Fact Or Fancy Can Vicks Vaporub Cure Nail Fungus
Health professionals generally shun home remedies. Thats because there is little evidence that they work. What if there were some science to support an old-fashioned and inexpensive treatment for nasty nails? Surprise! There is actually some science to support the idea of a Vicks VapoRub cure for nail fungus. This reader says it worked for him.
Consulting The Scientific Research
Itâs time to get science-y.
In 2011, an interesting study researching over-the-counter cures for toenail fungus was published. In this study, researchers used Vicks VapoRub against toenail fungus.
The first thing to note here is there are a few types of toenail fungus. Toenail fungus can be caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds.
However, the most common culprit of toenail fungus is the dermatophyte trichophyton rubrum, also known as T. rubrum.
In this study, researchers studied the following toenail fungus:
- T. mentagrophytes
- T. rubrum
- Candida parapsilosis
After 48 weeks, all patients with T. mentagrophytes or Candida parapsilosis toenail fungus went on to a âtotal cureâ.
Remember, T. rubrum is commonly the fungi culprit behind most toenail fungus infections…
The Price Certainly Doesnt Get Any Better
If you are going to try a treatment for toenail fungus then one thing you definitely have to consider is the price and the price here is pretty darn good fortunately.
A 1.76 oz little tub usually costs somewhere around $5-6 and you can pick it up at any Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and plenty other stores.
That is a very cheap treatment and Im sure you are well aware of that if you have been searching for treatments for any good length of time.
There are some rather ridiculously priced toenail fungus treatments out there that show less promising results than VICKS.
*Emuaid MAX is a more expensive topical treatment, but is something else you may want to read about. It is one of the very few toenail fungus treatments that we recommend here at Operation Wellness.
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Vicks Vapor Rub For Toenail Fungus Myth Or Miracle Cure
Is VICKS VapoRub for toenail fungus effective?
There our a lot of home remedies out there for curing toenail fungus, but a lot of them simply do not work. You have apple cider vinegar, Epsom salt baths, all the essential oils, etc.
VICKS Vaper Rub, which is really called the trademark name of VICKS VapoRub, is one of the many cheap treatment options out there that some people suggest But Does It Actually Work?
The answer is YES, at least to some extent It definitely does have some potential as a treatment option as you will see. And its easy to find in stores and its cheap, so of course this is something that a lot of people are going to be interested in, especially when you look at other treatment options which can get pretty darn expensive.
Some statistics say that around 10% of the population has at least some amount of toenail fungus and around 50% of people 70 years old and older have it. Its a pretty crazy statistic and there is no doubt that toenail fungus is a big problem.
Much of the time it goes away on its own due to the bodys effective immune response, but sometimes it can get out of hand and requires serious attention. Of course you do not want that to happen so treating as soon as possible should be a priority.
Toenail Fungus Explained:
- Discoloration, usually whitish or yellowish
- Brittle fractured nails
- Darkened color from all the dead debris
- Bad smells and strange looks from onlookers
How To Use Vicks Vapor Rub For Toenail Fungus
While it can be tricky applying the Vicks to your toenail, with a few tips, you will be treating your toenail fungus in no time.
Once you notice the fungus, apply the Vicks immediately. First make sure your toenail is completely dry as noted above, a wet environment can cause the fungus to grow further and spread.
Next, trim your toenails short. The less toenail you have to treat, the better.
After trimming, make sure you clean your toenail clipper thoroughly with hot, soapy water, and then wash it with rubbing alcohol. The fungus can easily spread to other toes if you use the same clipper without cleaning it.
Now start by using a spoon or something similar to scoop out the Vicks. You dont want to be smearing the rub on your toe and then putting your fingers back into the tub.
Apply the medication thoroughly to your nail. To get to the edges, into the cuticle, and around the nail bed, use a cotton swab or a Q-tip.
Make sure to rub the Vicks in as thoroughly as possible, and then cover your toes with a bandage. This will help the treatment absorb rather than rubbing off on everything you step on. Repeat this process twice a day.
Over the days/weeks that you apply the Vicks, make sure to keep your toenails short so that the formula can soak into as much of your nail as possible. And be patient! This could take up to five months before you start to see some effects. .
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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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Preventative Steps To Take
While you cant always help your risk factors for toenail fungus, there are some preventive steps you can take:
- Bring your own sterilized instruments, such as nail clippers, to a nail salon.
- Keep your toenails short and clean to prevent nail trauma that can lead to cracking. If you have difficulty trimming your own toenails, your doctor may recommend seeing a podiatrist to help.
- Dont share personal care items like fingernail clippers or pumice stones with another person.
- Throw away or treat potentially infected footwear.
- Wear clean socks and wash socks after use.
- Wear sandals when walking in a locker room, public shower, or any other places where fungus is likely to grow.
Toenail fungal infections have a high rate of recurrence, even after youve treated them. Thats why its important to couple treatment measures with preventive ones to give yourself the best chance for keeping your toenails healthy in appearance.
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Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
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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.
Using Vicks Vaporub For Toenail Fungus
by Arika Bourbina | Dec 21, 2016 | Uncategorized
Up to 10 percent of people across all ages and as many as 50 percent of people 70 or older have this toenail fungus, according to an article published in the December 2013 American Family Physician. Also called onychomycosis, fungus infects the nail bed and causes the nail to thicken and discolor. The thickening may push the nail away from the toe, sometimes causing loss of the nail. Since onychomycosis is difficult to cure and recurrence is common, treatment alternatives including Vicks VapoRub have become popular.
If applying Vicks in the morning, wash it off before going to bed. If applying Vicks in the evening, wash it off in the morning. Clean thoroughly between toes and dry well.
* Be sure to use separate jar of Vicks for your toes. Label each jar well!
** Remove nail polish as the Vicks wont be effective through polish.
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How Fungi Infect The Nail
Onchomycosis, or toenail fungal infection, is an invasion by a microscopic organism that thrives in warm, damp environments. Fungal spores are in the air, and they will grow if they land on a receptive surface like your toenail. They feed off the nail tissues, burrowing into the skin under the nail. Over time the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris accumulates. Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it wont reattach, and a new nail wont grow from that part of the nail bed. However, your nail will continue to grow from the root at the base.
Indicators And Signs Of Foot Fungus
Read more: Nail polish or gel
Itchy pores and skin is an early signal of foot fungus, or scaly, peeling pores and skin, or tiny blisters on the pores and skin that can pop at instances, says Sundling. The pores and skin tends to interrupt out within the form of a moccasin, or the realm of the foot moccasin would cowl. You dont see foot fungus on the highest of the foot fairly often. Its frequent to get a fungal an infection between the toes as properly, she provides.
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Should One Apply Vaseline Jelly Even If They Do Not Have Toenail Fungus
Yes, you can apply Vaseline Jelly even if you dont have Toenail Fungus. It will prevent you from having toenail fungus in the future.
Since Vaseline is a skin, hair and nailcare ointment, and it is the most natural form of petroleum jelly, there is no harm in using it to soften your nail cuticles.
Regular application of vaseline jelly can make your nails stronger, shinier and healthier.
Clean And Dry Your Nails
We recommend showering or using a foot soak before applying Vicks to your fingernails.
Keep in mind that fungi loves moisture and can easily spread to the groin, feet, head, or other nails, so it vitally important that you do not come into direct contact with any infected nails.
Before applying any formula, make sure there is no wetness. Use a paper towel or other moisture absorbent to prevent spreading.
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Does Vicks Vaporub Cure Toenail Fungus
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a positive clinical effect in the treatment of toenail fungus.
similarly, How do I get my toenails white again?
Apply a baking soda paste Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with warm water. Apply the paste to the tops and undersides of your nails. Let the mixture sit for at least 5 minutes. Rinse your nails If theyre still stained, apply another coat of the baking soda paste.
in the same way, What really kills toenail fungus? Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus that grows on toenails. You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak.
likewise Will nail fungus grow out?
With treatment, many people can get rid of nail fungus. Even when the fungus clears, your nail may look unhealthy until the infected nail grows out. A fingernail grows out in 4 to 6 months and a toenail in 12 to 18 months.
Can I get a pedicure with toenail fungus?
2. If you suspect you have toenail fungus: if your toenails are thick, yellow, raised, or otherwise not normal looking, you likely have toenail fungus. You absolutely MUST avoid pedicures if you have a skin or nail fungal infection.
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What Happens If You Leave Toenail Fungus Untreated
All fungal infections are contagious.
Apart from toenail fungus being unsightly, that toenail fungus can spread to the surrounding tissue and cause athletes foot. Not only is it important to treat toenail fungus, its important to treat any fungal infection you may have.
It can easily spread to other parts of your body including your toenails.
Toenail fungus can be especially dangerous if you have diabetes. It can lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems.
And chronic toenail fungus was shown to significantly increase the risk of bacterial cellulitis of the leg, according to a 2012 study published by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
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So Can Vicks Vaporub Kill Toenail Fungus
While the study concluded positively, stating âVicks VapoRub seems to have a positive clinical effect in the treatment onychomycosisâ — itâs clear it only works for some.
Since most toenail infections are caused by T. rubrum, itâs not likely Vicks VapoRub can help kill your infection. However, if your infection is yeast-based or due to T. mentagrophytes — it might help.
One clear limitation to this study is the lack of patient follow-up after product use stops. Considering nail fungus infections easily and quickly reoccur after treatment, itâs quite difficult to consider it a âcureâ if it reoccurs.
Apply Or Consume Garlic
A 2019 study published online indicated that garlic is an antifungal powerhouse, potentially making it a gem for treating toenail fungal infections. It is best to place crushed or chopped garlic on the affected area daily, Hayag says. It is important to take caution when following this remedy, as garlic has the potential to cause chemical burns to the skin. To avoid any burns, theres also the option of taking garlic supplements to see if that might help clear things up.
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If I Apply Vaseline Regularly Will My Toenail Fungus Be Cured
No, Vaseline cant cure it. There are no scientific pieces of evidence to back this solution, but it definitely helps with the treatment or relieves the symptoms.
You can try this treatment alongside your medicines or consider it a home remedy.
Miracles do happen but you must consider the fact that vaseline is just an ointment. If the fungus has already entered your bloodstream, you may need to take medicines only.
In such cases, vaseline can only heal the upper layer of the skin.
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