Popular remedies for treating foot fungus

External treatment of foot fungus

External topical antifungal drugs require compliance with certain rules during the treatment process:

• before application, a foot with signs of infection should be thoroughly washed and dried with a soft towel that is not capable of injuring the skin;
• Apply a thin layer of the prescribed drug to the affected areas using rubbing movements;
• During the procedure, it is advisable to protect your hands with gloves, to prevent the components from getting on the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes or nose.

The dosage and duration of therapy are observed in accordance with the instructions of the attending physician or the recommendations of the attached instructions.

Prevention

Treatment of mycosis is a complex undertaking, since for a long time you have to use a remedy against fungus on your feet every day: apply ointments, take tablets several times a day. Most antifungal drugs have side effects. The most effective remedy for fungus is preventive measures. Insufficient personal hygiene contributes to the appearance of mycosis.

To avoid infection, you must:

1. wear flip-flops when visiting public baths, saunas or swimming pools;
2. sanitize the bath;
3. do not wear someone else's shoes;
4. Always maintain foot hygiene;
5. increase immunity.

If you have excessive sweating of your feet, you need to use antifungal talc. If you become infected with a fungal infection, start treatment promptly.

What tablets to treat foot fungus

Tablets for foot fungus are prescribed when the disease has passed the early stage, the symptoms have become acute, and the infection has penetrated deep into the body. In such cases, I use complex therapy, where external remedies relieve disturbing symptoms, and systemic medications destroy the pathogen inside. The doctor decides which drug to use in each specific case, taking into account:

• type of pathogen;
• degree of damage;
• individual characteristics of the patient.

Most of these medications are potent, and their independent use without consulting a doctor may not provide a therapeutic effect or, in extreme cases, may cause harm.

Types of antifungal agents

In addition to differences in form and use, drugs for the treatment of foot fungus differ in modes of action, purpose and composition. In the first case, medications are divided into fungicidal, which destroy fungal spores, and fungistatic, which suppress its activity. In the second, polyene group drugs are especially effective against candidiasis and azole drugs, which, in addition to thrush, are good for mycosis of the legs.

The fastest treatment for foot fungus

A fast-acting medicine that effectively helps against fungus on the foot is Lamisil Uno solution. This is a 1% solution based on terbinafine. To achieve the desired effect, a single application is sufficient. After this, the foot is covered with a film that remains on the skin for 2 weeks. The medicine acts according to a cumulative scheme. The active component gradually penetrates into the upper layer of the skin and, as the concentration increases, destroys the pathogen. After the death of the infection, the skin quickly acquires a healthy appearance. Contraindications include:

• intolerance;
• liver and kidney failure;
• alcoholism;
• metabolic disorders;
• tumors;
• problems with blood supply to the bone marrow.

During pregnancy and lactation, children under 15 years of age should take this drug only in extreme cases and with caution.

Griseofulvin

An inexpensive drug in tablet form for the systemic treatment of mycotic infections. It has a fungicidal effect and has a strengthening effect on tissues affected by fungus. Taken after meals. Each tablet weighs 125 mg. The daily dosage for children is no more than 10 mg, for adults 500 mg. For advanced forms of the fungus, it is recommended to increase the dose in consultation with the doctor. The duration of treatment for mycosis of the feet is up to 8 weeks. It is used only as prescribed by the attending physician; it has an extensive list of contraindications and side effects that manifest themselves in the functioning of the nervous system, digestive and hematopoietic organs.

Terbinafine

Cream or ointment with a strong fungicidal effect, the active substance is terbinafine hydrochloride. Terbinafine helps with all types of fungal infections. Before application, the foot should be washed and dried, it is advisable to steam the skin. Apply a thin layer with light rubbing movements into the affected areas of the skin. Among the contraindications:

• liver pathologies;
• renal failure;
• intolerance;
• feeding period;
• age up to 3 years.

In addition to direct contraindications, the instructions indicate conditions in which the drug should be used with caution. Side effects include itching, burning, and rare allergic manifestations.

Fluconazole

The forms of the drug are tablets and capsules, it is effective against mycoses and candidal infections. Fluconazole destroys the fungus through the destruction of the cellular structure. If the foot is infected, the dosage can range from 50 mg per day to 150 mg per week. The duration of treatment is from 2 to 6 weeks. Contraindicated for simultaneous use with medications indicated in the instructions. Other contraindications include:

• hypersensitivity;
• pregnancy and feeding;
• age up to 4 years.

Side effects may include pain in the head and stomach, indigestion, nausea, flatulence, skin rash, etc.

Sertaconazole

A cheap antifungal drug, prescribed in the form of a cream or solution. To treat an advanced form with severe symptoms, vaginal suppositories can be used. Combines fungicidal and fungistatic effects. Equally effective against dermatophytes and manifestations of Candida. The cream is applied for 30 minutes and retains its therapeutic effect for up to 48 hours. Among the contraindications, hypersensitivity is indicated; it is recommended for careful use during pregnancy and for the treatment of children. Side effects include allergic reactions, burning and itching.

Itraconazole

The medicine in capsule form is effective against foot fungus caused by yeasts and dermatophytes. If the limbs are affected, it is used 1 to 2 times a day for 7 to 30 days, the dosage is determined by the doctor. May cause decreased reaction time, impaired vision and hearing. The list of contraindications is standard:

• pregnancy;
• sensitivity to components;
• childhood.

It is recommended to take with caution in case of pathologies of the liver and kidneys, in old age. It has an extensive list of side effects.

Econazole

A cream, solution or aerosol for foot fungus has a fungicidal effect and provides an antibacterial effect. In the early stages of infection, a positive effect is achieved within 3 days. Spray or cream is applied to previously cleansed and steamed skin up to 2 times a day, daily. Duration of treatment is up to 6 weeks. Apart from hypersensitivity to the components, there are no other contraindications. It is recommended to use with caution during breastfeeding and early pregnancy.

Types of ointments

The main effect of such drugs is antifungal, but this effect is achieved in different ways. There are several types of these agents that affect certain types of pathogens. An effective ointment for foot fungus is prescribed only by a doctor after receiving the test results (scraping). This study identifies the type of pathogen and its sensitivity to medications. More often the infection is caused by mold or yeast fungi, dermatophytes. Taking into account the mechanism of action, antifungal ointments are divided into two groups:

• Azoles. These include drugs whose name contains the particle “azole”: Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Isoconazole. Their main effect is to suppress membrane growth in fungal cells.
• Allylamine. Most of the names of ointments in this group end in “fin”: Terbinafine, Naftifine, Butenafine. Such medications destroy yeast-like, yeast and mold fungi by blocking the synthesis of ergosterol in their cells. Additionally, the listed drugs have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Clotrimazole

This cheap ointment for foot fungus is named after the active ingredient in its composition. The price of the drug is 50–80 rubles. The main effect of clotrimazole is antimycotic. It is due to the ability of this substance to block the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, which the fungus uses to build its cell membranes. This slows down the growth and reproduction of the pathogen. Side effects of the medication:

• erythema;
• allergic reactions;
• itching and burning on the skin;
• tingling sensation;
• the appearance of blisters;
• edema.

Clotrimazole has the only contraindication – hypersensitivity to the composition of the drug. During pregnancy, it can be used from the 2nd trimester. Mode of application:

• 1–3 times a day;
• ointment for foot fungus is applied to damaged areas, covering small healthy areas nearby;
• to treat an area the size of a palm, use strips of the product 5 mm long;
• the course of treatment should last until the symptoms stop and another 2 weeks after they disappear.

Exoderil

The price of 30 g of Exoderil ointment is 720 rubles. The active ingredient in the composition is naftifine hydrochloride. It suppresses the activity of a special enzyme in the fungal cell, thereby inhibiting the production of ergosterol in it. The result is the death of the pathogen. Before using the ointment, you should study its contraindications:

• intolerance to any of the components of the drug;
• the presence of wound surfaces at the intended treatment site.

During lactation and pregnancy, this ointment can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. The product is applied to the affected areas once a day. Be sure to grab a small part of healthy skin nearby - approximately 1 cm at the edges. The procedure must be repeated for 2–4 weeks. If your fingers are affected by fungus, you must remove the affected part of your nails before applying. In case of onychomycosis, the ointment is applied 2 times a day for six months. Possible side effects after using Exoderil:

• hives;
• edema;
• hyperemia and burning;
• allergy;
• increased dryness of the skin.

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Terbinafine

The basis of Terbinafine is the active component of the same name, which destroys the membrane of fungal cells. Additionally, this substance increases the amount of squalene in it, which inactivates all enzyme systems of the pathogen. When applied to nails, Terbinafine is well absorbed into them. In addition, the drug is able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, where it accumulates in greater quantities. Terbinafine is contraindicated in:

• liver diseases;
• kidney failure;
• lactose intolerance;
• lack of lactase;
• glucose-galactose malabsorption;
• lactation;
• high sensitivity to the composition of the drug;
• aged less than 3 years and weighing up to 20 kg.

The price of Terbinafine is 80–100 rubles. After using the ointment, itching, burning and hyperemia may occur in the area of ​​application. The product should be used according to the following scheme:

• Before the procedure, rinse the skin or nails thoroughly and dry;
• Apply daily to affected areas 1-2 times a day;
• when lubricating, also cover the areas adjacent to the affected area;
• for mycosis of the feet, continue treatment for 2–4 weeks, for onychomycosis – 3–6 months.

Nizoral

1 g of Nizoral cream contains 20 mg of ketoconazole. The cost of a 15 g tube is 500 rubles. The main effect of the active component is to block the synthesis of ergosterol in the cells of yeast and dimorphic fungi, dermatophytes, and eumycetes. The only contraindication to the use of Nizoral is individual sensitivity to clotrimazole. There are no age restrictions. Nizoral application regimen:

• Apply the product once a day to the affected skin and adjacent areas;
• continue treatment until the symptoms of fungal infection disappear and for another 2 weeks after that to prevent relapse of the disease.

Nizoral should be used with caution in patients with liver failure and when taking hepatotoxic drugs. Side effects of the drug in the area of ​​application may include:

• itching;
• hives;
• rash;
• erythema;
• skin hypersensitivity reactions.

Mikozan

The price of the drug varies from 800 to 1200 rubles. The basis of the composition is rye enzyme filtrate. It forms a water-soluble film on the surface of application, which penetrates deep into the layers of the nail plate when they are damaged by dermatophytes. Additionally, the rye enzyme destroys the lipid layer of fungal cells. Contraindications to the use of Mikozan:

• diabetes;
• individual hypersensitivity to rye enzyme;
• age less than 4 years;
• pregnancy.

Side effects of the medication rarely occur in the form of itching and rashes in the area of ​​application. The product is available in the form of a special tube with an applicator brush. Scheme of use of the drug:

1. Thoroughly clean nails affected by the fungus.
2. Use a special file included in the Mikozan set to clean the nail plates.
3. Apply a thin layer of the product to all affected nails and wait until dry.
4. Carry out this procedure once a week for 3–5 weeks.

Bufinal

The basis of the drug Bufinal is the active substance bufinazole. It inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol in the fungal cell, causing its death. Bufinal exhibits a wide range of fungicidal activity against mold, yeast and other types of fungi. A contraindication to the use of such a medication is sensitization to the components of its composition. The price of Bifonazole is 300–350 rubles.

Apply the product to the skin of the feet or nails in a thin layer, lightly rubbing. The procedure is repeated 2 times throughout the day. The course of treatment lasts 3–4 months for onychomycosis, 2–3 weeks for foot fungus. Possible adverse reactions:

• allergic manifestations;
• irritation of the skin of the feet;
• maceration;
• contact dermatitis;
• peeling and slight redness in the nail area.

Zalain

The active component of Zalain is sertaconazole nitrate, a substance that suppresses the synthesis of ergosterol in the fungal cell and increases the permeability of its cell wall. This leads to lysis (destruction) of the pathogenic microorganism. The cost of a 20 g tube of Zalain ointment is 500 rubles. Contraindication to the use of the drug is hypersensitivity to sertaconazole.

The drug should be used 2 times daily, applied to the skin of the feet or affected nails, covering small healthy areas nearby. Duration of use: 2–4 weeks. The list of possible side effects includes:

• contact dermatitis;
• erythematous phenomena;
• burning, hyperemia and itching in the area of ​​application.

Candide

This is another universal antifungal drug based on clotrimazole. For foot or nail fungus, Candide exhibits a wide range of antifungal activity by suppressing the synthesis of ergosterol in the pathogen cell. Because of this, the pathogenic pathogen dies. Candide is effective against spores of any type of fungus, but it cannot be used:

• during lactation:
• in the first trimester of pregnancy;
• during menstruation;
• hypersensitivity to clotrimazole.

The cost of a 30 g tube is 120–150 rubles. The product is used externally for application to previously cleansed and dried skin of the feet. Frequency of use: 2–3 times a day. For mycosis of the feet, treatment should last at least 4 weeks and another 7 to 21 days after the disappearance of the characteristic symptoms of a fungal infection. Adverse reactions occur rarely and manifest themselves as:

• hives;
• itching and swelling at the site of application;
• tingling sensations;
• blisters;
• peeling, redness and irritation of the skin of the feet.

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Mycospor

100 g of Mycospor contains 1 g of bifonazole, a substance that has a local fungistatic effect for trichophytosis, microsporia, and epidermophytosis. Price for a tube of 10 g – 1200 rub. The antimycotic effect of the drug is due to the suppression of ergosterol synthesis in the fungal cell. Apply the ointment to the skin of the feet with light, rubbing movements once a day. It is better to do this before bed to increase the effectiveness of treatment. The course should last 2–3 weeks.

Mycospor is prohibited during pregnancy, individual sensitivity to bifonazole and in childhood. Possible side effects of the drug in the area of ​​application:

• allergic reactions;
• itching;
• dermatitis;
• erythematous changes;
• blisters;
• maceration;
• burning;
• swelling and tenderness.

Novastep

This product has a wide spectrum of antifungal activity due to its composition. It contains only natural ingredients that are effective against any type of fungus:

• beaver musk extract;
• mumiyo-asil;
• mint essential oil.

To get rid of mycosis of the feet, you need to apply Novastep to the affected skin 2 times a day for 1 month. Adverse reactions sometimes include dermatitis or increased skin sensitivity. Novastep has the only contraindication for use - individual intolerance to the components in the drug. The cost of the product reaches 1000–1200 rubles.

Tinedol

The price of Tinedol is about 1000 rubles. It is better to order the drug on the official website of the manufacturer of this cream. Otherwise, there is a high risk of buying a fake. The peculiarity of Tinedol is its hypoallergenic natural composition. It includes only those substances that cannot negatively affect human health, since they are natural:

• Climbazole. Fights fungal infection, eliminates itching and redness of the skin of the feet. Has a powerful antiseptic effect.
• Emulsion wax. Gives the cream a soft structure, due to which the product can be absorbed faster and leave no traces.
• Glycerol. Promotes healing of cracks, softens the skin, making it soft and velvety.
• Essential oils. Provide faster cell regeneration.
• Farsenol. Promotes skin cell renewal and accelerates healing.
• Lanolin. Prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the skin. Moisturizes, nourishes and softens the epidermis.
• Vitamin E. Accelerates blood circulation, makes the skin more elastic.

Before using Tinedol, you must thoroughly wash and dry your feet, including nails, heels and the skin between your toes. You need to apply the cream once daily, preferably before bed. A decrease in the symptoms of fungal infection is observed after 10 days, but treatment must be continued for another 2 weeks. A contraindication to the use of Tinedol is sensitivity to the components of its composition. The only adverse reactions that stand out are irritation in the area of ​​application.

Salicylic

The active component of this product is 2% or 10% salicylic acid. It exhibits antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Salicylic ointment for foot fungus is used as an additional remedy as part of complex treatment. It is applied 2-3 times a day for 1-3 weeks. The product protects the skin from external negative factors, reduces peeling, and softens keratinized areas. The cost of the medicine is 20–30 rubles. for 25 years

Even with all its safety, salicylic ointment is contraindicated in case of individual hypersensitivity to its composition and in infancy. After application, sometimes the following occurs:

• skin rashes;
• allergic reactions;
• skin itching;
• burning.

Zinc

The cost of zinc ointment is 30–40 rubles. per tube of 30 g. The drug is based on zinc oxide, which has antiseptic, healing and antibacterial properties. For the treatment of foot fungus, the drug is used only as a complex therapy with antifungal agents. Apply zinc ointment 2 times a day, rubbing until completely absorbed. The procedure is repeated throughout the week. This helps relieve itching and speed up tissue healing.

The drug is contraindicated in case of individual sensitivity to zinc and purulent-inflammatory diseases of the skin. After use you may experience:

• rash;
• hyperemia;
• skin itching.

Sulfuric

This is another ointment that is not used for fungal infections as an independent remedy, but is used only as part of complex therapy. The basis of the product is sulfur, which has antiseptic and antipruritic effects. For any type of fungus, the ointment is applied 2 times a day for a week. Do not use the drug if you are hypersensitive to sulfur. Among the side effects after using this remedy, allergic manifestations and irritation at the site of application are sometimes noted. The price of the drug is 30–40 rubles.

Natamycin

An ointment for the external treatment of foot fungus, also available in the form of tablets and suppositories for vaginal use. Used to treat all types of fungal infections, helps against bacterial flora. It is recommended to apply a thin layer to the skin of infected limbs 1 to 2 times a day, the duration of treatment is up to 30 days. The drug should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to components, tuberculosis of the skin, and is not advisable for use in young children. Side effects include itching, burning, redness, and peeling. Oral use may cause digestive problems.

Clotrimazole

It has a reputation as the best remedy for nail fungus. It remains an effective remedy for all types of fungal infections. For the treatment of mycosis of the feet it is used in the form of ointments and solutions. Clotrimazole has a rapid action, immediately after penetration into the upper layers of the skin it suppresses the activity of the pathogen, and with increasing concentration it causes its death. Improvement in condition is observed 1.5–2 weeks after the start of use. The advantage of the drug is the minimal list of contraindications, which includes hypersensitivity to the components. Caution should be observed during pregnancy and lactation. Side effects most often manifest themselves as peeling, rashes, and swelling.

Naftifine Hydrochloride

It is used in the form of an ointment or solution. In addition to the antifungal effect, it has an antiseptic and antibacterial effect, soothes itching. Before application, the skin must be washed and dried. The affected area is covered with a thin layer using massaging movements. This technique facilitates the penetration of active substances into the skin and accelerates the achievement of the desired therapeutic effect. When used against fungus on the feet, the ointment is used once a day for a month and a half. The ointment should not be used for:

• skin injuries;
• allergies to components;
• under 18 years of age;
• pregnancy and during lactation.

Contact of the substance with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nasopharynx, and oral cavity is not allowed. Side effects of use include itching, dry skin, and inflammation.

Effective and inexpensive medicines

The most inexpensive but effective ointment against mycosis is Clotrimazole. The price of a Russian-made drug is about 25-40 rubles, depending on the place of purchase.

Analogues of the drug are Candide cream, Vicaderm, Imidil. The cost of drugs ranges from 200 rubles and above. The active ingredient in these ointments is the same, but the higher cost of some items is due to imported production. Also, the price may be higher depending on the volume of the tube.

Clotrimazole ointment has virtually no side effects or contraindications, since it acts locally and is not absorbed into the blood. The drug is applied several times a day to previously steamed and cleansed skin. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms.

Inexpensive but effective drugs for the treatment of foot fungus

An effective ointment or other drug for foot fungus does not have to be expensive; on the other hand, an expensive remedy will not always be effective. The list of drugs that advantageously combine attractive cost and effectiveness in the treatment of early stages of fungus includes:

1. Akriderm, a non-profile ointment that relieves discomfort well, is applied twice a day for up to 4 weeks, has an extensive list of contraindications, which you must carefully read when using it yourself;
2. Mycostop, a urea-based drug, in the form of a cream, spray, solution, is used to soften the nail plate before treatment and self-removal, the procedure for use is described in detail in the instructions;
3. Miramistin, available as an ointment or spray, has an antibacterial effect, helps relieve the most acute symptoms of a fungal infection, is used independently and in conjunction with systemic medications, the medicinal properties of Miramistin help against a wide range of skin diseases;
4. Exoderil, an effective antifungal drug, is used against mycoses, yeast and mold species, applied once a day, and helps get rid of early manifestations of infection within 2-4 weeks.

In addition to the above, the list of inexpensive but effective drugs with extensive therapeutic effects includes:

• salicylic ointment,
• zinc ointment,
• Sulfuric ointment.

The compositions are not specialized, but they cope well with the symptoms of fungal infection and have a calming and restorative effect.

Mycosis of the foot: treatment with conservative methods

Treatment of a fungal infection on the legs occurs in the following sequence:

• Preparatory stage.
• Main stage.

Before using drug treatment, you should carefully prepare your feet to eliminate infected areas. The main focus of the preparation is to relieve the acute form of inflammation during the vesicular and intertriginous stages of the disease. At this stage, in the presence of squamous-hyperkeratotic mycosis, dense layers of the stratum corneum of the skin should be removed.

In cases where the soles of the feet are covered with extensive maceration and there is excessive weeping, as well as the presence of surfaces with continuous erosion, special antifungal manganese baths with the addition of soda should be taken. After them, applications of orthoboric acid of 2% concentration should be made.

When taking baths, after steaming the skin, you should use a disinfected instrument to get rid of the steamed areas of the epidermis and keratinized pieces. Next, the affected areas are treated with a cream containing corticosteroids, hormones and antibiotics. The use of ointment for exudative forms of mycosis enriched with coccal flora is prohibited.

The most effective creams include:

• Clotrimazole.
• Travocort.
• Mikospor.

After the acute stage of inflammation is removed, the use of foot baths is stopped, and the cream is replaced with an ointment, which contains the same components. Salicylic Vaseline of varying concentrations is used to remove horny deposits.

One of the effective methods is considered to be detachment according to Arievich. It consists of treating the sole with the following preparations: salicylic acid, lactic acid and petroleum jelly. They are used to make a night compress. This manipulation is performed in a hospital setting, or at home under the supervision of a doctor for a week.

Main stage. During this period, therapy is used aimed at destroying any type of fungal infection. The basic principles of conservative therapy include:

• Elimination of acute symptoms of the disease.
• Use of fungicidal medications.
• Restoring normal blood flow in the affected areas in order to prevent recurrence of the disease.

During the main stage of treatment, it is very important to take a combination of systemic and local medications. Their appointment is made exclusively by a doctor, taking into account the form and degree of development of mycosis of the feet, as well as the general health of the person.

To effectively treat a fungal infection that affects the feet, you should strictly adhere to the basic principles. This is an accurate diagnosis of the type of pathogen, the presence of a rational treatment plan and impeccable adherence to discipline and personal hygiene by the patient.