Public showers, public pools, pedicure spas—all of these places could be where you caught that yellowish-white fungus that thickens your toenails. The fungus may start as a small white or yellow spot on the nail, but it gradually causes the nail to thicken and crack.
Once you have the fungus, what can you do to treat it? There are numerous over-the-counter treatments available, but you may have some products at home that work just as well. Check out these 6+ home remedies to treat toenail fungus.
1. Baking soda. Making a paste of baking soda and water often works, according to Reader’s Digest. Apply the paste to your toenails and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it off.
2. Tea tree oil. Healthline states that tea tree oil has several antifungal properties. Apply the oil to the affected nail twice a day.
3. Vic Vaporub. Vicks contains menthol, which according to prevention instructions will help eliminate the fungus. Rub the nail with VapoRub once a day until the fungus is gone.
4. Snake root extract. Some studies claim that snake root oil is as effective as the over-the-counter ointment Ciclopirox. Healthline recommends applying the extract directly to the nail every three days for the first month, twice a week for the second month, and once a week for the third month.
5. Ozonated sunflower oil. According to WebMD, ozonated sunflower oil is very effective. Apply it directly to the fungus until the nail heals.
6. Listerine and vinegar. In addition to making your feet smell great, Prevention says Listerine contains menthol, which is helpful in killing fungus. Vinegar is acidic, so it can’t harm you. Mix equal parts Listerine and vinegar and soak your nails for 45 to 60 minutes a day.
7. Vinegar. There is no science available to confirm this treatment, but Healthline says many people swear by this treatment. Soak your nails for 20 minutes every day.
Who needs to spend a lot of money on treatment? Go into your closets and see what you have to solve this problem at home.
