Nail fungus (onychomycosis in doctor-talk) is a very common problem. Most health care providers don’t consider it serious, although some readers have told us that terrible nail fungus can make nails rough, so that they snag on socks, or make them so misshapen that it is difficult to wear certain shoes. There are a number of possible treatment options, but some of the prescription drugs for this problem are very pricey (like Jublia) or have potentially serious side effects (such as Sporanox). That’s why we are always interested in success stories about home remedies for this problem.
Apple Cider Vinegar Vanquished Terrible Nail Fungus:
Q. You had a question from a person with terrible toenail fungus. The doctor recommended surgically removing the nail. You suggested that urea paste could dissolve the fungus-infected nail.
WAIT! My 85-year-old mother had both big toes infected with fungus, making them unsightly. She didn’t like wearing open-toe shoes.
We found a solution and within eight months both nails are much improved. We started with twice-daily applications of tea tree oil, then moved to twice daily applications of apple cider vinegar.
This was not a bath or soak, just applying the vinegar with a cotton swab after a shower, before bedtime and once during the afternoon. We allowed the nail to dry completely. With patience and occasional clipping, we have conquered this problem.
Why You Need Patience to Overcome Nail Fungus:
A. Patience is critical to any treatment of toenail fungus because toenails grow so slowly. Thanks for your detailed account of your successful treatment strategy. We haven’t seen any studies of vinegar against nail fungus, but we did find research demonstrating that a commercial product containing acetic acid (vinegar) with other ingredients helped somewhat to inhibit the Tricophyton mentagrophytes fungus responsible for some nail infections (Mycoses, May, 2016).
Readers who would like more details about other home remedies for nail fungus may wish to order our Guide to Hair and Nail Care.
