Is There A Foot Soak For Toenail Fungus

How To Cure Toenail Fungus: Can Vinegar Help

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 88% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,073,560 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.

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Natural Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Essential Oils

Many individuals turn to essential oils as a natural way to treat toenail fungus. While the benefits and dangers of essential oils are still being studied, some oils may have antifungal properties and may be helpful when used carefully.

Nine common essential oils that may help treat toenail fungus are:

• Tea tree oil

Best Soak: Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil Foot & Body Soak

• Relaxes muscles with Epsom and sea salts

• All-natural solution

• Essential oils may be potential allergens

If youre looking for an all-natural route to treat toenail fungus, then this foot soak could be for you. Not only is a foot soak a relaxing way to end your day, but the ingredients used in Purely Northwests soak include Epsom salt, sea salt, tea tree oil, and other oils. These ingredients soothe the skin while addressing foot and toenail fungus.

The combined ingredients work to dry out the fungus to prevent it from spreading. Benefits of the soak also include healing cracked feet and soothing aches.

This US-made product has no dyes or synthetic fragrances, making it a great all-natural solution. But results, depending on severity, might take longer to show when using the soak over prescription or over-the-counter treatments.

Active Ingredients: Epsom salt, Dead Sea salt, MSM, and Therapeutic-grade essential oils | Dose: Add 1.5 tablespoons of foot soak mix for every gallon of water. Mix with hands until the salt dissolved. Add additional salts for a more stronger or aromatic foot bath. Soak your feet for About 15-20 minutes. | Uses: Treats fungus all over feet eliminates food odor and aches

• Great for athletes and gym goers

• Cleanses and deodorizes

• Also treats acne, candida, and rashes

• Fragrant oils may be overwhelming

• Tea tree and lavender sooth skin

• Money back guarantee

• Results can take several weeks

• Only for toe and fingernail fungus

• Expensive

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Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak For Your Nail Fungus

Apple cider vinegar has become one of the most popular at-home remedies for toenail fungus due to its antifungal properties . Vinegar has shown to slow the growth of most fungus. There are many ways to use apple cider vinegar on your feet and one of the most popular uses is a foot soak.

This article, will cover the uses of ACV, the benefits, how to properly use it, and more.

CAUTION: If you have diabetes you should avoid all treatments listed below. People with diabetes should have their healthcare team treat any foot issues they have.

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Does Epsom Salt Kill Toenail Fungus

Theres anecdotal evidence to suggest that Epsom salt has antifungal properties.

Even without the research to back that up, though, you can expect to heal from a fungal infection when you use an Epsom salt foot soak? Why? Here are a few of the reasons:

• Magnesium sulfate is strong enough to penetrate through the nail and surrounding skin. Many times, people with toenail fungus struggle with thick yellow toenails. That can make it difficult for a cream or gel to get through. Once your nails are softened, these topical solutions can work faster because they can get to the root of the problem.
• Epsom salt helps to exfoliate the skin and improve circulation. This can help to make your feet stronger and healthier to fight off infection. Its especially helpful for people with poor circulation, like diabetics. Here are some foot care tips for diabetics.
• Foot soaks with Epsom salt can help to relax your feet, which can also promote better circulation
• Because of its exfoliating nature, it may draw out some of the infection from underneath the nails. Toenail fungus can lead to a buildup of debris and keratin. The exfoliating properties can bring out that debris and make it easier for the treatment to get to the fungus itself.

As you can see, there are many different reasons to use it. But, its important to use Epsom salts the right way to get the most benefits.

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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.

White Vinegar Vs Apple Cider Vinegar The Differences

There is a lot of differences and its not just the names and the colors. Both are great for curing fungus but there are stark differences between the two.

White vinegar also is known as distilled or spirit vinegar is clear. Standard white vinegar contains roughly 4-7% acetic acid and 93-96% water. White vinegar is made from the fermentation of grain alcohol and contains antimicrobial properties which make it useful against fungi.

Apple cider vinegar , in contrast, is a brown color and typically has something called the mother. The mother is basically a colony of beneficial bacteria that are best utilized when ingested internally. ACV typically has 5-6% acetic acid and 94-95% water. It is made by crushing apples, extracting the liquid, and then going through a two-step fermentation process. Apple cider vinegar has more nutritional value than standard white vinegar due to the mother and the fact that it is derived from apples.

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Foot Fungus: Causes And Risk Factors

A foot fungus is a fungal infection of the skin, better known as athletes foot, says Sundling. The fungus enters through cracks in the skin. Its known as athletes foot because athletes or anyone who is more active and sweats a lot is more at risk. Kids are also more at risk, because they dont tend to wear different shoes, and changing your shoes is one way to avoid foot fungus.

Foot fungus is very common. It does not mean that someone is dirty or didnt bathe, and if you have a compromised immune system, you may be more susceptible, says Sundling.

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How To Prevent Infections Or Reinfections

Fungus grows in warm, moist, dark environments, so the tight, dark, sweaty confines of your shoe present a perfect setting for fungus to flourish. In order to fight infection, you must work to keep your feet dry and away from any spores.

Here are some tips to avoid getting infected or having the infection get worse.

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Listerine Foot Soak Diy Recipes

If you want to try a Listerine foot soak at home, you’ll need a large bucket or tub that is large enough to fit both of your feet. Then you’ll fill the basin with a Listerine mixture. Proponents of the treatment recommend soaking feet for 45 to 60 minutes. Then, repeat daily or as often as possible until the fungus clears up.

Short on time? You’ll still get some benefits from a shorter 20 to 30 minutes soak. You can also use a cotton ball to apply Listerine directly to a fungus-infected toenail to help treat the infection.

Three do-it-yourself foot soak recipes to try:

• Mix an equal measurement of warm water and Listerine to cover your feet stir in 1 cup of Epsom salt.
• Mix 1 cup of Listerine and a few drops of lemon juice into 1 gallon of warm water.
• Mix 1 gallon of warm water, ½ cup of Listerine, and ½ cup of white or apple cider vinegar.

For an extra relaxing scent, you can also add a few drops of lavender oil or other fragrant essential oils.

Before trying any DIY treatment on the skin, especially if you have a skin condition or open wounds, contact your healthcare provider to make sure the ingredients are safe for you to use.

Home Remedies Using Bleach

When trying to find a solution to a toenail fungal infection, there is a variety of over the counter medicines available. But if you are looking for some alternatives that are easily accessible and can be found at home, there is one.

Bleach can be used to toenail fungus as a home remedy, and it has been gaining a lot of popularity over the years.

Bleach, which is sodium hypochlorite, has a formula that can kill 99.99% of fungus, bacteria, and germs. Toenail fungus can be a pain for some because the nail is blocking the fungal spores.

Bleach, like Clorox, can be your helping agent to disinfect your nails. As it kills bacteria, it became one of the popular home remedies.

But always practice caution, as too much bleach can cause damage to the skin like a burning sensation, redness, and some soreness when misused.

Following safety precautions will always be the key when you decide to use bleach to kill the fungal infection. Add a little amount into the water, make sure it is appropriately diluted, and soak your feet in it at the recommended time.

When soaking your foot, it will kill all fungal spores, and it can remove the discoloration that is happening in your toenails. Applying bleach directly to the skin is a no-no situation.

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Gold Mountain Beauty Therapeutic Foot Soak

No products found.

This is the foot soak recipe for toenail fungus that you need to eliminate fungi-nail, athletes foot, and stubborn odor. Made from top-quality ingredients, this formula helps energize your feet so you can put them to work the next day without any aches and pains. Components such as Australian tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, and lavender oil replenish the lost moisture and smoothness in your skin. This gentle formula can be conveniently added to your skin care routine at any time of the day. Just add it to a tub filled with water and let your feet soak in the goodness of the therapeutic ingredients in the foot soak.

Pros

This antifungal foot bath infused with Epsom salt and tea tree essential oil is the holy grail you need for stress relief. While it helps banish toenail fungus and reduces inflammation, you can also use this effective foot soak for aromatherapy. Very often, foot odor is caused by fungus and bacteria, and this foot soak targets these odor-causing agents to relieve your feet of the funky smell. This foot soak also helps combat magnesium deficiency and offers relief from inflammation from sunburns and bug bites. Add a teaspoon of this foot soak to a tub filled with warm water and soak your feet to revitalize and relax them.

Pros

Clean Socks And Shoes

Regularly changing your socks and shoes can also cut down on the growth of unwanted foot fungus. Both socks and athletic shoes can also be washed in hot water to rid the growth of yeasts and fungi that may be growing on the fabric. Some shoes can be machine dried. Drying shoes in the sun is another option when cleaning footwear.

Adding a half-cup of baking soda or one cup of vinegar to the washing machine can help eliminate bacteria or fungus on socks or shoes.

Boots and other footwear that are not machine washable could be wiped out with a vinegar and water solution or sprayed with an over-the-counter antifungal spray. Medicated powders are also helpful in treating shoes for foot fungus.

Allowing the feet to breathe by taking off shoes and socks when possible can prevent fungal growth. Protect your feet by wearing breathable footwear and clean socks. Antimicrobial socks and shoes made from bamboo, copper, or specialty fabrics are also available. They can help reduce unwanted bacteria and yeast from growing in your footwear.

A proactive approach to keeping your feet clean and dry can prevent the spread of toenail fungus. You can wash or soak feet with warm soapy water or a foot bath using everyday household items. Soaking your feet in an all-natural, homeopathic concoction can be beneficial in reducing or eliminating toenail fungus.

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Home Remedies For Nail Fungus

Dealing with a toenail fungus? Find out how you may be able to tackle your problem from the comfort of your own home in St. Louis.

No one wants to deal with a toenail fungus, but its a surprisingly common issue. Besides the unpleasant aesthetic problems it can cause your toenail, you dont want to just leave the condition untreated, as it can lead to further complications for your foot health. While its always a good idea to turn to one of our St. Louis, MO podiatrists for help, particularly if this is the first time youre dealing with a toenail fungus, there are some home remedies that you may want to try to see if it helps you.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Sure, its not to most pleasant tasting or smelling remedy but it is certainly one of the best. Whether you want to apply it to the infected toenail or add it to your drinking water, organic apple cider vinegar offers some pretty awesome health benefits. If you want to soak the toenail heres how to do it: Add one part Epsom salts and one part apple cider vinegar to six parts warm water. Soak feet two times a day for a minimum of thirty minutes at a time.

Tea Tree Oil

Cornmeal

Lavender Oil

If at-home treatments arent cutting it, then its time you turned to the foot care experts at The Foot And Ankle Center in St. Louis, MO. Even a toenail fungus can be a downright nuisance to treat, but we are here to help!

Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide For Toenail Fungus

Hydrogen peroxide addition increase the capability of baking soda. If you have severe toenail fungus then trying it may help, but not in all cases.

• Take 1 tbsp of baking soda.
• Take 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide.
• Add two table spoons of water to make a thick paste.
• Apply it on the infected toenail.

You can also soak your feet in tub after applying it.

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No 7 Snakeroot Extract

Snakeroot extract is an antifungal made from plants that are part of the sunflower family. A study conducted in 2008 showed that snakeroot extract can be as useful for treating toenail fungus as ciclopirox, which is a prescription antifungal medicine.

Apply the extract to the affected area once every three days for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month. Continue until the fungus is completely gone.

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Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak

Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties that can be combined with various salts to make for an effective antifungal foot soak treatment.

It is most commonly used with Epsom salt and sea salt. This creates a super-healing solution that is ideal for tackling toenail fungus and Athletes Foot.

The foot soaks can be picked up with some pretty good deals .

• Fill the basin with warm water and add 1 ounce of foot soak .
• Mix with hands until the Salt & Msm dissolve.
• Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
• Add additional salts for a more stringent or aromatic foot bath.

Tea tree oil comes with the added benefits that it reduces odour, itching, burning and inflammation.

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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.