Cranberry juice has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for kidney and bladder disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Practitioners of modern naturopathic medicine continue to view cranberry as an effective, low-risk remedy for stomach ulcers, frequent urinary tract infections and certain forms of heart disease. Although evidence is limited, some health enthusiasts also use cranberry juice as a topical treatment for fungal infections of the fingernails or toenails. Consult your health care provider about the potential benefits associated with cranberry juice as an alternative or complementary remedy for this common condition.
Antifungal Effects
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, cranberry juice kills and weakens infectious fungus in laboratory tests. Although human studies have not investigated cranberry's specific efficacy as a topical medicine, repeated applications may theoretically kill the fungi responsible for nail infections. Unfortunately, no human trials have established a safe or effective dose. Consider applying a few drops of cranberry juice directly to the infection site 5 to 10 times per day.
Secondary Infection Prevention
Mayo Clinic reports that toenail fungus puts a person at higher risk of developing cellulitis, a serious skin infection. People with weakened immune systems may develop life-threatening infections resulting from nail fungus. According to the NIH, compounds in cranberry juice may combat several forms of disease-causing bacteria. Daily cranberry juice applications may prevent a mild fungal infection from causing much more significant complications. If you have a compromised immune system, it is important to follow all of your health care provider's guidelines for preventing secondary infection.
Drug Interactions
Several antifungal drugs, both topical and oral, may be used as conventional treatments for nail fungus. According to Mayo Clinic, these treatments may require up to four months to reach their full results. Although cranberry's drug interactions are not well understood, the NIH notes that the juice may interact with antifungal medications. This could decrease the effectiveness of the conventional treatment or cause higher levels of the medication to enter the bloodstream. Consult your physician about the potential side effects that may occur if you combine cranberry with a prescription antifungal medicine.
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