Nail fungus - treatment with iodine, 7 proven recipes

16.04.2017

Various diseases of the human body cause a person a decrease in quality of life, stress, discomfort and the only desire is to recover faster, live healthy, and simply enjoy life.

The doctor has diagnosed “fungus...”, a number of questions immediately arise: what is it, why did it suddenly arise, how to treat it, what does traditional and what traditional medicine offer, what methods of control are more effective in treatment?

Fungal diseases can arise both from internal factors of the human body and under the influence of external ones. This is because some types of fungi are present in the human microflora, and some settle on humans from contaminated public places.

Iodine against nail fungus: inexpensive and effective

Fungal infection of the nail or onychomycosis is a common disease that has unpleasant symptoms: itching, deformation and discoloration of the nail plate, and an unpleasant odor. The pathology requires long-term treatment, which also raises the issue of budget savings.

Official medicine drugs provide a high-quality therapeutic effect, but are expensive, so many patients are looking for cheaper options.

At the initial stage of the spread of fungal colonies, ordinary iodine is often used, which, at a more than attractive price, can inhibit the vital activity of pathogenic organisms.

Diagnosis of fungus

If you notice suspicious symptoms of a fungus, immediately seek help from a dermatologist at the hospital.

The fungus can only be identified by a qualified physician - a dermatologist or mycologist. There are many similar diseases; itching and skin changes can also be caused by an allergic reaction of your body to something, then you should fight the allergy.

The fungus itself is accompanied by vivid symptoms that cannot be ignored: itching, odor, changes in the skin, nails, feet, etc. If you do not delay treatment, then the fungus can be quickly cured, in principle, but if the disease is advanced, then the treatment will last longer, and the likelihood of relapses (recurrence of symptoms of the disease) is higher.

Diagnosis of the fungus is painless, with the help of tests, the doctor will prescribe the most effective individual treatment for the fungus. For fungus, antimycotics are prescribed in the form of ointments, gels, creams, tablets, shampoos, etc.

Recommendations

To get rid of onychomycosis forever, you should regularly perform treatment procedures and in the future, to avoid relapse, follow the following precautions:

• Do not try on someone else's shoes;
• If possible, eliminate foot sweating (use powder, special creams);
• When visiting public places in warm, humid climates, always have personal rubber flip-flops;
• Without delay, treat all wounds, even the slightest, with an antiseptic;
• After a shower, thoroughly dry the skin of your feet (never wear shoes if your feet are wet);
• An important aspect is regular hygiene and daily change of socks;
• After suffering from onychomycosis, it is recommended to take preventive foot baths with soda, iodine, salt, celandine or other means twice a week;
• Tools cannot be used to remove damaged nail plates on healthy nails.

Regardless of the method of treating fungus, you need to treat your shoes, linen, floors, skin and nail care items, room and bathroom rugs, etc. This can be done by boiling, vinegar, ironing. You can put formaldehyde in your shoes, after placing it in a bag.

Iodine for nail fungus

The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of iodine do not need to be described in detail. Everyone has a childhood memory of how their mother burned a broken knee with a brown solution. When treating onychomycosis, the same property of the drug works as when cauterizing wounds and abrasions, namely its ability to coagulate (fold) protein. Iodine simultaneously affects the protein compounds that make up the nail, depriving the pest of its source of nutrition, and the fungus itself, killing it. The alcohol base of the solution has an additional disinfecting and analgesic effect.

Benefit

Iodine rightfully occupies a leading position among beneficial microelements for the body. It has remarkable permeability into the layers of the nails, resulting in amazing properties:

• Nutrition and healing of brittle nails.
• Prevention of splitting of the nail plate.
• Activation of rapid growth.
• Successful results in the treatment of fungal infections, including on the feet.
• Prevents infections when the cuticle is damaged.

The advantages of iodine are obvious, the main thing is not to forget that the element is toxic in large quantities. In addition, the alcohol in the solution also has negative effects if used in excess. Therefore, it is important to know how to use the product and what to combine it with.

Contraindications

Despite the effectiveness of iodine for nail fungus, this remedy still has contraindications. If you do not follow the dosage of the solution, you can get a skin burn. In some cases, iodine abuse leads to skin dermatitis. The following manifestations are also possible:

• itching;
• burning;
• skin redness;
• rash.

It is better not to take risks and consult a specialist before using iodine and any recipes based on it. It is possible that the doctor will select a more suitable treatment.

Risk factors

The incidence of onychomycosis increases by age 60. At this time, the probability of developing such an infection is 60%, which is explained by a slowdown in metabolism, especially in the distal (remote) parts of the body, which are the fingers and toes.

Other risk factors for developing nail fungus include:

• diabetes;
• varicose veins;
• injuries to nails and adjacent tissues;
• HIV and other immunodeficiency conditions;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• weakened immune system;
• vascular and skin diseases, dermatitis, diaper rash;
• disturbances in the blood supply to the extremities;
• insufficient hygiene.

Rules for treating nail plate fungus with iodine

For antifungal therapy, a 5% alcohol iodine solution is used, which is used to treat the affected areas. The frequency of manipulations depends on the degree of damage and the individual reaction of the patient.

1. The standard scheme is to lubricate the problem area with the solution 1-2 times a day using a cotton swab. The used applicator is thrown away.
2. After application, the patient may feel a slight burning sensation; this is a natural reaction that goes away after 5-10 minutes.

If the pain does not go away, it is necessary to reduce the number of procedures. Do not apply too much solution (1-3 drops is enough). The effectiveness of treatment does not lie in regularity and moderation, since the drug can cause dry skin, burns and allergic reactions.

1. The solution is applied directly to problem areas, avoiding contact with healthy areas.
2. For prevention, healthy nails on adjacent fingers are also lubricated, but always with a new applicator.
3. It is advisable to periodically moisturize the treated areas with cream, due to the aggressive effect on the dermis. To enhance the therapeutic effect, choose creams with fungicidal components (for example, Mycotrin or Effect, containing tea tree essential oil and panthenol).

It is important to take into account that the use of iodine is effective at the initial stage of the disease, when up to a third of the nail plate is affected. This is due to the fact that mushrooms are extremely tenacious microorganisms; over millennia of evolution, they have adapted to store nutrients and survive for a long time without food. Therefore, in advanced cases, iodine alone cannot be used, because the forces will clearly be unequal.

How to wash off

The composition is not always completely absorbed into the structure of the nail plate overnight, which is why yellow marks may remain on them, which look sloppy and unnatural.

In addition, iodine flows into the cuticle between the skin and the surface of the nail; it is quite difficult to remove these traces, so you need to use a cotton swab to thoroughly clean the treated area.

To eliminate the yellowish tint, you can use one of two ingredients:

1. Lemon juice.
2. Mashed potatoes.

You need to treat your nails with lemon juice without removing them. And immerse your fingers in mashed potatoes for 7-10 minutes, the starch will draw out the remaining iodine and you can wash off the remaining mashed potatoes.

After applying compresses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap, you can use laundry soap. Additionally, massage your hands while washing to speed up the leaching of the dye from the folds.

Recipe for using blue iodine

Iodine is one of the effective home remedies that helps to cope quite successfully with this problem, especially in the early stages of the disease. It is an excellent alternative to expensive modern antimycotic drugs.

Fungus-affected areas should be treated with a 5% solution daily.

It is not advisable to drop more than one drop from the pipette so as not to burn the skin. The procedure is carried out twice a day.

A good sign is a slight burning sensation, which indicates that the solution destroys pathogenic microorganisms. You should not be particularly zealous in applying the solution and trying to artificially cause an unbearable burning sensation; if this happens, then the procedures should be done less frequently.

Usually the positive effect is felt after seven days.

To prevent unwanted side effects, a small test is performed on the use of the product. For this purpose, a drop of solution is applied to the bend of the elbow and observed for several hours. If redness does not occur, then the use of the drug is quite acceptable.

A transparent red-brown liquid with a characteristic odor is an alcohol solution of iodine. It is used exclusively for external use. The solution kills germs at all stages of the disease. It has been proven that iodine for foot fungus is one of the most effective ways to treat this disease. The product is used to treat wounds, abrasions, cuts, and as a distraction for neuralgia. Treatment of fungus with iodine is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the drug and allergies.

According to reviews, a blue alcohol solution is an excellent remedy for treating fungus. Add iodine to apple cider vinegar (10-15 drops of an alcohol solution is enough) and treat the affected nails. It is recommended to apply a small amount of product. The procedure is performed twice a day for two weeks. If the signs of fungus do not go away, take a break for 5-10 days, after which you can continue the course of treatment.

Recipes for traditional treatment for nail fungus with iodine

In traditional medicine recipes, the following substances are added to iodine to enhance its healing properties:

1. Apple vinegar . The components are mixed in a 1:1 ratio and hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexedine is added (the base should be at least 7 times larger). The resulting mixture is applied to the affected areas or added to foot baths.
2. Salt and soda . Used for foot baths in a 2:1 ratio, respectively, with the addition of 2-4 drops of iodine per 10 liters of water.
3. Celandine . One of the most effective plants against mycoses. Use dry leaf powder to avoid burns. For 20-30 g, add a couple of drops of iodine and a base - butter or vegetable oil, glycerin and stir to a paste.

Treatment options

Treatment rules

The solution is used not only in its pure form. In folk medicine, baths, masks, and compresses are used to treat fungal infections. The use of the drug gives good results and reduces the risk of relapse of the skin disease. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose different recipes for the comprehensive treatment and prevention of fungal infections.

Baths

According to reviews, baths are an effective way to treat fungal infections. Add a few drops of iodine solution to a bowl of warm water and steam your feet for 10-15 minutes. Then you should carefully cut off the damaged areas of the nail plates with manicure scissors, then the affected areas are treated with hydrogen peroxide.

You can cure nail fungus with iodine using foot masks. A mixture of sunflower oil with regular iodine and lemon is highly effective. Add 3 drops of lemon juice and alcohol tincture to slightly warmed oil. A small amount of iodine mixture is applied to damaged nails using a cotton swab. Rub the product into the base of the nails. Let the mask absorb well and after 20 minutes, remove any remaining product with a paper napkin.

Compresses

Iodine against nail fungus can be used as compresses. In a small container, mix 1 teaspoon of medicinal solution, garlic juice, nitrofungin, and vinegar essence. The resulting mixture must be applied to gauze or a medical bandage folded several times, and apply a compress to the sore nail. Secure the bandage with adhesive tape; after the procedure, it is recommended to wear socks. For maximum effect, leave the compress on overnight.

With vinegar

A mixture of alcohol tincture of iodine and apple cider vinegar is an effective home recipe for treating mycosis. Take daily foot baths, which can be prepared as follows:

1. You will need table vinegar and eight parts of water at room temperature, mix them together.
2. Add 10-15 drops of iodine.
3. Before starting the treatment procedure, steam your nails well in hot water and cut off the infected areas.
4. Immerse your feet in the prepared bath for 15-20 minutes.
5. The procedure should be repeated every other day for two weeks.

With salt

Doctors recommend that patients with foot fungus take salt baths for a month. You need to mix a liter of hot water with two tablespoons of sea salt and one tablespoon of soda. After half an hour of taking a bath, without taking your feet out of the water, you should sand the affected areas with a nail file and then cut them off.

With celandine

A traditional medicine that has a positive effect is iodine for toenail fungus with celandine. The procedure is carried out every morning until healthy nails appear. You should soak cotton pads in celandine oil extract and place them on damaged nails. For better fixation, wrap your fingers with cling film and then with a medical bandage. Walk around with the bandage all day. Before going to bed, remove the compress and lubricate your feet with iodine solution. Repeat this procedure every day for a month.

Reviews

The use of iodine as a remedy in the fight against fungal nail infections brings very good results, which is confirmed by numerous positive reviews from patients.

• Maria, 47 years old. For the last few months I have been suffering from a fungus that appeared after getting a manicure at a salon. I decided to use iodine for treatment, because I don’t really trust pharmaceutical drugs. I took baths with baking soda and salt every day, after which I treated my nails. We managed to get rid of the problem after three weeks.
• Maxim, 35 years old. I started treating nail fungus with iodine on the recommendation of a good doctor. I also treat my skin with peroxide. I am satisfied with the result of the treatment; a week after the start of therapy I observed a positive result.
• Valeria, 23 years old. This was my first time dealing with nail fungus, so I didn’t know what to do. Mom advised me to use iodine, which is much cheaper than expensive pharmacy ointments. Surprisingly, it helped completely get rid of the problem in just 2.5 weeks. The only thing I didn't like was the yellowness of the nail plate.

Forecast

With regular and systematic use, results can be seen within 2-3 weeks. It is important to continue therapy until the nail plate is completely renewed to avoid re-spread of the infection. After completing the course, prevention should be carried out, especially in case of malfunctions of the immune system and visiting places with an increased risk of infection.

Alcohol iodine solution is an inexpensive means of combating onychomycosis. With timely initiation of treatment, it can destroy the source of infection and stop the development of the disease. In difficult cases, the drug is used in combination with stronger drugs.

Useful properties of iodine

The fungus is made of protein and feeds on its compound, keratin. This is the basis for the effectiveness of iodine in the treatment of mycoses. The drug coagulates the protein and deals a double blow to the disease: it destroys the cellular structure of the fungi and deprives them of a source of nutrition. As a result, both the pathogen itself and the spores die. In addition, the drug disinfects healthy tissues and prevents them from becoming infected.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

Treatment of nail fungus with iodine has both advantages and disadvantages.

Is it possible to cure fungus quickly with iodine?

Compared to other traditional and folk methods, iodine for toenail and fingernail fungus acts quickly. Therapy in the early stages lasts from 20 days to 1 month. In advanced stages, if combined with antimycotics, 2 months. How long it takes to treat nail fungus with iodine largely depends on the area of ​​damage to the plate.

Rules for preparing for therapy

To quickly get rid of nail fungus, before starting treatment you need to properly prepare:

• Legs or arms (depending on the location of the problem) are pre-steamed in a soap-soda solution. It is recommended to take the bath for about 16 minutes.
• After water procedures, use a nail file to remove the top layer of the desired nail.
• After polishing, the fully prepared nail plate is treated with an antiseptic solution.
• The first results of treatment will be noticeable a month after the start of therapy.
• After the procedures, you should not wear tight shoes or socks made of synthetic fabrics. This will negatively affect the condition of the nails and will increase unpleasant symptoms.