Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is a disease of the feet and nails caused by dermatophytes. Pathology is infectious in nature, a pathogenic parasite - the causative agent of 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 such means are obvious - availability, safety, effectiveness. Apple cider vinegar for nail fungus works like any antiseptic against parasites:
- Vinegar creates an acidic environment in the thickness of the nails.
- High acidity is detrimental to fungal spores, stops 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, when 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 growing for a long time, a neglected form is diagnosed, the plaque has become dirty yellow, gray, has become bumpy, crumbles along the cuts of the nails, oral antifungal drugs will have to be added 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 following rules:
- Judicious choice of essence: the raw materials - apple cider vinegar - must be natural, without impurities or chemical additives. Apple essence is easy to prepare at home.
- Take the necessary precautions: prevent the risk of spreading fungi by reinforcing hygiene requirements, use personal items (towels, slippers), wash towels and socks after use.
- Strictly follow the recipe and options for using 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 killing effect on the fungus.
Training
Healing baths are being prepared for the treatment of fungus as follows:
- We take vinegar (400-800 ml. ), Pour it into a container for the procedure.
- Thoroughly wash my feet, the places where the nails are damaged must first be steamed strongly, cut the seams.
Procedure
- Immerse your feet in a filled container, 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 sores, 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 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 places where the nails are damaged.
- 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 obtained).
- Glycerin is mixed in equal parts (it can be replaced with vegetable oil) with apple cider vinegar. Treatment with this mixture of mushrooms is recommended for lesions not only of the nails, but also of the skin.
- A compress of alcohol tincture of iodine (3 drops) with apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) helps well.
- Good results are achieved 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 at night, fixing them on the damaged area. You can put on lotions during the day - in this case, keep them on for at least three hours.
- As a result of the compress, the nail plate softens, which makes it possible to remove it with scissors.
- Lotions are effective if 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 of 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 vinegar ointments, like other folk remedies, requires compliance with the instructions.
Pomade Options
Empirically tested ointments against the fungus, the main component of which is apple vinegar:
- Finely chop the leaves of Kalanchoe (100 g) and add vinegar (1 teaspoon), honey (10 g), eucalyptus oil (30 g). Before starting the treatment of the fungus, 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, rinse with laundry soap in the morning.
Vinegar blends
With the help of these recipes, our distant ancestors successfully fought nail infection, defeated the fungus.
- A mixture of vinegar and honey. You can mix equal parts honey and vinegar and apply on the affected areas for 20 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Alternate baths with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (2 parts 2% hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water).
- A mixture of vinegar and colloidal silver - to enhance the effect on the fungus, a suspension containing metal particles is applied to dry feet after a vinegar bath and kept until the mixture dries.
When curing the fungus, it is recommended to apply the ointment twice a day. The therapy will be more effective if, before applying the ointment, carefully spray the legs and get rid of the thickened part of the nails.
Prevention
It is difficult to treat onychomycosis, it is a laborious process that requires a lot of time and patience. The difficulty of early diagnosis and the viability of the fungus complicate the fight against the disease.
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: skin allergic diseases, bronchial asthma, all kinds of skin 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 and not the aesthetic appearance of the affected nails.
- If you don't 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 timely treatment of this nail infection, there is a high probability of spreading the fungus on the skin of the hands, infecting family members, people around the patient.
How to avoid relapses
To prevent infection or recurrence of yeast infection on the legs, it is important to take the following preventive measures:
- Refuse to wear tight shoes that rub. 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 slippers, and after returning home, disinfect shoes and feet in a vinegar bath.
- If your feet sweat - wear socks made of natural materials, use cosmetics.
- Socks, tights, stockings must be changed daily.
- Pay special attention to immunity - this is a common cause of mycosis. Regularly take multivitamin cures: twice a year and after an illness, taking antibiotics when the body is weakened.