Embarrassing, uncomfortable, and often overlooked, toenail fungus, or Onychomycosis, affects millions worldwide. This fungal infection not only tarnishes the appearance of nails with discoloration and thickening but also brings discomfort and potential complications if left untreated.
As a dermatologist, I frequently come across misleading claims about overnight cures for toenail fungus. Unfortunately, treating toenail fungus can be challenging due to its stubborn nature and location within the nail matrix.
Whether opting for medical treatment or home remedies, consistency and patience are key. It's important to stick to a chosen treatment regimen and observe its effects, as it often takes weeks to see significant improvement. Additionally, toenail fungus has a tendency to recur, so long-term management and care are necessary.
Toenail fungus accounts for 20% of all nail diseases and affects approximately 5% of the global population; its impact reaches far beyond aesthetics. Whileseveral treatments areavailable, many prefer to explore home remedies due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness.
This guide will uncover the causes, symptoms, and treatments for toenail fungus. We will also share the 7 best home remedies for toenail fungus, backed by studies and research.
table of contents
Understanding Toenail Fungus
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Why Did I Get Toenail Fungus?
Treatment of Toenail Fungus
Best Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
The Takeaway
Medical Disclaimer:This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you have read in this article. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider. For more details, refer to ourDisclaimer Policy.
Understanding Toenail Fungus
Before we jump into remedies, let's understand what we're dealing with.Toenail fungus, medically known as Onychomycosis, is a common nail condition affecting millions worldwide.It isa fungalinfectionofnailsthat causes discoloration, thickening, and separation from thenail bed.
It is typically caused by dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive in warm, moist environmentslike sweaty shoes. These fungi invade the nail bed through smallcracks or cuts in the skin, leading tovarious symptoms.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Common symptoms of nail fungus infection include:
- Discoloration of the nail, which can appear as white, yellow, or brown.
- Thickening or distortion of the nail.
- Brittleness or crumbling of the nail edges.
- Foul odor emanating from the affected nail.
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed.
- Pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes.
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Why Did I Get Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus is a common condition in older adults, but it can also affect individuals of any age.
Several risk factors canincrease the risk of developinga fungal toe infection. These include having distorted nails, a history of nail trauma, genetic predisposition, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), existing fungal infections elsewhere on the body, psoriasis, smoking, and regularly wearing closed-toe shoes or using communal bathing facilities.
Treatment of Toenail Fungus
Treatment for Onychomycosis can vary based on the severity of the nail changes, the specific organism causing the infection, and concerns about potential adverse effects.
Oral antifungal medications are the main treatment for nail infections. However, it can be challenging to treat because nails are made of keratin, which is not easily penetrated by many medicines. Due to poor drug delivery to the nails, it may take up to a year to see the results of treatment.
Moreover, various topical treatments are available to treat Onychomycosis. These treatments have few restrictions and do not interact with other medications. They are suitable for patients who cannot take antifungal pills or have mild to moderate cases of the infection.
In the United States, a prescription medicine calledCiclopirox solutionis used to treat Onychomycosis. It works like a nail polish but contains medicine to fight the infection. Some possible side effects include a burning, itching, or stinging feeling where it's put on. It's an option for people who can't take antifungal pills or have a mild nail infection.
Best Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Many people opt for home remedies to address toenail fungus, as they prefer natural solutions. Interestingly, some home remedies have proven to be as effective as prescription medications, based on research and studies. This is why many people are drawn to these remedies, seeking a natural and effective approach to treating toenail fungus.
Let's explore some of the best home remedies for toenail fungus:
1 | Proper foot hygiene
Before starting with the home remedies, it is important to understand that prevention is key to avoiding toenail fungus recurrence.
Some of the tips to avoid getting toenail fungus include:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Wear breathable socks and shoes. Choose moisture-wicking socks and breathable footwear to keep your feet dry.
- Use antifungal powders or sprays. Apply these to your feet and yourshoes, especially if you tend to sweat a lot on your feet.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. Wear sandals or flip-flops in places like swimming pools, gym showers, and locker rooms.
- Be cautious at nail salons. Make sure the salon follows proper hygiene practices, such as disinfecting tools between clients and using clean towels and foot baths.
2 | Topical mentholated ointment (Vicks VapoRub)
Using topical mentholated ointments like Vicks VapoRub as a home treatment for toenail fungus is an example of a folk remedy that has gained some popularity.
Here's how it's believed to work: Vicks VapoRub contains several active ingredients, including menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil.These ingredients possess antifungal and antimicrobial properties, whichtheoreticallycould help inhibit the growth of fungi responsible for toenail infections.
Ina small studywith 18 patients, after 48 weeks, 28% showed complete recovery from the fungal infection, 56% had some improvement, and 17% did not see any progress.
How to use vicks vaporub as a home remedy for toenail fungus?
3 | Teatree oil
Tea tree oil is a potent antifungal agentwith natural antimicrobial properties and is often touted as a natural remedy for various skin conditions, including toenail fungus (Onychomycosis).
Like Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil possesses antifungal properties that may help inhibit the growth of fungi responsible for nail infections. However, like Vicks VapoRub, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for toenail fungus is limited, and results can vary from person to person.
Researchhas demonstrated that tea tree oil can effectively enhance the appearance and symptoms of nails.
It's important to note a few considerations when using tea tree oil for toenail fungus.It can cause skin irritation or allergic reactionsin some individuals.It's advisable to perform a patch test on a small area of skinbefore applying it to larger areas.
How to use tree tea oil as a home remedy for toenail fungus?
4 | Snakeroot extract
Snakeroot extract, derived from sunflower plants, has been studied as a potential home remedy for toenail fungus.
Ina randomized trialinvolving 96 patients with confirmed nail infections, participants applied either snakeroot extract or ciclopirox (a commonly used antifungal medication) to their infected nails for six months. The results showed that snakeroot extract demonstrated antifungal properties, with a cure rate of 59% and a clinical cure rate of 71% among patients using the extract. Differences between the two treatments were not statistically significant.
How to use Snakeroot extract as a home remedy for toenail fungus?
5 | Hydrogen Peroxide Soak
Hydrogen peroxide soaks, chemically represented as H2O2, are a popular home remedy for treating toenail fungusdue to their antiseptic properties.It is a mild antiseptic used for decades to clean wounds and disinfect surfaces, kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it potentially effective against toenail fungus.
When used as a foot soak, hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the affected nail, targeting the fungus residing within the nail bed.
How to use Hydrogen Peroxide Soak as a home remedy for toenail fungus?
Safety Tips
Always dilute hydrogen peroxide before use to reduce its potency and minimize the risk of skin irritation.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on open wounds or broken skin, as it may cause stinging or burning.
Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort or adverse reactions, and consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Keep hydrogen peroxide out of reach of children and pets, as ingesting or mishandling it can lead to serious consequences.
6 | Listerine mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash, typically used for oral hygiene, has gained popularity as a home remedy for treating toenail fungus.
The active ingredients in Listerine, such as menthol, thymol, and eucalyptol, possess antifungal properties that may help combat fungal infections, including those affecting the toenails.
While there is no supporting evidence that Listerine mouthwash is effective for treating toenail fungus, many individuals have reported success with this approach.
How to useListerine mouthwash as a home remedy for toenail fungus?
1. Pour Listerine mouthwash into a basin or foot tub. You can use it undiluted or mix it with equal parts of water for a milder solution.
2. Soak your affected toes in the Listerine solution for 15-20 minutes. Ensure the affected nails are fully submerged in the solution to allow maximum contact with the antifungal ingredients.
3. After soaking, pat your feet dry with a clean towel. Ensure that the spaces between your toes are thoroughly dry to prevent moisture buildup, which can contribute to fungal growth.
4. Repeat the Listerine foot soak daily until you notice improvement in the toenail fungus. Consistency is key to effectively combating the infection and preventing its recurrence.
While Listerine mouthwash may show promise as a home remedy for toenail fungus, it's essential to approach its use with caution and manage expectations.
7 | Baking Soda
Baking soda, a common household ingredient, has been explored as a potential remedy for toenail fungus due to its alkaline properties, which may help create an inhospitable environment for fungi.
Baking soda soaks, and pastes are simple yet popular methods for treating toenail fungus at home.
It's important to note that while baking soda soaks and pastes are generally safe and easy to use, they may not work for everyone, and results can vary. Additionally, toenail fungus can be stubborn and may require multiple treatment approaches for resolution.
How to use Baking Sodaas a home remedy for toenail fungus?
- Fill a basin or tub with warm watertocomfortablycover your feet and toenails.Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water and mix well until it dissolves.
- Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Ensure that the affected toenails are fully submerged in the solution.
- After soaking, carefully pat your feet and toenails dry with a clean towel. Make sure to dry between the toes as well to prevent moisture buildup.
- Repeat the baking soda soak daily for optimal results. Consistency is key to seeing improvement in toenail fungus.
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of water toform a thick paste. Adjust the ratio until you achieve a paste-like consistency that is easy to apply.
- Use a clean cotton swab or your fingers toapply the baking soda paste directly to theaffected toenails. Make sure to cover the entire nail surface and the surrounding skin.
- Allow the baking soda paste to dry onthe nails for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off the baking soda paste with warm water and dryyour feet with a towel.
- Apply the baking soda paste once daily, preferably before bedtime, for consistent treatment.
The Takeaway
Toenail fungus can be stubborn, but with patience and consistency, you can effectively treat it using home remedies. Experiment with these natural solutions to find what works best for you.
Remember that these home remedies are not a substitute for professional medical treatment.If toenail fungus persists or worsens despite home treatment attempts,it's advisable to seekguidance from a dermatologist or podiatrist.
These healthcare providers can offer various treatment options, including prescription antifungal medications, laser therapy, or other medical approaches. Remember, healthy nails start with proper care and attention!
