Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus Cure

Most cases of toenail problems account to fungal infections. However, toenail fungus cure can be achieved with proper hygiene and home treatment methods. Some effective toenail fungus home remedies include application of vinegar, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, oregano and olive oil mixture, Vicks, Listerine, alcohol, turmeric paste, yogurt, lime juice and onion slices to the infected toenails.

Nail fungus, medically referred to as onychomycosis, is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Though fungal nail infection can occur in both fingernails and toenails, the majority of reported cases are toenail infections. The main reason is the warm, moist and dark conditions around the toenails — the ideal breeding place for fungi like dermatophytes and yeast — which is why people who constantly wear shoes in warmer climates are especially prone. About 12–15 percent of Americans suffer from toenail fungus infection.

Causes and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

More common in adults, toenail fungus is caused by both hereditary and environmental factors, so it often runs in families predisposed to the infection. The fungus takes hold when it gets under the toenail, and common causes and risk factors include:

• A break in the nail, letting the fungus enter.
• Nails weakened by very tight-fitting shoes.
• Wearing the same shoes daily without letting them dry thoroughly in between.
• Cutting the toenails extremely close to the skin, which creates small cuts that let the fungus enter and spread.
• Feet that stay damp for extended periods, and frequent exposure to water.
• Age and general lack of toenail hygiene.

As the infestation takes hold, white and yellowish spots develop underneath the nail. As the infection progresses, the affected toenail shows other signs: it discolors (yellow, black or brown), thickens, becomes flaky and brittle, keeps chipping, and the edges crumble. A bad smell may emanate from under the nail, and walking can produce a stinging pain in the skin beneath it. Similar to any other medical problem, early diagnosis and timely treatment are necessary to prevent complications; to rule out conditions like psoriasis, a doctor may examine debris from the infected nail, and if fungal infection is confirmed, may prescribe topical and oral antifungal medication. Apart from medicine, there are various effective home remedies you can practice.

Home Remedies to Cure Toenail Fungus

At times toenail fungus is difficult to treat, particularly when the infection spreads deeper under the nail, and once one nail is infected the fungus passes quickly to adjacent nails. On a positive note, it responds well to home remedies — provided treatment begins as soon as possible after the infection appears. Because toenail fungus is contagious, the sooner you act, the better.

Hydrogen Peroxide

One of the best-proven remedies is 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. If using concentrated hydrogen peroxide, dilute it with an equal amount of warm water. Soak the infected toenails for about 20 minutes at least twice daily until the fungus is completely gone, drying the toenails thoroughly after every session.

Vinegar

Vinegar, a household acidic product, is a reliable treatment. Fill a basin with equal parts warm water and vinegar — apple cider vinegar has proven more effective than white vinegar — and soak the feet for 20–25 minutes. Dry the toenails thoroughly with a towel and then with super-absorbent paper. Repeat twice daily until symptoms disappear.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural, powerful fungicide and antiseptic. Rub the affected toenails with a cotton ball dipped in tea tree oil twice daily (three times if possible), morning and just before bed, until the fungus is gone. For better results, mix equal amounts of tea tree oil and olive oil.

Oregano and Olive Oil

Mix two drops of oregano essential oil with one teaspoon of olive oil and apply to the infected toenails at least twice a day. The strong antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and antiparasitic properties of oregano oil can cure the fungus within 2–3 weeks.

Listerine Mouthwash

Soak the infected toenails in this antiseptic solution for about 15–20 minutes twice daily, then towel dry properly to avoid damp conditions.

Rubbing Alcohol

Dip a cotton ball in alcohol and rub it on the infected toenails three times a day, or soak the nails in alcohol for about 20 minutes twice daily and dry the feet properly with clean towels. This helps clear the fungus within a few weeks.

Turmeric

Turmeric in pure form is a natural antiseptic that helps kill fungus. Make a paste with a few drops of water, apply to the infected toenails twice a day, keep for 25–30 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry the nails and feet thoroughly.

Yogurt

Rub yogurt onto the infected toenails and the underside of the nails, leave for 20–25 minutes and wash thoroughly, then towel dry. If discoloration is present, add a few drops of concentrated lime juice to the yogurt and follow the same procedure.

Onion

Peel an onion and cut slices, rub the affected toenails with them for about 10 minutes, then rinse with water and towel dry.

Vicks VapoRub

The efficacy of Vicks is not clear — many have found it helps, many have not. It is known to stop the growth of the fungus rather than eliminate it, so you would need to use it until the infected nail grows out. It is generally advisable to try the other options first.

Prevention

Along with home remedies, cleanliness and routine pedicures are a must — in fact, these remedies work effectively only with proper hygiene. Avoid public shower stalls and bathrooms, where the fungus thrives and can be picked up from someone else. Never use nail clippers belonging to another person, and make sure salon clippers have been disinfected. Wear comfortable shoes, put on sandals in public areas such as pools and showers, and avoid sharing socks, footwear and personal items. Even after treatment there is a chance of recurrent infection if proper nail care is not followed, so prevention is the best approach. If symptoms worsen despite these remedies, consult a qualified physician — but in most cases the remedies work very effectively, and you will soon be flaunting healthy toenails again.