Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can turn your toenails yellow, thick, and crumbly. It’s not pretty, and it can be difficult to treat.
Enter Vicks VapoRub. This over-the-counter ointment is usually used to soothe coughs and congestion, but some people swear by it as a home remedy for toenail fungus. They share their “toenail fungus before and after Vicks” stories online, claiming it can banish the fungus for good.
But does it really work? This article takes a closer look at using Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus, examining the before-and-after results, the science (or lack thereof) behind it, and other treatment options.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is an infection that occurs when fungi get in between your toenail and your toenail bed.
What causes toenail fungus?
Most of the time, toenail fungus is caused by dermatophytes. Dermatophytes are a type of fungi that feed on keratin, the protein that makes up your nails and skin. These microscopic organisms can enter your nail through tiny cracks or cuts.
Other types of fungus, such as yeasts and molds, can also cause toenail infections. Candida, the yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections, can sometimes be the culprit.
Some things increase your risk of getting toenail fungus, such as:
- Older age
- Poor hygiene
- Nail trauma
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
If you have toenail fungus, you might notice:
- Thickening of the nail
- Discoloration (yellowish, brownish, or whitish)
- Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nails
- Distorted nail shape
- A foul odor (in some cases)
A doctor can usually diagnose toenail fungus just by looking at it. But to be sure, they might take a clipping of your nail and send it to a lab to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
Vicks VapoRub: Ingredients and possible benefits
Vicks VapoRub is a common over-the-counter ointment that people use to relieve congestion, cough, and aches and pains. But could Vicks VapoRub work on toenail fungus?
What’s in Vicks VapoRub?
The active ingredients are:
- Camphor. Camphor is a waxy, clear solid with a strong odor. People use it to relieve pain, irritation, and itching.
- Menthol. Menthol comes from peppermint oil and other mint oils. It can relieve pain and congestion.
- Eucalyptus oil. Eucalyptus oil is a fragrant oil from eucalyptus trees. People use it to relieve coughs and congestion.
Inactive ingredients such as petrolatum allow the active ingredients to be applied to the skin.
How might Vicks VapoRub fight toenail fungus?
Vicks VapoRub hasn’t been studied much as a treatment for toenail fungus, but there are a few ideas about how it could work:
- The ingredient thymol might have antifungal properties.
- Camphor and menthol might soften the nail, allowing other ingredients to get to the fungus.
- Petrolatum might suffocate the fungus.
What are the downsides of using Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus?
It’s important to know that Vicks VapoRub is not an antifungal medication. There isn’t much scientific evidence that it can get rid of toenail fungus.
How to use Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus
So, you’re thinking of using Vicks VapoRub to treat toenail fungus? Here’s what you need to know about how to use it, how long it might take to work, and what kind of results you can expect.
How to apply Vicks
- First, clean and dry the toenail that’s affected by fungus.
- Then, apply a thin layer of Vicks VapoRub to the entire nail surface and the skin around it.
- You can cover it with a bandage, but that’s optional.
- Repeat every day. It’s best to apply it at night.
What to expect
Keep in mind that everyone is different, and the results you get may not be the same as the results someone else gets. Toenails grow slowly, so you may not see changes for several months.
What does “improvement” look like? You might see:
- Less discoloration of the nail
- The nail gets thinner
- You see new, healthy nail growth at the base of the nail
It’s important to keep applying the Vicks consistently and be patient.
Vicks isn’t a magic bullet
Vicks VapoRub may not be enough to cure a severe toenail infection. It may work best for mild to moderate cases.
Talk to your doctor about combining Vicks with other treatments, such as prescription antifungal medications.
Does Vicks VapoRub really work for toenail fungus? What the “before and after” pictures and stories show
Lots of people have posted photos and stories online about using Vicks VapoRub to treat toenail fungus. But how much can you really tell from them?
Looking at before-and-after images
If you search around online, you can find plenty of before-and-after pictures that people have taken to document their Vicks VapoRub journey. In general, people tend to note:
- A slight improvement in how the nail looks
- Less discoloration
- A softer texture to the nail
But there are a few things to keep in mind when looking at these pictures:
- It’s hard to be objective when you’re looking at your own feet.
- Lighting and camera quality can vary a lot.
- There’s no standard way people take these pictures.
What about the stories people tell?
Some people swear that Vicks VapoRub helped them get rid of their toenail fungus. They often say it’s easy to use, affordable, and that they like using a more “natural” remedy.
On the other hand, some people say it didn’t do much for them, that it took a long time to see any results, or that they were just plain disappointed.
Don’t believe everything you read
It’s important to remember that just because someone says something worked for them, doesn’t mean it will work for you. Personal stories aren’t the same as scientific proof. It’s also possible that people think it’s working because of the placebo effect – just believing something will help can sometimes make you feel better.
What else works for toenail fungus?
If you’re wondering whether to try Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus, you may also want to consider these other treatments.
Prescription antifungal medications
There are two kinds of prescription antifungal medications for toenail fungus:
- Oral medications, such as terbinafine and itraconazole, can be very effective. Talk to your doctor about how well they work and the potential side effects.
- Topical medications, such as ciclopirox and efinaconazole, can also be effective, though they may have limitations.
Laser therapy
Laser treatment can kill toenail fungus. This treatment can be expensive, and it’s important to consider how well it works for your specific condition.
Surgical nail removal
In some cases, your doctor may advise removing the toenail completely. It’s important to know what the recovery process will be like and what the risks may be.
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments
There are many over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus, but you should talk with a doctor before choosing one of them. A doctor can help you understand whether an over-the-counter treatment is likely to work for you, or whether you need a prescription medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one home remedy for toenail fungus?
There’s no single “number one” home remedy guaranteed to eradicate toenail fungus completely. While some people find relief with remedies like Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, or even using lavender essential oil to fight nail fungus, effectiveness varies. These remedies can sometimes inhibit fungal growth, but they rarely cure the infection on their own. Medical treatments are often more effective.
Is it OK to cut a fungus toenail off?
It’s generally not recommended to cut off a fungal toenail yourself. You risk infection, injury, and incomplete removal. A podiatrist can safely trim or remove the affected part of the nail, offering relief and allowing topical treatments to penetrate better. Self-removal can worsen the problem.
Will hydrogen peroxide get rid of nail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide may have some antifungal properties, but it’s not typically effective in completely eliminating toenail fungus. It might help clean the area and prevent secondary infections, but it doesn’t penetrate the nail deeply enough to kill the fungus at its source. Other treatments are generally needed.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including warm, moist environments (like sweaty shoes), poor foot hygiene, nail injuries, and underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Wearing breathable shoes and socks, keeping feet dry, and treating any underlying health issues are essential for managing the condition.
Does filing down a fungal nail help?
Yes, filing down a fungal nail can be beneficial. It thins the nail, allowing topical treatments to penetrate more effectively and reach the fungus underneath. However, filing alone won’t cure the infection; it’s best used in combination with other antifungal treatments. Be sure to use a disposable file or disinfect it thoroughly after each use to avoid spreading the infection.
Wrapping Up
Using Vicks VapoRub might bring some relief if you have a mild case of toenail fungus. But it isn’t a guaranteed cure, and it might not do anything for severe infections. While some people have had success with it, it’s important to remember that everyone is different.
If you think you have toenail fungus, the best thing to do is see a doctor. They can tell you how bad the infection is and help you decide on the best way to treat it. There are other treatments that are more effective and reliable than Vicks.
Ultimately, you should make your decisions based on scientific evidence and the advice of a professional. While home remedies like manuka oil might be tempting, they aren’t always the best choice for your health.