Toenail fungus is an infection that starts as a white or yellow spot under the nail. It spreads to the nail bed, causing discoloration and thickening. The most common symptom is a discolored, thickened nail.
I have suffered from toenail fungus twice in my life. Though it wasn’t painful, it caused discomfort while walking or wearing shoes. I used antifungal treatments my doctor suggested and tried various home remedies for toenail fungus. In this article, I’ll share some home remedies for toenail fungus that helped me.
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7 Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus is a continuous process, so you need to be consistent. Home remedies can help manage toenail fungus, but they may not always be enough on their own. I have tried several home remedies, and here I am sharing 7 easy home remedies for toenail fungus. Remember, you don’t need to apply them all at once. Try one, wait for results, and then try another.
Coconut Oil for Toenail Fungus
Coconut oil contains fatty acids such as lauric acid that can help treat toenail fungus. It fights fungus by breaking down its cell walls. A study showed that virgin coconut oil can slow down the growth of fungi by breaking down their cell walls.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Toenail Fungus
When I had toenail fungus for the second time, I used coconut oil every day. I especially put it on before bed so that it could soak into my toenail overnight. This made it work better against the fungus.
- Amount: Use a pea-sized amount of coconut oil.
- Application: Apply the coconut oil to the affected toenail twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed.
- Consistency: Keep using the oil every day until the fungus is completely gone.
Using coconut oil this way helps you take advantage of its natural powers to fight toenail fungus. It’s simple and effective.
Read More: Benefits of Coconut Oil
Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is a natural treatment that fights toenail fungus. It works by breaking down the cell walls of fungi, killing them with its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. A study showed that using a cream with 2% butenafine and 5% tea tree oil cured toenail fungus in 80% of patients, with no relapses and only mild side effects.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus
Though it is a popular home remedy, I didn’t use it much because it sometimes causes skin irritation. My skin is very sensitive, so I had to be careful. You can use it by following these simple steps:
- Clean the Affected Area : Start by thoroughly cleaning your feet, paying special attention to the toenails. Then dry your feet well for 10-15 minutes.
- Dilution: Tea tree oil is highly concentrated and can sometimes cause skin irritation. So it is better to dilute it before use. You can use a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil for dilution. Mix them in a 1:1 ratio.
- Use a Cotton Ball: Dip a cotton ball in the diluted tea tree oil and soak it well.
- Apply on the affected toenails: Gently apply the cotton ball to the affected area.
- Massage: Massage the oil into the toenails to allow the solution to reach the fungal infection.
This natural remedy can be very effective, but always do a patch test first to make sure your skin can handle it.
Baking Soda for Toenail Fungus
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is great at stopping fungus. Its alkaline nature makes it hard for fungus to grow. By creating an unfriendly environment for the fungus, baking soda stops it from spreading. A study found that using a mix of 10 grams of baking soda per liter of water stopped 80% of fungus from skin and nail infections.
How to Use Baking Soda for Toenail Fungus
When I had toenail fungus, I used baking soda several times because it really helped. If you start early, you can stop the fungus before it spreads. Using baking soda for toenail fungus is simple—just follow these steps:
- Clean the Affected Area: Start by thoroughly cleaning your feet, especially the toenails. Dry your feet well for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix the Paste: Mix baking soda with enough water in a small bowl to create a paste like toothpaste.
- Use a Cotton Ball: Dip a cotton ball in the baking soda paste and soak it well.
- Apply: Gently apply the cotton ball to the affected area.
- Hold On: Leave the paste on the toenails for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps prevent fungal growth by creating an alkaline environment.
- Wash: After 20 minutes, wash your feet and toenails thoroughly with lukewarm water.
This method is easy to follow and can help you get rid of toenail fungus naturally.
Oregano Oil for Toenail Fungus
Oregano oil comes from the oregano plant and is a powerful essential oil. Thymol and Carvacrol, found in oregano oil, are great at fighting germs and fungus. A recent study shows these compounds have strong antifungal and antimicrobial powers.
How to Use Oregano Oil for Toenail Fungus
Like tea tree oil, I avoid oregano oil because of my sensitive skin. However, the process is the same as mentioned above.
When using oregano oil, make sure of its quality. The quality of oregano oil is indicated by its high concentration of carvacrol. Carvacrol is known for its antifungal properties, so ensure you are using high-quality oregano oil.
- Dilute: Mix 1-2 drops of oregano oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
- Apply: Follow the same steps as for tea tree oil.
Garlic for Toenail Fungus
Garlic is a natural remedy known for its strong power to fight germs and fungi. Allicin, a compound in garlic, helps treat fungal infections effectively. A study showed that garlic’s antifungal properties make it a great natural remedy for toenail fungus.
How to Use Garlic for Toenail Fungus
I used this a lot of times because it was super easy and very effective. The process is simple and gave me great results.
- Prepare the Garlic: Crush a few garlic cloves to release the allicin.
- Apply: Rub the crushed garlic directly onto the affected toenail.
- Be Careful: Avoid contact with the skin to prevent irritation.
- Hold On: Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash: Rinse off with warm water and dry your feet thoroughly.
Using garlic is a simple and natural way to treat toenail fungus. For even better results, combine it with other antifungal treatments like tea tree oil or oregano oil. This mix can speed up healing and help keep the fungus from coming back.
Read More: How to Know If Toenail Fungus is Dying
Cornmeal for Toenail Fungus
Cornmeal is believed to have antifungal properties and is used by some as a natural remedy for toenail fungus. The idea is that cornmeal creates an environment that inhibits fungal growth. Although there is not much scientific evidence for this, I am sharing this because many people follow this process. I have tried it twice myself.
How to Use Cornmeal for Toenail Fungus
You will need:
- Coarse Cornmeal
- Warm Water
- Basin or foot soak container
Just follow these steps:
- Prepare the Soak: Fill a basin with warm water and add one cup of cornmeal.
- Soak: Let your feet soak in the mixture for 30-60 minutes.
- Dry Thoroughly: Make sure to dry your feet completely after the soak to prevent further fungal growth.
Using a cornmeal foot soak can be a soothing and natural way to treat toenail fungus. It’s easy to do and can help improve your nail health over time.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a favorite natural remedy for toenail fungus. Its acidic nature helps balance the pH of the skin, making it hard for fungus to survive. A 2015 study in the “Journal of Prosthodontics” found that ACV fights Candida fungus.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus
I used it many times, but it seemed like a slow process, and I didn’t notice much change. Maybe more research is needed. You can apply it by following these easy steps:
- Prepare the Soak: Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and warm water in a basin.
- Soak: Immerse your feet in the mixture for 15-30 minutes.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure your feet are completely dry after soaking to avoid further fungal growth.
Using ACV can be an effective and simple way to treat toenail fungus. It’s easy to use and can help improve your nail health over time.
Read More: What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?
You found which home remedies for toenail fungus are most helpful, so just comment below! If you have any questions or want to know more about home remedies for toenail fungus, just email us at info@homelysolve.com. We’d love to hear from you!
FAQ
What Kills Toenail Fungus Instantly?
There is no instant cure for toenail fungus. Prescription medications like terbinafine and itraconazole are effective but take time. For quick relief, some people use hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil, but these require regular use. Always consult a doctor for the best treatment.
How to Know if Toenail Fungus Is Dying?
Signs that toenail fungus is dying include less discoloration, reduced thickness, and healthier nail growth. The nail may look clearer and less brittle. While I had toenail fungus for the second time, after 2.5 months of treatment, healthier new nail growth started from the base, and my doctor confirmed the fungus was dying. Always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and advice.
How Long Does It Take for Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Toenail Fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide can take several weeks to months to kill toenail fungus. Consistent application is needed, usually twice a day. From my experience, using hydrogen peroxide with other home remedies cleared my toenail fungus in 2.5 months. Always consult a doctor for the best advice.