Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, affects an estimated 12 percent of Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and causes a hardening, yellowing and flaking of the nails. While there is a genetic predisposition to fungal nail infections, not everyone with a family history will develop onychomycosis. Severe cases of toenail fungus typically require lengthy treatment with prescription topical or oral medications, but mild cases may respond to home treatments.
Vinegar Soak
Vinegar helps treat toenail fungus by changing the pH of the skin. Toenail fungus requires an alkaline environment, and vinegar alters the skin's pH to make it more acidic and less habitable to fungus. Vinegar also has antiseptic properties. To treat toenail fungus with vinegar, soak the affected foot in equal parts water and vinegar for 30 minutes, one to three times per day. The Mayo Clinic suggests using more water or reducing the frequency of soaks if skin irritation develops. You can also apply undiluted vinegar directly to the affected nail using a cotton ball.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antimicrobial and anti-fungal that may work as well against toenail fungus as traditional medications. In fact, a study published in the June 1994 issue of "Journal of Family Practice" found tea tree oil to be as effective at treating toenail fungus as clotrimazole, a prescription anti-fungal medication. Sloan-Kettering Cancer center states that tea tree oil may also reduce the inflammation associated with advanced fungal infections. Apply tea tree oil to affected toenails using a cotton swab. Do not rinse.
Lifestyle Changes
Treat and prevent toenail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry, avoiding heavy, oil-based moisturizers, and wearing open-toed shoes. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends wearing 100 percent cotton socks, changing your socks and shoes as soon as they become wet or sweaty, and sterilizing nail tools between uses. Also, avoid wearing nail polish, as doing so can trap moisture and worsen fungal infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Vicks VapoRub may also help treat toenail fungus, but more research is needed on this home treatment.
OTC Medications
Over-the-counter anti-fungal foot powders, sprays and creams are widely available to treat mild cases of toenail fungus at home. Using these products as soon as symptoms appear and combining them with lotion that contains urea will increase their effectiveness, according to the Mayo Clinic.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Nail Fungus & Nail Health
- Mayo Clinic: Nail Fungus
- Buck DS, et al. Comparison of two topical preparations for the treatment of onychomycosis: Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and clotrimazole. J Fam Pract 1994;38:601-5.
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Tea Tree Oil
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Fungal Infections of Fingernails and Toenails
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