Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a disease of the feet and toenails caused by dermatophytes. The pathology is contagious in nature, a pathogenic parasite - the causative agent of infection spreads throughout the body through the lymphatic circulatory system.
Nail fungus, like many diseases, can be effectively cured by folk methods. The advantages of treatment with such funds are obvious - availability, safety, effectiveness. Apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus works like any antiseptic against parasites:
- Vinegar creates an acidic environment in the thickness of the nails.
- High acidity is harmful to fungal spores, stops the process of growth and reproduction.
treatment options
Depending on the stage and type of disease, there are different treatment options for nail fungus:
- In the early stages, while changing the color of the nails, the initial destruction of the structure, adequate treatment is provided by the use of folk methods: lotions, baths, ointments.
- If the fungus has been developing for a long time, a neglected form is diagnosed, the plate has turned dirty yellow, turned gray, has become bumpy, crumbles along the cuts of the nails, it is necessary to add oral antifungal drugs to folk methods.
Basic rules for using the drug
Such a simple mechanism makes the treatment of mycosis with apple cider vinegar effective, subject to the rules:
- Careful selection of the essence: raw materials - apple cider vinegar - must be natural, without impurities, chemical additives. Apple essence is easy to make at home.
- Take the necessary precautions: prevent the risk of fungal spread by increasing hygiene requirements, use personal items (towels, slippers), wash towels and socks after use.
- Strictly follow the prescription and options for using the drug.
Method number 1: baths
Baths filled with a composition harmful to the fungus are a proven means of curing the disease. Apple cider vinegar has a strong destructive effect on the fungus.
training
Medicinal baths are prepared for the treatment of fungi as follows:
- We take vinegar (400-800 ml) and pour it into a container for the procedure.
- Thoroughly wash my feet, the damaged areas on the nails must first be strongly steamed, cut the seals.
procedure
- Dip your feet in a filled vessel, take a bath for 10-15 minutes, dry your feet with a towel, put on socks made of natural materials (preferably cotton).
- In order for the treatment to bring results, the first 7 days of bathing should be done in the morning and evening, then every 3 days.
- If there are wounds or tears on the legs, it is possible that the procedure will be painful. To reduce burning, dilute apple cider vinegar with water (2: 1).
After using the towel, it must be washed thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection.
Method number 2: compresses
Compresses with apple cider vinegar and in combination with other ingredients work against the development of the fungus.
Compress options
There are several ways to treat an infection with lotions:
- A cotton swab (gauze) is moistened with apple cider vinegar and applied to the places where the nails are damaged.
- You can cure the infection with a mixture that has the consistency of a paste. In its composition, apple cider vinegar (two tablespoons) is combined with soda (until the desired density is reached).
- Glycerin is mixed with apple cider vinegar in equal proportions (it can be replaced with vegetable oil). Treatment with this mixture of mushrooms is recommended not only for lesions of the nails, but also for the skin.
- A compress of alcohol tincture of iodine (3 drops) with apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) helps well.
- Good results are obtained by treating the fungus with iodine lotions, as well as a mixture of lemon, soda and water.
application features
It is recommended to put compresses on the damaged area at night. You can apply lotions during the day - in this case, keep at least three hours.
- The compress will soften the toenail plate, which allows it to be removed with scissors.
- Lotions are effective when there is an initial form of nail disease.
- Since vinegar has a drying effect, it is important to use a cream to moisturize the skin on the legs after the end of the session of lotions and other procedures.
Method number 3: ointments and mixtures
In the treatment of fungus, the use of ointments based on apple cider vinegar is effective. Treatment with ointments with vinegar, like other folk remedies, requires compliance with the instructions.
ointment options
Empirically tested ointments against the fungus, the main ingredient of which is apple cider vinegar:
- Finely chop Kalanchoe leaves (100 g) and add vinegar (1 teaspoon), honey (10 g), eucalyptus oil (30 g). Before you start treating the fungus, keep the mixture in a dark place for 3 days. Treatment is by smearing the affected nail.
- To get rid of onychomycosis, you can use the following ointment: dimethyl phthalate, olive oil, glycerin are mixed with vinegar in equal proportions. Apply the ointment in the evening, wash off with detergent in the morning.
vinegar mixtures
With the help of these recipes, our distant ancestors successfully fought the infection of the nails and defeated the fungus.
- A mixture of vinegar and honey. You can mix honey and vinegar in equal parts and apply it on the affected areas for 20 minutes. Then wash off with warm water.
- Alternating baths of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (2 parts 2% hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water).
- A mixture of vinegar with colloidal silver - to enhance the effect on the fungus, after a vinegar bath, a suspension with metal particles is applied to dry feet and left until the mixture dries.
When healing the fungus, it is recommended to apply the ointment twice a day. Therapy will be more effective if, before applying the ointment, you thoroughly steam the legs and remove the thickened part of the nails.
prevention
Treatment of onychomycosis is difficult, it's a painstaking process that takes a lot of time and patience. Complicating the fight against the disease is the difficulty of early detection 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 as follows:
- Nail infection provokes a number of complications: allergic skin diseases, bronchial asthma, all kinds of rashes.
- The Academy of Mycology conducted studies that proved that the fungus negatively affects the quality of life of a sick person. This is due to psychological issues, not the aesthetic appearance of the affected nails.
- If you do not fight the disease at the first sign of the fungus, the immune system will suffer.
- There is a risk of erysipelas.
- The fungus complicates the course of chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases).
- If you do not start treatment of this nail infection on time, there is a high probability that the fungus will spread to the skin of the hands and infect family members and people around the patient.
How to avoid relapse
To prevent infection or recurrence of mycosis on the legs, it is important to take the following preventive measures:
- Refuse to wear tight, abrasive shoes. Keep shoes dry - in a humid environment, the risk of pathological fungus increases.
- Wear rubber slippers when visiting public saunas, swimming pools, beaches, and disinfect both shoes and feet in a vinegar bath after returning home.
- If your feet sweat - wear socks made of natural materials, use cosmetics.
- Socks, tights, stockings must be changed daily.
- Pay close attention to immunity - this is a common cause of mycosis. Take multivitamin regimens regularly: twice a year and after illness, take antibiotics when the body is weakened.