Category: Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

If you develop fungus on the toenails, your nails will look unappealing, which is why some people are tempted to scrape it. But the question is – can you scrape out toenail fungus? And is it safe to do so?

Toenail fungus is a type of fungal infection that will get into the cracks of your nails, leading to the discoloration and thickening of your nails. Sometimes it can cause some pain. Since toes are often damp and warm, fungus thrives well there. Different types of fungi strains can cause fungal infections on the nails. If left untreated, it could spread to other parts of your toes.

Removing toenail fungus can be difficult and is not often advised by doctors. If you develop toenail fungus, the nails can grow thicker, crumbly, brittle, and generally unwieldy. Since it looks very unattractive, people start to wonder, can you scrape out toenail fungus?

Scraping Thick Nails

Before you learn the proper way of scraping toenail fungus, it’s important to note that fungal infections are not the only reason your toenails have become thickened. Other conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause the nails to thicken. Sometimes, trauma or injury can thicken your nails. Wearing tight-fitting shoes can also lead to the thickening of your nails. Heredity is also among the reasons why your nails grow thicker.

To determine the exact reason why your nails have thickened, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor can check if you have toenail fungus. If it is, your doctor can offer some tips about proper nail fungus removal. But if your nails have thickened due to other reasons, your doctor can advise what would be the best way to trim or cut your nails.

Keep Your Nail Trimming Equipment Separate

When scraping your thick nails, make sure to separate the trimming equipment you have used. Since it has come into contact with the fungal areas, you should avoid using the same trimmer in cutting your other nails. Otherwise, the fungus will spread and make the other nails thicken as well. As mentioned, the fungus could spread to other areas of your skin if left untreated.

Try to avoid sharing nail trimmers between family members as well. You must also not use the same trimmers for your toenails and fingernails. Because if one of you has developed a toenail fungus, there’s a chance that it will spread to others. Fungal infections are contagious and can easily spread from one person to another.

When cutting fungal toenail, use proper trimming equipment. Avoid using the smaller fingernail clippers that are only intended for fingernails. These clippers may not be strong enough to trim your thick toenails.

Even if you have toenail fungus or not, make it a habit to regularly disinfect your equipment. Soak the clippers in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes after every use. You can also soak them in diluted bleach. Just make sure to dry them completely before storage to avoid rusting. Also, make sure that all the nail debris has been cleaned off.

Consider Using Heavy Duty Equipment

Sometimes, the toenails have become so thickened and toughened by fungal infections that a standard pair of clippers may not do the work. In this case, consider using heavy-duty equipment for cutting the nails.

If the pair of nail clippers or trimmers you are using is not doing the job well, don’t force it. Scraping your toenails like this will only cause damage to the nails even more by ripping or tearing them and will make them look even more unappealing. What’s more, the clippers or trimmers can get broken.

So, how to cut toenails with fungus properly? Use a pair of toenail nippers. It’s a more suitable choice when it comes to scraping your toenail fungus. These clippers look somewhat like pliers, and you can buy them from drugstores. Also, these are sharper compared to the standard toenail clippers.

The toenail nippers are not recommended for patients who have diabetes and other conditions that could affect the ability to sense pain, blood circulation, or the ability for the feet to heal. If you want to know the safest equipment to use to scrape your toenail fungus, ask your doctor about it.

Soften Your Toenails with a Foot Soak

Can you scrape out toenail fungus? The answer will depend on the severity of your fungal infection. If you feel like the symptoms are mild and don’t feel any pain, you can consider trimming the toenails yourself. But scraping your thickened nails requires a bit of preparation to make the job safer and easier.

Consider soaking your toenails to soften them a bit. It can be as simple as taking a shower to make the toenails wet and soft enough to be more easily clipped. It’s a good idea to schedule your trimming time just after you have dried off.

A foot soak is a more effective way of making your toenails soft enough for trimming. It could be as simple as soaking your feet in warm water for 10, 20, or 30 minutes. Dry off your feet thoroughly after soaking, and then you can start to clip them. You can also add antifungal products to your foot soaks, such as Epsom salts or essential oils. These products can help kill the fungus that causes the infection on your toenails.

Take It Slow and Steady

Thickened fungal nails tend to crumble easily, so be careful when trimming them. Avoid taking off too much at once. Otherwise, the nails will split and fracture in ways you did not intend them to.

Trim only a small part of your toenails at a time, beginning at one corner and slowly moving straight along the nail. Ensure the nails are relatively straight and uniform to prevent any jagged edges from snagging against socks.

Don’t round the nails off at the corners, as this could increase the risk of ingrown toenails. Having inflamed, painful, and open skin is not something you want after already developing toenail fungus.

Although there’s not enough research on the effectiveness of essential oil for toenail fungus, many of these oils contain antifungal properties that can help kill the fungal strain that causes toenail fungus. Also called onychomycosis, toenail fungal infections can cause the toenails to be brittle and broken, and may result in discoloration of the nail bed. The infection can be treated by over-the-counter antifungal drugs, medicated nail polish, topical creams, and oral antifungal medications. While these treatments are effective, some can pose harmful side effects. Because of this, many people would turn to essential oil for toenail fungus treatment. 

Here are some essential oils that contain antifungal properties and are believed to treat toenail fungal infections. 

Cinnamon oil

The cinnamon essential oil contains cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which are potent antifungal compounds. Cinnamon is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Because of this, the oil may be effective at treating conditions like toenail fungus. The oil works by stopping the growth of fungus that causes the infection.

You can apply the essential oil directly to the affected area of your toenails. You can also choose to dilute it with a carrier oil. Apply the essential oil twice a day, morning, and evening. You can also prepare a foot soak by adding the cinnamon essential oil to warm water. Add Epsom salt as well to make the foot soak more effective. Soak your feet to the foot bath for 10 to 15 minutes per day.

Clove oil

Clove oil contains a high level of eugenol, a powerful antifungal compound that can fight off parasites and promote healthy blood circulation. Therefore, using clove oil for toenail fungus may help to effectively eliminate the fungal strains that cause fungal infections. Experts recommend mixing six to eight drops of clove essential oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and applying it directly to the infected toenail a few times a day.

Another way to use clove essential oil as a home remedy for toenail fungus is to try a foot soak. Simply add several drops of the clove oil to a foot bath and soak your feet for at least 20 minutes. Some people would add Epsom salts to the mix for added relief.

Lavender oil

The lavender essential oil is another effective essential oil for toenail fungus. It’s one of the most popular essential oils because it has many beneficial properties. The oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which effectively treat wounds and all types of fungal infections. Applying several drops of pure lavender oil to your toenails can help kill the fungus quickly, and you’ll soon see the infected nail replaced with healthy nails. When used regularly, the lavender essential oil will not only treat the fungal infection but can also help to prevent future infections.

The most important thing to remember when using lavender oil to treat toenail fungus is to make sure you are using authentic essential oil. Use high-quality oil that’s not diluted in any way. Also, avoid fragranced oils as these might just cause more harm than good.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil is an essential oil that is very effective in treating fungal infections, thanks to its antifungal properties. According to one study, using undiluted eucalyptus oil for toenail fungus may help treat toenail fungus. The oil works pretty quickly in killing the fungus in the toenail and the nail bed. As the oil seeps into the skin, it clears the fungus that causes the infection.

The eucalyptus oil works effectively when applied directly to the toenail fungus. Like the other essential oil for toenail fungus, it can also be used as a foot soak. And compared to most antifungal medications, using eucalyptus oil for toenail fungus is incredibly cheaper.

Lemon oil

Since the lemon essential oil is packed with antifungal properties, it’s one of those essential oils that can effectively treat toenail fungus. Not only that, but this essential oil also contains powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. One study shows that the oil is effective against the fungi that cause thrush, athlete’s foot, and yeast infections if applied topically.

When using the lemon essential oil for toenail fungus, mix it with a carrier oil of your choice. To ensure that you won’t get any allergic reactions, test the mixture in a small area of your skin, such as in your forearms. If you do not see irritation or redness within 24 hours, you can safely use the essential oil to treat your toenail fungus.

Oregano oil

The oregano essential oil is a potent and natural antifungal remedy, making it one of the most effective essential oil for toenail fungus. It’s also considered antiviral and antibiotic, thanks to the presence of thymol and carvacrol. Studies show that lemon essential oil is effective against different strains of fungus that cause fungal infections on the toenails.

To use oregano oil for toenail fungus, use a cotton ball to apply a few drops of the oil into the affected areas in your toes. Gently dab the cotton with the oil over your toenails. You can also combine it with other essential oil for toenail fungus, such as tea tree oil, orange oil, and olive oil.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint essential oil is a popular antifungal essential oil that can also be used as a pain reliever. Thanks to its high menthol content, it offers a cooling and soothing effect that can help relieve the itchiness and other symptoms of having a toenail fungus. It can also help minimize the swelling and soothe the pain for the more severe cases of toenail fungus.

When using peppermint oil for toenail fungus, you don’t need to dilute the oil. You can apply the oil directly to the affected areas in your toenails. Once the oil is in there, the menthol will seep into the infected area, and its antifungal and antioxidant properties will start to heal the fungal infections in your toenails.

There are various home remedies for toenail fungus, but some of these are not guaranteed to be effective, particularly if your condition is already severe. Nevertheless, most of them are safe and easy to use since the products you will need are already available at home.

Whatever treatment you will use, make sure to trim your nails and clean them well before applying the treatment. Also, maintain proper hygiene at all times. Change socks daily and wear well-ventilated shoes to allow your feet to breathe.

Research has shown that some home remedies for nail fungus are truly effective. Some of them are even more effective than over the counter and prescription medications. If you’re thinking of using home remedies to treat your toenail fungus, here are some remedies you can try.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has been found to lower the skin’s pH level, which can also help to minimize unwanted fungi on the skin, thus treating your toenail fungal infection. When using apple cider vinegar as home remedies for foot fungus, experts advise adding two tbsp of vinegar to a basin of lukewarm water. Soak your feet on the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes. Although some people have experienced an improvement in their toenail fungus after trying the apple cider vinegar as a foot soak, more studies are needed to confirm if the vinegar is effective for treating fungal infections.

Garlic

Garlic contains potent antifungal properties that may help fight the fungus that causes infection on the toenails, making it one of the most effective home remedies for toenail fungus. To use garlic as a remedy for toenail fungus, people would chop up a clove of garlic and apply it directly to the infected nail for 20 to 30 mins once a day. But take note that garlic could irritate the skin, and the smell could put you off. While garlic is a popular remedy for toenail fungus, there are not enough clinical trials to support its use.

Listerine mouthwash

Listerine mouthwash contains ingredients like menthol, thymol, and eucalyptol that have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why people believe it could be an effective remedy for toenails fungus. In fact, Listerine footbath is a common treatment for athletes’ foot and other fungal infections, including toenail fungus. Soaking the feet with the Listerine foot bath for 20 to 30 minutes can soften the nail plate, allowing the antifungal ingredients from Listerine to penetrate the toenails and kill the fungus. However, there are not enough trials to support its use.

Olive leaf extract

Olive leaves contain oleuropein that has been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. Also, some studies show that it’s effective in killing the yeast Candida albicans, one of the fungal strains that can cause toenail fungus. Studies suggest that the leaves may be effective against fungal infections when taken orally, although no quality trials are available to confirm this claim.

Oregano oil

The oregano oil contains thymol, an ingredient with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Because of this, many believe that oregano is one of the natural remedies for toenail fungus. Although trials investigating the use of oregano oil for fungal infections are lacking, one trial that uses a combination of essential oils of lime, oregano, and tea tree has reported a mycological cure of 78.5% after a year of use.

Snake root extract

The snakeroot extract has long been used as a traditional Mexican medicine for fungal skin infections. One study that compared the topical solution of snakeroot extract to ciclopirox for toenail fungus has shown that the snakeroot extract is more therapeutically effective for 71.1%. Moreover, there have been no severe side effects that have been reported with the treatment. Experts suggest applying every third day for the first month, twice a week on the second month, and once a week for the third month.

Tea Tree Oil

Applying essential oil made from 100% tea tree oil is one of the most effective home remedies for toenail fungus. In fact, its effects are comparable to 1% clotrimazole solution when treating toenail fungus. Another study found that combining tea tree oil with antifungal creams can lead to better results than using antifungal cream alone. Some people would apply the oil directly to the affected toenails, while others would prepare foot soak using tea tree oil to soak their feet.

Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub is another popular remedy for treating fungal infections. One study shows that 83% of people who applied the Vicks VapoRub once daily to treat their toenail fungus have experienced significant improvement. All people who participated in such a study were very satisfied with the appearance of their nails at the end of the treatment. Experts believe that the reason behind the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub in treating fungal infections has something to do with the ingredients found in it, such as menthol and thymol, which are believed to have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Ozonized sunflower oil

The ozonized sunflower oil is a combination of ozone and sunflower oil. It’s prepared by treating the sunflower oil with ozone, leading to an ozone reservoir that slowly releases into the affected nail or skin. Ozone is believed to be a very effective antifungal and bacterial agent that promises excellent results when used as a home remedy for toenail fungus. A study shows that ozonized sunflower oil can help to inhibit the growth of different fungi strains that can cause toenail fungal infection.

Baking soda

Baking soda has been used to treat a wide range of skin illnesses. It’s also believed to be one of the most effective home remedies for toenail fungus. To prepare, mix the baking soda with water to produce a paste-like texture, then apply directly to the affected toenail and leave the paste for 15 minutes. Do this for three to four times each day to remove excess moisture from the nail and inhibit fungus growth.

The foot soak for toenail fungus can help soothe the symptoms of having fungal infection on your toenails. There are several versions of foot soaks out there, and you can prepare them at home using readily available ingredients. And while some of the foot soak for fungus is truly effective, the effects will vary depending on the severity of your condition. For those suffering from the more severe cases of toenail fungus, you may have to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment or try our natural supplements that are specially made to treat toenail fungus.

What Can Fungus Infections Do To Your Toenails

Millions of people suffer from toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis. Others are not even aware they have it. It happens due to the fungus living on the skin underneath the toenails that could sometimes multiply and infect the nails.

There are several types of toenail fungus, but the most common is the distal subungual onychomycosis. With this condition, the fungus will get into the nail bed through the skin under the nail. The infection will eventually cause the toenails to thicken. In some cases, the nails will begin to discolor and turn yellowish. There may also be mild inflammation and pain.

Often, the nails will start to chip and become jagged, eventually separating from the nail bed. Those with the highly contagious athlete’s foot are more at risk of getting distal subungual onychomycosis.

It’s also common for people to get it from their household contacts since the infection is contagious. Another subtype, white superficial onychomycosis, is less common than distal subungual onychomycosis. Unlike other forms of onychomycosis, which affect the fingernails and toenails, the white superficial onychomycosis will only affect the toenails.

The symptoms of white superficial onychomycosis include small and white powdery-looking patches that will randomly appear at the toenail. The nail becomes soft and will easily crumble.

Foot Soak for Toenail Fungus

In most cases, toenail infections will eventually go away on their own even without prescription medical treatment. Over-the-counter toenail fungus treatment products may help to soothe the symptoms, but they may not eradicate the fungus. Also, it could take several months or even up to a year for the infection to heal.

For those whose symptoms are mild, you can try the foot soak for fungus at home to try to soothe the symptoms and help your toenails heal. Here are some of the foot soaks for toenail fungus that you can try at home.

Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak

Apple cider vinegar is a classic toenail fungus home remedy that many people swear by. The vinegar is believed to help treat skin problems and possibly help with toenail fungus. Before using apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, keep in mind that there’s not enough research to confirm whether this home remedy is effective. Still, it’s worth giving a try.

To prepare the apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus, mix two parts of warm water to one part of apple cider vinegar. Pour the mixture into a basin and soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes per day. Make sure to dry and clean your feet afterward and apply moisturizer. Do this three times a week for up to a year or until your symptoms disappear.

Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak

Some scientific studies support tea tree oil in treating nail fungus. Although more studies are needed, these studies pointed out the tea tree oil’s antifungal properties. Some studies also show that tea tree oil may effectively reduce fungal growth. Combining the tea tree oil with other medicated creams may also help to effectively treat the toenail fungus.

Before using the tea tree oil for foot soak for toenail fungus, do a skin patch test. Apply a small amount of the oil to your forearm. If you’re not experiencing any irritation within 24 hours, you can use the tea tree oil for a foot soak. To prepare, add five drops of the tea tree oil to half-ounce carrier oil. Mix well and add into a bucket of warm water. Soak your feet to the mixture for up to 20 minutes.

Baking Soda Foot Soak

Baking soda is another inexpensive ingredient recognized for its ability to treat a wide range of skin conditions, from sunburned skin to itchy skin. Some people believe that baking soda may also help curb the growth of fungus and potentially treat toenail fungus. According to one study, lab tests showed that baking soda might effectively suppress fungal growth.

To prepare the baking soda for foot soak for toenail fungus, fill a basin with warm water. Add one-half cup of baking soda into the basin, then soak your feet in the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.

Hydrogen Peroxide Foot Soak

Hydrogen peroxide may help kill the fungus growing on your skin and is believed to be an effective remedy for toenail fungus. According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide could kill bacteria, viruses, mold spores, yeast, and fungi. Using a cotton swab, some people will directly apply the hydrogen peroxide to the affected area. But others will use hydrogen peroxide as a foot soak.

When using hydrogen peroxide as a foot soak for toenail fungus, mix 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide with four cups of cool water. Soak your feet to the mixture for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse your feet with warm water and dry them thoroughly.

Over-the-counter Foot Soaks

If you prefer a “ready-to-use” product for foot soak for toenail fungus, you can rely on over-the-counter foot soak products. But before you buy, find out the list of ingredients and see if they contain antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively curing the fungal infection. Some over-the-counter foot soak products contain baking soda, tea tree oil, and Epsom salt. These ingredients may help to kill the fungus and eliminate the other symptoms that come with having a fungal infection.

Conclusion

While the foot soak for toenail fungus may help address the symptoms of fungal infections, they cannot guarantee the full treatment of your condition. If you have diabetes or have severe symptoms of toenail fungus, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, if you have tried these foot soaks for a while, and your fungal infection has not improved, better leave it to your doctor. You can also try out all natural toenail fungus treatment supplements that are designed to treat toenail fungus by fighting the free radicals and boosting the immune system.

While there are wide range of home remedies for toenail fungus available out there, they are not guaranteed to provide 100% cure for toenail fungus. Some work to some extent, some provide temporary relief to some, and some are not recommended to be used at all. Best remedies for toenail fungus therefore will be a treatment that is made of all natural ingredients; ingredients that are proven to support skin and nail health. You need to look for ingredients that are high in antioxidant which will boost your immune system and ingredients that will fight against free radicals, which is the major cause of toenail fungus to begin with.

Many people would search for the best home remedies for toenail fungus because they don’t like the nasty side effects of taking over-the-counter drugs. Toenail fungus is a common condition, with millions of people suffering from this condition worldwide. Also called “onychomycosis,” it can cause discoloration of the toenails. If left treated, it will thicken and start to crumble. Sometimes, the infection could cause the nail to be removed from the nail bed. Since it is contagious, it usually begins in one toenail and eventually spreads to the other nails.

Toenail fungal infections can happen to anyone, resulting from the many different types of fungi. While most toenail infections can be treated easily, there are cases when the infection will require prescription drugs, such as anti-fungal pills. Although these drugs are truly effective, they could cause unpleasant side effects, including skin rashes and upset stomachs. Because of this, many people would turn to the best home remedies for toenail fungus.

Toenail Fungus Home Remedies

Baking Soda

Baking soda has long been a popular home remedy for a wide range of illnesses. Some people suggest that baking soda can help absorb moisture that causes fungus growth in the toenail. In addition, it contains fungistatic properties, which means that it will not only kill fungi but also prevent them from growing. However, there is not much scientific evidence that supports baking soda for toenail fungus, and there’s no evidence to suggest that it can treat fungal infections. Nevertheless, it’s worth trying, especially since baking soda is readily available.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common household product. It’s also a popular remedy for toenail fungus because of its anti-fungal properties, as proven by a 2017 study. However, the study also notes that more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus. Using vinegar to treat your fungal infection is easy. Prepare a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Place in a basin and soak your feet in the mixture for about 15 minutes. Try the vinegar foot soak for fungus twice a day, and you will see improvement in only a few days.

Garlic

Although garlic is used to season food, it’s also considered one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus. Some studies show that garlic contains strong anti-fungal properties, making it an effective remedy for treating all types of fungal infections, including toenail fungus. However, more research is needed to confirm this claim. Also, some studies suggest using garlic together with anti-fungal drugs to make it more effective. If you want to give this home remedy a try, chop up a clove of garlic and apply it directly to the infected nail for 30 minutes twice a day.

Epsom Salt

The Epsom salt has long been used to treat wounds and infections effectively. While it may not completely eliminate toenail fungus, the Epsom salt for toenail fungus can be a part of an anti-fungal regime. Soaking your feet in the salt could relieve you of the fungus that causes the infection in your toenails. Mix one cup of Epsom salt to two quarts of warm to hot water and soak your feet in the mixture for up to 20 minutes. Some people would add essential oils to the mix to make it more effective.

Mouthwash

Some mouthwash products like Listerine contain active ingredients that could kill the fungus that causes the toenail fungus infection. Thus, many people believe it’s the best toenail fungus remedy, especially when combatting the odor of toenail infections. But it’s worth noting that some mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine, which is believed to be the ingredient with antifungal properties, require a prescription from the doctor. The mouthwash can be used as a foot soak for fungus toenails. Just mix it with warm water.

Essential Oils

Some studies suggest that certain essential oils contain antifungal properties that can help treat toenail fungal infections, especially when used with other antifungal treatments. One of the essential oils used for antifungal treatment is tea tree oil. To use tree tea oil for nail fungus, add five drops of the oil to half-ounce of carrier oil. Mix well, stir into warm water, and use it as a foot soak for fungus toenails.

Vicks VapoRub

Although Vicks VapoRub is more commonly used to suppress cough, it contains active ingredients that may help to treat toenail fungus. A study about Vicks VapoRub toenail fungus has shown a “positive clinical effect.” However, more studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub on feet fungus. To use, apply a small amount of the Vicks VapoRub on your toenails at least once a day.

Snakeroot Extract

The Snakeroot may not be popular in the US. However, in places like Mexico, the Snakeroot extract is a popular traditional treatment for different skin conditions, making it one of the best home remedies for toenail fungus. This plant is part of the sunflower family and is believed to have potent antifungal properties. To use, apply the snakeroot extract directly to the affected area every third day for the first month, twice a week for the following month, and once a week for the third month.

Unsafe Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

While some of the best home remedies for toenail fungus are somewhat effective, some products could cause more harm than good. For instance, you should never use bleach for nail fungus. It can be toxic to the skin and lead to severe skin irritation. In addition, you must use only a small amount of hot water when preparing foot soak for fungus toenails. Excessive heat can further injure the nails and skin and make your condition even worse. Always use lukewarm water for soaking. And finally, never remove the nails or avoid trimming them excessively. Doing so could cause damage to the nail bed and lead to further injuries. There is also a risk of causing further infections if the damaged nail is not properly removed.

You need to understand one thing. Home remedies are just like that – home remedies. If you are looking for the best toenail fungus treatment, you look for a professionally made supplement from proven all natural ingredients. Look for ingredients that fight free radicals and boost immune system. That will be the best toenail fungus treatment for you.