Does Apple Cider Vinegar For Toenail Fungus Really Work
Apple cider vinegar has grown in popularity for treating different health problems, such as toenail fungus and athletes foot. But how effective is it compared to other antifungal home remedies?
- Not only does apple cider vinegar have antifungal properties, but it can help to restore the pH balance of the nail and surrounding skin. When you get a toenail fungus, the nail itself can become more alkaline. A fungus grows and multiplies in an alkaline environment. It creates the ideal situation for fungal spores to grow and spread to other toes/nails.
When you use apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, you create a more acidic, less favorable environment. When the environment turns acidic, the fungus cant survive. Because it has nothing to feed on to grow, it eventually dies out.
Fungus needs to be able to thrive in its environment in order to keep spreading. Thats why it loves dark, moist areas like toenails that are often trapped inside shoes. The acidic environment created by the vinegar prevents the fungus from spreading or returning.
Apple cider vinegar is one of the only acidic solutions that can be used in this away. Thats because its strong enough to kill a mild fungal infection but gentle enough not to harm your nails or skin. As far as natural home remedies are concerned, ACV is arguably one of the more effective.
Making A Vinegar Soak
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.
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.
Also Check: How To Kill Fungus In House
Why Is Listerine Effective In Killing Nail Fungus
Although there is not an abundance of evidence showing that Listerine alone is a sure fire way to treat nail infections specifically, it is well known for its antibacterial properties. Due to the amount of alcohol in Listerine, this common household personal care product is a great choice for fighting a host of infections because of its antibacterial properties.
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
Read Also: Which Doctor Treats Toenail Fungus
Is There Any Real Proof That It Works
Let’s get right to the point here… is there any proof that this stuff actually works? Because I’m sure a lot of people reading this have wasted a lot of time, patience and money trying things that simply turn out to be complete duds.
Does it really work?
Well… when it comes to the effectiveness of VICK’s specifically dealing with nail fungus, there unfortunately isn’t much research out there. That said, there is some…
A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine in 2011 took a look at the effects of VICKS on 18 patients who were suffering from onychomycosis over a period of 48 weeks .
The results were measured in 3 ways. They measured its effectiveness as a cure both mycologically and clinically, as well as on a personal assessment by the patients themselves.
The results: 15 of the 18 patients, or a whopping 83%, showed positive effects. And… 5 of the patients, or 27.8%, had been cured based on mycological and clinical results after the 48 weeks were up. 10 patients, or 55.6%, had infections that cleared up partially and only 3 had no change.
All in all… pretty good results.
Lack of proof?
As stated, there really isn’t much information and research out there specifically on VICKS VapoRub’s effectiveness when it comes to this.
The study mentioned above definitely proves some effectiveness and has some positives, however there has been some criticism as to the way this study was conducted, which might make it carry a little less weight.
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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Does Hydrogen Peroxide Kill Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a really nasty condition.
Perhaps the only positive thing about it is that it’s easy to diagnose. Even you can notice the discoloration of the toenails, which may turn white, yellow, or brown. The condition is mostly visual, but if left untreated, there is a good chance that it will affect other toenails as well.
Also read: Why Are My Toenails Yellow?
Why Would I Use Garlic For Toenail Fungus
Most doctors will recommend oral drugs or topical creams for the toenail fungus.
This condition is really persistent, and if left untreated, it can easily spread on other toenails. It is very easy to spot it your toenails will change their natural color and turn much darker. In some cases, it can lead to a serious complication, and your toenails might start falling off.
When it comes to traditional drugs, doctors will tell you that oral medicines are the best way to go. Unfortunately, they are not as safe as you wouldve thought. You will even have to take a blood test before you’re allowed to use them. Among various side effects, they might negatively affect your heart and liver. This is why a lot of patients are not even able to use it.
Topical creams are the secondary solution. Unlike oral drugs, which take a week or two to act, topical creams will take months. However, they are completely safe. This makes them ideal for people with bad health as well as for the elderly.
Many people decide to take the 3rd option: home remedies.
Home remedies are similar to topical creams in the sense that they don’t produce side effects. They are also slow to act but tend to be cheaper than the topical creams. They are also much easier to come. Some of the most popular toenail fungus home remedies include vinegar, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and of course, garlic.
Garlic is amazing for its antifungal properties. Although a bit strong and smelly, it is very good for your body.
Read Also: How Do You Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus
Tips While Using Bleach For Toenail Fungus
Just in case you need to get the best results, there are some tips to keep in mind. While using bleach foot soak or a paste, use some tactics to get effective treatment. The bleach must be able to penetrate the nail. The deeper it goes, the more successful the procedure would be.
Here are some of the tips, have a look:
Could Excessive Calcium Cause Cardiac Disease?
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: Does Peroxide Help Toenail Fungus
How To Heal Your Toenail Fungus At Home
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HOW TO HEAL YOUR TOENAIL FUNGUS AT HOME
If you have mild toenail fungus, theres a very good chance that a home remedy can help you get rid of it. Though you can definitely try these with moderate to severe toenail fungus, too, as long as youre healthy, it is recommended that you see a specialist if its a bad case of fungus.
As always, if your immune system is compromised or you have diabetes, its always best to see a podiatrist so you dont risk making things worse or needing surgery.
Without further ado, here are several home remedies you can try to heal your toenail fungus.
No 1 Apple Cider Vinegar
When a toenail is infected with fungus, the pH of the surrounding skin and nail becomes more alkaline, and fungus thrives in this environment. If the pH of the area becomes acidic, the fungus will die off. This is how apple cider vinegar can help because its acidic but still mild enough not to damage the surrounding skin and nail.
Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar with water and soak your feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes twice a day. Make sure there is enough fluid to cover the toes entirely and alternate between warm water and cold water for every other foot bath. Make sure to dry feet thoroughly after soaking.
If you dont have time to soak your feet twice a day, you can apply two drops of apple cider vinegar directly to the nail bed. Allow the vinegar to sit for several minutes to get the full effects, before drying it off thoroughly. This should be done at least twice a day and can be used in conjunction with the foot bath. Continue with this treatment until the entire diseased nail has grown out and a new healthy nail appears, which usually takes a couple of months.
Also Check: How To Deal With Foot Fungus
Comparison Of Apple Cider Vinegar Vs Urgent Fungus Destroyer
The toenail fungus treatment is only possible when the sufferer is keeping an eye on their diet. Nowadays, it is very difficult to maintain a healthy diet, and a slight negligence in diet can affect the treatment.
So, if you want the best results it is better to rely on the probiotic along with the apple cider vinegar. You can use the apple cider vinegar twice a day and take the Urgent fungus destroyer.
Below we have compared shortly, the Urgent fungus destroyer and Apple cider vinegar, to covey that there is a difference in apple cider vinegar and Urgent Fungus Destroyer which you should note and it is that the Urgent Fungus Destroyer has much more ingredients specifically to treat the toenail fungus as compared to Apple cider vinegar which is just a home remedy.
And think when you use both to treat your toenail fungus. That would be something more amazing.
Also, we have done a very detailed comparison of Urgent fungus destroyer, Bleach and Apple cider vinegar for the treatment of toenail fungus that you can check here.
Luxuriate In Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is known for being incredibly calming for the senses, sure, but its also a great option for calming toenail fungal infections. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, lavender provides a powerful antifungal punch. Lavender essential oil shows a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi that are responsible for toenail fungus and other skin fungal infections, Hayag explains. When using lavender oil to treat toenail fungus, it is best to apply one to two drops of lavender oil to the affected nail and allow it to soak for 10 minutes. After soaking, she suggests gently scrubbing the area with a clean toothbrush and repeating the process daily until the infection has been resolved.
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Can You Put Apple Cider Vinegar On Your Toenails
Soaking your feet in an apple cider vinegar solution is a popular treatment for yellow toenail fungus. But, there are other ways you can use ACV to help with toenail fungus, too. The other way in which people use this vinegar for treating nail fungus is to apply it directly to the affected area.
Whether you dont have the time for a daily foot soak or you need something stronger to treat your toenail fungus, you can apply ACV to the affected nail. But, there are some precautions to take along with this method.
Add ACV to the affected toenails and let it completely dry. You dont need to worry about rinsing it away. If you notice any adverse side effects, you should rinse your feet and dilute the ACV with some water before trying it again. The precautions you should take have to do with the fact that this is still an acidic solution. Someone with sensitive skin may experience slight irritation if theyre using vinegar directly on their toes or skin.
Applying ACV directly to your toes can either be used as a standalone treatment, or as a complement to an ACV foot soak.
People have discovered many different home remedies for treating toenail fungus. Using ACV is one of the most popular because it works so well. The natural antifungal properties of ACV make it an excellent solution for getting rid of a fungal infection. Plus, it makes it difficult for a fungus to grow and spread.
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