Fungal Toenail Home Remedies | Step By Step Instruction

Keep the area between your toes bone-dry. Change into dry socks the moment you get home, and stick to highly breathable cotton socks.

Apply foot powders that contain non-antibacterial zinc oxide or talcum powder to absorb excess sweat throughout the day.

Never walk barefoot in public pools, communal showers, or locker rooms. Always wear flip-flops, and take a moment to wipe off shower floors and benches before use.

Simply keeping your nails trimmed short and immaculately clean removes the physical space where fungus attempts to grow.

There is no doubt that Vicks has been around for a long time, and its blend of camphor and eucalyptus has proven effective in treating nail fungus.

How to use:

1. Apply a thin layer of Vicks directly on the infected area.
2. Let it dry for about 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Repeat this process every night before bed. (Note: Do not leave on for more than 8 hours a day, as trapped moisture can worsen the environment.)

Pro Tip: Wear breathable socks while sleeping to protect your sheets!

Considered one of the most powerful natural remedies, tea tree oil contains strong natural antifungal properties that combat fungal and bacterial diseases.

How to use:

1. Wash the infected nails with water to soften the nail bed.
2. Apply a thin layer of the oil on the nails and wrap with a bandage.
3. Repeat every night before going to sleep for 2 to 4 months.

The Science: It forms a protective layer that dries up thickened skin tissues and clears away debris between the nails and nail beds.

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which is a highly effective, strong natural antifungal agent.

How to use:

1. Mix equal amounts of water and vinegar in a foot basin (or warm saltwater).
2. Soak your feet in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Rinse off with clean, cold water and strictly pat dry. Moisture is the enemy!
4. Repeat every night.

The Science: Vinegar dehydrates the fungi, while the acetic acid prevents further contamination.

Baking soda soaks up moisture that causes fungus to thrive and possesses its own antifungal properties.

How to use:

1. Mix equal amounts of water and baking soda to create a thick paste.
2. Use the mixture to scrub your feet and nails.
3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Apply a moisturizer to prevent skin from cracking.
4. Repeat nightly.

The Science: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) produces a weak acid when mixed with moisture, creating an inhospitable environment for fungus.

Snakeroot is a traditional herb from the sunflower family that has been used to cure infections for ages.

How to use:

1. Mix equal amounts of water and alcohol in a jar to create a thick paste with the extract.
2. Sterilize the affected area with alcohol, then apply the paste.
3. Repeat twice a day for one month.

While it may sound strange, good bacteria can physically crowd out and destroy bad fungi.

How to use:

1. Mix probiotic powder with warm water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply to the affected nails.
3. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat 2-3 times daily.

The Science: Probiotics help keep your skin’s pH levels balanced and secrete byproducts that make the nail hostile to fungi.

Extracted from the leaves and stems of the oregano plant, this oil contains thymol, a powerful antifungal.

How to use:

1. Mix 2 drops of Oregano oil into 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil (like coconut oil). Never apply raw oregano oil directly to skin; it will burn!
2. Sterilize the nail with alcohol, apply the mixture, wait 15 mins, and rinse.

Derived from olive plant leaves, this extract contains oleuropein, a notable antifungal and antimicrobial substance.

How to use:

1. Mix equal amounts of water and the extract to create a lump-free paste.
2. Apply to the sterilized nail (add a drop of tea tree oil for a boost).
3. Leave overnight, wash off in the morning.

Ozone therapy utilizes oils injected with ozone gas (an unstable form of oxygen) which neutralizes fungi on contact.

How to use:

1. Mix 1 tbsp olive oil with 2 tbsp ozonized water in a bottle.
2. Shake vigorously to mix the oxygen. Spray onto sterilized nails.

The same stuff that kills mouth bacteria! It contains thymol and eucalyptol, which act as potent fungicides.

How to use:

1. Moisten a cotton ball with Listerine.
2. Rub it firmly onto the sterilized nail.

Garlic contains allicin, a powerful antimicrobial and antifungal compound.

How to use:

1. Crush 3-4 raw garlic cloves and mix with an equal amount of coconut oil.
2. Apply to the sterilized nail, leave overnight.
3. Scrub off with a nail brush in the morning. Repeat for 4 weeks.

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins and flavonoids that support overall immune health and possess mild anti-fungal properties.

How to use:

1. Mix equal amounts of unsweetened cranberry juice and apple cider vinegar.
2. Drink this mixture twice a day.

*Note: While drinking this helps internal pH and immunity, topical treatments (like tea tree or vinegar) are much faster for localized nail fungus.*

Propolis is the resin bees use to construct hives. It is highly antibacterial and promotes new cell growth.

How to use:

1. Mix equal amounts of Bee propolis extract and olive oil.
2. Apply the ointment and leave for at least 3 hours (or overnight).
3. Scrub off with a nailbrush. Repeat twice daily.

Lemon contains citric acid, which alters the pH of your nail bed, making it impossible for fungi to survive.

How to use:

1. Soak a cotton ball in fresh lemon juice.
2. Apply it to the infected nail and leave for at least 2 hours.
3. Wash off and scrub. Repeat twice a day.