Are there any home remedies for toenail fungus?

Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca, is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic properties.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), some small-scale clinical studies have shown that tea tree oil may be effective against toenail fungus.

Paint the tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail twice a day with a cotton swab. To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice a day with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together.

Some people can try home remedies to get rid of toenail fungus. Examples include baking soda, menthol products, and more. However, home remedies may not be effective in preventing infections. Proponents of baking soda may suggest it as a remedy, as it can help absorb moisture that can cause toenail fungus.

In addition, it may possess fungistatic properties, meaning that it does not kill fungi, but it can prevent them from growing. A small previous study supports this claim and suggests that baking soda can prevent fungal growth. However, there isn't much scientific evidence to support the use of baking soda as a remedy and there's no evidence to suggest that it can treat fungal infections. As with vinegar, there's no direct scientific evidence to support the use of mouthwashes to treat toenail fungus. However, some research suggests that mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine may have antifungal properties.

It is worth noting that mouthwash containing this ingredient generally requires a prescription in the United States, so a person cannot buy it without a prescription. Garlic, which is normally used to flavor foods, may also provide some benefit by helping to treat nail fungus of the feet. Although limited, there is some evidence to support this claim. Some evidence suggests that certain essential oils may possess antifungal properties and have some use in conjunction with existing antifungal treatments.

However, these oils may pose a risk of allergy and irritation. Tea tree oil is a popular home remedy for many skin infections, including fungal infections. Apply a few drops of oil to your toenails twice a day, or mix a few drops of oil with a little water and soak your entire foot. If you have persistent toenail fungus or are in pain, you may need to schedule an appointment with a specialist. Some people may recommend using products that contain menthol, such as a menthol disinfectant, to help treat toenail fungus.

Home remedies may take longer to eliminate toenail fungus than prescription topical medications or oral systemic antifungals. You can use hydrogen peroxide for toenail fungus by wiping it on infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Snake root extract, made from plants in the sunflower family, is an all-natural homeopathic antifungal treatment that is also used to treat toenail fungus. Best Foot Doctor of Manhattan, New York (NYC) treats toenail fungus in many clients and has prepared a list of five natural remedies that help contain and improve this condition.

While home treatments may be the cure you're looking for to treat toenail fungus, they aren't regulated or approved by the U. Knowing the specific cause of foot fungus can help identify the best treatment for toenail fungus. Or, you can take oral capsules containing the extract to try to boost your immune system and treat toenail fungus systemically. You may be able to treat toenail fungus at home with certain essential oils and other products with antimicrobial and antifungal properties, such as Vicks VapoRub.

While there are many effective home remedies for toenail fungus, there are still some natural treatments and household products which can cause more harm than benefit. Snake root extract, used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, is made from sunflowers and is an all-natural remedy for toenail fungus. The acidity of vinegar creates an environment that most fungi find in the hospital and can help eliminate a fungal infection in toenails. Toenail fungus is a common foot disease that can cause pain and embarrassment to those who suffer from it.

When feet sweat or stay moist or wet, there is an increased chance of fungus growing on the nails of feet.