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.
What Is Epsom Salt
First of all, let’s 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.
Signs Of Toenail Fungus
So how do you know you have a fungal infection? Well, you’ll likely start noticing some changes in the way your toes and feet look, feel, and smell. Here are the most common signs of athlete’s foot:
- Yellowing of the nails
- Buildup of debris under the nail bed
- Cracked, dry skin
- Changing nail shape
- Odor similar to cheese
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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.
How Apple Cider Vinegar May Help Treat Toenail Fungus
If you notice that your toenails are starting to thicken or change color, there is a chance you may have onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is the medical term for the condition commonly known as toenail fungus. If you are in the early stages of developing toenail fungus, you may notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. Afterward, you may notice that the fungus will travel deeper and start to discolor, thicken, or distort the edge of the nail. Nevertheless, there are items you likely have in your kitchen cabinet that can aid in fighting toenail fungus. Apple cider vinegar is a popular remedy for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties. If you want to treat your fungus using ACV, you can soak your feet in a mixture of warm water and the vinegar for about 15 minutes, twice a day. When purchasing the ACV, you should make sure it is raw, unpasteurized, and organic. For further assistance with treating toenail fungus, please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist.
If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away. For more information about treatment, contact Dr. Gordon Fosdick of Affiliated Foot Care Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Symptoms
- Warped or oddly shaped nails
- Yellowish nails
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When To See A Bethesda Md Or Springfield Va Podiatrist
If you try several of these remedies and see no results, its time to see a podiatrist. Toenail fungus is notoriously stubborn, so dont be too surprised if home remedies dont quite work. It can also take quite a long time for these home remedies to work because you have to continue doing them consistently until the new nail has fully grown out.
If youve tried the homeopathic route and arent satisfied with the results, you can always come see Bethesda, MD & Springfield, VA Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross! If you have moderate to severe foot fungus, it is recommended that you see a doctor anyway because there can be complications if the infection is left untreated. Call us at . We offer same day appointments if you dont want to wait.
The Podiatry Centers treat all medical and surgical foot and ankle conditions. Licensed Bethesda, MD Podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross can help bring you foot and ankle pain relief.
Our Bethesda, Maryland and Springfield, Virginia Podiatry offices offer the most effective and state-of-the-art, quality podiatry care services with a smile to patients in our local community, including: Woodbridge VA, Fairfax VA, Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Burke VA, Gaithersburg MD, Potomac MD, Silver Spring MD, Rockville MD and Chevy Chase MD.
Return to a pain-free life and get back to the things you love!
How To Increase The Effect Of Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Toenail Fungus
You can do two things to reinforce the effect of apple cider vinegar on your fungal toenail. Both of these are cheap are would become the main agents to kill the nail fungus and so, will be aided with the Apple cider vinegar too.
- You can use the Urgent Fungus Destroyer a probiotics supplement/ medicine by Phytage labs, to reinforce the effect of the apple cider vinegar solution in order to kill the fungus on nails or even hair and skin.
- The application of some good quality topical cream for toenail fungus can also help.
Which one is the best?
Using the topical cream might irritate you. As applying apple cider vinegar on any cream can result in reverse reactions.
On the other hand, if your intake some reliable probiotics such as the Urgent fungus destroyer, it will be an internal treatment for the treatment of toenail fungus.
And also, The Urgent fungus destroyer will enhance the immunity whereas the topical cream will suppress the immunity.
Below is a case study after reading which, you people would be amazed how strong the effect becomes in treating the toenail fungus by using both Apple cider vinegar and mainly the Urgent fungus destroyer tablets.
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Mixing With Baking Soda
This is the most complex method on our list. You will need half a cup of baking soda, 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 4 cups of warm water, one-quarter cup of vinegar, half cup salt, and 1 tub. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You start by mixing all the ingredients together. There is no particular order just make sure you add soda, peroxide, salt, vinegar, and water into the tub. You will have to stir them together in order to create a proper mixture. Again, you will have to be very attentive regarding the substances. Most of this stuff is really strong, so you will have to watch how your skin reacts. If there is a negative impact on the skin, you should stop the treatment. In fact, the third method is perhaps the riskiest because of how many things are involved. Lastly, make sure to wipe your feet after each therapy.
Also read: How To Use Baking Soda For Toenail Fungus
Vinegar Soak For Bacteria
Patients with onychomycosis may sometimes develop a bacterial infection at the same time, which leads to a greenish discoloration of the nail, says Dr. Katta. This discoloration is usually caused by a particular bacteria called pseudomonas. For this type of infection, vinegar soaks may be helpful.
In short, vinegar could help reduce both fungus and bacteria infections.
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help battle the bacteria that causes the greenish discoloration.
To get the most from this soak, follow these instructions:
- Combine one part white vinegar with four parts lukewarm water.
- Soak for five minutes twice a day.
- Rinse after soaking and dry the skin completely.
A word of caution: dont put your feet in this soak if you have cracks in your skin, Dr. Katta says.
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How Long Does It Take For Vinegar To Kill Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection of your toenail or fingernail. Though it is rarely seen in fingers, it is quite commonly seen in toes. It is also known as onychomycosis. It makes your toenail discoloured, distorted, thickened and brittle. If left untreated, it may lead to pain upon pressure. Toenail fungus is difficult to cure. Repeat episodes are quite common.
How To Use Acv To Treat Toenail Fungus
The best and most effective way to use apple cider vinegar to treat fungal overgrowth is through ACV foot soaks. And they are shockingly easy to do at homefollow the instructions below about once a week, but you can do it daily if you choose:
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Studies To Support Vinegar And Peroxide Remedy For Toenail Fungus
NCBI explains how mixing some antifungal agents such as peroxide and vinegar resulted in the following:
They studied the inhibitory effects of growth and spore germination of six fungal species commonly found indoors
Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Stachybotrys chartarum.
This proves the effectiveness of peroxide and vinegar.
Baking Soda And Vinegar For Toenail Fungus
There is no particular difference in apple cider vinegar and acetic acid when comes to the formation of a neutral compound.
Mixing it with baking soda will give the neutral salt.
- Take a tablespoon of baking soda, level it.
- Mix a teaspoon of vinegar in it.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Add 1 ½ glass of water.
- Soak cotton pads in it and apply on the infected toenail.
- Clean it after 30 minutes.
- Repeat this twice a day for fast results.
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Most Read Local Stories
Q: Im an avid reader of your column, but I am skeptical about some of the suggested remedies such as a bar of soap for leg cramps. I see no rhyme or reason for it.
One article intrigued me, though: using blackstrap molasses for hemorrhoids. The current popular treatment didnt work for me, especially since they took out the shark liver oil. Other products Ive tried gave no more than temporary relief.
I began taking 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses daily two months ago. I have no more pain or itching! This is just short of a miracle.
A: You are by no means the only reader to find that swallowing a spoonful of blackstrap molasses daily can banish hemorrhoids. We wish we knew why. This would not be good for anyone with diabetes because molasses is high in sugar.
Q: I have just been told I have high cholesterol and that I need to treat it with diet and exercise. The problem is, I already exercise and eat a healthy diet.
I have read that taking vinegar every day will lower cholesterol. Is this true? If so, how much does it take? Should it be mixed with anything?
A: Research in rats suggests that apple-cider vinegar can help control triglycerides and cholesterol . We suspect this may also be true for humans, as many readers testify. Unfortunately, we do not know the effective dose.
Does White Vinegar Kill Nail Fungus
The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.
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Consult Your Physician About More Powerful Remedies
If home treatments are not working for you, your physician can provide you with prescription therapy. They could explain all your treatment options and recommend the best one for you. They will probably provide you with one of the following remedies:
Oral antifungal medications can help your body fight the disease.
Prescription antifungal creams may combat the fungus on the website. You will use it a couple of times every day, based on what your doctor recommends.
Medicated nail polish may be painted daily to help kill the fungal disease. To use it, you paint a brand new coat every day. Once a week, use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to wash out all the built-up layers. Repeat this procedure weekly before the disease is gone.
In very rare circumstances, your physician may recommend surgery to remove the nail when it is painful and does not respond to therapy. But it is unlikely you will want to try this therapy.
Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar for nail fungus strengthens your immune system which helps in fighting off the infection from inside.
Note: If you cant stand the taste of apple cider vinegar then you can add 1 teaspoon of manuka honey for added taste.
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What Can Be Added To An Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak
Using diluted apple cider vinegar on its own in a foot soak can offer great benefits when it comes to getting rid of toenail fungus. The antifungal properties and acidic nature help to make sure nail fungus doesnt ruin the health of your feet.
But, there are things you can add to a foot soak to make it even better. Some ingredients may help to speed up the healing process of a fungus. Others are good for the general health of your feet.
If you want to make the most of your ACV foot soak, consider adding one or more of the following ingredients into the basin youre using:
Best Ways To Treat A Nail Fungus
Nail fungus can cause thick, discolored nails, and, for some patients, it can even be painful. An Internet search will bring up plenty of ways to treat the condition, but which ones are best? Dermatologist Dr. Christopher Hull discusses what nail fungus actually is, why its so hard to get rid of, and which treatments work best.
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Dr. Hull:
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Dr. Hull:
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Dr. Hull:
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Is Hydrogen Peroxide An Effective Treatment For Nail Fungus
Hydrogen peroxide is a household remedy that is used to disinfect minor scratches and cuts. When used for treating nail fungus, its antifungal properties kill the fungus, letting the damaged part of your nails grow out. The liquid has several uses as an antiseptic, disinfectant, oxidizer, bleaching agent, as well as an antifungal agent . Its strong antifungal and antiseptic properties effectively treat nail fungus .
With regular use, the treatment can heal your nails within weeks or months, depending on the severity of the infection. It is recommended to keep using the treatment for a couple of months after your nail has been restored back to health to prevent future fungal infections. While there are not a lot of scientific studies on this treatment, it is a tried and tested home remedy that is sure to give you optimal results.
Here, Ive put together a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to use hydrogen peroxide to treat nail fungus.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Nail Fungus
Baking Soda Foot Soak For Toenail Fungus
Baking soda foot soak is also an effective remedy for nail fungi. You do not need any extra ingredients, only water, and baking soda is enough.
For some people who are annoyed by the irritating bad odor of the toenail fungus, there are some essential oils to add.
The best ones are peppermint oil, and lavender oil mixed in the baking soda foot soak.
- Take 1 liter of warm water in a tub, the tub must be cleansed properly.
- Add a tbsp of baking soda in it.
- Soak your feet in baking soda foot soak for 20 minutes.
- Repeat this for three to four days a week.
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