Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a disease of the feet and nails caused by dermatophytes. The pathology is infectious in nature, a pathogenic parasite - the causative agent of the infection spreads throughout the body through the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
Nail fungus, like many diseases, can be effectively cured by folk methods. The advantages of treatment with these means are obvious - availability, safety, effectiveness. Apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus works like any antiseptic for parasites:
- Vinegar creates an acidic environment in the thickness of the nails.
- High acidity is harmful to fungal spores, interrupts the process of growth and reproduction.
treatment options
Depending on the stage and type of the disease, there are different treatment options for nail fungus:
- In the early stages, while there is a change in the color of the nails, the initial destruction of the structure, sufficient 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 plaque has turned dirty yellow, gray, has become lumpy, crumbles along the nail cuts, oral antifungal drugs will have to be added to folk methods.
Basic rules for the use of the drug
Such a simple mechanism makes the treatment of ringworm with apple cider vinegar effective, subject to the rules:
- Careful choice of essence: raw materials - apple cider vinegar - must be natural, without impurities, chemical additives. Apple essence is easy to make at home.
- Take necessary precautions: avoid the risk of fungus spreading by enforcing hygiene requirements, use personal items (towels, slippers), wash towels and socks after use.
- Strictly follow the prescription and usage options for the drug.
Method number 1: baths
Baths filled with a composition harmful to the fungus are a proven way to cure the disease. Apple cider vinegar has a high level of destructive effect on the fungus.
Training
Curing baths are being prepared for the treatment of fungi as follows:
- We take vinegar (400-800 ml. ), pour into a container for the procedure.
- Wash your feet well, nail damage sites must first be steamed hard, cut the seals.
Procedure
- Soak your feet in a full container, shower for 10-15 minutes, dry your feet with a towel, put on socks made of natural materials (preferably cotton).
- For the treatment to work, the first 7 days of bathing should be done in the morning and at night, then every 3 days.
- If there are wounds, cracks on the legs, it is possible that the procedure will be painful. To reduce the burning sensation, dilute apple cider vinegar with water (2: 1).
After using the towel, it should be washed thoroughly to prevent the spread of infection.
Method number 2: compresses
Compresses with apple cider vinegar and in combination with other ingredients are effective against the development of the fungus.
compression options
There are several ways to treat an infection with lotions:
- A cotton swab (gauze) is moistened with apple cider vinegar, 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 obtained).
- Glycerin is mixed in equal proportions (can be replaced with vegetable oil) with apple cider vinegar. Treatment with this fungal mixture is recommended for injuries not only to the nails, but also to the skin.
- A compress of iodine alcohol tincture (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.
app features
It is recommended to put compresses at night, fixing on the damaged area. You can put on lotions during the day - in this case, keep it for at least three hours.
- As a result of the compress, the nail plate softens, which allows it to be removed with scissors.
- Lotions are effective if there is an early form of nail disease.
- As vinegar has a drying effect, it is important to use a cream to moisturize the skin of the legs after the session of lotions and other procedures is over.
Method number 3: ointments and mixtures
In the treatment of fungi, the use of ointments based on apple cider vinegar is effective. Treatment with vinegar ointments, like other folk remedies, requires compliance with the instructions.
ointment options
Ointments empirically tested against the fungus, the main component of which is apple cider vinegar:
- Finely chop Kalanchoe leaves (100 g) and add vinegar (1 tsp), honey (10 g), eucalyptus oil (30 g). Before starting the fungus treatment, keep the mixture for 3 days in a dark place. Treatment is carried out by lubricating 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 at night, wash off with washing powder in the morning.
vinegar mixtures
With the help of these recipes, our distant ancestors successfully fought the nail infection, defeating the fungus.
- A mixture of vinegar and honey. You can mix equal parts of honey and vinegar and apply it to the affected areas for 20 minutes. Then wash with warm water.
- Alternate baths with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (2 parts 2% hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water).
- A mixture of vinegar with colloidal silver - to increase the effect on the fungus, a suspension with metal particles is applied to dry feet after a vinegar bath and kept until the mixture dries.
When curing the fungus, it is recommended that the ointment be applied twice a day. Therapy will be most effective if, before applying the ointment, you thoroughly steam your legs and get rid of the thick part of your nails.
Prevention
It is difficult to treat onychomycosis, it is a painstaking process that requires a lot of time and patience. Complicating the fight against the disease is 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 as follows:
- Nail infection causes a number of complications: allergic skin diseases, bronchial asthma, all kinds of rashes.
- The Academy of Mycology carried out studies that proved that the fungus negatively affects the quality of life of a sick person. This is due to psychological problems, not the aesthetic appearance of the affected nails.
- If you don't fight the disease at the first sign of the fungus, your 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 timely treatment of this nail infection, there is a high probability that the fungus will spread to the skin of the hands, infect family members, people around the patient.
How to avoid relapse
To prevent infection or recurrence of ringworm on the legs, it is important to take the following preventive measures:
- Refuse to wear tight, rubbed shoes. Keep shoes dry - in a humid environment, the risk of the appearance of a pathological fungus increases.
- When visiting public saunas, swimming pools, beaches, wear rubber flip-flops, and when returning home, disinfect your shoes and feet in a vinegar bath.
- If your feet sweat - wear socks made of natural materials, use cosmetics.
- Socks, tights, socks must be changed daily.
- Pay close attention to immunity - this is a common cause of ringworm. Take regular courses of multivitamins: twice a year and after illness, taking antibiotics when the body is weakened.