Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is an annoying and difficult problem to treat. Doctors will generally use drugs to treat this infection. Although not yet proven efficacy, there is some evidence that supports the benefits of using vinegar to treat mild to moderate fungal infections.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Treating Nail Fungus with Vinegar
Step 1. Buy a bottle of vinegar
You can use any brand or type of vinegar. The activity of vinegar is believed to be related to its pH level which is able to kill mold.
Some people use a vinegar treatment one day and continue with a 2% hydrogen peroxide solution the next
Step 2. Buy a file and nail clippers
Always try to clean your toenails as best you can before using home remedies or prescription drugs. Trimming the toenails will help absorb any medication that is applied to them.
- Trimming your nails can also reduce pain and discomfort.
- Don't file your nails too short, as this can lead to other problems such as nails growing in the flesh.
- Always clean files and nail clippers after use.
Step 3. Pour the vinegar into a large bowl
Mix vinegar and hot water in a 1:1 ratio. Soak the infected foot at most 2 times a day. Don't soak your feet for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
- Make sure the vinegar hits the infected area directly.
- The wider the infected area of the vinegar, the better the treatment results.
- You should start to feel better in a week or two.
Step 4. Allow the nails to dry
Waiting for your nails to dry completely before putting on socks or shoes will help stop the fungus from growing. Reducing the moisture in the toe will help prevent the fungus from spreading to the rest of the nail.
- Try to keep your feet dry and cool.
- A warm, humid environment favors mold.
Step 5. Continue to care for the nails
Make it a habit to keep your nails and feet clean. Clean the nails and trim them to keep them short evenly. Do not use scrapers on other nails unless they have been previously disinfected, as these can spread fungal infections. Continue to monitor the development of fungal infections to ensure the success of this treatment.
- If the yeast infection gets worse, see a doctor.
- Try other alternative remedies such as snakeroot extract and tea tree oil.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Nail Fungus
Step 1. Get used to maintaining cleanliness and caring for nails
Taking good care of your feet will reduce the risk of nail infections. Simple preventative steps will help you avoid toenail fungus attacks.
- Take simple precautions to avoid toenail fungus.
- Wear sandals or flip-flops while in public. Never walk barefoot.
- Clean and wash your feet every day.
Step 2. Keep your feet dry and cool
Humidity or excessive heat from socks or shoes can promote the growth of toenail fungus. Look for shoes and socks that allow your feet to breathe. You should also make sure the socks are clean as they may harbor mold spores.
- Make sure your shoe size fits and there is enough toe room.
- Throw away old footwear that was worn while you were infected.
Step 3. Treat athlete's foot immediately
Allowing a yeast infection to get worse increases the risk of it spreading to the nails. Overcome this possibility by treating athlete's foot as soon as possible.
- Mild cases of athlete's foot can be treated with over-the-counter medications.
- More severe cases may require prescription medication.
- Ask your doctor for advice to determine the right medication for you.
Step 4. Take care of your nails
Always trim your nails to an even length. Use different nail clippers on infected and non-infected nails. Using the same nail clippers can spread the fungus to healthy nails.
- Trimming your nails can also help with other nail problems (such as broken or cracked nails).
- Clean and sterilize scissors and nail files after use.
Method 3 of 3: Recognizing Toenail Fungus
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
Recognizing toenail fungus in the early stages of its infection is quite difficult. Consult a doctor if you have any questions about nail fungus. Pay attention to the following common symptoms if you suspect you have nail fungus infection.
- Brittle nails.
- Changes in nail shape.
- The eroded outer edge of the nail.
- There are splinters under the nails.
- Nails that loosen or lift upwards.
- The nail surface is dull and not shiny.
- Thickening of the nails.
- The appearance of white or yellow stripes on the edges of the nails.
Step 2. Find out other treatments from the doctor
If vinegar treatment doesn't work, ask your doctor for other treatments. Make a check-up appointment and ask about the following possible treatments:
- Prescription antifungal drugs, which are usually taken orally.
- Laser treatment.
- In certain cases, nail removal.
Step 3. Understand the possible treatment outcomes
The time it takes to treat toenail fungus may be long. Continue treatment to ensure you get the best results.
- Nails grow very slowly. Even a positive response may take a long time to show.
- Fungal infections can come back, even after being cured.
Tips
- The time it takes for new healthy nails to grow may be several months. Continue the vinegar treatment every day until new nails grow.
- Do not coat nail fungus with nail polish or polish.
