Key Takeaways
- Toenail fungus causes white, brown, or yellow nail discoloration.
- Vicks VapoRub and tea tree oil may help improve mild infections at home.
- Results can take months; avoid home remedies if you have diabetes.
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection of the toenail. The most noticeable symptom is a white, brown, or yellow discoloration of one or more of the toenails. It may spread and cause the nails to thicken or crack.
Sandal season or not, toenail fungus typically isn’t what you want to see when you look at your feet. There are many treatments you can try, and some of them can be natural.
Here are 10 at-home treatments for toenail fungus:
Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus.
A 2022 review found that Vicks VapoRub helped improve toenail fungus in… Show more
Snakeroot (Ageratina pichinchensis) extract is an antifungal made from plants in the sunflower family.
A 2023 review found that snakeroot has antifungal properties and helped improve toenail fungus, even in moderate to severe cases.
Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca, is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic abilities.
According to the
Oregano oil is a natural essential oil known for its antifungal properties and is often used as a home remedy for toenail fungus.
A 2019 study found that a topical treatment containing oregano oil improved toenail fungus and the overall… Show more
Ozonized oils are oils like olive oil and sunflower oil that are “injected” with ozone gas.
According to
Listerine mouthwash can help treat toenail fungus because it contains menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may be why it’s a popular folk remedy for toenail fungus.
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You may treat toenail fungus with garlic by placing chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30… Show more
Apple cider vinegar is a natural, acidic liquid commonly used as a home remedy due to its antimicrobial properties.
A 2021 lab study found that it can slow or stop the growth of several different microbes, suggesting it has general… Show more
Consider eating more foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt and kimchi, as a preventive strategy.
There are a few other plant-based remedies that may be effective in treating toenail fungus, according to 2022 research. These include:
In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.
People with diabetes are more likely to develop toenail fungus. Infections may, in turn, contribute to the development of a diabetic foot ulcer.
You shouldn’t use home remedies for toenail fungus if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.
Does hydrogen peroxide help toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes discussed as a home remedy for toenail fungus. The Global Nail Fungus Organization includes it among commonly used at-home treatments, but notes that it is generally considered ineffective in practice for treating nail fungus.
What absolutely kills toenail fungus?
Prescription oral antifungals, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or fluconazole (Diflucan), are traditionally used to treat toenail fungus and are usually more effective at resolving it faster.
On the other hand, they can also cause serious side effects such as upset stomach, dizziness, severe skin problems, and jaundice. This may be why many people try home remedies instead.
How do you get rid of toenail fungus fast at home?
If you want to get rid of a toenail fungus quickly, you will likely need to see a doctor for prescription medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan).
Natural remedies may relieve your symptoms, but there is no guarantee they will work, and even if they do, it will likely take longer.
Home remedies can be a helpful option for mild to moderate toenail fungus, especially since they’re generally easy to use and tend to have fewer side effects than prescription treatments.
That said, the scientific evidence for many home approaches is still limited, and results can vary widely from person to person.
How well any treatment works often depends on several factors, including how deeply the fungus has penetrated the nail, how severe the infection is, and your overall health.
Because toenails grow slowly and are relatively hard for treatments to penetrate, improvement, whether from home or prescription options, usually takes time. It’s common not to see clear results for several months, and reinfection can also occur.
Once the infection has cleared, keeping your toenails clean, dry, and properly trimmed can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
If symptoms are severe, painful, or not improving with home care, it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional, as some cases may require stronger prescription treatment to prevent lasting nail damage.