The fungus can infect your skin and toenails. Fungal infection of the skin, also known as athlete's foot or water fleas, causes itching, burning, and peeling of the skin. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the toenail. Both types of foot fungus are highly contagious, either within your own body or to others through physical contact. Therefore, treating the infection and preventing its recurrence is very important.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating Athlete's Foot
Step 1. Do not let your feet continue to be contaminated
This common infection affects the skin on the fingers and soles of the feet. The infection can spread quickly and easily because the feet come into contact with the floor that many people have stepped on (at home or in sports facilities).
- Do not share towels or shoes with other people.
- Don't walk barefoot in locker rooms, public pools, public bathrooms, or gyms.
- Wear slippers or shower shoes when you shower until the infection clears up.
- Separate your laundry so things like socks and sheets don't contaminate other laundry.
- Keep the surfaces of the bath facilities in your home clean.
- Wear clean, dry socks every day or more often if necessary (after your workout).
Step 2. Use conventional medicine
For mild foot fungus, over-the-counter medications can be an effective treatment. If the case is severe, you may need prescription medication.
- Apply an antifungal ointment, spray, powder, or cream.
- Take medication without a doctor's prescription. Examples include butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), miconazole (Desenex, Zeasorb, and others), terbinafine (Lamisil AT), and tolnaftate (Tinactin, Ting, and others).
- If you have severe foot fungus, get a prescription medication from your doctor. You will be given topical medications such as clotrimazole and miconazole; oral medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan) and terbinafine (Lamisil). Keep in mind that these oral medications can interfere with the performance of other medications, such as antacid therapy medications and some anticoagulant medications.
Step 3. Try homeopathic remedies
Several unconventional treatments have been shown to be effective in treating fungal infections of the skin and nails.
- You can use tea tree oil, which is applied thinly on the affected area 2-3 times a day. Use a product that contains 100% tea tree oil.
- Apply grapefruit seed extract (a type of orange), which has been shown to have antifungal properties when used in concentrated conditions. Get this product at stores that specialize in bath products and natural foodstuffs.
- Expose the infected foot to sunlight and fresh air. Wear revealing footwear such as sandals and keep your feet clean and dry.
- Treat with garlic. Garlic contains antifungal compounds that have been shown to be effective in treating some fungal infections such as athlete's foot. Crush a few cloves of garlic, then add it to the water to soak your feet, then soak your feet for 30 minutes. Alternatively, mix freshly chopped garlic with olive oil and apply it on the affected area with a cotton swab.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Toenail Fungus
Step 1. Do not let your feet continue to be contaminated
This infection can be caused by "athlete's foot" or from other forms of contamination that are acquired in public places. Fungi also thrive in warm and humid environments, and can enter the body through cuts or holes between the skin and nails.
- Do not share towels or shoes with other people.
- Don't walk barefoot in locker rooms, public pools, public bathrooms, or gyms.
- Throw away any old shoes that may still be infected with the fungus.
- Wash your hands after touching infected toenails to prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy nails.
- Keep the infected foot dry by wearing open shoes or wearing clean, dry socks.
Step 2. Use conventional medicine
This infection may start with a mild degree, but will turn into an uncomfortable condition. Fungus can change the color of your nails, break the edges of your nails, or make your nails abnormally thick. This condition should be treated if the disease bothers you.
- Try prescription antifungal creams that are applied to your nails after soaking them in warm water.
- Ask your doctor for a prescription for oral medication that should be taken from 6 to 12 weeks, in combination with a topical antifungal medication.
Step 3. Try homeopathic remedies
Several unconventional treatments have been shown to be effective in treating toenail fungus in some people.
- You can use tea tree oil, which is applied thinly to the affected nails 2-3 times a day. Use a product that contains 100% tea tree oil.
- Apply snakeroot plant extract, as this remedy has often been shown to be as effective as conventional antifungal creams.
- Wet your infected nails with white vinegar, which naturally has antibacterial properties. After the nails have been filed (to reveal the new nail surface), apply full-strength vinegar with a cloth, cotton swab, or cotton swab 1-2 times a day for a few weeks.
Step 4. Consult a doctor for surgery if the disease is very severe
This may be necessary if you have severe pain in the infected nail. This procedure is performed by removing the entire infected nail. The removal of the nail is often combined with the application of antifungal drugs to the nail bed.
Don't worry, your nails will definitely grow back, but it may take up to a year
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Fungus From Reappearing
Step 1. Wear proper footwear
The fungus breeds well in damp places with poor ventilation. So wear light, breathable shoes and change your shoes frequently.
- Discard old shoes that may be a breeding ground for mold.
- Change socks twice a day if your feet sweat easily.
- Wear clothes made of natural materials such as cotton or wool, or clothes made of synthetic materials that are specifically designed to draw moisture away from the wearer's body.
- If possible, expose your feet to sunlight and fresh air.
Step 2. Keep your feet clean and dry
Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Every time you wash your feet, use a clean towel so you don't get re-infected by a dirty towel.
- Apply antifungal foot powder between your toes and around your feet.
- Cut your nails short and keep them clean, especially if you have toenail fungus.
Step 3. Develop a strong immune system
A weak immune system puts you at higher risk of developing "athlete's foot" and toenail fungus.
- Get enough sleep at night.
- Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
- Take a multivitamin supplement daily or several times a week.
- Take time to get outdoors, especially in the sun, to get the dose of vitamin D you need.
- Control stress and anxiety by doing exercises, meditation, or other forms of relaxation.
Step 4. Do an adequate amount of exercise
Everyone knows that exercise is great for health, but exercise is also very important to fight infections and prevent their recurrence. Because the blood circulation in your feet is reduced compared to the rest of your body, your immune system will have a harder time detecting and eliminating infections that occur in your feet.
- Start slowly if you are not used to doing exercises regularly. Get your body circulating by walking, swimming, or doing light exercise.
- Try doing light weight training at home or at the gym.
- You have to use the stairs more often to get to the top floor and park the vehicle far from where you are going. Even a little extra movement will do you good.
Warning
- To prevent other people from getting infected, do not walk barefoot in public or in the house when other people are also not wearing shoes.
- Antifungal drugs usually have side effects such as skin rashes and damage to the liver.
