Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common and stubborn infection caused by molds, yeasts, and fungi. Toenail fungus affects millions of people, often entering through small cracks in your nails or the skin around them.
Because prescription treatments can be expensive and come with side effects, many people prefer to try home remedies, especially for mild to moderate cases. But, how effective are these at-home treatments?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the popular remedy of using vinegar and peroxide for nail fungus. We’ll also provide an overview of other home remedies, medical treatments, and prevention strategies, so you can find the best way to care for your feet.
Understanding toenail fungus
Toenail fungus is a stubborn and unpleasant infection to deal with.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is an infection of the nail caused by fungi. These fungi get into your nail through cracks in the nail itself or in the surrounding skin. Damp environments can create ideal conditions for these fungi to thrive.
Risk factors and causes
Some things that may increase your risk of getting toenail fungus are:
- Sweaty feet
- Spending lots of time in damp places
- Having a weakened immune system from diabetes, poor circulation, or older age
- Visiting nail salons that don’t follow strict sanitation practices
Symptoms of toenail fungus
If you have a toenail fungus, you might notice:
- Discoloration (white, yellow, brown, or black)
- Thickening of the nail
- A foul smell
- Brittleness
- The nail separating from the nail bed
Does hydrogen peroxide work for toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and an oxidizing agent. Some people believe that it can kill toenail fungus because of its oxidizing properties.
There are a few different ways to apply hydrogen peroxide to your toes.
- Direct application: Soak a cotton ball in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and dab it on the affected toenails for 5 to 10 minutes. You can repeat this once or twice per day.
- Foot soak: Mix equal parts of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water in a tub or basin and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes per day.
- Paste: Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected toenails and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Important considerations
When using hydrogen peroxide on your feet, keep these things in mind:
- Only use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Stronger solutions can burn your skin.
- Watch for skin irritation. If your skin becomes irritated, stop using hydrogen peroxide.
- Test a small area of skin first. Before applying hydrogen peroxide to a large area, test it on a small patch of skin to see if you have a reaction.
How vinegar can help with toenail fungus
Some people have success treating toenail fungus with vinegar (usually apple cider vinegar). The idea is that the acidity of the vinegar will stop fungus from growing.
If you want to try this approach, dilute the vinegar in water and soak your feet for a specified amount of time. There are many recipes for vinegar soaks online.
Keep in mind that there isn’t much scientific evidence that vinegar is effective for toenail fungus. Also, vinegar can cause skin irritation, especially if you use it undiluted.
If you experience any burning, pain, or other discomfort, stop using vinegar immediately.
Combining vinegar and hydrogen peroxide: Is it safe or effective?
I know, I know. You’re thinking, “Double the ingredients, double the fungus-fighting power!” But before you start mixing up a science experiment on your toes, let’s talk safety.
Mixing vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can create peracetic acid, which is a strong irritant and potentially harmful. More importantly, there aren’t any studies showing that this combination actually works for toenail fungus.
So, unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it’s best to avoid mixing these two ingredients together. There’s no evidence it’ll help, and it could potentially hurt.
Other Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
If you’re looking for alternatives to vinegar and peroxide, here are some other home remedies you might consider:
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to a hydrogen peroxide soak to make it even more effective. A September 2022 review showed that tea tree oil can work as well as clotrimazole, an antifungal medication.
To use it, dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it to the affected area.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help absorb moisture and neutralize odor, creating an inhospitable environment for fungus. You can combine baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a paste.
To use it, create a paste with baking soda and a little water (or hydrogen peroxide) and apply it to the affected area.
Ozonized Oils
Ozonized sunflower oil may also help. A September 2022 review showed that ozonized sunflower oil was effective compared to a prescription cream after 3 months of use.
To use it, apply the oil to your nails twice a day for 3 months.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub is a common home remedy for toenail fungus. A January 2011 study showed some benefit from using Vicks.
To use it, apply Vicks under the nail with a cotton swab at least 3-4 times per week.
Listerine
Some people suggest Listerine mouthwash as a remedy for toenail fungus. The alcohol and other ingredients in Listerine may have antifungal properties.
To use it, submerge your foot and nails in Listerine for 15 minutes, 2-3 times per week.
Garlic
Garlic also has potential antifungal properties. October 2019 research on cells suggests garlic’s potential in fighting fungus.
Other Remedies
People also use:
- Black tea soaks
- Epsom salt soaks
- Olive leaf extract
- Snakeroot extract
Over-the-counter and prescription treatments
If vinegar and peroxide don’t cut it, don’t despair! Many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription options are available to help you kick that fungus to the curb.
OTC antifungal medications
You can find a wide array of antifungal creams, lotions, sprays, and even nail polishes at your local drugstore. Some common brands include:
- Lotrimin
- Tinactin
- Lamisil AT
These medications work by attacking the fungus directly. Be sure to follow the directions on the package and use them consistently for the best results.
Prescription topical medications
If the OTC options don’t do the trick, your doctor may prescribe a stronger topical medication. Some examples include:
- Penlac
- Kerydin
- Jublia
These medications often have a higher concentration of antifungal ingredients, which can be more effective at penetrating the nail and killing the fungus.
Prescription oral medications
For stubborn or severe cases of nail fungus, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal medication. Some common examples include:
- Diflucan
- Lamisil
- Onmel
- Sporanox
While these medications can be very effective, they also come with potential side effects. It’s important to discuss these with your doctor before starting treatment. Some potential side effects can include liver problems, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal issues. Your doctor will likely monitor your liver function with blood tests during treatment.
When to See a Podiatrist or Doctor
While some people find that vinegar and peroxide can help clear up their nail fungus, it’s not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any of the following, you should see a doctor, preferably a podiatrist (foot doctor):
- Severe case of nail fungus
- Fungus that won’t go away
- Significant pain or discomfort
- Side effects from home remedies
- Underlying conditions like diabetes
A podiatrist can prescribe stronger medications and other treatments, such as laser therapy or even nail removal, if necessary. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if home remedies aren’t cutting it!
Prevention strategies
The best way to deal with nail fungus is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to keep your feet in good shape.
- Foot hygiene: Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly.
- Keep your feet dry: If your feet sweat a lot, change your socks and shoes frequently. Always dry your shoes completely before wearing them again.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places: Wear shoes in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pool areas.
- Wear breathable shoes: Allow air to circulate around your feet.
- Trim and clean your nails regularly: Use sanitized nail tools to trim your nails.
- Disinfect nail tools: After each use, disinfect your nail clippers and other tools to prevent the spread of fungus.
Summary
While some people use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to treat nail fungus, there’s not a lot of evidence that they work. If you think you have nail fungus, it’s important to talk to a doctor, especially if your condition is severe or isn’t going away. A doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis and talk with you about treatments that are likely to work.
The best way to deal with nail fungus is to avoid getting it in the first place. You can prevent nail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry and practicing good foot hygiene.