You can develop toenail fungal infections if fungus gets under your toenails. Or you can develop what is known as athlete's foot if fungus gets in between your toes. Pure grapefruit seed extract -- meaning just seeds and pulp -- is unlikely to provide any assistance in fighting off toe fungus. However, many grapefruit extract products contain added ingredients that possess antimicrobial properties that can help fight toe fungus infections. Grapefruit seed extract poses potentially dangerous side effects, so consult your doctor before using it to treat a nail fungal infection or for any other reason.
Toenail Fungus
A toenail fungal infection can cause your toenails to become thick, painful and discolored. It can also cause your toenails to develop an unsightly crumbled texture. A toenail fungal infection typically requires treatment. MayoClinic.com states that toenail fungus can become a permanent condition unless treated. Some treatment options include oral anti-fungal medications, anti-fungal nail polish, topical medications and surgery in severe cases. Soaking your toenails in vinegar or rubbing mentholated ointment on them may also help. Additionally, an external application of grapefruit seed extract on your affected toenails may help fight a toenail fungal infection. The infection will only be fought off, however, if the grapefruit seed extract product you buy happens to contain chemicals, according to Donal O'Mathuna, herbal researcher and bio-ethicist.
Added Chemicals
O'Mathuna analyzed grapefruit seed extract studies published between 1999 and 2009 for "The Irish Times." All the studies found that many commercial grapefruit seed extract products contain disinfectants and synthetic preservatives, including a poison called benzethonium chloride. O'Mathuna says that pure grapefruit seed extract possesses no antimicrobial abilities to fight off infections. If the product you buy contains chemicals, however, it may help treat your toenail fungal infection. A product label will not necessarily reveal the presence of chemicals.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot can cause a burning, itching or stinging sensation. Topical application of grapefruit seed extract -- if you buy one that happens to contain chemicals -- may fight off the fungal infection. You can also treat athlete's foot with over-the-counter anti-fungal medications. MayoClinic.com recommends you seek medical treatment if home remedies don't work. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength topical medication or an oral medication such as fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafine.
Precautions
Many grapefruit seed extract products contain the synthetic preservative benzethonium chloride, a class 2 poison. Side effects include convulsions and coma. Additionally, properties in both benzethonium chloride and grapefruit inhibit your body's ability to metabolize medications. Interactions between grapefruit and some medications prove dangerous, even fatal. Treatment for a fungal infection under your toenails or between your toes involves topical application, which should be less likely to produce side effects, but use caution. External applications still seep into your pores. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Nail Fungus
- MayoClinic.com: Athletes Foot
- "The Irish Times"; Peel Back the Hype; Donal O'Mathuna; March 2009
- Only Good Dreams: Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Denver Naturopathic; Why We Don't Sell Grapefruit Seed Extract; July 2005
- "European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Adverse Effects by Artificial Grapefruit Seed Extract Products in Patients on Warfarin Therapy; H. Brandin, et al.; March 2007
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