Fungal infections can infect the skin and toenails. A fungal infection on the feet is also known as "athlete's foot" and causes itching, burning and peeling. This infection can also spread to the nails if it is not properly treated. Know that both types of fungi are extremely contagious and can spread to the rest of the body, as well as to other people's skin through contact, so it is extremely important to be able to treat it properly and prevent possible recurrence.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treat Athlete's Foot
Step 1. Avoid possible infections
This rather frequent infection affects the skin of the fingers and soles of the feet. Because the feet come into contact with floors that many people walk on (at home or in sports facilities), the infection could spread easily and quickly.
- Do not share other people's shoes or towels.
- Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms, public pools, public showers, or the gym.
- Wear flip-flops or other specific footwear when showering until the infection is eradicated.
- Keep your laundry to be washed in a separate place so that items like socks and sheets don't contaminate the rest of the laundry.
- Keep your bathroom surfaces clean.
- Wear clean, dry socks every day, or change them even more often if necessary (for example after sports activities).
Step 2. Take traditional medications
If the infection is mild, an over-the-counter drug may be an effective treatment. However, if the situation is quite serious, medicines prescribed by the doctor are necessary.
- Apply an antifungal product as an ointment, spray, powder, or cream.
- Get an over-the-counter drug. Among these, the most used are clotrimazole (Canesten), miconazole (Miconal), terbinafine and tolnaftate (Tinaderm).
- If the infection is severe, get a prescription for stronger medications. Among these are clotrimazole and miconazole for topical use, while among the drugs for oral use are itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan) and terbinafine (Lamisil). Keep in mind that these oral medications can interfere with other medications, such as antacids and some blood thinners.
Step 3. Try a homeopathic cure
Several non-traditional treatments have been shown to be effective in fighting fungal infections of the skin and nails.
- Use tea tree oil (also called tea tree oil) by applying a light layer to the infected area 2-3 times a day. Make sure it's a 100% pure product.
- Apply grapefruit seed extract. Some research has found that it has antifungal properties when used in concentrate. You can find this product in stores that specialize in natural or cosmetic products.
- Leave the infected foot in the sun and fresh air; wear open shoes, such as sandals, and keep your feet dry and clean.
- Try garlic, which contains antifungal elements that have been shown to be effective against several types of yeast infections, including athlete's foot. Finely crush several wedges and add them to a foot bath, then soak your foot for 30 minutes. Alternatively, mix fresh minced garlic with olive oil and rub the mixture over the affected area with a cotton ball.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Onicomycosis of the Foot
Step 1. Avoid possible infections
Fungal nail infections can be caused by athlete's foot spreading to other areas or through other forms of contact, such as exposure in public places. Fungi thrive and grow in warm, humid environments, so it's not difficult at all to get infected through a cut or tear between the nail and the skin.
- Do not share shoes or towels with anyone else.
- Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms, swimming pools, public showers, and gyms.
- Discard any old shoes that may still contain mushrooms.
- Wash your hands after touching the infected nail to avoid spreading the infection to other healthy nails.
- Always keep the infected foot dry by wearing open shoes or clean, dry socks.
Step 2. Take conventional medications
This infection can start in a mild form, but there is a chance it will soon become a much more troublesome problem. Fungal infections can change the color of the nail, break its edges and cause it to thicken. If it starts to cause discomfort, it needs to be treated.
- Get a prescription for an antifungal cream and spread it on the nail after soaking it in hot water.
- Ask your doctor to prescribe oral medications, which you should take for 6-12 weeks, in combination with topical treatment.
Step 3. Try a homeopathic cure
Some unconventional treatments have been shown to be effective in curing fungal infections in some people.
- Apply a light coat of tea tree oil to the affected nail 2-3 times a day. Use a product that is 100% pure.
- Apply very high ageratin extract, a natural remedy that has proven to be as effective as traditional antifungal creams.
- Dip the infected nail in white vinegar, which has natural antibacterial properties. After filing the nail (thus exposing an underlying layer), take a cotton ball, cloth or gauze and dab pure vinegar on the area 1-2 times a day for several weeks.
Step 4. Discuss surgery in extreme cases with your doctor
This may be necessary if the infected nail starts to cause a lot of pain. The procedure consists in removing the diseased nail completely, jointly applying antifungal drugs in the nail bed.
Do your normal recovery and rest assured that a new nail will grow, even if it may take up to a year
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Relapses
Step 1. Wear appropriate footwear
Fungi grow in humid, poorly ventilated environments, so you should wear light, breathable shoes and change them often.
- Throw away any old shoes that may harbor mushroom colonies.
- Change your socks twice a day if your feet tend to sweat easily.
- Wear clothes made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and wool, unless you find synthetic materials that are specifically designed to wick moisture away from the skin.
- Leave your feet in the sun and fresh air when you can.
Step 2. Keep your feet clean and dry
Wash them with antibacterial soap and dry them thoroughly, especially in the area between the toes.
- Use a clean towel every time you wash, to avoid infecting your feet with the old one again.
- Apply antifungal powder between the toes and all over the foot.
- Trim your nails short and make sure they are always clean, especially if you have a fungal infection.
Step 3. Strengthen the immune system
If it is weak or impaired, the risk of developing athlete's foot and other nail fungus increases.
- Try to get adequate sleep every night.
- Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
- Take multivitamin supplements every day or several times a week.
- Spend time outside, especially on sunny days, to make sure you get the vitamin D you need.
- Manage stress and anxiety with physical activity, meditation, or other forms of relaxation.
Step 4. Get adequate exercise
Everyone knows that physical activity is good for health, but it is even more important to fight infections and avoid possible recurrences. Since the feet have reduced blood circulation compared to other areas of the body, it is more difficult for the immune system to detect and eliminate infections in this area.
- Start slowly if you are not used to regular training; walk, swim or do light bodyweight exercises to improve circulation.
- Try a light weight workout at home or at the gym.
- Take the stairs more often and park your car farther from where you need to go; even a little extra movement can help.
Warnings
- Out of respect for others, avoid walking barefoot in public places and other people's homes.
- Among the side effects of antifungal drugs are also skin rashes and liver damage.
