Vicks VapoRub It contains the active ingredients camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Lab studies and one small human study have shown that Vicks VapoRub can work to treat toenail fungus in some people when applied to the nail. Most people were happy with the results and experienced no side effects.
A 2011 study on Vicks Vaporub for toenail fungus found that 15 out of 18 participants experienced positive results; in 48 weeks, 27.8% were clinically cured, and 55.6% had partial clearance. The other three participants showed no signs of improvement, though all participants rated their experience as satisfactory.
The fastest ways to get rid of toenail fungus involve professional medical treatments like prescription oral antifungal medications (Terbinafine) for effectiveness or laser therapy for a quick, non-invasive option, though it may need multiple sessions. For faster results with topical treatments, podiatrist-assisted nail debridement (thinning the nail) helps antifungal lacquers penetrate deeper. Home remedies are generally slower and less reliable than medical routes, according to sources like Healthline and the Mayo Clinic.
Vicks Vaporub for Toenail Fungus
And, while this may sound like a crazy idea, this study actually suggests that applying the over-the-counter product has a positive healing effect. Still, within the study, completely clearing the fungus took 48 weeks when using topical Vicks products.
Nail fungus usually causes the nails to become brittle or to turn a whitish-yellow or brownish color. It often affects the big toenails. Creams and medicinal nail polishes (varnishes) can be used to treat nail fungus, and you can also take tablets. Nail fungus is hard to get rid of.
A: For cough suppression, Vicks VapoRub may be used up to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Simply rub a thick layer on your chest and throat. For muscle/joint minor aches and pains, Vicks VapoRub may be applied to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily.
Podiatrists recommend a multi-pronged approach for toenail fungus, often starting with prescription oral antifungals (like terbinafine) for moderate to severe cases due to their high success rates, though requiring liver monitoring. They also use topical antifungal lacquers, often combined with professional nail debridement (thinning) for better penetration, alongside laser therapy (PACT) and strict foot hygiene (drying, airing shoes, antifungal sprays) to prevent recurrence, as single treatments often fail.
Tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil: Both oils have antifungal properties, and studies found they performed as well as some over-the-counter and prescription topical antifungal treatments. Ozonized sunflower oil: A Brazilian study found that sunflower oil worked to treat toenail fungus infection caused by yeast.
Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails. Don't share personal things, such as towels and nail clippers.
We strongly urge you to wear at least a pair of socks at all times, even at night. It's too easy for your fungus-infection toes to cross over to the other side of the bed and contaminate your partner. It would help to consider wearing shower shoes until your infection completely clears.
To use it, apply Vicks VapoRub with a cotton swab and try to work it under the nail a bit, Dr. West says. Put a sock on to keep the product in place. Repeat at least three to four times per week, though daily is safe, too.
Eating foods and oils that improve your gut health is a great way to ward off toenail fungus. Doing so also improves your immune system. Try to eat fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, garlic, onions, and asparagus.
“Each evening, patients go to a bathroom or other place with a vinegar-resistant floor, don old cotton socks, pour a few spoons of plain or apple-cider vinegar and a few spoons of water over the toes, and sit and read for 10-15 minutes. They then doff the socks, apply topical antifungals, and go to bed.
To permanently kill toenail fungus, you need professional treatment, with oral antifungal medications like terbinafine (Lamisil) being the most effective for clearing the infection, though they require months of use and liver monitoring. Prescription topical creams (e.g., Jublia, Kerydin) and medicated nail polishes (Penlac) are also options, often used with nail thinning or combined with oral meds. Laser therapy can be effective by heating the fungus but isn't a first-line treatment and lacks strong evidence for a permanent cure.
Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface.
Keratin granules are areas of damage to the top layers of the nail. They show up as small, chalky white spots or rough patches and happen when nail polish, especially if left on too long, dries out and weakens the surface of the nail.
What is the strongest natural antifungal? Many natural remedies boast antifungal properties, but tea tree oil often takes the crown as the most potent. Its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of fungi makes it a popular choice for treating various skin infections.
Soaking your foot in peroxide can, in some cases, help get rid of toenail fungus. However, because it is difficult for hydrogen peroxide to reach all of the areas of the toe where the fungus can grow, such as under the nail, in the nail bed, it can be difficult to completely treat advanced fungus with peroxide alone.
Tea tree oil is a popular and powerful antifungal and antiseptic agent. Diluted tea tree oil applied directly to the affected foot can help eliminate the fungus and prevent it from spreading. For best results, mix several drops with a carrier oil, then apply it twice daily.
When considering a podiatrist or dermatologist for toe fungus, it's best to see a podiatrist. They have the tools to diagnose infections accurately and provide thorough toenail fungus treatment, while checking for any peripheral effects on your gait, balance, and alignment.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Epsom Salt
Another foot soak method, this is said to work really well for toenail fungal infections. Apple cider vinegar (also known as ACV) has a number of healing and antibacterial properties if it's organic, making it a go-to for many homeopathic treatments.
If toenail fungus (onychomycosis) goes untreated, the nail becomes thicker, brittle, discolored, and may crumble, causing pain and difficulty walking, and it can spread to other nails or skin, potentially leading to serious bacterial infections like cellulitis, especially for those with diabetes or weakened immunity, and can even cause permanent nail damage or loss.
Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil.
Vicks VapoRub works best when used on the chest. There's no evidence that it helps cold symptoms if you put it on your feet. But Vicks VapoRub on the bottom of your feet may help relieve mild muscle aches, neuropathic foot pain, and moisturize dry skin.