Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a disease of the feet and nails caused by dermatophytes. Pathology is an infectious, pathogenic parasite - the pathogen of the infection spreads throughout the body through the lymphatic system and the circulatory system.
Nail fungus, like many diseases, can be effectively cured by folk methods. The benefits of treatment with such devices are obvious - availability, safety, efficiency. Apple cider vinegar works against nail fungus like any other disinfectant against parasites:
- Vinegar creates an acidic environment in the thickness of the nail.
- High acidity is harmful to fungal spores, stopping the growth and reproduction process.
Treatment options
Depending on the stage and type of the disease, there are different treatment options for nail fungus:
- In the initial stage, until the color of the nails changes, the structure is initially ruined, sufficient treatment is provided by the application of folk methods: body lotions, baths, ointments.
- If the fungus develops for a long time, a neglected form is diagnosed, the plate becomes dirty yellow, gray, bumpy, crumbles along the nail cuts, oral antifungal agents should be added to folk methods.
Basic rules of use of the drug
Such a simple mechanism makes the treatment of mycosis with apple cider vinegar effective, following the rules:
- Careful choice of essence: the raw materials - apple cider vinegar - should be natural, without impurities, without chemical additives. Apple essence is easy to make at home.
- Take the necessary precautions: prevent the spread of mushrooms by tightening hygiene requirements, use personal items (towels, slippers), wash towels and socks after use.
- Strictly follow the prescription and medication options.
Method 1: Baths
Baths filled with a composition harmful to the fungus are a proven way to cure the disease. Apple cider vinegar has a highly destructive effect on the fungus.
Training
Healing baths are used to treat the fungus as follows:
- Take vinegar (400-800 ml) and pour into a vessel for the procedure.
- Wash my feet thoroughly, the nail injuries must first be strongly steamed, the seals must be cut off.
Proceedings
- Immerse your feet in a filled container, bathe for 10-15 minutes, dry your feet with a towel, and put on socks made of natural material (preferably cotton).
- For the treatment to be effective, bathing should be done in the morning and evening for the first 7 days and then every 3 days.
- If there are wounds or cracks in the legs, the procedure may be painful. To reduce the burning sensation, dilute apple cider vinegar with water (2: 1).
The towel should be washed thoroughly after use to prevent the spread of infection.
Method 2: Compress
Compresses combined with apple cider vinegar and other ingredients are effective against fungal growth.
Compression options
There are several ways to treat infections with lotions:
- A cotton ball (gauze) is moistened with apple cider vinegar and smeared on the damaged area of the nails.
- You can cure the infection with a paste-like mixture. In its composition, apple cider vinegar (two tablespoons) is combined with soda (until the desired density is reached).
- The glycerin is mixed in equal proportions (with replaceable vegetable oil) with apple cider vinegar. Treatment with this fungal mixture is recommended not only for nail but also for skin lesions.
- Compressing iodine alcohol tincture (3 drops) with apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) helps well.
- Good results can be obtained by treating the mushrooms with iodine lotions and a mixture of lemon, soda and water.
Application features
It is recommended to apply a compress at night, fixing the damaged area. You can also apply cream during the day - in this case, keep it for at least three hours.
- The compress softens the toenail plate so it can be removed with scissors.
- Lotions are effective when there is an initial form of nail disease.
- Because vinegar has a drying effect, it is important to use a cream to hydrate the skin of your feet after completing body lotions and other procedures.
Method 3: Ointments and mixtures
The use of apple cider vinegar-based ointments is effective in the treatment of fungi. Treatment with vinegar ointments, like other folk remedies, requires following instructions.
Ointment options
Empirically tested ointments against the fungus, the main ingredient of which is apple cider vinegar:
- Finely chop the Kalanchoe leaves (100 g) and add vinegar (1 teaspoon), honey (10 g), eucalyptus oil (30 g). Keep the mixture in the dark for 3 days before starting to treat the fungus. The treatment is performed by lubricating the affected nail.
- You can use the following ointment to get rid of onychomycosis: mix dimethyl phthalate, olive oil, glycerin in equal proportions with vinegar. Apply the ointment at night, wash off with soap in the morning.
Vinegar mixtures
With the help of these recipes, our distant ancestors successfully fought the infection of their nails, defeating the fungus.
- A mixture of vinegar and honey. You can mix honey and vinegar in equal proportions and apply for 20 minutes on the affected areas. Then rinse with warm water.
- Alternate baths with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (2 parts 2% hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water).
- Mixture of vinegar and silver colloid - to enhance the effect on the fungus, apply a suspension of metal particles to the dry feet after a vinegar bath and keep until the mixture dries.
It is recommended to apply the ointment twice a day to cure the fungus. Therapy will be more effective if you steam the feet thoroughly and get rid of the thickened part of the nails before applying the ointment.
Prevention
Onychomycosis is difficult to treat, it is a laborious process that requires a lot of time and patience. The fight against the disease is hampered by the difficulty of early diagnosis and the viability of the fungus.
Consequences of undertreated onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is not a cosmetic problem, the consequences of the fungus for a sick person are:
- Nail infection causes a number of complications: allergic skin diseases, bronchial asthma, all kinds of rashes.
- The Academy of Mycology has conducted studies that have shown that the fungus negatively affects the quality of life of a sick person. This is due to psychological problems rather than the aesthetic appearance of the nails involved.
- If you do not fight the disease at the first sign of the fungus, the immune system will suffer.
- There is a danger of erysipela.
- The fungus complicates the course of chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease).
- If you do not start treating your nail infection in time, there is a high probability that the fungus will spread to the skin of your hand, infecting family members, the people around the patient.
How to avoid relapse
The following preventive measures should be taken to prevent recurrence of infection or mycosis:
- Do not wear tight, rubbing shoes. Keep your shoes dry - there is an increased risk of abnormal fungus in a humid environment.
- When visiting public saunas, swimming pools, beaches, wear rubber slippers, and when you return home, disinfect both your shoes and your feet in a vinegar bath.
- If your feet sweat - wear socks made of natural materials, use cosmetics.
- Socks, stockings, stockings should be changed daily.
- Pay close attention to immunity - this is a common cause of mycosis. Take regular multivitamin regimens: twice a year and after illness, taking antibiotics when your body is weak.