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Homemade Toenail Fungus Treatment

A fungal infection of the toenail, caused by a fungus known as a dermatophyte, can be a nightmare for some. They thrive in warm, moist conditions and thus are common those who frequent locker rooms and those who wear shoes for long periods at a time. Although there is plenty of over-the-counter and prescription medications available, many people often choose to homemade remedies.

  1. Symptoms

    • A toenail infected by a fungus often take on the appearance of being thicker than normal. This is often accompanied by a distorted shape and, according to the Mayo Clinic, can crumble, flake off or become incredibly brittle and break apart. In some cases the nail can separate completely from the nail bed, which is not only painful, but can lead to an increase in the accumulation of debris. This can lead to what appears to be a dark pigmentation under the nail. As soon as you notice these symptoms, treatment should begin immediately to prevent it from not only becoming worse, but from causing long-term damage.

    Homemade Treatment

    • According to the National Institute of Health, medications often used to treat a fungal infection of the toenail can cause liver damage or interfere with other drugs. As a result, many choose to seek home remedies. The Mayo Clinic suggests that soaking your feet in a mixture of two parts warm water and one part vinegar, you can help hinder the growth of some bacteria, which can prevent the nail infection from becoming worse. Alternatively, the application of Vicks VapoRub to the nail can conceivably provide benefits as well.

      Unfortunately, there are no scientific studies supporting the use of vinegar or Vicks VapoRub to effectively cure tonenail fungus. Should you decide to employ these methods, you should discuss the pros and cons of their use. Whatever option is chosen, however, should be utilized while practicing good hygiene. This includes changing your socks daily, airing out your feet and ensuring that you're drying thoroughly after taking a shower or using a swimming pool.

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