How to Treat Toenail Fungus: Is Vinegar Effective?

Toenail fungus is an infection caused by a type of fungus that affects the area under the toenail. It can result in discoloration, thickening, or brittleness in one or more nails. Toenail fungus can be quite bothersome, which is why it’s natural to want to treat it as soon as possible. One remedy you may have heard of is soaking your feet in vinegar to fight the fungus. Since vinegar is acidic, it can kill bacteria and fungi. However, this method is only mildly effective as vinegar cannot penetrate under the nail. You can give it a try, but if there’s no improvement after two weeks, it’s best to consult a doctor for treatment.

Trim your toenails before soaking. If the fungus has spread extensively across your toenails, topical treatments may not be very effective. Use nail clippers to trim the nails as much as possible. This will allow the vinegar to penetrate the nail and target the fungus.

• Do not attempt to cut through the white part of the nail, as you may injure your toe.
• If you find it difficult to cut your toenails, you can soften them first by applying urea cream. This product is commonly used in cosmetics to treat skin irritation and is available in most pharmacies.
• Disinfect the nail clippers immediately after use to prevent spreading the fungus. Soak the clippers in isopropyl alcohol for about 30 minutes to kill any remaining fungus.

Mix one cup (240 ml) of warm water and white vinegar in a basin. Choose a basin or bucket large enough to submerge your feet. Pour the vinegar and warm water into the basin and stir well.

• You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar. Both types of vinegar contain an equivalent amount of acetic acid.

Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes. Submerge your feet in the basin so that the affected toenails are fully immersed in the solution. Soak for 10-20 minutes to allow the vinegar to penetrate the fungus.

• If you have any cuts on your feet, you may feel a slight stinging sensation when soaking, but this is not dangerous.

Dry your feet thoroughly after soaking. Fungi thrive in damp environments, so it is essential to dry your feet completely after soaking. Use a clean towel to blot your feet before putting on socks and shoes.

• Do not reuse the towel unless it has been washed to avoid spreading the fungus.

Soak your feet twice daily until symptoms subside. Toenail fungus is difficult to treat, so it may take some time before you see results. Soak your feet in the vinegar-water solution twice a day. If you see improvement after a few weeks, you can continue. If there is no sign of improvement, you should see a podiatrist for further treatment.

• If your toenails grow back, continue trimming them so the vinegar can reach the fungus beneath the nail.
• This treatment may take several months to show results. If you cannot soak your feet consistently twice a day or if there is no progress, it’s advisable to consult a podiatrist.

Apply over-the-counter antifungal cream. Antifungal creams are more effective than vinegar foot soaks. You can try purchasing antifungal cream from a pharmacy and apply it to the affected nails as directed. Many creams require daily application for at least a few weeks. Follow the instructions on the label to see if it helps.

• Antifungal creams that have been approved include Amorolfine, Ciclopirox, Efinaconazole, and Tavaborole.
• Trim your nails short so the cream can penetrate the fungus.
• Some creams are not as effective in treating fungal nails because they cannot penetrate the nail. Don’t be surprised if you don’t notice significant improvement and need to consult a doctor.

See a podiatrist for an oral prescription. Oral medications are typically the most effective way to treat fungal nails as they work from within. If home remedies don’t resolve your nail fungus, schedule a visit to a clinic. The doctor will examine your nails and prescribe medication for treatment. Take the medication as prescribed for 2-3 months to fully eliminate the fungus.

• Common antifungal medications include Lamisil and Sporanox.
• Do not stop taking the medication too soon. The infection will likely return if you stop before the fungus is completely eradicated.
• During your first visit, the doctor may trim your nails to remove some of the fungus. This may help, but it won’t completely cure the fungal infection.
• Antifungal medications can be quite potent, so the doctor may recommend regular blood tests to ensure the dosage is suitable for you. Excessive use of these medications could harm your liver.

Try antifungal nail lacquer. Your doctor might suggest this treatment along with oral medication. A common antifungal nail lacquer, often Penlac, can penetrate the nail to treat the infection. Typically, you will apply the lacquer to the nail and leave it on for a week. After one week, clean the nail with alcohol and reapply a fresh layer of lacquer. Continue this process as directed by your doctor.

• The way to apply the antifungal nail lacquer may vary depending on the medication prescribed. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Although vinegar is a common home remedy for treating fungal infections, it is not very effective for treating nail fungus. Vinegar cannot kill the fungus if it cannot penetrate under the nail. You may try applying it, but the results might not be significant. If you do not notice any improvement after a few weeks, you should consult a podiatrist for more conventional treatment options. Even when using creams and medications, nail fungus may take several months to completely heal, so it is important to follow the doctor's instructions for the best results.

• Other home remedies are also used to treat nail fungus. Applying Vicks VapoRub ointment to the nails once a day may also help treat the infection.

• Nail fungus is contagious, so make sure to wash everything that comes into contact with your feet. Wear socks at home to prevent spreading the fungus to others.
• You can also try applying tea tree oil to the affected nails once a day to see if it helps.