Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common issue that can be tough to get rid of. Some estimates show that as many as 14% of people struggle with toenail fungus, and the nature of the nail itself makes it a difficult area to treat effectively. Topical treatments, for example, struggle to penetrate the nail and reach the infection underneath.
But what about some common household products? This article explores whether Vicks VapoRub or Vaseline could be a possible home remedy for toenail fungus. We’ll discuss how they might work, compare their potential effectiveness, and talk about other treatment options that might be a better fit.
It’s important to have realistic expectations about treating toenail fungus and to seek professional advice from a doctor or podiatrist for the best course of action.
Understanding toenail fungus
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the nail. Fungi called dermatophytes are usually the cause.
Fungi love warm, moist environments, which means you can pick them up just about anywhere. You can get a toenail fungus from:
- public places like swimming pools, locker rooms, and gyms
- pedicure tools that aren’t properly sterilized
- socks and shoes that keep your feet hot and sweaty
- spreading the infection from athlete’s foot to your toenails
Why is toenail fungus difficult to treat?
Toenail fungus can be stubborn for a few reasons:
- Toenails are thick and hard, which makes it tough for medications to get through.
- The location of the infection also makes treatment tricky. The nail itself can block the medication.
Plus, even if a treatment seems to work, there might still be some fungus hanging around, which can lead to another infection down the road. So, even if your toenail looks better, it’s essential to stick with your treatment plan to make sure the fungus is really gone.
Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus
People use Vicks VapoRub to get relief from coughs, congestion, and other symptoms of a cold. But can it help with toenail fungus?
What is Vicks VapoRub?
Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment you rub on your skin to ease coughing. It contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, all of which have a cooling, soothing effect.
How might Vicks VapoRub work for toenail fungus?
Some of the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub may be able to fight fungus. For example, some studies show that menthol and camphor can keep fungus from growing in a lab setting. But does that mean it can cure a real-life toenail infection?
A small study from 2011 looked at whether Vicks VapoRub could help with toenail fungus. In the study, 15 out of 18 participants saw some benefit from using Vicks VapoRub on their toenails.
Many people swear that Vicks VapoRub improves the look of their toenails. But it’s important to know that Vicks VapoRub might not fully get rid of a toenail fungus infection.
How to use Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus
If you want to try using Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus, here’s how:
- Use a cotton swab to apply Vicks VapoRub under your toenail.
- Repeat this process at least 3 to 4 times a week, or even every day.
Keep in mind that it can take months to see results, so you’ll need to be consistent and patient. If you don’t see any improvement after a few months, it may be time to talk to a doctor about other treatment options.
Can Vaseline help toenail fungus?
Vaseline is a brand-name petroleum jelly product used as a skin protectant and moisturizer. It’s great for chapped lips or dry skin, but is it a good treatment for toenail fungus?
The answer is probably not. Vaseline doesn’t have any antifungal properties of its own, so it won’t kill the fungus causing your toenail infection. The biggest problem with using Vaseline on toenail fungus is that it creates a moisture barrier, which could actually make the fungal environment even better for the fungus.
Even though Vaseline won’t cure toenail fungus on its own, there might be some ways to use it to help other treatments work better. For example, Vaseline might soften the nail, making it easier for antifungal medications to get through. It can also protect the skin around the nail from getting irritated by strong antifungal medicines.
But here’s the bottom line: Don’t use Vaseline as your only treatment for toenail fungus. If you want to use it along with an antifungal medicine, that might be okay, but talk to your doctor first.
Other home remedies and treatments for toenail fungus
If Vicks VapoRub or Vaseline don’t sound like the right treatment for you, there are still other options you can consider.
Alternative home remedies
Some people have had success using home remedies, such as:
- Tea tree oil. Some research suggests that tea tree oil is about as effective as the antifungal medication clotrimazole.
- Garlic. Lab research indicates that garlic may have antifungal properties.
- Listerine. Some patients find Listerine a reasonable, less aggressive treatment option.
However, you should avoid remedies that don’t have any scientific evidence to back them up. For example, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are not recommended for toenail fungus, and oral remedies like apple cider vinegar aren’t effective either.
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments
You can find antifungal medications at your local drugstore that contain ingredients like tolnaftate or clotrimazole. However, keep in mind that OTC treatments may not be strong enough to get rid of a severe infection.
Prescription treatments
If OTC treatments don’t work, your doctor might prescribe a topical treatment, such as amorolfine, efinaconazole, tavaborole, or ciclopirox, or you might consider a cream like LDREAMAM Nail Fungus Cream. Prescription oral drugs like fluconazole, griseofulvin, itraconazole, and terbinafine may also be an option.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is another treatment option for toenail fungus. Clinical cure rates can vary, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
Whether to wear socks to bed with toenail fungus depends. If your feet tend to sweat, it’s best to wear clean, breathable cotton socks to wick away moisture. Change socks daily. However, if your feet stay dry, going sockless might be preferable to allow for better air circulation.
What is the sock trick for toenail fungus?
I’m not aware of a specific “sock trick” for toenail fungus that is medically recognized or widely promoted. However, consistent hygiene practices, including wearing clean socks, changing them regularly, and ensuring proper foot hygiene, are important in managing fungal infections.
Do I need to throw away shoes after toenail fungus?
It’s not always necessary to throw away shoes, but you should thoroughly disinfect them to prevent reinfection, perhaps with something like Medinail Fungus Spray. Use antifungal sprays or powders inside the shoes. Allow shoes to air out completely between wearings. Consider rotating shoes to minimize moisture buildup.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has some antifungal properties, but it’s generally not considered a primary treatment for toenail fungus. While it may help to clean and disinfect the affected area, it’s unlikely to penetrate the nail effectively to eradicate the fungus completely. Other treatments are generally more effective.
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
There is no single “cup of this” guaranteed to destroy nail fungus. Some anecdotal evidence suggests soaking feet in diluted vinegar or tea tree oil solutions might help, but scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. Prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medications are usually more effective and should be discussed with a doctor.
Putting It All Together
Toenail fungus can be hard to get rid of, so you need to be patient. It can take months to treat, and it often comes back.
Vicks VapoRub might help because of some of the ingredients, but it isn’t a guaranteed cure. Vaseline by itself probably won’t cure toenail fungus, but it can help keep your nails moisturized, and that can sometimes help other medications work better.
The best thing to do is talk to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and find out what treatments are most likely to work for you. You can also prevent toenail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing shoes that let your feet breathe, disinfecting your nail clippers, and maybe soaking your feet in something like Long Creek Herbs Nail Fungus Soak.