Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect your toenails and fingernails. If you’ve ever had it, you know how difficult it can be to treat!
Because of the challenges of treating nail fungus, some people turn to home remedies like a fingernail fungus vinegar soak.
Can a vinegar soak really help get rid of nail fungus? This article will take a closer look.
Understanding Fingernail Fungus
What is Fingernail Fungus?
Fingernail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that can affect both your fingernails and toenails.
The infection is often caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that thrive on the keratin that makes up your nails.
Causes and Risk Factors
Fingernail fungus occurs when fungi, yeasts, and molds that are naturally present on your skin find their way under your nail and begin to flourish.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing fingernail fungus, including nail trauma, poor hygiene, and underlying health conditions.
Is it Only on Toenails?
While toenails are more commonly affected by fungal infections, fingernails can also be affected.
Toenails are more susceptible due to the environment created by footwear, which can be damp and warm, providing an ideal breeding ground for fungi.
Vinegar soaks: How they work and why they might help
I’m a big fan of trying home remedies for minor health issues. If you’re looking into home remedies for nail fungus, you’ve probably heard of vinegar soaks.
The science behind vinegar
Vinegar is acidic because of its acetic acid content. That acid can create an environment on and around your nail that’s not so friendly to fungus. It’s not a cure, but it might make it harder for the fungus to thrive.
How to perform a vinegar soak
To give it a try, mix one part vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar) with three parts warm water in a tub or bowl.
Soak the affected nail for at least 10 minutes. For best results, you’ll have to make this a regular practice.
Limitations of vinegar soaks
It’s important to know that vinegar soaks alone may not be enough to cure a nail fungus, especially if the infection is severe. It’s often used as a complementary treatment along with other methods recommended by your doctor.
Complementary treatments and prevention
There are other treatments you can use with vinegar soaks to combat nail fungus.
Combining vinegar soaks with other treatments
Talk with your doctor or podiatrist about using vinegar soaks along with other home remedies like tea tree oil or mentholated salve, or even explore options like Vicks for fungus nails. You can also ask them about using vinegar soaks at the same time as over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal products.
You can apply antifungal treatments after you’ve soaked your nails in a vinegar solution.
Preventing reinfection
It’s important to take steps to prevent reinfection after you’ve treated nail fungus.
Keep your hands and feet clean and dry, and trim your nails properly without causing any trauma to the nail bed.
Use separate nail clippers for your infected nails and your healthy nails. You should also change your socks and shoes regularly, especially after you’ve been sweating.
Post-treatment soaks
Once you’ve finished treating your nail fungus, you can do diluted vinegar soaks once or twice a week to help prevent reinfection.
When to see a doctor and explore other treatment options
Home remedies for nail fungus might help, but they’re not a cure. If your symptoms don’t improve or if they get worse, it’s time to see a doctor.
Here are some signs that you need medical attention:
- Your nail darkens
- You feel pain
- Your nail separates from the nail bed
Prescription treatments
Your doctor might prescribe a topical treatment, such as amorolfine, efinaconazole, tavaborole, or ciclopirox, to apply directly to the nail. If your infection is more severe, they may prescribe an oral medication, such as fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, or terbinafine.
Other options
Laser therapy is a newer treatment option that’s showing promise. In the most severe cases, your doctor might recommend removing the nail entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in a soak?
While apple cider vinegar is often touted, white vinegar can also be used for fingernail fungus soaks. The key ingredient is the acetic acid, which both types contain. Some prefer apple cider vinegar for its purported additional nutrients, but white vinegar is a viable alternative if that’s what you have on hand.
What is the number one treatment for nail fungus?
There’s no single “number one” treatment that works for everyone. Prescription oral antifungal medications are often considered the most effective, but they come with potential side effects. Topical antifungal medications, laser therapy, and even surgical nail removal are other options. The best treatment depends on the severity of the infection and individual factors; consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Does soaking in vinegar cure nail fungus?
Vinegar soaks are often recommended as a home remedy for nail fungus due to vinegar’s antifungal properties. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness as a standalone cure is limited. Vinegar soaks can potentially inhibit fungal growth and provide some relief, but they’re generally considered a complementary treatment, not a guaranteed fix. Persistent infections require medical attention.
What dries out nail fungus?
Creating a dry environment is crucial in combating nail fungus. Fungus thrives in moist conditions. After washing your hands or feet, thoroughly dry them, especially between the toes and around the nails. Consider using absorbent socks and shoes and antifungal powders to help keep the area dry throughout the day.
Does filing down a fungal nail help?
Yes, gently filing down the surface of a fungal nail can be beneficial. It helps to thin the nail, allowing topical treatments to penetrate more effectively. It also removes some of the infected nail material. However, avoid filing too aggressively, as this can damage the nail bed and potentially worsen the infection. Always disinfect the nail file after each use to prevent spreading the fungus.
Closing Thoughts
Vinegar soaks can be a good way to help manage and prevent fingernail fungus. But remember, they’re best used as part of a complete approach that includes good hygiene and, when needed, medicine prescribed by a doctor.
Fingernail fungus is stubborn and can take a long time to get rid of, raising concerns about potential spread, such as from fingernail fungus to mouth. So, if you’re using vinegar soaks, be patient and do them consistently. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. It can take months to see a difference, and even longer to get rid of the fungus completely. If you’re not seeing improvement, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.