How can Epsom salt help treat an infected finger. What are the symptoms of paronychia. What causes this common nail infection. Which home remedies are most effective for treating paronychia. When should you see a doctor for an infected finger.

Understanding Paronychia: A Common Nail Infection

Paronychia is a soft tissue infection that occurs around the nails on fingers or toes. It affects over 200,000 people annually in the United States alone. This condition can be either acute or chronic, with acute cases typically caused by bacteria and chronic cases often resulting from fungal infections.

The most common culprit behind acute paronychia is the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This infection often develops due to constant irritation or trauma to the skin around the nails, such as from frequent exposure to moisture or damage to the cuticles.

What are the symptoms of paronychia?

Paronychia typically manifests as:

• Swelling and tenderness around the nail
• Redness (erythema) in the affected area
• Pain and warmth in the infected tissue
• Possible pus formation under the skin

These symptoms usually develop over hours to several days, starting in the area where the skin meets the nail at the nailfold.

Causes and Risk Factors for Paronychia

Several factors can contribute to the development of paronychia:

• Continuous exposure to moisture (e.g., dishwashing, frequent hand-washing)
• Cuticle damage from picking, biting, or aggressive manicures
• Prolonged use of wet gloves or footwear
• Cuts or cracks in the skin around nails
• Certain occupations that involve frequent hand-washing or exposure to chemicals

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention. By identifying potential causes, individuals can take steps to protect their nails and surrounding skin from infection.

Epsom Salt Soaks: A Powerful Home Remedy

One of the most effective home treatments for paronychia is the use of Epsom salt soaks. This simple yet powerful remedy can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

How to prepare an Epsom salt soak for infected fingers:

1. Fill a bowl with warm water (not too hot to cause discomfort)
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of Epsom salt to the water
3. Stir until the salt dissolves completely
4. Soak the affected finger for 15-20 minutes
5. Repeat 3-4 times daily for best results

Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain associated with paronychia. Additionally, the warm water helps improve blood circulation to the affected area, promoting faster healing.

Additional Home Remedies for Paronychia

While Epsom salt soaks are highly effective, there are other home remedies that can complement this treatment:

• Warm water soaks (without salt)
• Applying petroleum jelly to broken skin
• Keeping the affected area dry between treatments
• Regular hand washing with warm, soapy water
• Avoiding nail-biting and finger-sucking

These remedies, when used in conjunction with Epsom salt soaks, can significantly improve the healing process and alleviate symptoms of paronychia.

Preventing Paronychia: Tips for Nail Care

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to nail infections. Here are some tips to help prevent paronychia:

• Avoid cutting or pushing back cuticles aggressively
• Keep hands and feet dry, especially after bathing or swimming
• Wear protective gloves when washing dishes or working with chemicals
• Trim nails straight across to prevent ingrown nails
• Avoid biting nails or picking at hangnails
• Use moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin around nails

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing paronychia and maintain healthy nails and surrounding skin.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Infected Fingers

While many cases of paronychia can be treated effectively at home, there are instances where professional medical care is necessary. You should consult a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms worsen or fail to improve after 3-5 days of home treatment
• The infection appears to be spreading beyond the initial site
• You develop a fever or experience severe pain
• You have a compromised immune system or diabetes
• There’s significant pus accumulation or signs of abscess formation

A healthcare professional can provide appropriate treatment, which may include prescription antibiotics or, in severe cases, drainage of any abscesses.

Differentiating Between Acute and Chronic Paronychia

Understanding the difference between acute and chronic paronychia is crucial for proper treatment and management of the condition.

Acute Paronychia

Characteristics of acute paronychia include:

• Sudden onset of symptoms
• Usually caused by bacterial infection (often Staphylococcus aureus)
• Typically affects one nail at a time
• Responds well to home remedies and antibiotic treatment if needed

Acute paronychia often resolves within a few days to weeks with proper care.

Chronic Paronychia

Features of chronic paronychia:

• Develops gradually over time
• Often caused by fungal infections or prolonged irritation
• May affect multiple nails simultaneously
• Can persist for weeks or months without proper treatment
• May require long-term management and lifestyle changes

Chronic paronychia may need more intensive treatment, including antifungal medications or corticosteroids in some cases.

The Role of Professional Nail Care in Preventing Infections

While home care is essential, professional nail care can play a significant role in preventing paronychia and other nail infections. Here’s how:

• Proper cuticle management: Professional manicurists are trained to care for cuticles without causing damage or creating entry points for bacteria.
• Sterile equipment: Reputable salons use sterilized tools, reducing the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms.
• Early detection: Regular professional nail care can help identify potential issues before they become serious infections.
• Expert advice: Nail technicians can provide personalized advice on maintaining healthy nails based on your specific nail type and concerns.

When choosing a nail salon, prioritize cleanliness and proper sanitation practices to ensure the health and safety of your nails and surrounding skin.

Nutritional Support for Healthy Nails and Skin

A balanced diet can contribute significantly to nail and skin health, potentially reducing the risk of infections like paronychia. Consider incorporating these nutrients into your diet:

• Biotin: Found in eggs, nuts, and whole grains, biotin promotes nail strength and growth.
• Vitamin E: This antioxidant, present in almonds and sunflower seeds, supports skin health around the nails.
• Zinc: Essential for nail health, zinc can be found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish and flaxseeds, these support overall skin health.
• Protein: Adequate protein intake is crucial for nail growth and repair.

While a healthy diet won’t prevent all cases of paronychia, it can contribute to overall nail and skin resilience, potentially reducing the risk of infections.

Paronychia, though common, can be a painful and concerning condition. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management. Epsom salt soaks, along with other home remedies, can provide significant relief for many cases of paronychia. However, it’s important to recognize when professional medical care is necessary. By practicing good nail hygiene, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking timely treatment when needed, you can keep your nails healthy and reduce the risk of infections like paronychia. Remember, your nails are an important part of your overall health, and caring for them properly can contribute to your well-being and confidence.

How to Treat Paronychia at Home (and Prevent it in the First Place)

• Skin
• Body

By

Celia Shatzman

Celia Shatzman

Celia Shatzman is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers beauty, fashion, celebrities, entertainment, and other lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire, and more.

Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines

Published on 09/20/22 11:55AM

Dana Saparova / Stocksy

Breaking a nail is undoubtedly annoying—and often quite painful. While it might seem like the worst thing that could happen to your mani, paronychia may have it beat. Now you’re probably asking, “paron-who?” “Paronychia is an infection of the tissue folds around the nail that is typically caused by irritation or trauma, like cuticle damage, a hangnail, or excess exposure to moisture (such as someone whose hands are constantly wet from dishwashing, for example),” explains board-certified facial plastic surgeon Jaimie DeRosa, MD.  “The condition affects more than 200,000 people a year in the United States alone.” 

Paronychia is most commonly caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, as a result of continuous irritation of the skin, hands, and feet being constantly wet and warm. Sometimes it’s also caused by cuticle damage due to picking or biting (the mouth is full of bacteria that can cause this infection), explains DeRosa. “A good example would be someone skiing for multiple days wearing warm, wet ski gloves and developing paronychia as a result,” she says.

Board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, MD, adds that trauma to the protective barrier around the nail (the cuticle) can provide an entryway for microorganisms. “Trauma may result from physical injury caused by cutting cuticles, or it may be due to cracks and fissures in the skin that have occurred for other reasons such as dry skin or irritant dermatitis,” she says. 

What Is Paronychia?

“Paronychia is a soft tissue infection that occurs around the nails on the fingers or toes,” says Marcus. “It can either be acute, in which case it is most often caused by staph bacteria, or chronic, in which case it is often caused by fungus. Paronychia manifests as swelling, tenderness, erythema (redness), and sometimes pus in the skin around the nail. It is usually tender and sometimes warm to the touch.”

Symptoms of paronychia will typically develop over hours to several days, sometimes even longer. “They will first become evident in the area where the skin meets the nail at the nailfold,” DeRosa says. “It will manifest as pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. The skin may also be warm to touch due to inflammation. As the paronychia worsens, you may see pus developing under the skin, eventually forming an abscess if untreated and allowed to progress.” 

The good news? “Most paronychia can be treated at home without visiting your doctor,” DeRosa says. Ahead, DeRosa and Marcus walk us through the best ways to treat paronychia at home.

Meet the Expert

• Jaimie DeRosa is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and the founder of and lead facial plastic surgeon at DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach.  
• Rebecca Marcus, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of MaeiMD.

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Warm Soaks

Fill a bowl or basin with warm tap water. (Use a bowl for fingers and a bigger basin for toes.) The water should be warm, but not so hot to cause pain or discomfort. “If you have broken skin then add salt or a saline solution,” DeRosa says. “Use a few tablespoons of table salt, Epsom salt, or saline solution. Warm water alone will also work in the early stages of the condition when you have just red, swollen skin. Soak the affected toe or finger for about 20 minutes at a time three to four times per day. If the water becomes cool before the time is up, then add more hot water to keep it warm.” 

Alternatively, Marcus says you can do a warm soak to treat acute paronychia by wrapping the affected area in a washcloth that is saturated with warm water and keeping it in place for 10 minutes.

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Cover Up

“After soaking, make sure that you thoroughly dry the affected area,” DeRosa says. “You can also apply petroleum jelly and cover it with a bandage if you have broken skin or will be working with your hands.”

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Stay Dry

Moisture is not your friend when it comes to paronychia. “Chronic paronychia, which is often caused by fungus, may be worsened by moisture, so in this case, the affected area should be kept dry,” Marcus says.

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Be Clean

“Keep your hands dry between soaking sessions and avoid biting your nails or sucking on your fingers” so you don’t re-introduce infection, DeRosa says. She advises washing your skin regularly with soapy water that is warm, “but not so hot that it’s uncomfortable.”

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Mind Your Cuticles

You can decrease the chances of developing paronychia in the first place by avoiding trauma to the cuticle. “When getting a manicure, it’s best to gently push cuticles back rather than cutting them,” Marcus says. “All tools should be sterile. Minimize chances of fissures and cracks in the skin around the nails by keeping hands well hydrated and moisturized. ” And avoid biting your nails and cuticles.

06
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Protect Your Hands

“When working with cleaners, chemicals, or detergents, use rubber gloves to protect your hands,” DeRosa says. “It is even better if you use cotton inserts for the gloves to help keep your hands dry, too.”

Normally, it takes about 24 to 36 hours to see a marked improvement in the symptoms of paronychia after your at-home treatment. The first sign that the condition is improving is less pain, as well as fading redness.

“Do not be alarmed if it takes some time for the symptoms to improve as the body’s response may not be noticed immediately,” DeRosa says. “However, if you see that symptoms are not improving within this timeframe or symptoms are reappearing after initially getting better, it’s probably time to seek professional medical help.” 

Contact a medical professional to see if you need antibiotics if your paronychia hasn’t started improving within 36 hours, or if it’s getting worse. “If an abscess is present, it’s best to see a dermatologist to assess, it as it may need to be surgically drained,” Marcus says. If you notice that swelling and redness are increasing quickly, get professional help immediately—and do not wait.

How to Fix a Broken Nail, According to Manicurists

Causes, Treatment, When to Seek Help

Red or swollen fingertips could the the sign of an underlying health condition. Some are treatable at home, like infection, but other times it may call for a health expert.

Swelling happens when part of your body — such as the organs, skin, or muscle — enlarges. It usually happens because of inflammation or fluid buildup in the body part.

Swelling can be internal or affect outer skin and muscles. It can occur throughout the body or be localized in one specific part.

It’s possible for fingertips to swell up. It can be caused by a variety of conditions. In some cases, you can treat this at home, while others require medical attention.

Fingertip swelling has many causes. It can be a sign of a more serious issue, or harmless and temporary.

Infection

In general, infections are a common cause of swelling. An infection in your fingertip is also called a felon. This type of infection affects the pulp, or pad, of your fingertip and causes the small compartments that make up the pulp under your skin to fill with pus.

Felons are usually very painful and throbbing. They most commonly affect the thumb and index finger, and often happen after a puncture wound.

Dactylitis

Dactylitis is a type of severe toe and finger joint inflammation. Dactylitis causes swelling and pain, and makes it hard to move your fingers.

The most common cause of dactylitis is psoriatic arthritis. Up to half of people with psoriatic arthritis develop it. Other causes include:

• other types of arthritis
• gout
• tuberculosis
• sickle cell anemia
• sarcoidosis

Trauma or injury

Injuries or trauma to your fingertip can cause swelling. Fingertip injuries are the most common type of hand injuries seen in emergency rooms.

Common fingertip injuries include fractures and crush injuries. They may also cause bruising under the nail bed or cause your fingernail to tear away from the nail bed.

Pregnancy

Swelling throughout the body, including the hands and fingers, is common during pregnancy. This swelling, called edema, is caused by a buildup of fluid. The fluid helps your body expand and soften to support fetal growth and helps prepare your joints and tissues for delivery.

While swelling during pregnancy is usually harmless, sudden hand swelling can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious form of high blood pressure. Preeclampsia requires medical attention as soon as possible.

Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can cause fingertip swelling. The autoimmune disease that most commonly causes fingertip swelling is arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis causes joints to swell and stiffen. It also causes pain, warmth, and redness in the joints. It often starts in small joints, such as those in the fingers and toes.

Gout

Gout is a chronic disease that causes uric acid to build up in the body. The uric acid forms crystals in your joints, which can be very painful. Uric acid comes from the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods, like liver, dried beans and peas, and anchovies.

Symptoms usually start in the big toe but can affect any joint. Attacks may be brief at first but then start to last longer and happen more often if not treated properly.

Gout is more common in men, people who are overweight, people with a family history of gout, and people who eat a lot of food heavy in purines.

Cancer

Cancer of any type can metastasize to bone. In rare cases, it can metastasize to hand bones. In these cases, the tumor can cause fingertip swelling. Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer to metastasize to hand bones, then kidney cancer, and breast cancer.

In about 16 percent of cases, the hand tumor will be the first sign of cancer. This usually indicates a poor prognosis.

Treatment for a swollen fingertip depends on the cause. Sometimes, medical treatment might be necessary. In other cases, you can treat your swollen fingertip at home.

Medical treatment

• Steroids can be used to treat swelling caused by autoimmune disorders. They suppress the immune system and stop your body from attacking itself. Steroids can also be used to treat gout.
• Over-the-counter non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, can be used to treat fingertip swelling.
• If you have a felon that has a lot of pus or doesn’t respond to antibiotics, you may need to have it drained by a doctor.
• Felons may require antibiotics to clear the infection.
• Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, depends on the type and stage of cancer you have.
• Some trauma or injuries require medical attention. For example, if you have a finger fracture, that will most likely require a splint, but on occasion will require surgery.

Home remedies

Not all swollen fingertips need medical treatment. For example, swelling from pregnancy reduces after you give birth. But you can help relieve symptoms with at-home remedies.

• Lifestyle changes, such as eating food with less salt, can help ease swelling caused by pregnancy. Eating foods with fewer purines can help ease gout symptoms.
• Epsom salt can help reduce pain and swelling. Soak your swollen fingertip for 15 to 20 minutes in warm or cool water mixed with Epsom salt.
• If you have an autoimmune condition, eating anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce swelling. Fish, leafy greens, green tea, and dark chocolate are all great choices. You can also use spices like turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, and garlic.
• Tea tree oil can help reduce swelling. You can mix it with a carrier oil or a moisturizer and apply it to the infected area. Tea tree oil may also help reduce infection, but it should not be used in place of antibiotics for moderate or severe infections.

Many cases of swollen fingertips can be treated at home. However, it can be a sign of a more serious problem. You should see a doctor if:

• swelling lasts more than three days or happens more than three times a month
• swelling is due to trauma or may be broken
• swelling is very painful
• home remedies don’t help reduce your swelling
• you’re pregnant and your hand suddenly becomes swollen
• there is pus alongside the swelling
• fingertip swelled after a puncture wound

Treatment of toenail fungus with iodine (between the toes), salt

Contents

• Fundamentals of therapy for onychomycosis with iodine
• Rules for use
• Recipes with iodine

Chemical element discovered by scientists yet in 1811. Today, a bottle of iodine is available in almost every first aid kit due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Iodine is effective in treating wounds, bruises and bruises. The solution copes with nail infection at the initial stages of infection, but is also useful in complex therapy in complex cases of the fungus.

The price of the substance is low, a vial of medicine is sold in all pharmacies. Iodine treatment is also carried out independently, sometimes with the help of folk remedies. It is important to note that in this case, you can not deviate from the recipe in order to avoid damage and irritation of the skin. The substance itself helps the tissues to regenerate, restore the structure and maintain the matrix of the nail plate.

An alcohol solution is most commonly used medically for antiseptic purposes around diseased tissue. The cauterizing properties of iodine allow the substance to productively cope with nail fungus (onychomycosis). When applied to the skin, iodine is partially absorbed, the thyroid gland absorbs a certain amount of the substance. Thanks to the kidneys, the remaining volume of the substance is excreted from the body.

There are contraindications! Individual intolerance to the substance prohibits this method of treating nail fungus. The drug is not prescribed for ulcers on the skin. It is worth asking your doctor about the characteristics of your body in advance.

Signs of onychomycosis:

• The limbs become reddish.
• There is irritation and itching in the affected areas.
• The condition of the nail structure worsens.
• The presence of an unpleasant odor.
• Horn plate turns brown.

The causes of the disease can be different. You can become infected while using untreated pedicure tools, walking along the beach, visiting public baths and swimming pools, trying on someone else’s shoes. Nail fungus is caused by poor personal hygiene. Excessive sweating of the feet contributes to the formation of fungus. Recent injuries and a lowered immune system can be the cause.

Fundamentals of therapy of onychomycosis with iodine

Iodine is a multifunctional option that provides treatment for toenail fungus, useful for damaged nails. The medicine dries out infected areas, destroys microbes, makes nails strong, and helps damaged skin fibers to regenerate. The medicine is sold in the public domain and is cheap.

Fungal infection of the toenails is called onychomycosis. The causative agents of the disease (fungi belonging to the group of dermatophytes) contain proteins, and due to the property of iodine to fold proteins, the fungal infection is destroyed, disinfecting the damaged nail plates and skin areas.

Topical application of an antifungal drug has the following effects:

• Formation of antifungal antibiotics (fungicidal effect).
• Disinfection of damaged areas.
• Cauterization of sores.
• Antimicrobial properties.
• Destruction of fungal spores.
• Prevention of further tissue suppuration.
• Elimination of foci of inflammation.

Due to the disinfecting characteristics of the drug, the treatment of toenail fungus takes place in the shortest possible time. With a strong start, when the lesion of the nail plate is more than 1/3, the drug will be useless. At mild levels of infection with a fungal infection, getting rid of onychomycosis takes half a month with the condition of regular use. Iodine is able to destroy pathogens and help in the restoration of the plate, promotes the regeneration of fingers and epithelium.

Returning to the situation when the nail plate is destroyed by more than a third, it is worth noting that the treatment with iodine alone loses its effectiveness. The drug, when the plate is stratified, is useful for its antiseptic properties, but the fungus does not go away completely. In this case, it is worth resorting to the help of additional medicines, and use iodine in combination with other antifungal drugs.

Instructions for use

Iodine against nail fungus has been used since ancient times. For effective treatment, it is necessary to adhere to the recommended dosage so as not to aggravate the condition of the affected skin. Increasing the dose will not lead to a speedy recovery. Patience, regularity, and the following tips will make it easier to get rid of toenail infections.

It is worth preparing properly for the prophylactic procedure. First, you should steam your feet with hot water, using laundry soap and soda. The steam bath is taken for 15 minutes to soften the plate. At the end of the bath for steaming, it is necessary to dry the feet and hands, apply one drop of the substance before going to bed. An antiseptic will not work on untreated skin of the legs, as it is difficult for the substance to reach the epicenter of the fungus seedlings through hardened skin!

Prophylaxis is carried out twice a day, cotton swabs can be used. After a week, most people experience symptoms in the form of itching and burning, which indicates the beginning of healing. If nail treatment brings severe discomfort, you should stop the procedure and consult a dermatologist.

An iodine mesh will help with foot injuries. It must be applied carefully (especially between the fingers), as there is a risk of chemical burns. You can apply the following prevention scheme: smear the affected areas alternately with iodine and vinegar, changing the solution every week.

When covering the nail with a clear solution, it is advisable to use a dropper. Thanks to the tool, you can accurately measure the exact amount of medication needed for a single use. The pipette guarantees uniform distribution of the drug over the infection site.

List of things to remember before starting treatment for onychomycosis:

1. Allergic reactions to the drug should be checked before starting iodine treatment. To do this, apply the substance to a sensitive area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin (wrist or elbow) and wait 10 minutes. If no negative reactions are detected, you can safely proceed to the treatment of toenail fungus with iodine.
2. It is worth recalling that the substance gives the skin a yellow tint, but the effect is temporary. The pigment disappears quickly.
3. Exceeding the dosage is strictly prohibited, as the drug dries out the skin and leaves burns.
4. The tool effectively fights the fungus, if the nail plate is not affected by more than a third. In more advanced cases, the composition disinfects damaged skin, exhibits antiseptic properties.
5. For an effective result, it is necessary to regularly treat the site of infection with iodine.
6. The use of salt increases the effectiveness of the healing elements.
7. During therapy, it is not recommended to visit public places with high humidity, such as baths, pools and beaches.
8. It is necessary to change socks every day and keep shoes clean.

Do not wear tight-fitting synthetic socks at the end of the procedure. To go outside, you need to choose comfortable, not too tight shoes. The fabric of socks and tights should allow air to pass through and prevent excessive sweating.

Antifungal prophylaxis with iodine lasts until the nail plates not affected by bacteria grow back. Later, it is worth doing an analysis for the presence of a fungus in the affected areas. A negative result guarantees a full recovery. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails. Because of this, the treatment of nail fungus with iodine occurs within a month or a whole year, depending on the degree of infection.

Prescriptions with iodine

Preventive measures are as effective as pure iodine. Since the treatment of toenail fungus with a pure solution is undesirable, the drying property of the iodine substance leads to unpleasant consequences, such as delamination of a healthy nail. There are several recipes for the prevention of fungal diseases of the toenails and hands, helping not only to get rid of the infection, but also to strengthen the nails.

Methods of treatment:

• Baths.
• Mask.
• Compresses.

Baths

This method is great for self-execution, as it does not require additional purchase of expensive ingredients (just stock up on salt). You will need a container with warm water, medicine (about five drops of iodine). It is necessary to take a bath with a solution from 15 to 30 minutes. After the procedure, dry your feet thoroughly and treat the skin again with a medicine that provides treatment for the fungus, without violating the recommended dosage.

There is a recipe with vinegar added. You need to take 100 ml of vinegar and 10 drops of the drug. Suitable bowl, designed for 3 liters of hot water. Keep your feet in water for 20 minutes, after the procedure, cut off the soft part of the nail. The procedure should be repeated once a day for 2 weeks.

Mix 400 grams of baking soda in 2 liters of hot water together with salt (80 grams). The procedure lasts half an hour, the nail treatment takes place in water with a solution. The feet are treated with soapy water, after which the drug is applied in three layers, the area between the fingers is captured.

Masks

Preparation for applying the mask, which is a mixture of various antiseptics, is a salt bath. Lower your feet for 10 minutes and wipe dry. Treat nails damaged by fungus. It is important that the instrument is disinfected. To prepare the mask, you will need iodine, acetic acid and a head of garlic, from which you need to squeeze the juice. You will also need an antibacterial agent – nitrofungin.

The ingredients must be added in equal amounts, mixed and shaken. Before going to bed, smear the damaged nails with the composition and put on clean socks made of natural fabric (cotton). Repeat the procedure every other day. Mask treatment is two weeks. Glycerin can be added to the mixture if the skin is sensitive to the irritating properties of the drug.

Compresses

Compresses based on gauze dressings are used to treat fungal toenail infections. 10 minutes before going to bed for a week, a lotion is prepared from one drop of iodine. The second week is followed by 5 grams of fucorcin, a substance that fights fungal bacteria. The third week comes with the use of 10 grams of acetic acid.