminate fungal infections. You can quickly cure the feet from a fungus using modern pharmacy products. They kill the causative agent of the disease and prevent further reproduction of the infection. Medicines come in different forms of release, depending on the location of the fungus and the size of the affected area, the type of remedy is selected.

Before using remedies for the treatment of fungus, consult a doctor, he will tell you how to quickly get rid of fungus on your feet at home, taking into account your condition and possible contraindications.

Important!

It is undesirable to self-medicate, if the means used are not suitable, complications may appear and the situation may worsen.

To get rid of the fungus on the soles of the feet, it is better to use ointments, it is convenient to use suspensions on the skin between the fingers, as well as creams and varnishes for the nails.

Important!

The scheme of drug use depends on the type of pathogen and the depth of the lesion. It can take 9 to 12 months to overcome advanced yeast infection.

Folk remedies for the treatment of fungus on the legs

Folk recipes help get rid of mycosis at the initial stage of disease development. Many home remedies for the treatment of toe fungus allow the use of common products that are easy to find in every home.

The main thing is to follow the recommendations for use and not to interrupt treatment until a stable result is obtained.

Important!

Before using ointments and compresses, the legs should be steamed in a salt or soda bath. To do this, add 1 tablespoon to 1 liter of hot water. I. salt and soda. Warm up the legs for 10-15 minutes, process the feet and fingers with pumice stone, and the nails with a soft file. After that, continue the care.

Iodine

An alcohol solution of iodine is a strong antiseptic, with a pronounced antifungal effect. It destroys the protein structures that constitute the causative agent of mycosis.

Before using recipes with iodine, 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.

Before going to bed, you can use an iodine bath. To do this, dissolve 3 tbsp. I. of iodine in 5 liters of hot water, hold your feet for 20 minutes and dry them thoroughly with a towel. The treatment is carried out every other day.

Mix alcohol and iodine in equal proportions, apply the resulting liquid only to the affected areas, contact of the solution with healthy tissue can cause epidermal burns. Treat your feet for 5-10 days before bedtime.

Hydrogen peroxide

The tool is known for its antiseptic properties and the ability to soften tissues. It is used in many recipes, especially to fight a fungal infection.

Hydrogen peroxide bath against nail fungus. Pour 100 ml of peroxide into 2 liters of warm water, spray your feet for 15-20 minutes, then wipe and treat the skin with a pumice stone or brush, cut your nails.

Apply a 3% peroxide solution to a gauze bandage and apply it for 30 to 40 minutes on the injured area. The procedure should be repeated twice a day.

Vinegar

Mycosis has a protein structure, so it is afraid of deviations from the normal level of acidity. Acetic acid destroys the cells of the causative agent of the disease, due to which it turns out to eliminate the fungus on the legs.

For treatment, 9% apple cider vinegar diluted with water in equal proportions is used. Wet a sock or cotton ball (depending on the size of the affected area) and put or place it on your foot. The compress is held for 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 leg with this remedy every other day until the manifestations of the fungus are completely eliminated.

The tool should be used with care: before use, it is recommended to apply a greasy cream to healthy areas of the skin to protect the integuments from burns.

Celandine

Medicinal herbs help get rid of many diseases, including skin. A home remedy for fungus containing celandine will effectively eliminate the disease at the initial stage of development and will be an effective type of therapy for eliminating an old form of mycosis. This poisonous plant inhibits the activity of the causative agent of the disease, due to which mycotic cells die. In folk recipes, both flowers and leaves of celandine are used.

Apply fresh celandine juice to cracks, damage and rashes. It eliminates the infection and helps speed up the recovery process. Treat the feet every three days until the symptoms of the disease are completely eliminated.

Pour the dried celandine with a glass of boiling water and boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour the resulting liquid into a container and lower the legs there to steam for 20 minutes. This bath softens the skin and relieves puffiness.

Thoroughly mix dry celandine and tea oil until a slurry is obtained. Apply the resulting mass to the affected area of the leg and fix it with a bandage. The compress is done before going to bed. Rinse your feet in the morning with lukewarm water.

Fungal infection is the most common type of disease, it affects 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 a fungus on the legs at home is most effective at the initial stage of the development of the disease. There are many ways to get rid of mycosis at home: pharmaceutical preparations or folk recipes. It is better to start treatment only after consulting a doctor, he will help you choose the most effective treatment.