Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can be very difficult to treat. Toenail fungus happens when a fungus infects one or more of your toenails, causing them to become thick, discolored, and brittle.
There are many different treatments for toenail fungus, ranging from prescription antifungal creams, gels, and sprays to oral medications, surgical removal of the nail, laser treatments, and antifungal nail polishes.
But what about home remedies? You may have heard that vinegar can kill nail fungus. This article explores that claim, looking at the evidence for and against using vinegar to treat toenail fungus.
While vinegar is often mentioned as a natural option, the scientific evidence backing up its effectiveness against nail fungus is limited. So, while it might be tempting to try this at-home treatment, other options are likely to be more reliable.
Understanding toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the nail.
What causes toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is often caused by dermatophytes (the same fungi that cause athlete’s foot), yeasts, and molds. If you have a toenail injury, practice poor foot hygiene, or have a condition like diabetes, you may be more likely to get toenail fungus.
Symptoms of toenail fungus
You can often identify a toenail fungal infection by looking closely at the nail. If you have a fungal infection, the nail may show:
- Discoloration: Yellowing, whitening, or darkening
- Thickening: The nail becomes thicker and harder to trim.
- Brittleness: The nail becomes brittle, crumbly, or ragged.
- Other symptoms: The nail shape may become distorted. The nail may separate from the nail bed, and it may have an odor.
Vinegar as a toenail fungus treatment: What to know
Many people wonder if vinegar can cure toenail fungus.
Why vinegar?
People use vinegar to treat toenail fungus because it’s acidic, and fungus can’t grow well in acidic conditions.
Different kinds of vinegar may work. Some people use white vinegar, while others prefer apple cider vinegar for its supposed additional health benefits.
How people use vinegar
The most common way to use vinegar is to soak your foot in a solution of vinegar diluted with water, similar to using a foot soak with baking soda.
Some people apply vinegar directly to the nail, but the soaking method is more common.
What people say
Some people say that vinegar has helped them get rid of toenail fungus, but it’s important to remember that these stories are not scientific proof that vinegar works. Just because something worked for one person doesn’t mean it will work for everyone.
Does vinegar actually work?
It’s natural to want to try to deal with toenail fungus at home, especially when prescription treatments can be expensive. But it’s important to know what the science says.
Limited research
Here’s the deal: There haven’t been many well-designed clinical trials that looked specifically at vinegar as a toenail fungus treatment. If you go looking, you might find a few small studies, but they probably have problems like:
- Small numbers of participants
- No control groups
That means it’s hard to know if any positive results were really because of the vinegar or just happened by chance.
What about acetic acid?
Vinegar’s active ingredient is acetic acid. There’s some research on acetic acid’s ability to kill microbes. But has it been proven to kill the specific types of fungi that cause onychomycosis (toenail fungus)? Not really.
What do the experts say?
Dermatologists and podiatrists (foot doctors) are the experts when it comes to skin and nail problems. You might find some who say vinegar could help, but most don’t recommend it as a main treatment. For example, some explicitly advise against unproven remedies like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
And here’s the thing: Major medical organizations don’t endorse vinegar as a real treatment for toenail fungus.
Other treatments for toenail fungus
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you have other options besides household vinegar.
Over-the-counter treatments
You can find antifungal creams, gels, and even nail polishes at your local drugstore. These can be helpful if you have a mild case of toenail fungus.
But keep in mind that over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may not be strong enough to clear up more severe infections. They also tend to take a long time to show results.
Prescription treatments
Your doctor can prescribe stronger medications to fight the fungus. These come in two forms:
- Oral antifungals: Medications like terbinafine and itraconazole can be very effective, but they can also cause side effects like liver problems or nausea. You’ll need to be monitored by your doctor while taking them.
- Topical prescription antifungals: These are stronger versions of the creams and polishes you can buy over the counter.
Other options
For severe cases, there are other treatments to consider:
- Nail removal: In some cases, your doctor might recommend removing the affected nail, either surgically or with chemicals. This is usually done when the infection is deep or has been there for a long time.
- Laser therapy: This is a newer option that uses lasers to kill the fungus. While it looks promising, researchers are still studying how well it works and how safe it is.
See a doctor for the best advice
It’s always a good idea to see a doctor if you think you have toenail fungus. They can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment for you.
Sometimes, symptoms that look like toenail fungus can actually be caused by other conditions, like psoriasis or nail trauma. A doctor can rule out these other possibilities and make sure you get the right care.
Home remedies with some evidence
Although vinegar isn’t likely to cure your nail fungus, some remedies have a bit more scientific evidence to back them up.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that may help in treating nail fungus, similar to other natural remedies like clove oil for toenail fungus. A review of studies in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology from September 2022 showed that tea tree oil was about as effective as clotrimazole, a common antifungal medication. However, it’s worth noting that the cure rate was low in both groups.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, but for other camphor-based treatments, it’s best to get expert advice on products like Campho Phenique for nail fungus. A small study from January 2011 looked at 18 participants and found that 15 of them benefited from using Vicks on their nail fungus.
Other remedies to consider
- Listerine: Submerge your foot and nails in Listerine for 15 minutes two to three times a week.
- Ozonized sunflower oil: Apply this oil to your nails twice a day for three months.
- Garlic: In October 2019, research on cells published in Molecules suggested that garlic has potential antifungal properties.
Prevention and foot care
While a vinegar soak might help, you’re better off focusing on good foot care and hygiene to prevent nail fungus in the first place. Here’s what to do:
- Keep your feet clean and dry. This is the most important thing you can do!
- Trim your nails properly. Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes to soften your nails. Then, use nail nippers to trim your nails straight across.
- Wear breathable shoes and change socks daily. Shoes that are too tight can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for fungus.
- Don’t share nail clippers or other personal items. Everyone in your household should have their own set of nail tools.
- Wear shower shoes in public areas. Especially in locker rooms and public showers!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take vinegar to kill nail fungus?
Unfortunately, there’s no definitive timeline. While some people see improvements with vinegar soaks over several months, it’s not a guaranteed cure. Consistency is key, and results vary greatly depending on the severity of the infection and individual factors. It’s best used as a complementary approach, not a standalone treatment.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor are generally considered the most effective way to permanently eliminate toenail fungus. However, these medications can have side effects. Laser therapy is another option that has shown promise, but it can be expensive. Topical treatments, including prescription options, may work for mild infections but often have lower success rates.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has antifungal properties and may help to lighten the appearance of infected nails. Some people find it beneficial as a soak or topical application. However, its effectiveness is not well-established, and it’s not a substitute for proven medical treatments.
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
Wearing clean, breathable socks to bed can help absorb moisture and prevent the fungus from thriving. Opt for cotton or wool socks, and change them daily. Ensure your feet are completely dry before putting on socks to create a less favorable environment for fungal growth.
What is the fastest home remedy for toenail fungus?
There’s no truly “fast” home remedy for toenail fungus. Even prescription treatments take time to work. While some people report success with tea tree oil, baking soda, or Vicks VapoRub, these are anecdotal experiences, and scientific evidence is limited. See a doctor for faster, more effective treatment options.
Conclusion
Although some people swear by it, the scientific evidence that vinegar can cure toenail fungus is limited. If you think you have a toenail fungus, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and talk about treatment options.
Vinegar might be worth a try, since it’s low-risk, but you shouldn’t depend on it to cure a moderate or severe infection. Instead, you may want to consider treatments that are proven to work. You should also take steps to prevent toenail fungus, such as keeping your feet clean and dry and not sharing nail clippers or files with other people.