The best foot soaks for toenail fungus often involve vinegar (white or apple cider) or Listerine mixed with water (1 part liquid to 2-3 parts water) for 10-40 minutes daily, or Epsom salt soaks, as these can help kill fungal spores and soothe feet, but results vary, and severe infections need medical treatment with prescription antifungals for best results. Tea tree oil, diluted, is another popular natural option, though evidence is mixed.
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.
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.
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. Numerous readers swear by this.
Soaking your feet and toes in a bath containing Epsom salts can help dry out fungal infections by killing fungal spores. Add 1–2 cups of Epsom salt to a footbath of warm water and soak for 30 minutes.
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.
The risks of using an Epsom salt foot soak are minimal. For most people, it may be worth a try. But there are a few instances when it is best to avoid using a foot soak, including when a person has diabetes or has open sores on their feet. Moisturize the feet and put socks on to maintain the moisture.
Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, dry the nails completely to prevent any residual moisture, which can promote further fungal growth. Apply Directly (Optional): Some people choose to apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the affected nails using a cotton ball, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
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.
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.
What is the 1-minute sock trick for fungus? This viral remedy involves soaking socks in a diluted vinegar or antifungal solution before wearing. It may offer some relief, but it's not a substitute for medical treatment.
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.
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.
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.
Baking soda doesn't kill any fungi but can stop them from growing. You can soak your feet in a few cups of water with a small amount of baking soda, or sprinkle it directly into your shoes. Another option is to add a bit of water to 2 tablespoons of baking soda and mix until you get a paste.
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.
One small study found that pure tea tree oil helped a small amount of people who used it to treat toenail fungus. But other studies on using lower amounts of tea tree oil haven't found it helps treat toenail fungus. Tea tree oil may work well when used with other antifungal medicines.
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.
Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash—Original Flavor
“This mouthwash can be used to treat nail fungus,” Dr. West says. “While it's not particularly effective, some patients want to try something less aggressive, which is reasonable.”
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.
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.
Warm water – Not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Epsom Salts – Adding 1 Tbs Epsom salts to your foot bath can benefit your feet greatly. It can soothe dry skin, relieve aching feet, and help to remove foot odour.
If the requirement is for health issues like nerve problems, blood pressure, or any other body ailment, then Epsom salt is the solution. If it is related to the skin issues like itching, sunburns, etc., then Baking soda is the key. Still, if there is only one to choose, then Epsom salt is the answer.
If you don't rinse after an Epsom salt bath, the leftover salt crystals can dry on your skin, potentially causing dryness, itchiness, or irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, though some people skip rinsing and just pat dry, but moisturizing is key to avoid residue buildup and skin issues. While generally safe, failing to rinse can leave an uncomfortable film and potentially trigger mild allergic reactions if fragrances were added.