What Are Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus?
Some home remedies that are used to treat toenail fungus include Vicks VapoRub, Listerine, a mixture of vinegar and water or Listerine and vinegar, oil of oregano, tea tree oil, and snakeroot extract. It is believed that each of these home remedies takes a few months to work.
To use Vicks VapoRub to treat toenail fungus, place a small amount of the product on a cotton ball and apply it to the affected nail daily. The findings of one study conducted on the use of Vicks VapoRub as an effective treatment for toenail fungus show that out of 18 patients, 56 percent saw partial improvement of signs and symptoms, while 17 percent saw no improvement at all.
Snakeroot oil is believed to be just as effective for treating toenail fungus as the medicated fungal cream ciclopirox. To use the oil, apply it to the affected nail every third day for the first month, twice a week during the second month, and only once on the third month. Tea tree oil is applied to the affected nail twice a day until the signs and symptoms of infection disappear.
To prevent nail fungus from returning wear absorbent socks made of wool, nylon or polypropylene. These fabrics wick away moisture from the skin and help to prevent fungus from infecting nails. Changing wet socks as soon as possible also helps to stop fungus infections.
