Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can be notoriously difficult to get rid of. Because the fungus lives under your toenail, getting medications to the site of the infection can be tricky. Your toenail may block topical medications from reaching the fungus, and oral medications can have side effects that some people find difficult to tolerate.
That’s why people are always looking for new and creative ways to fight toenail fungus. One home remedy that you may have heard about is using Vaseline on toenail fungus.
While Vaseline isn’t a cure for toenail fungus, it may be a helpful addition to your treatment plan. Vaseline could soften the nail, making it easier for other medications to penetrate. It also creates a barrier that could protect the surrounding skin.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is just a fungal infection of the toenail. Medically, it’s called onychomycosis, and it’s often caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Here are some types of toenail fungus:
- Subungual fungus. This is the most common form. It starts with a discolored spot on your nail and then spreads under the nail. As it progresses, the nail may thicken or crumble, potentially exhibiting symptoms like black dots.
- White superficial fungus. This type shows up as white spots on the surface of the nail. Over time, the spots may grow and cover the entire nail.
- Candida fungus. This kind of fungus is more common in fingernails, but it can also show up in toenails. It can cause the nail to thicken, swell, and separate from the nail bed.
Toenail fungus can be pesky and persistent, and may pose additional risks for certain individuals, like those with diabetes, so it’s important to talk with a doctor about treatment options.
The role of Vaseline in toenail fungus management
Vaseline is an emollient, which means it’s basically a moisturizer. It works by creating a barrier that locks moisture in. So, while it’s not a cure for toenail fungus, it can play a supporting role.
Here’s how Vaseline might help when you’re dealing with toenail fungus:
- Softening the nail: Vaseline can make the infected nail softer and easier to trim. This can also help topical antifungal treatments penetrate the nail better.
- Creating a barrier: Antifungal treatments can sometimes irritate the skin around the nail. Vaseline can protect that skin by creating a barrier.
- Preventing dryness: Toenail fungus can make the nail and surrounding skin dry and cracked. Vaseline can help prevent this.
It’s important to remember that Vaseline itself isn’t an antifungal treatment. It won’t kill the fungus causing the infection. But, if you decide to use Vaseline for your toenail fungus, here’s how to do it:
- Wash the area and dry the affected toenail completely.
- Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the nail and surrounding skin.
- Do this regularly.
If you have toenail fungus, use Vaseline as one of several supportive measures, along with antifungal medications or other home remedies.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Toenail Fungus
There are many treatments for toenail fungus, but some people prefer to start with remedies they can try at home.
Home Remedies with Supporting Evidence
These home remedies have shown some promise in treating toenail fungus:
- Listerine (Original Flavor): Some people think Listerine can help with toenail fungus because of its antiseptic properties. Submerge your foot and nails in Listerine for 15 minutes, two to three times per week. While it’s not usually a highly effective treatment, it’s a reasonable choice for people who want to try something less aggressive.
- Vicks VapoRub: This popular product may help because of its ingredients, such as camphor and eucalyptus oil. Apply Vicks VapoRub under the nail with a cotton swab at least three to four times per week (daily is also safe). A small study in January 2011 with 18 participants showed that 15 of them benefited from Vicks.
- Ozonized Sunflower Oil: This oil has antifungal properties and may help with toenail fungus. Apply ozonized sunflower oil to the affected nails twice a day for three months. A September 2022 review in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology found that ozonized sunflower oil was more effective than a control cream after three months. It also showed tea tree oil to be as effective as clotrimazole, though the cure rates were low in both groups.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that may help treat toenail fungus. Apply diluted tea tree oil cream or oil to the infected toes two to three times a day.
The Importance of Proper Nail Care
Proper nail care is essential when dealing with toenail fungus. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Regular Nail Trimming: Trimming your nails regularly can help prevent the fungus from spreading. Soak your feet for 10 minutes in warm water before trimming your nails. Use nail nippers to trim your nails straight across.
- Sanitization of Tools: Always sanitize your nail clippers and tools to prevent the spread of fungus. Household members should use separate nail tools to avoid cross-contamination.
Conventional medical treatments for toenail fungus
While some people swear by home remedies, sometimes you need to bring in the big guns. Here are some common medical treatments for toenail fungus:
- Topical antifungal medications: Your doctor can prescribe prescription-strength antifungal creams and lacquers that you apply directly to the infected nail.
- Oral antifungal medications: For more stubborn infections, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal pills. These medications can have side effects, so it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Nail removal: In severe cases, your doctor may recommend removing the infected nail altogether. This is usually a last resort, but it can be effective if other treatments haven’t worked.
If home remedies aren’t cutting it, or if your toenail fungus is getting worse, you should definitely see a doctor. They can properly diagnose the infection and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
Resist the urge to DIY! Cutting off your toenail yourself is generally not recommended. It can increase the risk of infection and may not effectively remove the fungus. A podiatrist can properly assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, which might involve professional trimming or, in rare cases, surgical removal.
How do you know if toenail fungus is dying?
It’s often a slow process, but positive signs include new, healthy nail growth at the base, a decrease in discoloration, and a reduction in thickness. Remember, it takes time for a healthy nail to fully replace the infected one, so patience is key.
How do I get rid of toenail fungus ASAP?
Unfortunately, “ASAP” isn’t really a thing with toenail fungus. It’s notoriously stubborn! Prescription oral medications and topical treatments prescribed by a doctor are typically the most effective, but they require consistent use over several months. Don’t fall for quick-fix promises.
Can I put Vaseline on fungus?
Vaseline (petroleum jelly) isn’t an antifungal treatment. It won’t kill the fungus. While it might help to moisturize the surrounding skin and create a barrier, it won’t cure the infection. Focus on proven antifungal methods recommended by a healthcare professional.
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
Attempting to scrape out toenail fungus at home is usually ineffective and potentially harmful. You could damage the nail bed and introduce bacteria, leading to a secondary infection. Leave any debridement (removal of infected nail) to a podiatrist who has the proper tools and sterile environment.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that Vaseline isn’t a cure for toenail fungus. It’s something you can use along with other treatments to make your nails feel better.
Vaseline can help soften the affected nail, protect the skin around the nail, and moisturize the area.
To get rid of toenail fungus, it’s important to take a holistic approach that combines Vaseline with proper nail care and doctor-recommended treatments.
Treating toenail fungus takes time and consistency. You may not see improvement for months, and the fungus can come back even after treatment. If you’ve tried home remedies and your toenail fungus isn’t getting better, talk with your doctor about other options.