5 best remedies for nail fungus

According to research, every third person experiences fungal nail diseases. Moreover, nail fungus was quite rare a few decades ago.

According to researchers, the disease has become so widespread thanks to the benefits of civilization: the high availability of swimming pools, public saunas, gyms - everything that was created to improve human health. But when building muscle mass or losing excess weight, a person rarely pays attention to the threat that is next to him: pathogenic fungi that are just waiting to become one with a new “host”.

The consequences (and not only of an aesthetic nature) are not long in coming. Darkened, loose, peeling nails, unpleasant odor from feet and shoes are far from the worst manifestations of the disease. Without treatment, the fungus can spread to neighboring areas of the body, reduce local immunity and promote secondary infection - penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the tissues and blood, and also cause infection of others. Members of the patient's family are at risk - people whose skin comes into contact with surfaces on which microscopic particles of infected skin remain. It is for this reason that purchasing an effective nail fungus remedy for your home medicine cabinet is a great idea, especially if you go to the gym, swimming pools and other public places where there is a high risk of fungal infection.

So, what are the best remedies for nail fungus that the modern pharmaceutical industry and traditional medicine offer us?

How can you choose a drug?

Mycoses are infectious diseases in which parasitic fungi become the source of damage to the skin and nails. Types of fungal diseases are classified according to the pathogen.

A huge number of fungi are isolated in medicine. Many of them can cause various rashes on a person’s skin, not only creating an aesthetic problem, but also affecting health. It is in this regard that at the first appearance of symptoms of the disease it is necessary to contact a medical institution for diagnosis.

The dermatologist will conduct a special analysis that will determine the type of pathogen. Based on the data obtained, and in addition, on the basis of the clinical picture of the course of the pathology, he will determine the most effective remedy for foot fungus and prescribe the appropriate treatment course. Most often, you need to take several medications at once.

The duration of therapy with anti-fungal toenail agents can vary - from two to three weeks to several months. Even the best medicine cannot always cope with the disease quickly enough, since pathogens can hide in the body and remain difficult to reach.

Treatment for athlete's foot typically involves the use of topical medications in the form of creams, gels, ointments, and systemic medications in tablet form. In some situations, dermatologists also recommend using certain traditional methods that are effective in combating this disease. In addition, it is worth implementing some preventive measures that reduce the risk of spreading the disease, re-infections, or prevent the disease from progressing.

Inexpensive ointments for nail fungus

Vishnevsky ointment

Good for nail fungus. The active components are destructive against many pathogenic microorganisms.

Zinc ointment

Also used for nail fungus. The product dries the skin and accelerates tissue regeneration. Treatment with zinc ointment is carried out during pregnancy.

Sulfuric ointment

Helps against nail and foot fungus. The drug can be used for inflammatory processes caused by mycoses. Sulfur ointment also has emollient properties.

Bufinal

A drug containing bifonazole. It has a fungicidal effect against many types of microorganisms.

Teymurov ointment

For nail fungus - prescribed for concomitant hyperhidrosis.

Thermikon

A product based on terbinafine. Can be used to detect mold and yeast microorganisms.

Ichthyol ointment

Helps against nail fungus and some infections of the epidermis. Quickly relieves inflammation and irritation.

Levomekol

Contains chloramphenicol. The drug quickly heals and regenerates affected areas of the skin and nails.

Thai ointments

Used for inflammation and nail fungus. The drugs have a natural composition and rarely cause allergic reactions.

Mycoseptin ointment

Has a fungistatic effect. Can be used for hyperhidrosis and irritations.

Chinese ointment

Prescribed at the initial stage of development of mycoses.

Medicines

The most effective remedies against foot fungus are various pharmaceutical medications. There are a large number of them. They, first of all, differ in the way they affect the disease, and also differ in the dosage form:

External preparations are applied directly to the affected area, as they are made in the form of creams, varnishes, sprays and ointments.
Internal medications in tablet form are taken orally. When dissolved, they spread throughout the body.
Anti-fungus foot remedies are divided into several categories depending on the active ingredients. The selection of medications should always be carried out exclusively by the attending physician. Doing this on your own is prohibited, since any medications have contraindications and cause adverse reactions.

Azole group

Anti-foot fungus products based on components such as imidazoles and triazoles have the following important properties: fungicidal and fungistatic.

The first property can influence the destruction of pathogens, and the second can influence the prevention of their development processes. Thanks to this, treatment is carried out, that is, the disease not only stops, but also gradually goes away. The list of drugs from the azole group should include the following popular and common drugs:

"Clotrimazole".
"Ketoconazole".
"Miconazole".
"Itraconazole"
"Nizoral."
"Fluconazole".

It should be noted that each remedy against foot fungus also has a lot of analogues, differing in some components. However, in general, all such agents have a detrimental effect on the fungus.

But it is also worth considering that not every fungus is afraid of these remedies. They are generally suitable for combating yeast, yeast-like and mold forms. These drugs are produced in the form of capsules for oral use, and in addition, in the form of ointments and creams for topical use, and so on.

Medicines should be applied to the body three times a day; the surface of the skin and nails should first be prepared. Capsules are taken according to a schedule determined by the attending physician. They are usually taken over a period of several weeks or months.

Popular creams

The choice of antifungal creams in pharmacies is quite wide; there you can always find what the doctor prescribed and choose a good and best remedy under the given conditions. It is possible to select an analogue of the desired drug, knowing the required active component and taking into account possible differences in the pattern of use and duration of the course.

Clotrimazole

An antifungal agent in the form of a cream, the active ingredient is clotrimazole (10 mg per 1 g of cream), belongs to the group of imidazole derivatives. Prescribed for local treatment of infections caused by dermatophytes, molds, yeasts and dimorphic fungi. The action is to disrupt the production of ergosterol, which is involved in the formation of the cell membrane of fungal pathogens.

The cream does not accumulate in the epidermis and skin, and when treating nails it penetrates into the keratin layer. Clotrimazole is not absorbed into the blood.

According to the instructions, the cream is applied to the skin in the affected area 2-3 times a day; before applying, the skin of the feet should be washed with soap and wiped dry. The duration of the course is from 2 to 4 weeks. It is recommended to continue treatment for about 3 weeks after the symptoms disappear, because early interruption of the course threatens relapse of the disease.

Terbinafine

A cheap cream for foot fungus based on the antimycotic substance of the same name, which belongs to the class of allylamines. When applied topically, it has a fungicidal and fungistatic effect depending on the type of fungal pathogen. The action of terbinafine is based on early inhibition of sterol synthesis processes in the cells of pathogenic organisms, which leads to disruption of the intracellular balance of ergosterol and squalene and subsequent cell death.

The active substance accumulates in the skin, nails and hair; penetrates into the bloodstream in small quantities and is excreted in the urine. The possibility of some of it getting into breast milk when using the drug during lactation cannot be ruled out.

Prescribed for dermatophytic mycoses, candidiasis, pityriasis versicolor. Apply with light rubbing movements onto the affected skin 1-2 times a day. The average course duration is 7 days.

Bifosin

The use of Bifosin cream, 100 g of which contains 1 g of the antimycotic bifonazole, is another available option for the local treatment of mycoses. Being an imidazole derivative, the active substance has a fungicidal effect against dermatophyte pathogens and a fungistatic effect against yeast and mold fungi.

When applied to the skin, the cream is well absorbed, and after 6 hours its concentration is many times higher than the minimum required to affect the fungus. The proportion of cream absorption into the blood through the affected skin is about 2-4%, the half-life is from 20 to 32 hours.

Apply the cream against fungus on the feet once a day in a thin layer, gently rubbing into the skin. For an area approximately the size of your palm, you need no more than 0.5-1 cm of cream (if measured at the exit from the tube). It absorbs quickly and leaves no residue or odor. The average course duration for mycoses of the legs is 3-4 weeks. The general rule is to apply the cream for another 12-15 days after the symptoms have completely disappeared.

Atifin

An inexpensive cream for the local treatment of mycoses and onychomycosis, acting due to the active substance terbinafine. The mechanism of action is the same as that of similar drugs: inhibition of squalene oxidase in the membranes of parasite cells, leading to a deficiency of ergosterol, which they need for life.

Efficiency for mycoses of the feet is more than 90%. Before use, skin and nails must be washed with soap and dried thoroughly. The cream is applied 1-2 times a day, the course is prescribed depending on the degree of neglect of the disease: on average it lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. It is unacceptable to interrupt treatment early: the disease may recur, but the pathogen will be less susceptible to treatment.

Lamisil

A popular antifungal cream, the pharmacological action is similar to the previous one, because it is based on the same terbinafine. 1 g of cream contains 10 mg of terbinafine hydrochloride, which corresponds to approximately 8.8 g of terbinafine.

When used externally, about 5% of the substance enters the systemic bloodstream, the rest is absorbed into the epidermis, skin and subcutaneous tissue, where it destroys the fungus, preventing its proliferation. Excess concentration of the drug in the skin, accumulated over 7 days of using the cream, is completely eliminated over the next 7 days.

The cream is applied once a day, lightly rubbing into the skin. If the disease is complicated by diaper rash between the toes, after applying the cream, these places can be covered with gauze, especially at night.

Exoderil

An effective and efficient antimycotic made in Austria for external use. The active substance, naftifine, belongs to the group of allylamines. In addition to fungus, it can fight some types of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Indicated for fungal infections of the skin and nails and other diseases caused by the activity of fungi or bacteria. When treating mycosis, the cream is applied to the affected areas, covering approximately 1 cm of healthy skin on all sides: this prevents the spread of the fungus. For onychomycosis, it is recommended to remove as much of the affected nail plate as possible, this will accelerate the accumulation of the active substance in the tissues and shorten the period of complete recovery.

Nizoral

Cream based on a synthetic imidazole derivative - ketoconazole. This antifungal foot cream is effective against dermatophytes and yeast fungi, quickly relieves the unpleasant symptoms of mycosis: itching, burning, skin irritation.

The application regimen depends on the severity of dermatomycosis - the cream is applied to the affected areas 1 or 2 times a day. After the symptoms disappear, treatment is continued for about 2 weeks. The course of treatment lasts from 4 to 6 weeks.

Zalain

White soft cream for fungus between toes. It is odorless or with a barely noticeable odor due to the auxiliary components. The main component is sertaconazole, an antimycotic of the imidazole series.

Used topically to treat fungal infections of the skin and nails. Apply to dry skin of the feet and nails, covering 1 cm of healthy surface on each side. The recommended duration of treatment, as with similar drugs, is about 4 weeks, i.e. 2 weeks after complete disappearance of symptoms.

Candide

Branded analogue of Clotrimazole, based on the active ingredient of the same name. It is characterized by a wide spectrum of antifungal action against dermatophytes, blastomycetes, hyphomycetes and dimorphic fungi, and has a mainly fungistatic effect.

The scheme for applying the drug for mycoses of the legs is a thin layer (about 5 mm of cream on an area the size of a palm) from 1 to 3 times a day. Course - 3-4 weeks. If after 4 weeks of treatment there is no improvement, it is necessary to repeat the analysis to identify the type of pathogen: perhaps the lack of effect is due to an error in identifying the pathogenic flora.

Tinedol

Tinedol is positioned as a foot cream against fungus and odor based on natural ingredients. The active ingredient is climbazole, and it is supplemented with vitamin E and essential oils that combat unpleasant odors.

In addition to the expected antifungal effect, Tinedol moisturizes and soothes the skin of the feet, relieving itching and eliminating flaking of the skin. Apply, like other creams, to clean and dry skin 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is until complete recovery plus 2 weeks to prevent relapses.

Mycostop

Cream for fungus on the feet between the toes, effective against all types of pathogens of this disease. The active substance is tetranyl-U, a derivative of undecylenic acid. This acid is part of sebum and is responsible for local immunity against fungi, bacteria and other pathogenic organisms, and tetranil is many times more effective in fighting mycosis pathogens that have entered the skin.

In addition, Mycostop cream contains urea, which is designed to speed up the exfoliation of skin roughened by fungus.

The cream is applied in an even layer in the morning and evening. The effect of complete exfoliation occurs after 1-2 weeks with regular use.

Mycospor

An antifungal drug based on bifonazole with a wide spectrum of antimycotic activity. Effective against mycoses caused by dermatophytes, mold and yeast fungi. Inhibits the production of ergosterol at two levels at once, which ensures the destruction of the fungus and the cessation of its reproduction.

The cream is used once a day, preferably before bedtime. A thin layer of the substance is rubbed into the affected skin until completely absorbed. The duration of the course for mycosis of the feet is 2-3 weeks.

Ketoconazole

The active ingredient of the cream of the same name is a broad-spectrum antimycotic. When used externally, it is not absorbed into the systemic bloodstream, providing a fungicidal and fungistatic effect directly in the skin and in the thickness of the nail plate.

Apply once a day to the affected area and adjacent healthy skin. In severe cases of the disease with severe symptoms, you can increase the frequency of application to 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 3-4 weeks.

Fundizol

It is positioned as an antifungal cream, but in composition it is rather an auxiliary drug, acceptable for use in combination with antifungals.

Fundizol contains substances that facilitate the exfoliation of dead skin, relieve inflammation, soften nails damaged by fungus, improve blood circulation and promote healing and restoration of the skin, prevent infection and increase local immunity.

To ensure maximum effectiveness, the anti-foot fungus cream is applied twice a day to the affected skin and nails in a thick layer, after which it is fixed with a bandage and plaster. The duration of the course is not limited; you can use the cream until complete recovery.

Econazole

Antifungal drug of the imidazole series, the active substance is econazole nitrate. The pharmacological action is completely identical to similar drugs (Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, etc.): combating mycosis pathogens by disrupting the synthesis of ergosterol in the cell membranes of parasites.

The duration of treatment for mycosis of the feet is at least a month. If there is no visible effect, therapy should be suspended until the diagnosis is clarified.

Zhivin

Cream against foot fungus based on ketoconazole, the action of which is complemented by the antiseptic and deodorizing effect of grapefruit oil. In addition, it contains many other essential oils and natural extracts.

The active substance fights directly against the causative agent of the disease, while additional components soften and refresh the skin of the feet, accelerating its healing after inflammatory processes, and also remove the unpleasant odor that always occurs with mycoses. Zhivin is considered an effective means of preventing fungal infections.

Mycotrine

Clotrimazole is responsible for the antifungal effect of this drug. In addition, Mycotrin contains triclosan, allantoin, panthenol and tea tree oil. These components provide protection against bacteria and inflammation while the active substance fights fungus. Natural ingredients relieve itching and irritation, soften the skin, reduce sweating and eliminate unpleasant odor.

Allylamine group

Anti-fungal foot fungus products based on allylamines are produced only in those forms that can be used directly on the affected areas of the nails or skin. In this case, there are some nuances, for example, less than half of the nail should be affected by the fungus, but the surrounding skin must not be affected. In other cases, allylamines will not help without systemic treatment. The following medications fall into this category:

"Butenafin".
"Naftifin".
"Terbinafine".
"Lamisil."
"Exoderil".

As in the previous category, all of these drugs have their own analogues. Their choice should be made by a physician based on the results of clinical studies. Therapy with the above remedies against foot and nail fungus really helps get rid of burning and severe itching.

After carrying out hygienic procedures and preparing the limbs, it is recommended to apply creams from this group only once a day not only to the nails, but also to the nearby skin on the legs.

What does it look like

A fungus that has formed between the toes can look different and appear in the form of cracks, ulcers, and peeling skin with a gray-yellow tint. Initially, severe itching occurs at the site of the lesion, which lasts for several days. Subsequently, the skin peels off at this place, and bright red areas with a shiny surface form underneath. Often, the fungus forms blisters with a cloudy liquid on the skin, which burst, forming painful and long-lasting ulcers. This form of mycosis is called velicular-erosive. An infection that occurs in an erased form does not have such clear signs, and it can be mistaken for a symptom of another pathology. The chronic course of fungal infection is characterized by roughening and flaking of the skin with a predominance of its yellowish color. As the disease progresses, rashes can be found on the skin of the legs, thighs and buttocks.

Morpholine group

The main active component of the drugs that make up the group of morpholines is a substance called “amorolfine”. This component is capable of destroying the structure of fungal cells. This leads to the fact that pathogens lose the possibility of their continued existence. The most effective remedy against toenail fungus from this group is the drug "Loceryl".

Medicines based on amorolfine can be used against different variations of mycoses. The components of these drugs penetrate deep into the affected tissues and treat the disease. At the same time, it is extremely important to observe strict hygiene rules, because only in such conditions can the medicine kill the fungus as quickly as possible.

Anti-fungal agents: reviews

In some cases, the fungus is treated for quite a long time, so patients often stop using the drugs that dermatologists advise them, because they listen to the advice of other people. You can often find reviews on the Internet about the following drugs, which, according to consumers, can quickly cure foot fungus. Most often, people write about Batrafen varnish, Mikozan serum, Nogtivitis, Fluconazole, Stop-active and others.

The drug "Batrafen", according to consumers, is most appropriate to use at the early stage of mycosis. It must be constantly applied to the affected area of the skin or nail, so the product is most effective against pathogens. The Mikozan serum is also praised in reviews. Patients write that it differs in that it is completely invisible on the nails. Rub this product into the skin twice a day. Its good effect is reported to be noticeable only at the beginning of the disease, but not in advanced cases. In the later stages, the above drugs are suitable for use only as additional ones.

The product “Nogtivit” is reported to be able to rid a person of fungus without surgical intervention. This medicine is available in the form of a special patch with healing ingredients. It must be applied to the affected area on the foot for four days, after which the product is easily removed from the skin. In this case, it is necessary to continue taking antifungal medications.

People write about the drug “Fluconazole” that it is a fairly strong remedy for foot fungus, related to tablet drugs that have a powerful effect. In the case of onychomycosis, it is advisable to use it only together with other local medications. In this case, you need to pay attention to contraindications and adverse reactions.

People write about Stop-Active that it is a newly developed medicine against fungus. A distinctive feature of this product is that it is made only from natural ingredients. Therefore, you should not be afraid of bad effects on the body or intoxication if you use it.

How to choose a universal remedy against foot and nail fungus? Expert recommendations will help with this.

Symptoms of fungus on the feet

The disease can proceed for a long time, practically without manifesting itself: most people do not pay attention to mild itching, slight flaking of the foot or weeping skin in the folds between the toes. Meanwhile, an infected person, without even knowing it, is a source of spread of the fungus, posing a danger to those with whom he has contact in everyday life.

In addition, for the infected person himself, the absence of symptoms does not mean that the disease is not progressing: as it multiplies, the fungus covers an increasing area of healthy skin, spreading to the entire foot and nails. Violation of the integrity of the skin, although not visible to the naked eye, creates conditions for the development of allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, eczema and other diseases, at first glance, of unclear etiology. The immune system suffers significantly from this.

The obvious symptoms of mycosis of the feet are:

itching and burning of varying intensity;
dry skin, peeling, keratinization, cracks;
thickening of the skin with increased clarity of the skin pattern;
unpleasant odor from the feet, which was not there before;
thickening of nails, accompanied by brittleness and discoloration.

Advice from dermatologists

To prevent problems such as foot fungus, dermatologists give the following recommendations:

A person should keep their feet dry and cool.
It is required to do pedicures promptly and regularly using tools that have undergone proper disinfection treatment.
You should wash your feet with warm soapy water. This should be done daily; if necessary, it would be a good idea to use antibacterial soap or wash your feet several times a day.
You should wipe your feet dry, including your toes.
It is necessary to combat sweaty feet.
It is recommended to use antifungal foot powders, and if necessary, special cosmetic creams, varnishes or ointments are also suitable.
It is useful to walk around barefoot, at least at home or in the summer at the dacha.
You need to keep your toes slightly apart.
In public locker rooms, gyms, showers and fitness clubs you cannot walk barefoot; you must wear rubber slippers, waterproof flip-flops, and so on.
You should not use someone else's sponge, towel, washcloth or slippers, even if they belong to your family members.
In case of infection, be sure to provide a separate towel for the affected area of the skin or use disposable paper towels.
Dermatologists advise wearing only comfortable shoes, which should be selected to fit. Shoes should be made of leather or some other natural materials.
Rubber shoes should be avoided, as they are a favorable breeding ground for dermatomycetes.
Shoes must be kept exclusively clean and dry, they must be ventilated, and the inside must be treated with antifungal aerosol or powder.
In summer, you should only wear light and ventilated shoes.
It is necessary to change sneakers in a timely manner. If they can be washed, this should be done at least once a month.
You need to change your socks more often, especially if you have hyperhidrosis.
You need to wear socks made of hygroscopic material made from natural fibers.
To kill fungal spores, you need to wash your socks in very hot water. They must be thoroughly rinsed after washing to remove powder so as not to worsen the condition of the skin.
To ensure proper sanitary and hygienic condition, sinks, showers and basins need to be washed regularly using special products.
You should not self-medicate; you should consult a doctor at an early stage of a fungal disease. Under no circumstances should you expose others to the danger of such infection.
You need to be especially careful if you have fungal pathologies in your household.
Elderly relatives should be helped to comply with all of the above instructions from dermatologists.

Thus, in order to protect yourself from this disease, you must comply with the above sanitary and hygienic requirements.

Sometimes you can prepare a remedy against toenail fungus yourself.

Prevention

In order not to waste time on treating mycosis on the toes, it is better to take timely preventive measures. To do this you need to follow simple rules:

do not wear someone else's shoes;
use individual nail files, scissors, etc.;
have your own replacement shoes when visiting the pool or sauna;
treat your own shoes with an antiseptic;

avoid overheating your feet in shoes made of artificial materials;
Socks should be made from natural fabrics, while synthetic ones should be changed daily.

In addition, it is better to accustom your feet to washing with cold water; walking barefoot on the grass at your dacha is useful; after washing your feet, be sure to wipe them dry, especially the skin between the toes.

Popular remedies of traditional healers

Non-standard methods of treating fungus are not always inferior to medications. This primarily applies to the early stages of the disease. Many people use iodine, kombucha, vinegar, celandine and even tar. All these substances can cure foot fungus and relieve the disease.

For example, iodine is a universal remedy that disinfects and destroys existing fungi. It only needs to be applied twice a day to the affected areas of the skin on the foot. You can also make special baths with it.

Prevention of foot fungus

Considering the prevalence and high contagiousness of mycosis of the feet, prevention of this pathology is an important and relevant issue, especially for people at risk. For people who are constantly in close contact with water or are forced to wear tight shoes for a long time, it is better not to wait for the disease to develop and not to ignore warnings, but to prevent it: to prevent foot fungus, you can use creams and ointments with an antiseptic and drying effect. Some of the means described above are suitable for this purpose.

You can make foot baths with chamomile or oak bark, lubricate your feet and toes with tea tree oil. Preventive measures will not require much effort, but can protect you from an unpleasant disease that requires long-term treatment.

Tea mushroom

Kombucha will also help get rid of foot fungus. This product needs to be cleaned of the outer film, and then cut into small pieces and made into a paste. The resulting mass is rubbed into the nails three times.

The best treatment for foot fungus does not have to be expensive.

Many people treat fungus with table vinegar. But the concentration of the substance should not exceed nine percent. At night, you need to soak the affected area in vinegar, and then put on socks. You can also steam your feet in hot water with vinegar diluted in it.

Another effective remedy against foot fungus is tar. It is best used in pure form or added to fatty creams. You can also carry out a therapeutic effect on the affected area with tar soap. This effective remedy should be applied as a compress at night. It is necessary to treat the fungus in this way until all symptoms are completely eliminated.

How to use celandine

This medicinal herb is indispensable for dermatological problems. Effective folk remedies for fungus are based on celandine. According to one recipe, dry herbs are brewed with a liter of hot water, then allowed to brew for thirty minutes. Then the resulting liquid is poured into a basin and plain water is added, after which they make a bath for thirty minutes, immersing the feet affected by the fungus in it.

Thus, according to traditional healers, if you use one or another of the proposed recipes, you can get rid of foot fungus.