Nail fungus is a common and unsightly issue, which can create considerable embarrassment and discomfort for anyone who suffers from it. Treatment for toenail fungus often includes prescription topical treatments and oral medication--the latter of which is quite toxic to the liver and requires periodic testing to ensure that no liver damage has occurred. For a gentler option, try a home remedy. A recent study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy supports at least one: tea tree oil. And while not a 'quick fix', the remedy, if effective, will show as a clear, new portion of the nail growth.
Vinegar
The Mayo Clinic advises that soaking your feet in vinegar may be an effective and non-toxic remedy to try at home. The concept behind this theory is that vinegar has specific anti-bacterial qualities, potentially due to its acidic nature. Anecdotal evidence suggests some people can mitigate or remove their toenail fungus using apple cider vinegar, though white vinegar may also be effective. This remedy is inexpensive and the ingredients are commonly available.
To try this remedy, soak your feet daily for 15 to 20 minutes in a lukewarm solution of two parts water to one part apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Rinse the solution off your feet and make sure your feet are fully dry before putting on socks or shoes. If daily soaking irritates your skin, try soaking every other day, or cut back the amount of vinegar in the solution.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, as noted by the University of Michigan and the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. Tea tree oil is oil distilled from the Australian tree, 'Melaleuca alternifolia', and when used regularly, its purported anti-fungal properties stop the growth of fungus which cause the unsightly discoloration and thickening of toenails. The Mayo Clinic additionally notes that while tea tree oil's effectiveness is still under scrutiny; the compound terpinen-4-ol appears to be the source of its antiseptic abilities.
To try this home remedy, be sure you have tea tree oil as many products claim to contain the product, yet don't have it in a high enough concentration for it to be of value. Bottled tea tree oil is available at homeopathic and alternative medicine stores. You can use the tea tree oil in a foot bath, using the concentration of a few drops to each gallon of water. It also comes in a lacquer formula that you can apply to clean, dry toenails that are free of polish. The Mayo Clinic notes that you should never ingest tea tree oil and that contact with skin may cause an allergic reaction.
Vicks VapoRub
This product is commonly used to reduce nighttime stuffiness due to a cold or the flu. Alternatively, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may be an effective solution for nail fungus. The source of this product's potential effectiveness appears to be the mixture of oils that have antiseptic and cleansing properties. Studies at Michigan State University suggest that using the product every day for five months may mitigate the presence of the fungus. However, the oils present may also irreparably harm the nail bed, causing a permanent loss of your toenails.
To try this home remedy, rub the product on all your toes each morning and evening. If you experience skin irritation, decrease the usage to once a day.
Miscellaneous Oils
Oil of oregano, neem oil and emu oil are also popular alternative therapies that are suggested as successful in ridding toes of fungal infection. Oil of oregano contains carvacrol, a known antifungal compound. Applied topically in the morning and evening, anecdotal evidence suggests that, over time, the nail fungus is killed off and new nail growth is healthy and clear.
Similarly, neem oil applied topically to infected nails may resolve nail fungus, Its strong odor can be a hindrance for some; however, using a scented lotion can help mask the smell.
Emu oil contains fatty acids similar to human tissue, allowing it to penetrate deeply into your skin. Emu oil appears to combat toenail fungus by penetrating into the skin, and then suppressing the reproductive abilities of the fungus. However, no scientific studies have yet proven this theory.
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