Most effective folk remedies for treating nail and foot fungus
✅ Homemade vinegar ointment
A strong and simple remedy that helps get rid of fungus is vinegar and egg. Together, they create an excellent ointment that promotes tissue healing and softens the affected nail area. Place a raw chicken egg in a glass of vinegar, then store it in a dark cupboard until the shell dissolves. Then remove the film and mix together the vinegar, oil, and egg. Apply the ointment to steamed feet, and you can cover it with plastic wrap, creating an additional bath effect. Then remove the softened affected area, and apply the ointment again the next day.
✅ Garlic lotion
Garlic is a powerful natural antibacterial and antifungal agent. It helps eliminate fungal infections in the gentlest way, even in advanced cases. Garlic juice is mixed with alcohol in a 1:1 ratio and diluted with distilled water. This lotion should be applied to all affected skin and nail areas overnight until the fungus is completely eliminated. This lotion is effective even in advanced cases.
✅ Mint compress
Peppermint is an excellent remedy for fungus. The essential oils contained in mint have proven to be effective against fungi, lamblia, and staphylococci. Folk medicine believes that herbal treatment of fungus is as effective a method as ointments. To prepare a compress, fresh plant leaves or essential oil are best. If using fresh leaves, rub the mint with salt and apply it to the affected nail. If the fungus is in an inconvenient place on the hands or feet, it is better to secure the compress with a bandage. Essential oil is suitable for lubricating damaged areas; it is recommended to mix it with peach or grape seed base oil.
✅ Ointment with copper sulfate
Another folk method is to use copper sulfate to fight fungus and infections. It is included in many antifungal ointments but can also be used as a standalone remedy. If you cannot buy ointment at the pharmacy, you can make it yourself. Use tar or goose fat to create a fatty base, add a teaspoon of sulfur and copper sulfate. Copper sulfate should be roasted in a pan until it turns white or gray. This ointment should be applied to affected parts of the feet or hands every evening.
✅ Iodine against toenail fungus
In emergency cases, iodine, which you usually have at home, can help fight fungus. It copes excellently with wounds, but few people know that just one drop of iodine can prevent the development of a fungal infection on the foot. It is applied directly to the nail plate overnight, then socks are put on; by morning, the iodine will be absorbed into the nail. The procedure should be repeated for at least two weeks.
Prevention of foot fungus
Remember that prevention of foot fungus with folk remedies is possible, so if you suspect a fungus, use vinegar or iodine.
The following habits can help prevent nail infections or reinfection:
Regularly wash hands and feet. Wash hands after touching an infected nail. Moisturize nails after washing.
Trim nails evenly, smooth edges with a file, file thickened areas. Disinfect nail clippers after each use.
Wear sweat-absorbing socks or change them during the day.
Choose shoes made of breathable materials.
Dispose of old shoes or treat them with disinfectants and antifungal powders.
Wear shoes in pool areas, changing rooms, and public areas.
Choose a nail salon where sterile manicure tools are used for each client.
Avoid nail polish and artificial nails.
