Content

• Steps
• Warning

Fungi can cause infections on the skin of the feet and toenails. Fungal infections of the skin are also known as fungal foot disease, which causes itching, burning and peeling of the skin. A fungal foot infection can be spread to the toe if left untreated. Both types of foot fungus diseases are very contagious, both on the infected person's body and through contact with others. Therefore, the treatment of infection and the prevention of recurrence is essential.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Treating Foot fungus

1. 

   Avoid further infection. This infection affects the skin of the toes and soles of the feet. Because foot fungus is used by many people (floor or gym), foot fungus is very easy to spread quickly.
   • Do not share shoes and towels with others.
   • Avoid walking barefoot in changing rooms, public pools, public baths or gyms.
   • Wear flip flops or bathroom slippers when bathing until the infection is cured.
   • Keep socks (socks) and bed sheets separate to avoid infecting clothes and other items.
   • Keep the surfaces of bathroom equipment clean at home.
   • Change to clean, dry socks daily or more often if necessary (eg after playing sports).

2. 

   
   
   Take conventional medicine. Mild fungal infections can be cured with over-the-counter medications. For more severe cases, prescription drugs may be needed.
   • Apply antifungal ointments, sprays, powders or creams.
   • Take over-the-counter medications. Examples include Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), Miconazole (Desenex, Zeasor and others), Terbinafine (Lamisil AT), and Tolnaftate (Tinactin, Ting and others).
   • For severe fungal infections, use a prescription medication. Topical medications include Clotrimazole and Miconazole; Oral medications include Itraconazole (Sporanox), Fluconazole (Diflucan) and Terbinafine (Lamisil). Note that oral medications can interact with other medications like antacids and some anticoagulants.

3. 

   
   
   Try homeopathic treatment. Certain uncommon treatments are also effective in treating fungal infections of the feet and toes.
   • Apply a thin layer of tea tree oil to the affected area 2-3 times a day. Use a 100% tea tree oil product.
   • Apply grapefruit seed extract with antifungal properties to the skin. These products can be purchased in natural health food and toiletries stores.
   • Exposure to sunlight and air expose infected feet to fungal infections. Wear breathable shoes like sandals and keep your feet dry and clean.
   • Garlic treatment - ingredients containing antifungal compounds are very effective in treating fungal infections, including athlete's foot. Crush the garlic and put it in the tub to soak your feet for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use garlic by crushing it and then mixing it with olive oil and a cotton ball to apply it on infected areas.
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Method 2 of 3: Toenail Fungus Treatment

1. 

   
   
   Avoid further infection. Toenail fungus can be transmitted by a fungus on the feet or by other transmission such as public contact. The fungus also thrives in warm, moist environments and can enter the body through a cut or gap between the toe and the skin.
   • Do not share shoes, socks or towels.
   • Avoid walking barefoot in changing rooms, public pools, public baths or gyms.
   • Dispose of old shoes at risk of fungal infection.
   • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap after touching the infected toenail to prevent the fungus from spreading to other toes.
   • Keep infected toenails dry by wearing open toes or clean, dry socks.

2. 

   Take conventional medicine. Toenail fungus can start as a mild illness, but it will spread into a more serious illness. Fungi can cause toenails to discolor, crack at corners, or become unusually thick. Toenail fungus should be treated if it is uncomfortable.
   • Use an antifungal cream prescribed to apply to your toes after soaking your feet in warm water.
   • Ask your doctor about taking oral prescription medications for 6-12 weeks, in combination with topical antifungal medications. You may need kidney function monitoring while taking these medications.

3. 

   Try homeopathic therapy. The uncommon treatments are also very effective in treating toenail fungus in some cases.
   • Apply tea tree oil in a thin layer to the infected toenails 2-3 times a day. Use a 100% tea tree oil product.
   • Apply Snakeroot root extract - a proven treatment similar to conventional antifungal creams.
   • Soak the fungal toenails in white vinegar, which has natural antibacterial properties. After you've filmed your toenails, use a cotton ball, clean cloth, or cotton swab to dab it in pure vinegar 1-2 times a day for a few weeks.

4. 

   Consult your doctor about surgery in severe cases. Surgery may be needed if the infected toenail is painful. The surgical procedure involves the complete removal of a fungal toenail and is often combined with antifungal treatment of the nail bed.
   • Rest assured that your new nail will grow back, but it can take about a year.
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Method 3 of 3: Prevent Fungi from Recurring

1. 

   Wear suitable footwear. Fungi thrive in damp, poorly ventilated areas, so wear lightweight, well-ventilated footwear and change shoes often.
   • Throw out old footwear that can carry fungus.
   • Change socks (socks) 2 times a day if your feet sweat easily.
   • Wear shoes made of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, or synthetic material specially designed to absorb moisture.
   • Exposure to sunlight and air when possible.

2. 

   Keep the feet dry and clean. Wash your feet with antibacterial soap and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
   • Use a clean towel each time you wash your feet to avoid re-infection from dirty towels.
   • Apply an antifungal powder between your toes and around your feet.
   • Keep your toenails short and clean, especially in people with toenail fungus.

3. 

   Improve immune system. A weak immune system makes you more susceptible to ringworm and toenail fungus.
   • Get enough sleep.
   • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
   • Take a multivitamin daily or several times a week.
   • Participate in outdoor activities, especially in the sun, to get enough vitamin D.
   • Manage stress and anxiety through practice, meditation or other forms of relaxation.

4. 

   Do exercise. Exercise is not only healthy, but also essential to fight infection and prevent the disease from coming back. Because blood circulation in the legs is lower than in other parts of the body, it is difficult for the immune system to detect and eliminate infections in the legs.
   • Start slowly if you're not used to regular exercise - walking, swimming, or low intensity Calisthenics will help increase blood circulation in your legs.
   • Try doing light weights at home or at the gym.
   • Take the stairs regularly and park your car away from the destination. A little more walking can also help prevent the infection from coming back.
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Warning

• Do not walk barefoot in public or indoors (where many people are barefoot) to avoid infecting others.
• Side effects of the antifungal drugs include a skin rash and kidney damage.