Ringworm is an unpleasant fungal disease. The treatment period is long, there is a high risk of reinfection. For greater efficiency, traditional medicines are combined with folk remedies. The advantage of the latter is its low cost. It is important not only to get rid of foot fungus in a timely manner, but also to prevent its development.
Causes and symptoms of defeat
Initially, 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 start to develop from the nail plate. This is possible if an infection is brought on during the pedicure. Common foot fungus symptoms include:
- the formation of cracks in the heel;
- thickening of the skin;
- the formation of bubbles with a clear liquid;
- redness of the skin.
The fungus can be a manifestation of an allergic reaction. In this case, the illness is acute. The causes of ringworm can be different:
- low immunity;
- permanence of the foot in a hot and humid environment for a long period;
- vascular pathology;
- foot injuries;
- wear poor quality shoes;
- diabetes;
- immunodeficiency pathologies.
Quickly getting rid of the fungus on your feet will be problematic, as the larger the affected area, the longer the therapy will last. Effective treatment is only possible if medications have been selected correctly.
traditional treatment
Most of the time, to remove the fungus from the legs, ointments are used, in whose composition there are substances that neutralize the mycelium. They are for external use only. Most preparations contain additional components in the form of vitamin and mineral supplements. They help to speed up the recovery process.
Fungal lesions are eliminated with antifungal drugs. They not only eliminate the symptoms but also affect the cause of the illness. An ointment, which contains undecylenic acid and zinc, is also effective, so the medicine is able to have a fungistatic effect.
The budget option is liniment, which contains xeroform, tar and camphor. These active ingredients penetrate deeply, relieve 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 get rid of foot fungus with the help of pills. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it disrupts the ergosterol production process and destroys pathogenic microorganisms. These medications have several contraindications, so they can only be taken as directed by a specialist.
folk remedies
Medical treatment is quite expensive, but not always effective. Combining traditional medicine with traditional recipes will help you get good results in a short time.
The following remedies and herbs will help eliminate foot fungus:
- iodine;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- celandine;
- soda.
Iodine is a good antiseptic and a very strong halogen. Most fungal strains are made up of proteins, so this product helps to fight them effectively. Before use, make sure the patient is not allergic to iodine and is not hypersensitive to it. However, this folk remedy only helps in the early stage of the injury, as the effect is only on the top layer. Iodine solution is highly concentrated and must be diluted with alcohol before use. The drug is recommended to be applied at night. The treatment period must be at least one week.
Hydrogen peroxide helps to normalize metabolic processes. Applications are made on the basis of a 3% solution. You need to hold them for 10 minutes. To get the effect, such compresses should be done twice a day for 5 days.
Celandine is often used to treat skin conditions. This can be explained by the fact that saponins and alkaloids are present in the composition of its juice. Based on the plant, baths, infusions, compresses and decoctions are prepared. Freshly squeezed juice is very effective. It is used for compresses. Dry or fresh grass can be used for bathing. For 100 g of dry base, about 1 liter of liquid is taken. Bathing must be done every day for 10 days. After the procedure, the feet are dried and the dead skin is removed. Affected areas are lubricated with juice.
Sodium bicarbonate has an emollient and disinfectant effect. It is rarely used in its pure form. In most cases, this product is combined with salt or soap. Soda and sea salt baths give a good effect. If you wish, you can add a few drops of iodine there. You need to spray your feet twice a day. The therapeutic course lasts about 5 days.
Folk remedies help to eliminate the fungus within a week, but only if the cause of the mycotic lesion is eliminated.
Preventive measures
It is easier to prevent a disease than to cure it for a long time. Fungal infections thrive in warm, humid environments. You only need to wear high quality shoes and full size. You cannot walk barefoot in public areas. In this case, it is preferable to give preference to rubber slippers.
When buying new shoes, you shouldn't try them on without socks. It is best not to wear a shopping sock as it may have been worn by a person infected with the fungus. After a bath or shower, dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.
The use of individual and sterilized instruments for pedicure is recommended. If the pedicure is done in a beauty salon, you need only give preference to a trusted master who uses high-quality and safe materials. Foot hygiene is an important part of prevention.
There are many remedies available to help with foot fungus. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before using them. Mycotic lesions can only be recovered with folk remedies in the initial phase; for the treatment of more advanced cases, a combined approach is needed.