Thick, discolored toenails are a common problem, often caused by fungal infections (onychomycosis). It’s estimated that nearly 15% of us will deal with this at some point in our lives! These infections can be stubborn and unsightly, leading people to search for effective treatments.
One home remedy you might have heard about is Vicks VapoRub. But does it really work? This article will explore the potential benefits of using Vicks VapoRub for thick toenails, along with other treatment options and ways to prevent these infections in the first place.
What Causes Thick Toenails?
If your toenails are thick and discolored, you may have a fungal infection called onychomycosis. The fungi that cause these infections love moist, warm places.
Toenails are more likely to be affected than fingernails because shoes create the perfect environment for fungi to flourish.
But it’s also possible that your thick toenails are not caused by fungus.
Thick toenails can also be the result of:
- an injury to your toe or toenail
- psoriasis
- yellow nail syndrome
Why toenail fungus is difficult to treat
Toenail fungus can be a real pain because it’s so darn hard to get rid of! The main problem is that toenails are thick and hard, making it difficult for any medication to really penetrate the nail and get to the fungus underneath.
It’s also important to understand “clinical cure rates” when you’re looking at treatment options. This means that while your symptoms might disappear, there could still be some fungal spores lurking around, ready to cause a recurrence. Unfortunately, toenail fungus recurrence is pretty common, even after treatment.
Vicks VapoRub: Does it Work for Thick Toenails?
You might be surprised to learn that Vicks VapoRub is a popular home remedy for toenail fungus and thick toenails.
Why Vicks? Well, it contains ingredients like camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil, and some people believe these ingredients have antifungal powers.
But does it really work? The evidence is mixed. While some people swear by it, scientific proof is scarce. Most of the evidence that it works is anecdotal.
Still, if you want to try it, here’s how: Apply a small amount to the affected nail every day. Before you put it on, trim and file the nail to help the Vicks penetrate.
Other Home Remedies for Thick Toenails
Besides Vicks VapoRub, people use other home remedies to treat thick toenails. Here are a few to consider:
- Tea tree oil: You can apply 100% tea tree oil directly to the affected toenails.
- Vinegar soaks: Mix one part vinegar (either white or apple cider vinegar works) with three parts warm water. Soak your toes in the mixture for at least 10 minutes, once or twice a week.
- Baking soda soaks: Some people swear by baking soda soaks to soften and treat thick toenails, although the research on this is limited.
Keep in mind that home remedies can take time to work, and they might not be effective for everyone. If your toenails don’t improve, or if they get worse, it’s best to see a doctor or podiatrist for professional care.
Medical treatments for toenail fungus
If home remedies aren’t doing the trick, it may be time to see a doctor. There are several medical treatments available for toenail fungus.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal treatments
You can find antifungal creams, gels, and ointments at your local drugstore. After a few months of use, about 60% of people see an improvement, but these treatments are often best for mild infections.
Prescription topical treatments
If OTC treatments aren’t strong enough, your doctor may prescribe a topical medication like amorolfine, efinaconazole, tavaborole, or ciclopirox. These are applied directly to the nail. Clinical cure rates range from 35% to 60%.
Prescription oral medications
For more severe infections, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal drug like fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, or terbinafine. Clinical cure rates are around 80%, but these medications can have side effects, so be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Laser therapy
Another option is laser therapy, which uses laser energy to kill the fungus. Clinical cure rates vary, but are around 60% to 75%.
Preventing toenail fungus
The best way to deal with toenail fungus is to not get it in the first place. If you’ve previously had it, you want to avoid getting reinfected. Here’s how:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear socks that absorb sweat.
- Wear shoes in public places, like pool areas and locker rooms.
- Spray your old shoes with antifungal powder or disinfectant.
- Use separate toenail clippers for infected and non-infected nails.
- Don’t wear nail polish for long periods of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file down my thick toenails?
Yes, gently filing down thick toenails can help make them more manageable and comfortable. However, be careful not to file too much, as this can cause pain or injury. It’s best to file after soaking your feet in warm water to soften the nail.
What is the white, hard stuff under my toenails?
The white, hard stuff under your toenails is often a buildup of keratin debris mixed with fungus or bacteria. This occurs because the space under the nail provides a warm, moist environment that encourages growth. It’s crucial to keep the area clean and dry to prevent further buildup.
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
While you might be tempted to scrape out toenail fungus, it’s generally not recommended. Scraping can damage the nail bed and potentially lead to infection. It’s best to focus on applying antifungal treatments and consulting with a doctor or podiatrist for proper care.
Why is my big toenail so thick?
Thickening of the big toenail can be caused by several factors, including fungal infections (onychomycosis), trauma to the nail, aging, poor circulation, or underlying health conditions like psoriasis. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment.
Can thickened toenails be reversed?
In many cases, thickened toenails can be improved with consistent treatment and proper care. This might involve antifungal medications (topical or oral), regular trimming and filing, addressing underlying health issues, and maintaining good foot hygiene. However, complete reversal may not always be possible, especially in severe cases.
To Conclude
Thick toenails can result from trauma, fungal infections, psoriasis, or other conditions, and treatment options range from home remedies to prescription medications. While some people find that Vicks VapoRub helps soften their thick toenails, it isn’t a substitute for medical treatment.
If your symptoms don’t improve with home treatment or if they get worse, you should see a nail fungus doctor. This is especially important if you have diabetes or another health condition that affects your feet. Don’t wait for foot problems to get worse. Take steps to keep your feet healthy, and get professional medical help if you need it.