Fingernail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common infection that occurs when fungi grow in, under, and on your fingernails. It can cause your nails to change color, thicken, crack, and even cause you some pain.
Many people who find themselves dealing with fingernail fungus turn to home remedies, including vinegar. But does it work? This article will explore the effectiveness of vinegar and other remedies for fingernail fungus.
First, we’ll cover the causes of fingernail fungus. Then, we’ll talk about treatments, including vinegar, and prevention. Finally, we’ll explore when it’s time to seek professional help. The goal is to give you everything you need to know about fingernail fungus and how to deal with it.
What is Fingernail Fungus?
The medical term for a nail fungal infection is onychomycosis. Although toenails are more commonly affected, fingernails can also get infected.
Nail infections are caused by different kinds of fungi, yeasts, and molds that thrive in warm, moist places.
Some things can make it more likely for you to get a fungal infection on your nails. These include nail injuries, poor hygiene, and certain medical conditions like diabetes. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to take extra care of your nails to prevent infection.
Vinegar as a home remedy: Does it work?
Lots of people use vinegar to treat a variety of conditions, and some say it can help with nail fungus. But does it really work?
Here’s the idea behind it: Vinegar, especially apple cider vinegar, has antimicrobial properties. The acid in the vinegar may stop fungus from growing.
How to use vinegar for fingernail fungus
If you want to try this home remedy, mix one part vinegar with two or three parts warm water. Soak the nail that’s affected for 10 to 20 minutes every day.
Make sure you dry your nail completely after you soak it.
What does the science say?
Some studies show that vinegar can fight microbes, but there hasn’t been much research into whether it works against fingernail fungus specifically. If you try a home remedy, it may take longer to see results than if you use prescription medicine.
Other home remedies for fingernail fungus
Besides vinegar, there are other home remedies that some people say can help with nail fungus.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antifungal qualities. You can apply tea tree oil directly to the affected nail twice a day.
Vicks VapoRub
You probably have this in your medicine cabinet already. Vicks VapoRub is another potential home remedy, and some studies suggest it may have a “positive clinical effect” on nail fungus. You can apply it to the affected area at least once a day.
Other options
You may hear about other remedies, such as snakeroot extract, garlic, and ozonized oils. Some people swear by these treatments, but the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited.
When home remedies aren’t enough: OTC and prescription treatments
Sometimes, home remedies just aren’t enough to get rid of a stubborn nail fungus. That’s when it’s time to think about over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription treatments.
OTC antifungal products
You can find antifungal creams and lotions, even forces of nature nail fungus treatments, at your local drugstore or online. These can sometimes work if your infection is mild.
Prescription topical treatments
If OTC options don’t do the trick, your doctor might prescribe a topical medication like amorolfine, efinaconazole, tavaborole, or ciclopirox. These prescription treatments are often better at getting through the nail to reach the fungus.
Prescription oral medications
For more severe infections, your doctor might recommend oral antifungals like fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine. These are stronger medications, but they can also have side effects, so your doctor will need to keep a close eye on you while you’re taking them.
When to consider professional treatments
If soaking your feet in vinegar doesn’t solve your nail fungus problem, don’t give up hope! Here are some other things you can try.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a newer treatment option. So far, the results look promising, but more research is needed to know whether it will provide long-term relief.
Nail removal
In severe cases of nail fungus, your doctor may need to remove the nail entirely to get rid of the infection.
When to see a doctor
It’s important to seek professional medical advice if home remedies aren’t helping or if the infection gets worse. People with diabetes or weakened immune systems should see a doctor right away if they think they have nail fungus.
Prevention strategies: Keeping fingernails healthy
Want to avoid fingernail fungus in the first place? Here are some tips:
- Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after you touch things in public. Dry your hands and feet completely after washing them or showering.
- Trim your nails properly: Keep your nails short and cut them straight across. Don’t cut them too short, though, or you could increase your risk of infection.
- Wear breathable shoes: Choose socks and shoes that allow air to flow. Avoid wearing tight shoes for too long.
- Avoid sharing personal items: Don’t share nail clippers, files, or towels with other people.
- Protect your nails in public places: Wear shower shoes if you use public showers or locker rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
There’s no single “magic bullet” cup of anything that definitively destroys nail fungus. While some home remedies, like vinegar soaks, are thought to help, they aren’t a guaranteed cure. Prescription antifungal medications are generally the most effective treatment.
What kind of vinegar kills fingernail fungus?
White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are the types most commonly used for nail fungus. The idea is that their acidity may help inhibit fungal growth, but evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. They are more likely to slow or prevent spread than kill the fungus entirely.
How to starve nail fungus?
Nail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and feeds on keratin, the protein that makes up your nails. You can’t completely “starve” it, but you can make the environment less hospitable by keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing breathable socks, and trimming your nails short.
Is vinegar a good antifungal?
Vinegar has some antifungal properties, but it’s generally considered a mild antifungal agent. It might slow the growth of some fungi, but it’s unlikely to eradicate a nail fungus infection completely. Prescription antifungals offer a much stronger and more reliable treatment option.
What dissolves nail fungus?
Nothing truly “dissolves” nail fungus in the literal sense. However, antifungal medications, both topical and oral, work by disrupting the fungus’s cell structure and preventing it from growing. Over time, the healthy nail grows out and replaces the infected portion. Severe cases can even require nail removal.
Wrapping Up
So, can you cure toenail fungus with vinegar? Maybe. Some people have success with it. Others don’t. There’s not a lot of solid research to back up the idea that it works, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.
If you have a persistent or severe infection, talk to your doctor. Prescription treatments are often more effective than home remedies.
No matter what, the best way to deal with fingernail fungus is to prevent it in the first place. Basic hygiene practices and even dietary choices, like understanding if cranberry is good for toenail fungus, are key to keeping your nails healthy and fungus-free.