18 Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

Nail trimming is crucial for treating nail fungus, though it's not a cure. Long nails can harbor more fungus, so keeping them short helps manage the condition. Before trimming, soak nails in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them. Use nail nippers to make small, straight-across cuts.

It's important to sanitize the nippers afterward to prevent spreading the fungus to other nails and nails of other members of your home.

Vicks VapoRub contains thymol, menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, which can help treat nail fungus. A small study showed that long-term, regular use of Vicks VapoRub improved fungal infection of nails, termed onychomycosis, in most participants, with a quarter experiencing a cure after 48 weeks.

To use, apply Vicks with a cotton swab, working it under the nail. Cover the area with a sock to keep it in place. Repeat the application three to four times a week, or daily for best results.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help treat toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. Mixing ACV with warm water creates a diluted solution for a foot soak. Soak the affected foot in this mixture for about 30 minutes daily to combat the fungus.

Alternatively, you can apply ACV directly to the infected nail using a cotton ball. The acetic acid in vinegar helps create an environment that is inhospitable to fungal growth, aiding in the reduction of the infection.

Ozonized sunflower oil, produced when ozone reacts with sunflower oil, exhibits strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. Laboratory studies confirm its effectiveness and one study found it superior to a standard antifungal medication, for treating toenail fungus!

Notably, users of ozonized sunflower oil reported no side effects, making it a safe alternative. To use, apply the oil directly to the affected nail.

Spirulina (Arthrospira mazima), a nutrient-rich cyanobacteria, contains amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids. Lab studies indicate its antifungal properties can combat toenail fungus. Two small clinical studies demonstrated that a lotion containing A. mazima effectively treated toenail fungus in participants.

However, this specific lotion is not available in the U.S.. Despite this, spirulina's proven antifungal benefits suggest it could be a valuable component in toenail fungus treatments, potentially as a supplement or in topical applications where available.

Garlic possesses potent antifungal properties, making it an effective home remedy for toenail fungus. To use, chop a clove of garlic, you can also make its paste, and apply it directly to the infected nail for 20 to 30 minutes daily for up to a week.

Monitor your skin closely, especially during the first use, as garlic can cause chemical burns on sensitive skin. This remedy targets specific fungal strains, potentially reducing the infection and promoting healthier nails. Its natural antifungal action makes garlic a valuable option in home treatments for toenail fungus.

Listerine mouthwash, containing alcohol and essential oils like eucalyptol and menthol, can effectively treat toenail fungus. Its fast-evaporating formula helps dehydrate and eliminate superficial fungal infections on the toenail. To use this remedy, soak the affected foot in Listerine for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a week.

This treatment can be enhanced by following up with a vinegar soak for added antifungal benefits. The combination of alcohol and essential oils makes Listerine a potent and accessible home remedy for managing toenail fungus.

Snakeroot is a traditional treatment option commonly known for treating toenail fungus in Mexico. The extract is known for its antifungal properties and is directly applied to the infected area.

Applications only need to be performed 2 to 3 times per week in order to experience positive results. Since treatment only works for about 3 months, additional extract treatments are often necessary.

Natural coniferous resin, derived from spruce trees, has been used for centuries mixed with butter or fat to treat skin cuts and infections. Lab studies confirm its antifungal properties. Two small studies investigated its effectiveness for toenail fungus, with some participants reporting improvement after daily application.

However, the results were not as effective compared to standard antifungal medication. To use, apply the resin to the affected nail once daily. While it may offer some benefits, it is less potent than pharmaceutical options.

Baking soda is an effective home remedy for toenail fungus due to its moisture-absorbing properties, which help create an environment less conducive to fungal growth. Although it doesn't completely eliminate the fungus, it can significantly reduce fungal activity.

To use, mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste and apply it to the infected toenail for 15 minutes. Rinse off and repeat this process 3 to 4 times a day. Regular application helps dry out the affected area, inhibiting fungal growth and supporting other antifungal treatments.

Mentholated topical ointments, containing menthol and camphor, are beneficial for treating toenail fungus. Clean and dry the affected nail, then apply the ointment daily, ensuring it covers the nail and surrounding skin. Massage gently and allow it to dry naturally.

These ointments work by leveraging the antifungal properties of menthol and camphor to combat fungal growth over time. Consistent application is key for effectiveness, though results may vary based on the infection's severity.

Ageratina pichinchensis, traditionally used in Mexico for skin infections, exhibits antifungal properties supported by lab studies. While effective against skin fungal infections like athlete’s foot, its efficacy as a toenail fungus treatment is debated.

Research shows mixed results, with some studies suggesting it's less effective than prescription options like ciclopirox, while others indicate comparable efficacy. Using A. pichinchensis as a homemade remedy involves applying its extract as a lacquer to the affected toenail. Stronger concentrations may enhance effectiveness, and no significant side effects have been reported.

Propolis extract, a resin produced by honeybees, is known for its potent antifungal properties. It works effectively against toenail fungus by inhibiting fungal growth and promoting healing of the affected nail. Research, including small clinical studies and case reports, supports its efficacy in treating toenail fungus with minimal to no side effects reported.

To use propolis extract for toenail fungus, apply it directly to the affected nail regularly. Its natural antifungal action helps reduce fungal infection and may improve nail health over time, making it a beneficial option in natural treatments for toenail fungus.

Tea tree oil, known for its antifungal and antiseptic properties, has shown effectiveness against toenail fungus in small clinical studies. To use, apply tea tree oil directly to the affected nail twice daily using a cotton swab. The oil penetrates the nail to combat fungal growth and promote healing.

Regular application is crucial for optimal results. Tea tree oil's natural properties help inhibit fungal activity and support the restoration of healthy nails. It is a popular and accessible remedy in natural treatments for toenail fungus.

Oregano oil's effectiveness in treating toenail fungus is attributed to its high content of thymol, which possesses strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. Applying oregano oil directly to the affected nail twice daily helps combat fungal growth.

Thymol disrupts fungal cell membranes, inhibiting their growth and promoting the elimination of the infection over time. However, oregano oil, like tea tree oil, can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Combining these potent oils may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

Probiotics, beneficial bacteria found in foods like yogurt, kefir, and supplements, can help inhibit fungal growth by promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body. Research suggests that maintaining a robust gut microbiome with probiotics may reduce the risk of fungal infections, including those that can affect toenails.

Incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet or taking probiotic supplements supports overall immune function and enhances microbial diversity, potentially limiting conditions that foster fungal overgrowth.

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, aids in treating toenail fungus primarily through its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Soaking the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salt helps soften the nail and surrounding skin, making it easier to manage and potentially eliminate fungal infections.

The salt also creates an alkaline environment that is less favorable for fungal growth. Regular soaking sessions can help reduce inflammation, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall nail health.

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which exhibits potent antifungal properties that can help treat toenail fungus. When applied to the affected nail and surrounding skin, coconut oil forms a protective barrier and penetrates the nail to combat fungal growth.

Lauric acid disrupts fungal cell membranes, inhibiting their proliferation and promoting healing. Regular application of coconut oil moisturizes the nail, soothes irritation, and may improve the appearance and health of the affected area over time.

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, develops when fungi, primarily dermatophytes, invade the nail bed through cracks or cuts in the skin around the nail or through the nail itself. Several factors contribute to the development of toenail fungus:

1. Warm and Moist Environment

Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making sweaty shoes and damp socks perfect breeding grounds for toenail fungus. When feet are enclosed in tight shoes for extended periods, they can become warm and moist, providing ideal conditions for fungi to grow. Public places like locker rooms, gyms, and pools are also often warm and moist, increasing the risk of fungal exposure.

2. Direct Contact

Toenail fungus can spread through direct contact with infected surfaces. Walking barefoot in public places such as gym showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms can expose the feet to fungi. Sharing towels, shoes, or nail clippers with someone who has a fungal infection can also transfer the fungi to your toenails.

3. Poor Foot Hygiene

Inadequate foot hygiene contributes significantly to fungal infections. Not thoroughly drying the feet after washing or sweating leaves moisture between the toes and around the nails, fostering fungal growth.

4. Nail Trauma

Injuries to the toenail or surrounding skin can create openings through which fungi can enter and infect the nail bed. Trauma can result from stubbing a toe, wearing tight shoes, or repetitive activities that put pressure on the nails. Even minor injuries can provide a pathway for fungi to invade and cause infection.

5. Weakened Immune System

A weakened immune system reduces the body's ability to fight off infections, including toenail fungus. Conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or undergoing chemotherapy can compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to fungal infections. Additionally, certain medications that suppress the immune system can increase the risk.

6. Age

Older adults are more prone to toenail fungus due to age-related changes in the nails. As people age, their nails tend to become thicker, more brittle, and grow more slowly, which can create more opportunities for fungal infections to establish. The reduced blood circulation in the feet of older adults also contributes to the increased risk.

7. Poor Circulation

Conditions that affect blood circulation to the feet, such as peripheral arterial disease, can make it harder for the body to detect and fight off infections. Poor circulation can result in a reduced immune response and slower healing, allowing fungal infections to take hold and persist. Maintaining good circulation through regular exercise and managing underlying health conditions can help reduce the risk of toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus typically starts subtly with minor discoloration and can worsen over time if left untreated. Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, can present with several distinct visual characteristics depending on the severity and type of infection:

• The nail may appear yellow, white, brown, or even greenish-black. This discoloration often starts at the tip or edges of the nail and can spread across the entire nail bed.
• Infected nails often thicken and become noticeably raised. This thickening can make it difficult to trim the nails and may cause discomfort when wearing shoes.
• The shape of the nail may become irregular, with edges that are jagged or rough. As the infection progresses, the nail may develop a distorted or crumbly appearance.
• Infected nails tend to become brittle and prone to crumbling or breaking easily. This brittleness can lead to further damage and make the nail more susceptible to secondary infections.
• The nail may separate from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. This separation creates a gap between the nail and the skin underneath, which can collect debris and lead to further fungal growth.
• In some cases, the nail bed itself may become inflamed or develop a foul odor due to the fungal infection.
• As the infection progresses, individuals may experience pain or discomfort, especially when pressure is applied to the affected nail or when wearing shoes.

Consulting a doctor for toenail fungus is recommended in several situations. If home remedies fail to improve the condition or if the infection worsens despite treatment efforts, it's crucial to seek medical advice promptly. Persistent discoloration, thickening, or abnormalities in toenails should also prompt a visit to a doctor, especially if accompanied by pain, swelling, or signs of infection such as redness or pus.

People at higher risk for complications, such as individuals with diabetes or weakened immune systems, should avoid relying solely on home remedies and consult a healthcare professional immediately upon noticing toenail changes. These conditions can increase the risk of severe fungal infections and complications like cellulitis or foot ulcers.