When you have a toenail fungus, it can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable. Whether you have discomfort or not, you should address the problem. Conventional medicine offers topical medications and oral prescriptions to treat the infection. Unfortunately, these treatments often are expensive, they can cause serious side effects and they sometimes don't work. A less drastic intervention, and an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment, is vinegar.
Symptoms
The signs of a toenail fungus include nails that may be thickened, brittle, cracked, crumbly, ragged, distorted, dull, discolored or pulling up from the nail bed, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may have pain or a foul odor associated with the infection. The initial signs may be as minor as a white or yellow spot at the tip of the nail.
Vinegar Soak
A vinegar foot bath typically consists of one part water and one part of any kind of vinegar. You should alternate between using warm and cold water. The solution should be deep enough to cover your entire toenail and your toes. Bathe the foot two to three times a day for a half-hour each time. You should then dry your feet to prevent a moist environment in which fungus can thrive.
Direct Vinegar Application
If you do not have the time or the inclination to do a foot soak a few times a day, you can apply the vinegar directly to the nail bed of the infected toes. Simply apply a few drops of vinegar to the nail bed two to three times a day. Allow the vinegar to sit on the nail bed for several minutes so that it has a chance to work. Dry your toenails thoroughly before you place them into socks or shoes.
Duration of Treatment
Carry out either or both treatments every day and continue them until the entire nail grows in clear. This may take months because toenails tend to grow slowly. Trim off the infected nail frequently as it grows out so that you remove the infection.
Caution
Check with your doctor before treating any infection at home. It is especially important to have a doctor monitor the treatment if you have diabetes, poor circulation in the legs or feet or any health condition that can lead to impaired healing in the feet. A small infection can turn into a big problem if you don't address it properly.
Vinegar can irritate your skin. If irritation occurs, the Mayo Clinic suggests reducing the frequency of the baths or using more water to dilute the vinegar. If irritation continues, discontinue treatment and consult a physician.
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