8 Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus To Try (2024)

Toenail fungus is a common nail condition that can cause discolored or cracked nails. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nail funguses can affect as much as 14% of the general population[1]Fungal Nail Infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Assessed 07/10/23. . Though it isn’t dangerous, toenail fungus can cause pain in some individuals or appear aesthetically unpleasant.

Toenail fungus can be difficult to get rid of altogether, however, some people may be able to manage its appearance and prevent it from spreading with home remedies. Below, learn more on what it is, how you get it and when it’s time to visit a doctor, plus 10 expert-approved home remedies.

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What Is Toenail Fungus?

“Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is technically an infection under the toenail,” says Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and founder of Progressive Foot Care in Nanuet, New York.

Onychomycosis is the most common nail infection worldwide. It occurs when fungal spores begin to grow under the nail. These spores are found in the air and thrive in warm, moist environments. The infection usually starts on the big toe near the front or side edge of the nail and can spread along the same nail, or to other nails.

Toenail fungus can be painful and can cause brittle, thickened or crumbly nails that appear yellow or brownish in color. In some cases, the nail may even separate from the nail bed.

There is also a less common variety of toenail fungus called “white superficial onychomycosis,” which causes the nail plate’s surface to look white and chalky.

How Do You Get Toenail Fungus?

Anyone can develop a toenail fungus, but, according to Laura Purdy, M.D., a board-certified family medicine physician based in Nashville, it often develops due to the following reasons:

  • Wearing shoes without proper ventilation
  • Not wearing socks
  • Microtrauma to the toenails due to pressure while wearing some shoes
  • Going barefoot in public spaces, especially damp areas like gym bathrooms
  • Using unsanitized tools or devices at nail salons

Older people are typically more prone to developing toenail fungus than younger adults. So are those with weaker immune systems or people with poor circulation in their legs. Those with painted toenails should also be aware that a fungal infection can spread under nail polish and be difficult to notice, which may require regular monitoring and removal of polish.

8 Home Remedies To Get Rid of Toenail Fungus

Some people may be able to clear toenail fungus infections with home remedies. However, it’s always best to speak to a doctor first, as funguses can look similar to other nail infections.

It’s also important to remember that even if some of these home remedies kill a fungus on the surface, they may not always work on the nail because it can be difficult to penetrate the nail bed.

While it may take some experimentation to find an option that works for you, it’s crucial that your chosen remedy be utilized consistently, says Dr. Purdy.

Vinegar

Some evidence suggests that white vinegar, or acetic acid, may possess antifungal qualities[2]Zinn MK, Bockmühl D. Did granny know best? Evaluating the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral efficacy of acetic acid for home care procedures. BMC Microbiol. 2020;20(1):265. Published 2020. . “White vinegar can help eliminate fungus when mixed in warm water,” explains Dr. Purdy. You can soak your foot in the diluted vinegar mixture, or apply it directly to the nail.

Mouthwash

While any mouthwash may work, Dr. Purdy highlights Listerine, which is a mouthwash containing alcohol and plant-based essential oils like eucalyptol and menthol. “Listerine’s fast-evaporating formula can quickly dehydrate any superficial fungal infections on a toenail plate,” he says.

To try this home remedy, soak the affected foot in Listerine for 15-to-20-minute sessions about three or four times per week. If desired, this treatment can also be followed up with vinegar, adds Dr. Purdy.

Baking Soda

Toenail fungus thrives on moisture, but baking soda may have a drying effect on the nail. While it may not get rid of toenail fungus altogether, it can reduce its growth. Just make a paste of baking soda and water, then apply it to the nail in 15-minute sessions, three to four times per day, notes Dr. Purdy.

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Vick’s VapoRub

Vick’s VapoRub is a topical ointment that contains ingredients like menthol, thymol, camphor and eucalyptus oil.

According to Dr. Pinker, Vick’s may be helpful for more mild cases of toenail fungus. In fact, a very small clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Physicians in 2011 found that Vick’s VapoRub seemed to have a “positive clinical effect” on toenail fungus, with 27.8% of participants being fully cured, and 55.6% being partially cured[3]Derby R, Rohal P, et al. Novel Treatment of Onychomycosis using Over-the-Counter Mentholated Ointment: A Clinical Case Series. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. January 2011,24(1)69-74. . It can be applied directly to the affected nail as needed.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a compound that may have antibacterial and antifungal qualities. A clove of freshly chopped garlic can be applied directly to the nail in 20-to-30-minute increments, once daily, for a week. However, garlic can burn the skin, so make sure it only touches the nail.

Essential Oils

Certain essential oils such as tea tree, oregano and peppermint oil may possess antifungal properties, which Dr. Purdy outlines below.

  • Tea tree oil may have anti-fungal qualities that could prove useful for toenail infections. “Apply two drops directly onto each toenail twice daily or add some drops into a water mixture to soak your whole foot,” says Dr. Purdy.
  • Oregano oil may also possess antifungal properties. According to Dr. Purdy, oregano oil can be applied to the toenail two to three times per day, or as otherwise needed using the same method as tea tree oil. If using undiluted, take care to apply only on the nail and not the surrounding skin.
  • Peppermint oil is another essential oil that may have antifungal qualities. You can apply it to the affected nail with a cotton swab two to three times daily. Like oregano oil, it can potentially irritate the skin if applied undiluted. So, use caution and only apply it to the nail.

Snakeroot Extract

Snakeroot is an herbaceous plant native to North America. Its extract may have antifungal properties when used topically. Snakeroot extract can be applied directly to the infected nail two to three times per week, however, the treatment is often only effective for about three months, so additional extract treatment may be required.

Over-The-Counter Medication

According to Dr. Pinker, certain over-the-counter products may also help with toenail fungus, such as Fungi-Nail or Tolnaftate solution. Follow the application directions on the packaging for each.

It may take up to a year to notice the full effects of any topical fungal nail treatment, and success may vary.

Other Treatments for Toenail Fungus

There aren’t any treatments that kill toenail fungus instantly. In fact, it often takes two to three months of applying the same treatment for it to disappear and up to a year for it to completely heal. Toenail fungus may also return after the initial infection clears up. Because of that, Dr. Pinker says that many people end up seeking professional treatments after trying home remedies.

According to Dr. Pinker, a doctor may suggest one of the following treatment methods, depending on the severity of the toenail fungus.

  • Prescription topical medications, including Penlac, Jublia or Keradyn, may help with early or superficial cases of toenail fungus. They require a longer treatment regimen and may not be as effective as other treatment methods—the complete cure rate averages around 35%. However, it may pose less risk for serious side effects than other treatment methods.
  • Oral medications, such as Lamisil or Sporanox, can be prescribed for moderate-to-severe cases. “There are some potential side effects upon the liver with these medications, so blood testing prior to prescribing is recommended,” adds Dr. Pinker.
  • Laser treatments work by heating up the nail to eliminate the genetic material that allows the fungus to grow. They can be considered in moderate-to-severe cases.

In some cases, the above treatments may be combined, such as using a topical medication in conjunction with laser treatments. A doctor may also take a sample of the nail to check for fungus, which may also determine the species of fungus present, as well as best-suited treatments. Topical medications should be discontinued one month before a sample is taken.

According to Dr. Pinker, none of these treatment options are permanent “cures” for toenail fungus, and the long-term results of these treatments all depend on a person’s hygiene practices. For example, if a person re-exposes themselves to environments or situations that could possibly lead to fungal growth, then their toenail fungus could recur, regardless of the chosen treatment.

Toenail fungus can be frustrating to deal with, but some people may find success managing nail funguses with home remedies. If toenail fungus persists or keeps recurring after home treatments, a professional’s help may be able to clear the infection.

8 Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus To Try (2024)
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