Does Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Toenail Fungus

July 3, 2022

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Making A Vinegar Soak

ACV Toenail Fungus Natural Home Remedy Treatment One Month Update

If you want to try treating your nail fungus with vinegar, then the best thing to do is soak your foot in a vinegar-water mixture. Diluting the vinegar is important to prevent it from irritating your skin. Try a daily soak and see if it helps clear the infection. If not, then don’t panic. You can still use more conventional treatments.

1Trim your nail back before soaking your foot. If your nail is covering the fungus, then topical treatments wont work very well. Take a clipper and trim your nail back as far as you can. This helps the vinegar reach the fungus and kill it.

Dont try to cut your nail past where the white section ends. You could cut yourself.

If you have trouble cutting your nail, try softening it with a urea cream first. This is a common cosmetic treatment for skin irritations, and is available at most pharmacies.

Disinfect the clipper as soon as youre finished so you dont spread the infection. Soak it in isopropyl alcohol for 30 minutes to kill all the fungus.

2Mix 1 cup each of warm water and white vinegar into a bowl. Find a bowl or bucket that you can fit your foot into. Pour both vinegar and warm water in, then stir them together.

You could also use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar. Both contain similar amounts of acetic acid.

3Soak your foot for 10-20 minutes. Place your foot into the bowl and make sure the water covers your infected toe. Then keep it there for 10-20 minutes so the vinegar can soak into the fungus.

How To Treat Fungal Toenails

Posted on 05.30.17|Yuko Miyazaki, DPM|

There are many places to go and things to do in Berkeley all year long, and especially in our summer months. No matter if you enjoy visiting the Berkeley Rose Garden or revisiting your childhood with a ride on the Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round, its always a little better when youre wearing sandals or open-toed shoes to air out your feet and keep them cool. You may disagree, though, if you have a case of fungal toenails!

Whereas some people are quite comfortable sporting open-toed shoes, others feel the need to keep discolored, distorted toenails hidden from the world. If you are one of those individuals, you should know there are fungal toenail treatment options that can help.

When it comes to treatment for fungal toenails, the best place to start is with methods you can try on your own at home. We will certainly provide professional treatment if you need it, but you may want to try any of the following remedies first:

Apple cider vinegar. This particular type of vinegar has a mild acidity, which both prevents the fungal infection from spreading and eradicates the offensive fungus . To correctly perform this form of treatment, mix apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water in a basin. Soak the affected foot in the solution for about thirty minutes.

Home care is a good starting point, but there is certainly a chance you will benefit from professional treatment. In these cases, you may need:

Side Effects Of Toenail Fungus Medication

One of the many benefits of using a homeopathic remedy is that there are little to no adverse side effects. Topical treatments often prescribed to treat toenail fungus can potentially burn or blister the skin. Oral medications for treating onychomycosis can cause liver or gastrointestinal damage. Be sure to read your medications list of potential side effects. Consult your pharmacist, physician, or specialist if you are concerned about side effects of prescription drugs.

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How To Apply Tea Tree Oil On Nails

Before using them, make sure the oil is thoroughly diluted.

Pour in a few drops of oil directly onto the site or soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to affected nails. Press them gently but firmly so that the liquid comes out.

Gently scrub the affected nails with the help of a toothbrush to make sure the oil reaches deep into the nails.

Let it dry out naturally. Meanwhile, you can also soak your feet in a solution containing 4-5 drops of tea tree oil and water.

Continue this process for about 15-20 minutes. Both these treatments are best when done in the morning or evening.

It is essential to repeat the application of tea tree oil to nail at least twice a day. Repeat the filing procedure once or twice a week for the best results.

Sometimes even following the steps mentioned above on a routine basis will not guarantee the complete removal of infections.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus Does It Work what The Research Says

Toenail and foot maintenance doesn’t have to come at a high cost. In fact, some of the best hygiene remedies are common kitchen staples. One, we wager you’ve heard plenty about before: apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is made from apple juice and is fermented to hard apple cider. It’s then fermented a second time to become apple cider vinegar. In large volumes, it is known to contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, organic acids , and plenty of other good-for-you compounds.

ACV is a true multifunctional tonic that is used in DIY cleaners, toners, bath soaks, hair rinses, you name it. And here’s just another reason to stock up on a bottle: It may help ease and remedy symptoms of athlete’s foot.

Here’s what you need to know.

Also Check: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Nail Fungus

How Common Are Fungal Infections

Fungal infections are quite common.

For instance, Candida infection or candidiasis, one of the most common healthcare-associated fungal infections, affects about 46 thousand people in the USA .

Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis affects 3 – 15% of the population .

In general, fungal infections mostly affect hospitalized and immunocompromised people .

How To Prepare For A Foot Soak

Though foot baths can be soothing and relaxing, that isnt the purpose of a foot soak for toenail fungus. You want to make sure youre getting as much as possible from each soak.

Wash your feet and toenails thoroughly before cutting your toenails. When the nail is trimmed, the ACV has more chance of reaching the fungal spores under the nails. Use your own thick toenail clippers to get the best results.

Use only 100% pure and natural ACV. Some apple cider vinegar that you find in grocery stores has already been diluted. The ACV you use should be unfiltered and contain something called the mother for you to see better results.

Maximize the effects of your foot soak from the inside out. If you can handle the taste, you should drink a capful of ACV in a cup of water each day. This will help to boost your immune system.

Quick Step-by-Step Guide

Foot soaks are one of the best ways to fight toenail fungus. This is because by submerging your feet, youre allowing the treatment to get underneath the nail. Thats where the fungus lives and grows. If a treatment option can get underneath the nail, it can attack the fungus more directly.

Since youre submerging all your toes in a treatment solution, a foot soak is also great for preventing the spread of toenail fungus.

There are many different types of foot soaks you can try. An ACV soak is one of the easiest to create, and it works well.

Follow this step-by-step guide to make a foot soak at home:

Soak for 15-20 minutes.

Also Check: What Type Of Doctor Should I See For Toenail Fungus

Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus:

There are many ways you can use this ingredient as a remedy:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

This is one of the most common apple cider vinegar remedies that most people have tried and tested. Its results are amazing!

All you need to do is take equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water and create a soak. Soak your feet for 30 minutes every day and see the results.

2. Application by Cotton Swabs

As soaking feet can be time-consuming, some people prefer the cotton swab remedy too. Simply dip the cotton swab in apple cider vinegar and then apply it on your infected toenail.

You may repeat this at least twice or thrice a day depending on how severe the infection is.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar + Rice Flour Paste

Take a spoon of rice flour and two spoons of apple cider vinegar and mix to make a smooth paste.

Apply the paste on the infected nails, scrub, leave it for a few minutes and rinse off. Dry your feet and you can optionally apply tea tree oil to keep them moisturized.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar + Baking Soda

Adding baking soda in an equal amount to apple cider vinegar and a little water can create a nice foot-soak too.

Baking soda helps cleanse your feet better. This leaves no trace of fungi and your toenail fungus will be cleared up in just a few weeks.

You should repeat this twice a day and it will stop the growth of toenail fungus.

5. Listerine + Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Soak your feet in this mixture twice daily for best results.

6. Consume the Diluted Form

How To Cure Toenail Fungus: Can Vinegar Help

ACV Toe Fungus Treatment 6 Motnh Update

This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Degrandpre is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is also a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 19 testimonials and 87% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,091,339 times.

Nail fungus refers to a fungal infection that starts underneath your toenails. It could cause discoloration, thickening, or crumbling on one or more of your nails. This is a frustrating problem, so youll naturally want to get rid of nail fungus as soon as possible. One remedy you may have heard of is soaking your foot in vinegar to clear the infection. Vinegar is acidic, so it will kill bacteria and fungus.XResearch source However, this remedy has very limited success because the vinegar cant penetrate under the nail. You can try it if you want to, but visit a podiatrist for further treatment if you dont see any results in 2 weeks.

What Is Epsom Salt

First of all, lets explain what Epsom salt is and how it works.

This substance is a magnesium sulfate compound that has different properties compared to sodium salt. It is not new in fact, people have been using it for hundreds and hundreds of years as a popular home remedy. Nowadays, it is mostly used for its relaxation properties. Some people use it weekly for hot baths and foot soaks.

Although this salt is full of magnesium, your body will absorb just a small amount of it. As a result, your magnesium levels will not drastically increase when you use it. Thus, you cannot use it as a supplement.

In terms of its healing properties, Epsom salt is famous for its ability to reduce pain and promote healing. Besides toenail fungus, there are some indications that it can be used for gout, treat other infections, and eliminate foot odor.

Fight Candida In The Body

If you suffer from yeast overgrowth in the body, and many people do, ACV might help. Some research shows that the acid and enzymes in Apple Cider Vinegar help kill excess yeast in the body. For those with severe yeast problems, the symptoms may get worse initially when they begin taking ACV. This is caused by the die off of the yeast, called a Herxheimer reaction, when the body cant remove the toxins from the yeast fast enough. It is actually a good sign, though an uncomfortable one. If you suspect you have yeast overgrowth, consider taking 1 tsp- 1 TBSP of ACV in water before each meal or twice a day, preferably on an empty stomach.

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What Properties Of Apple Cider Vinegar Can Treat Toenail Fungus

This natural solution has tons of healing properties that can treat Toenail Fungus such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and many more.

Since it has only 5-6% acetic acid, it becomes an extremely safe way to treat skin and nail infections. The properties of apple cider vinegar dont even damage the pH of the nail and the nail bed.

Apple Cider Vinegar With Copper Sulfate

How to Prepare an Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus?

Copper sulfate contains antiseptic and anti-fungal properties which fight off the fungus on the nails.

Combine 40ml apple cider vinegar and 20gms of copper sulfate.
Mix well and pour the mixture into 1-liter spray bottle and fill it with water.
Spray the solution on the affected nail.
Let it dry completely.

Also Check: How Do I Use Tea Tree Oil For Toenail Fungus

Can Vinegar And Hydrogen Peroxide Harm You

Not really. Vinegar is consumed in many recipes and peroxide is used in many medications too. However, since were using these at home now, were not sure how they will impact your skin.

Always start by applying a small patch of this solution on your skin to see if it has any allergic reactions on you.

Most people do not face any problems when they use vinegar and peroxide. However, it is advisable to use them in the said amount only.

How To Clean Your Foot Tools Using Hydrogen Peroxide

There is a great possibility that your foot tools could be carrying the fungi and could be the reason why your fungal infection continues to persist despite repeated treatments.

Moreover, through your foot and nail tools, the fungi could be passed on to another person using them.

If you are enjoying a hydrogen peroxide foot bath, the tools could join you. Alternatively, after you have used the tools, you can leave them in 3% hydrogen peroxide for an hour or overnight.

Read Also: What Causes Fungus On Feet

Ways To Use Vinegar And Hydrogen Peroxide For Toenail Fungus Treatment

You can use them individually or together. Using the two agents together will double the antifungal impact.

Here are a few ways you can use vinegar and peroxide together for maximum results:

1. Soak

You will need about 3% of hydrogen peroxide. Also, add some white vinegar or the most common vinegar of all times:

apple cider vinegar. Add the two in a tub of water and youre all set to soak your feet. In some cases, mixing the two is not a great idea.

Then, you may make a hydrogen peroxide soak for one day and vinegar soak on the next day. Alternative days for the two individual ingredients can be a great way of treating toenail fungus too.

2. Topical Application

You may mix the two ingredients in extremely small quantity and mix them with distilled water. Apply it as nail polish and leave it for 10 minutes.

Wash your toenails with fresh water and soap. Repeat every day and cover your nails with socks once you dry them completely.

Direct Application Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Nail Fungus

What I’ve Learned from Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenails Fungus.

This process can be used after soaking or anytime in a day. When ACV is undiluted, it provides more effective results. So try not to dilute ACV for toenail fungus, but if you cant stand direct ACV application, you can dilute it with few drops of water.

Pour few drops of apple cider vinegar directly on the infected nail.

Let it dry completely.

Also Check: Does Soaking Feet In Vinegar Help Toenail Fungus

Instructions: How To Treat Nail Fungus With White Vinegar

Warning: nail fungus does not heal on its own. A lot of patience and discipline is required for successful treatment. Nail fungus should therefore never be tackled with home remedies such as vinegar alone, says dermatologist Dr. Wolfgang Klee from Mainz. Like tea tree oil, vinegar against nail fungus can kill fungi to a small extent. But the antifungal effect is not enough to completely eliminate the nail fungus.

However, there is nothing to prevent you from trying vinegar against nail fungus in consultation with your dermatologist to accompany drug therapy. Here is the mix recommended by dermatologists for the local application of vinegar against nail fungus.

Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.

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How Do I Know If My Toenail Fungus Is Going Away

Nail fungus can be resistant to treatment and nails take a long time to grow out, so it can take several weeks or months for an infection to be fully resolved. You will know that the treatment is working and the infection is clearing up when you see growth of a new, healthy nail from the base of the nail bed.