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Grapefruit Seed Treatment for Nail Fungus

Jul 17, 2011 | By Kathryn Gilhuly

Grapefruit seed extract may heal nail fungus. Many commercially sold grapefruit seed extract products are effective antimicrobials, capable of fighting off fungal and bacterial infections. However, it is not the natural grapefruit seed extract itself that combats microbes. Chemicals added to many grapefruit seed extract products fight infections, but they also pose potentially serious side effects.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can infect your fingernails or toenails. Some signs you may have a fungal nail infection include nail discoloration, thickening of the nail, and crumbly texture around the edges of the nail. Nail fungus may also cause pain. It is important to seek treatment because untreated nail fungus can persist indefinitely, according to MayoClinic.com. One possible treatment option includes using grapefruit seed extract topically by applying it to your infected nails.

Studies and Chemicals

More than half a dozen studies conducted in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Japan and Austria between 1999 and 2009 verified the presence of disinfectants and synthetic preservatives in many grapefruit seed extract products, according to an article published in "The Irish Times" in March 2009. The additives included benzethonium chloride, a class 2 poison. Based on an analysis of the studies, the writer concluded that pure grapefruit seed extract can't fight off infections such as nail fungus, but that grapefruit seed extract products that contain chemicals do fight a variety of infections.

More Treatment Options

If you don't want to use grapefruit seed extract to treat nail fungus, there are other options that you can try. The oral antifungal drug itraconazole is the most effective drug for treating nail fungus, according to MayoClinic.com. It may cause liver damage, however, and prove especially dangerous if you already suffer from liver disease or congestive heart failure. Your doctor may instead prescribe an antifungal nail polish or recommend a topical medication. Home remedies include soaking your infected nails in vinegar or rubbing mentholated ointment on them. Severe or painful cases might require surgery to remove the infected nails.

Possible Side Effects

Both grapefruit and the synthetic preservative benzethonium chloride, a chemical found in many grapefruit seed extract products, can stop your body from properly metabolizing drugs. This can cause an excess of medication in your bloodstream that may lead to grave and potentially fatal side effects. In addition, benzethonium chloride is a poison that can cause you to convulse, collapse or fall into a coma. The likelihood of adverse side effects may be lessened if you apply grapefruit seed extract topically to your infected nails rather than ingesting it. However, the extract may seep into your pores, so exercise caution. It makes sense to consult a medical professional before using grapefruit seed extract for any reason.

References

Article reviewed by TimDog Last updated on: Jul 17, 2011

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