Because the feet are often enclosed in socks and shoes, they tend to be moist, which provides the perfect breeding ground for fungi to live and thrive. Symptoms of toenail fungus include thickened, crumbling, yellowed nails, pain in the toes and a foul odor. If you have diabetes, AIDS, leukemia or a suppressed immune system, contact your doctor right away if you suspect toenail fungus. Otherwise, you may have good results with a home remedy.
Vicks VapoRub
Consumer Reports suggests that the popular home remedy of using Vicks VapoRub on toenail fungus is effective for many people. Of 85 patients observed at Michigan State University, 32 of them were cured of their toenail fungus using this treatment. Although 53 of the participants did not have success, Consumer Reports points out that the efficacy rate of VapoRub is comparable to that of other topical medications. Applying Vicks to the toenails is not as effective as oral antifungal medications, but it also does not carry the same risks and side effects. Since there is not a standard protocol for using Vicks VapoRub on toenails to treat fungal infections, those wishing to do so should seek the advice of a health care professional to determine how often to apply it to their toenails for maximum benefit.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a remedy for toenail fungus that is effective for some people. According to the Mayo Clinic, although anecdotal evidence suggests that vinegar works to treat fungus, no formal studies have confirmed or denied its efficacy. The daily regimen that the Mayo Clinic describes is to mix one part vinegar with two parts water, soak the affected foot for up to 20 minutes, rinse well and pat dry. This remedy may cause dryness or skin irritation; if it does, the procedure should be limited to two or three times weekly.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from an Australian plant called Melaleuca alternifolia. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are some claims that people have success treating toenail fungus with tea tree oil, but that more research is needed before these claims are verified. Applying 100% tea tree oil to the toenails as well as the surrounding skin is a way that some people attempt to treat fungal infections. Toenail Fungus Treatments.com also suggests bathing the affected feet in shampoo or soap that is make with tea tree oil, but cautions that the treatment may be irritating to some people.
Listerine
Listerine, an antiseptic mouthwash, may also treat toenail fungus in some people. The People's Pharmacy notes that although there is anecdotal evidence that soaking infected toes in Listerine may clear up fungal infections, there is no set regimen that seems to work for everyone. Some people have also reported having good results by mixing the Listerine with vinegar.
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