While there are many home remedies that people use to treat toenail fungus, there is no one definitive number one remedy that is guaranteed to work for everyone. However, some home remedies that may help treat toenail fungus include:
Diet changes: Your current diet could be feeding fungus caused by Candida overgrowth. Here are some diet changes you can make to starve the yeast and improve toenail fungus:
- Cut out sugar
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Limit refined carbohydrates such as white breads, cookies, and cereal
- Cook with coconut oil
- Incorporate ginger and garlic
- Supplement with a probiotic
Vicks VapoRub: One of the more popular over-the-counter remedies for treating toenail fungus is using Vicks VapoRub. Mentholated salves contain the natural ingredients menthol, eucalyptus oil, and camphor. Use Vicks alone or in conjunction with other treatments and medications. Clean feet and apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub daily.
Listerine: Soaking an infected nail in the OTC product Listerine can also help reduce or kill toenail fungus, due to its antifungal and antimicrobial activity. Commonly used as a mouthwash, Listerine applied to the affected toe or toenail for 20 minutes twice a day can effectively reduce signs of onychomycosis. Alternatively, you can make a foot bath with Listerine, using equal parts warm water and Listerine and adding one cup of Epsom salts.
Tea tree oil: This essential oil has antifungal properties and may be effective in treating toenail fungus. Apply the oil directly to the affected nail using a cotton swab, and repeat two or three times a day.
Apple cider vinegar: Soak your affected toes in a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar and two parts warm water for 20 minutes a day.
Garlic: Crush a few garlic cloves into a paste and apply the paste to the affected nail. Cover with a bandage and leave on for 30 minutes to an hour before washing off.
Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to the affected nail several times a day. Some people also mix it with tea tree oil for added antifungal benefits.
Oregano oil: Oregano oil contains thymol. According to a 2016 review, thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties. To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together. Both products are potent and may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Combining them may increase this risk.
Olive leaf extract: An active substance in olive leaf extract, oleuropein, is thought to have antifungal, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting abilities.You can apply olive leaf salve directly to nail fungus or ingest it in capsule form. According to a 2012 review, taking one to three olive leaf capsules with meals twice daily is more effective than olive leaf salve in treating toenail fungus. It’s recommended that you drink plenty of water throughout this treatment.
Vinegar: Only anecdotal evidence exists supporting vinegar as a treatment for toenail fungus. Still, it’s a reasonably safe home remedy to try. Soak the affected foot in one part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes daily.
Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak. Mix 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide (or several capfuls) to four cups of cool water and soak feet for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse feet with warm water and pat dry.
Cornmeal: Cornmeal has some antifungal properties. You can try cornmeal as a weekly home remedy for toenail fungus. You can try applying cornmeal as a paste or a soak. For a paste, dissolve cornmeal in warm water in a shallow pan. Let the paste cool before using it on your feet. Let it sit for an hour.
It is important to note that while these home remedies may help improve the appearance of the affected nail and may have antifungal properties, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a fungal nail infection, it is important to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.