Toenail fungus can be frustrating to deal with and unsightly to look at. Fortunately, there are some effective home remedies for toenail fungus that you can follow to get rid of it.
Toenail fungus is common and affects 14% of the people in the US (1). It is commonly found in the elderly. It usually results in discoloration and breakage. If left untreated, the fungus can harden the nails and spread to the other toes. While over-the-counter prescription medications are the best way to treat toenail fungus, people opt for natural alternatives to avoid their side effects. The good news is that there are various home remedies you can try along with prescription medication to bid your toenail fungus goodbye. Scroll down to know more!
In This Article
1. What Is Toenail Fungus?
2. Causes Of Toenail Fungus
3. How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
4. Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
5. Medical Treatments
6. Prevention Tips
7. When To See A Doctor
8. Infographic: 6 Home Remedies To Treat Toenail Fungus
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Key Takeaways
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection caused by fungi, typically dermatophytes, but sometimes yeast or mold. These organisms thrive in warm, moist environments, such as shoes and socks, and can invade the nail through small cracks or cuts.
Symptoms:
- Discolored nails (yellow, white, or brown)
- Thickened nails that become hard or brittle
- Distorted nail shape
- Crumbly, ragged edges on nails
- A foul odor in some cases
- Pain or discomfort in the affected toe if the condition worsens
Risk Factors:
- Poor foot hygiene
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Excessive sweating
- Walking barefoot in public places (like pools or locker rooms)
- Weakened immune system
- Conditions like diabetes or circulatory problems
Treatment:
- Topical antifungal creams or lacquers
- Oral antifungal medications (more effective but may have side effects)
- Laser treatment (in some cases)
- Nail removal for severe cases
Toenail fungus is often persistent, and treatment can take several months to show results.
Causes Of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is primarily caused by fungal organisms that invade the nail or surrounding skin, most commonly dermatophytes, but sometimes yeast or non-dermatophyte molds. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, such as shoes, socks, and public showers. Below are some of the key causes and contributing factors for toenail fungus:
1. Fungal Infections
- Dermatophytes: These fungi feed on keratin, a protein found in nails, and are the most common cause of toenail fungus.
- Yeast (e.g., Candida): Can also lead to fungal infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
- Molds: Non-dermatophyte molds are less common but can still cause toenail fungus.
2. Warm and Moist Environments
- Fungus thrives in environments that are warm, dark, and moist, such as inside sweaty shoes or socks.
- Public places like locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers are common breeding grounds for fungal infections.
3. Poor Foot Hygiene
- Not washing and drying feet properly or wearing the same shoes and socks repeatedly without airing them out can promote fungal growth.
4. Walking Barefoot in Public Places
- Walking barefoot in gym showers, pool areas, or public baths increases the risk of exposure to fungal spores.
5. Nail Trauma
- Injuries to the nail or surrounding skin can create entry points for fungi, making it easier for them to invade.
6. Compromised Immune System
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (due to HIV, cancer, or medications that suppress immunity) are more susceptible to fungal infections.
7. Medical Conditions
- People with diabetes, circulatory issues, or athlete’s foot are at higher risk of developing toenail fungus due to poor blood circulation or other foot-related issues.
8. Age
- Older adults are more prone to toenail fungus because nails naturally become brittle and dry with age, making them more susceptible to cracks where fungi can enter.
9. Tight or Non-Breathable Footwear
- Shoes that are too tight or made of non-breathable materials can trap moisture, creating a conducive environment for fungal growth.
10. Shared Nail Tools
- Using contaminated nail tools like clippers or files in nail salons or at home can spread fungal infections.
Avoiding these risk factors by maintaining good foot hygiene, using antifungal sprays or powders, and wearing breathable footwear can help prevent toenail fungus.
How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
- Tea Tree Oil
Using tea tree oil for toenail fungus may be the best home remedy. It can be used to treat onychomycosis. Applying it topically can help treat the symptoms of nail fungus and improve the appearance of the affected nails.
You Will Need
- 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
- A carrier oil like coconut oil
- Cotton pad
What You Have To Do
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil and coconut oil.
- Dab this mixture on a cotton pad and apply it to the affected toenail.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this 2 times daily.
2. Vicks VapoRub
This decongestant is formulated using menthol that can help alleviate the symptoms of toenail fungus
3). Harjinder Sidhu, a YouTuber, dealing with toenail fungus shared how applying Vicks on the affected toenail helped heal the issue. He says, “This is something I have observed in my own life on my toenails and I got it cured by applying Vicks VapoRub
You Will Need
- Vicks VapoRub
- Sterile gauze
What You Have To Do
- rim the affected nails and wash them.
- Apply some Vicks VapoRub on the affected nail.
- Cover the toe with sterile gauze and leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this for a few weeks, every night before going to bed
3. Snakeroot Extract
Snakeroot extract can help heal the affected toenail and alleviate the symptoms of toenail fungus
You Will Need
- A few drops of snakeroot extract
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Mix a few drops of snakeroot extract with water.
- Apply this solution to the affected nail.
- Wash it off after an hour or so.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 2 times daily.
4. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is an essential oil made from the oregano herb that possesses powerful antifungal properties (5). Hence, it can help alleviate the symptoms of a fungal nail infection by destroying its root cause.
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of oregano oil
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Add three to four drops of oregano oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil.
- Mix well and apply it to the affected nail.
- Leave it on until it dries completely.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 2 times daily.
5. Olive Leaf Extract
Research shows that olive leaf extract exhibits antifungal properties
Its bioactive constituents can eliminate the fungal infection and make your toenail healthy again.
You Will Need
A few drops of olive leaf extract
What You Have To Do
- Apply a few drops of olive leaf extract to the affected toenail.
- Leave it on and let it dry.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 2 times daily.
6. Ozonized Sunflower Oil
Ozonized sunflower oil may exhibit fungistatic properties. This can make it suitable for treating toenail fungus as the ozone can diffuse into the fungal wall, thereby inhibiting its proliferation.
You Will Need
A teaspoon of ozonized sunflower oil
What You Have To Do
- Apply several drops of ozonized sunflower oil to the affected toenail.
- You must cover it with sterile gauze.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this once daily. Also, you can use ozonated olive oil to treat the infection
7. Vinegar
A vinegar foot bath is one of the common home remedies to treat toenail fungus. This can be attributed to the antimicrobial properties of the vinegar solution that can also prevent further infection
You Will Need
- 1/2 cup of vinegar
- 2-3 cups of water
- A shallow tub
What You Have To Do
- Mix all the ingredients mentioned above in a shallow tub.
- Soak your feet in this solution for about 20 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily.
8. Garlic
Garlic contains a bioactive compound called ajoene that possesses antimycotic properties (9). This helps garlic to fight the fungal infection that causes toenail fungus.
You Will Need
1-2 peeled garlic cloves
What You Have To Do
- Crush two cloves of fresh garlic.
- Apply this paste to the affected toenail.
- You must leave it on for half an hour and then wash it off with water.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 2 times daily.
9. Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, exhibits antifungal activity against fungal infections (10). This makes it suitable for use in the treatment of toenail fungus or onychomycosis.
You Will Need
- 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda
- Water, as needed
What You Have To Do
- Prepare a paste by mixing baking soda and water.
- Apply this paste to the infected nail.
- Rinse it off after 20-30 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
10. Hydrogen Peroxide
A solution of hydrogen peroxide can be used as an antifungal agent (11). Its bioactive compounds can help eliminate toenail infection.
You Will Need
- 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide solution
- 3 cups of water
What You Have To Do
- Take a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and mix it with three cups of water.
- Transfer this solution to a small tub.
- Soak your feet in this solution for 20 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily.
11. Aloe Vera
has wound healing and antifungal properties (12). Both these properties can help fight the dermatophytes that cause nail fungus.
You Will Need
Aloe vera gel
What You Have To Do
- Extract gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf.
- Apply it to the affected toenail.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
12. Mouthwash
Mouthwash contains active ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, and peroxide that exhibit antifungal properties (13). This may help treat onychomycosis.
You Will Need
- Mouthwash
- A bowl
What You Have To Do
Soak your toenail in a bowl of mouthwash.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this for 30 minutes daily.
13. Castor Oil
Castor oil may have antifungal attributes. A study showed that castor oil contains a compound known as undecylenic acid, which is renowned for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties (14). However, remember that the efficacy of castor oil against toenail fungus lacks scientific evidence and warrants further research. You should also consult a doctor before using it to prevent spreading the infection.
You Will Need
- 1 teaspoon of castor oil
- Gauze
What You Have To Do
- Apply several drops of castor oil to the affected toenail.
- Cover it with sterile gauze to prevent the infection from spreading.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once daily.
Apart from the above-mentioned remedies, you can also apply calamine lotion, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, and onion on the infected toenail to help eliminate the infection and provide relief due to their antifungal properties (15), (16), (17). However, if these home remedies are not proving effective and the infection persists, consult a doctor about other treatment options.
Medical Treatments
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) treatment differs based on the degree of the infection and the type of fungus that caused the condition in the first place. However, the following are some of the most effective treatments for a fungal nail infection:
- Oral Medications
Your physician may prescribe probiotics or antifungal medications to help eliminate the fungus from your toenail (18). However, further studies are warranted to support this claim. Since they reach the nail plate within days of beginning treatment, these antifungal medications are more effective. Treatment could last up to three months.
2. Topical Medications
Nail infections are occasionally treated with topical medication like antifungal creams. Additionally, you may also apply antifungal nail polish to the infected nail to treat the infection. Ensure that you practice caution and check with your healthcare provider before using this remedy. These methods might be effective for mild infections, but they cannot penetrate the nail deep enough to treat a more serious infection. Topical therapy may be used in conjunction with an oral medication.
3. Surgery
In the most severe cases of toenail fungal infection, the toenail may be surgically removed or dissolved with acid. To increase the chances of the remaining nail growing back properly, this procedure may be done on just a section of the nail.
4. Laser And Light Therapies
These are also being researched as potential toenail fungal treatments (19). In addition, laser treatment has shown promise when used in conjunction with oral or topical antifungal agents.
Prevention Tips
Preventing toenail fungus involves practicing good foot hygiene and taking precautions in environments where fungi thrive. Here are some practical tips to help prevent toenail fungus:
- Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and ensure they are completely dry, especially between the toes.
After washing, apply an antifungal foot powder or spray if you’re prone to excessive sweating. - Wear Breathable Footwear
Opt for shoes made from materials that allow air circulation, like leather or mesh, to reduce moisture buildup.
Avoid wearing tight shoes for extended periods, especially in hot or humid conditions. - Change Socks Regularly
Change socks daily, or more frequently if they become damp or sweaty.
Choose moisture-wicking socks made from cotton or synthetic fibers designed to keep feet dry. - Alternate Shoes
Rotate shoes to give each pair time to air out, and use antifungal powders or sprays inside shoes if necessary. - Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Areas
Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in communal showers, locker rooms, and pool areas to protect your feet from fungal spores. - Keep Nails Trimmed
Trim your toenails straight across and keep them short to avoid nail trauma and reduce the chance of fungal infections.
Sterilize nail clippers before and after use to prevent spreading fungi. - Avoid Sharing Nail Tools or Footwear
Do not share nail clippers, files, shoes, or socks with others to avoid cross-contamination. - Choose Clean, Reputable Nail Salons
Ensure that nail salons follow proper hygiene practices by sterilizing tools and using clean water for pedicures. - Treat Athlete’s Foot Promptly
Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails if untreated, so apply antifungal creams to any skin infections to prevent the fungus from affecting nails. - Strengthen Your Immune System
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage chronic conditions like diabetes to support your immune system in fighting off infections. - Use Antifungal Products
Apply antifungal sprays or powders in shoes and on feet if you are prone to foot fungal infections, especially after exercising or being in a damp environment.
By following these prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing toenail fungus.
When To See A Doctor
Fungal nail infections have the potential to worsen over time. Therefore, you should see a doctor if the symptoms do not disappear after using home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and preventative care techniques.
Additionally, visit a doctor immediately if the symptoms deteriorate, such as:
- If the nail gets thicker, more distorted, or more discolored.
- If there is swelling, the skin turns red, or becomes warmer or tender.
- Pus starts to leak from the infected toe and the surrounding area.
- There are crimson streaks that appear around the infected toe.
- You develop a fever.
- The infection spreads further.
- It becomes too painful to tolerate.
- If you are diabetic.
Infographic: 6 Home Remedies To Treat Toenail Fungus
The common toenail infection is definitely one pesky problem to handle. However, you don’t have to take over-the-counter medications to deal with it. Instead, various DIY remedies can aid in treating the infection and effectively tackle the symptoms. Check out the infographic below to bookmark 6 easy home remedies to treat toenail fungus.
The Bottom Line
Toenail fungus is a highly contagious condition that results in thick and yellow or brown toenails. Over-the-counter medications are often used to get rid of the fungal infection, but you can alternatively apply home remedies for toenail fungus to resolve the situation. Tea tree oil, snakeroot extract, garlic, baking soda, aloe vera, vinegar, and oregano oil are some of the most popular and effective ingredients used as remedies due to their antimicrobial properties and can prevent escalation of the infection. However, more research is needed to establish that they can reduce fungal growth, so it is recommended that you consult your healthcare professional if you see no improvement after using these remedies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you get a pedicure if you have toenail fungus?
Yes, you can get a pedicure if you have toenail fungus. You will have to make the staff aware of the infection so that they use disposable and sterile tools.
2. Can nail fungus heal by itself?
Nail fungus does not heal on its own. If you do not tend to it soon, you might risk the spreading of the infection to other toenails.
3. Can nail fungus spread to other parts of the body?
If left untreated, it may spread to the other toes as well as the skin surrounding the affected toenails. This, in turn, can cause a condition called athlete’s foot, redness, and itching.
4. How does Listerine cure toenail fungus?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Listerine can cure toenail fungus. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that a Listerine soak may help get rid of the fungus in a few days. To make a bath with this mild antifungal agent, mix it with lukewarm water in a 1:2 ratio or with vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Soak your feet in this bath for 40-60 minutes every day till the fungus clears up.
5. Does Epsom salt get rid of toenail fungus?
Epsom salt may help get rid of toenail fungus by drawing out moisture and drying out the moist environment harboring the fungus. However, there are no scientific studies to validate that Epsom salt can get rid of the infection.
Key Takeaways
- You can get toenail fungus due to various reasons, including nail injury, poor foot hygiene, and Athlete’s foot.
- There are both home remedies and medical options to get rid of this issue.
- You can use ingredients like vinegar, tea tree oil, or hydrogen peroxide to treat toenail fungus.
- If you want to go for medications, there are oral or topical medicines for the same.
- Keep your feet clean and dry all the time to prevent this infection.
Personal Experience:
Getmakeup’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
