You may be able to treat toenail fungus at home with certain essential oils and other products with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, like Vicks VapoRub.
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Toenail fungus, known scientifically as onychomycosis, is a pretty common issue that affects the toenails. The most obvious sign is a change in color, which can range from white to brown or yellow, affecting one or more nails.
If left untreated, it can lead to thickening or cracking of the nails. Whether it’s sandal season or not, toenail fungus is definitely not something you want to see when you glance at your feet.
Fortunately, there are plenty of treatments available, including some natural options you might want to consider.
What home remedy kills toenail fungus?
Here are 10 Home remedies which kills toenail Fungus:
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment that many people know for its cough-suppressing properties, but did you know it might also help with toenail fungus? Its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, have shown some promise in this area.
A study from 2011 found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” on toenail fungus treatment. Plus, a 2016 study involving individuals living with HIV backed up these results.
To use it, just apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
Snakeroot Extract
Next up is snakeroot extract, which comes from a plant in the sunflower family and acts as an antifungal. A study from 2008 revealed that it works as effectively as the antifungal medication ciclopirox.
In that study, participants applied snakeroot extract to the affected area every third day for the first month, then twice a week for the second month, and finally once a week for the third month.
A 2020 study confirmed these findings in people with diabetes mellitus. Then we have tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca. This essential oil boasts antifungal and antiseptic properties.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), some small clinical studies suggest that tea tree oil might be effective against toenail fungus.
To use it, simply paint the tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail twice a day with a cotton swab.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil is another option, containing thymol, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. A review from 2016 highlighted its effectiveness against toenail fungus. To treat the fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
Some folks even combine oregano oil with tea tree oil for added potency, but be cautious—both can irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions, and mixing them might heighten that risk.
Ozonized Oils
Lastly, we have ozonized oils, like olive oil and sunflower oil, which are infused with ozone gas. Research from 2020 indicates that low concentrations of ozone exposure for a short time can deactivate various organisms, including fungi.
Listerine Mouthwash
Listerine mouthwash might actually help with toenail fungus, thanks to its ingredients like menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which are known for their antibacterial and antifungal properties.
This could explain why many people swear by it as a home remedy for toenail fungus.
Those who support this treatment suggest soaking the affected foot in a basin filled with amber-colored Listerine for about 30 minutes each day.
Garlic
A study from 2019 suggests that garlic extract might have antifungal properties, but we definitely need more research to back that up.
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you can try applying chopped or crushed garlic cloves directly to the affected area for about 30 minutes each day.
Alternatively, for a less pungent option, you might consider taking garlic capsules. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage.
Apple cider vinegar
Only anecdotal evidence exists supporting vinegar as a treatment for toenail fungus. There is one 2017 study on apple cider vinegar suggesting it has antimicrobial properties. That said, more research is needed on its actual effect on toenail fungus.
If you want to give vinegar a try, soak the affected foot in one part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes daily.
Probiotics
ResearchTrusted Source shows that probiotics may help prevent the growth of various fungi, which may be able to reduce the chance of an infection.
Consider eating more foods containing probiotics or taking probiotic supplements as a preventive strategy.
Other natural options
The are a few other plant-based remedies that may be effective in treating toenail fungus, according to research. These include:
- spirulina (Arthrospira maxima)
- spruce tree resin
- propolis extract
When to see a doctor?
In most situations, toenail fungus is seen as more of a cosmetic issue. However, it can lead to serious complications for some individuals.
For those living with diabetes, the risk of developing toenail fungus is higher. These infections can potentially lead to the formation of diabetic foot ulcers.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, it’s best to avoid home remedies for toenail fungus. Instead, reach out to your doctor for the right treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does hydrogen peroxide help toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide may help with toenail fungus, but its effectiveness isn’t fully proven.
A study on a medication called A3IS (Mycosinate), which slowly releases hydrogen peroxide, showed promising results—being 40% more effective than some antifungal treatments after 6-12 weeks and 70% more effective after 6 months.
However, this research didn’t involve directly applying hydrogen peroxide to toenail fungus.
The Global Nail Fungus Organization does list hydrogen peroxide as a potential remedy, but more research is needed to confirm its direct application benefits. If you decide to try it, proceed cautiously and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
How do you get rid of toenail fungus fast at home?
If you’re looking to kick that toenail fungus to the curb quickly, your best bet is to visit a doctor who can prescribe medication like fluconazole (Diflucan).
While some natural remedies might help ease your symptoms, there’s no guarantee they’ll do the trick, and even if they do, it could take a bit longer to see results.
What absolutely kills toenail fungus? Home Remedies
Prescription oral antifungals, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole (Diflucan), are traditionally used to treat toenail fungus and will usually resolve it faster and more effectively.
On the other hand, they can also cause serious side effects such as upset stomach, dizziness, severe skin problems, and jaundice. This may be why many people try home remedies instead.
The bottom line
Home remedies might actually be more effective than prescription medications when it comes to tackling mild-to-moderate toenail fungus.
While these natural solutions usually come with fewer side effects, the scientific backing for their effectiveness is a bit lacking.
When dealing with toenail fungus, several factors play a role, including how well the nails can absorb treatment, the severity of the infection, and your overall health.
It’s worth noting that home remedies may take longer to eliminate toenail fungus compared to topical prescription treatments or oral antifungals.
You might not notice any improvement for several months, and reinfection is quite common. Once you’ve managed to clear the infection, it’s important to keep your toenails dry, clean, and neatly trimmed.
In more severe cases, toenail fungus can lead to pain and permanent damage to the nails. If you find that your home remedies aren’t working or are causing side effects, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor.