Toenail Fungus
Natural Remedies

Toenail Fungus - Editor's Choice

Over the years, Earth Clinic readers have sent us many reports about their treatments for Toenail Fungus. The editors at Earth Clinic consider the below posts to be some of the most helpful and informative and have named them 'Editor's Choice'. We hope that you will find this useful.
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Suzanne (IN) on 10/08/2021
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I took a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning and at night to help with losing weight. It works and the wonderful side effect was beautiful new toenails. I had tried everything and anything for years. Nothing worked. When I noticed my toe nails were growing out healthy I cut the infected part off. It wasn't pretty but I kept them trimmed. It took awhile to grow out the new healthy nails but it has been years and my toenails are still beautiful! The apple cider vinegar killed the infection from the inside out. I wish you the best.


DMSO and Lugol's Iodine

Posted by Epeach (Ga) on 04/28/2018
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

DMSO and 2% Lugol's Cured Fingernail Fungus

For about a month, I have been applying a mixture of DMSO 50%, distilled water 50%, and 1 full dropper of 2% Lugol's in a 4 oz. bottle, to all of my fingernails. My thumbnail was infected with fungus and I have tried everything (prescriptions, essential oils, Vicks, Clorox, Lugol's alone, vinegar, H2O2, you name it). This mixture killed the fungus! I did not use it everyday, just when I remembered. I trimmed away any infected area, then I use a dropper to apply under, around, and on top of all nails at bedtime. (I have heard fungus will move from nail to nail if you do not treat all of them. I do not know if it is true, I just wanted to be safe.) I am still using it periodically to make sure it does not come back. After the application, I use castor oil, as the DMSO mixture is very drying.

I have not had a normal thumbnail since 2009. Now, it looks like all of the others. Hope this helps someone:)


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Nancy (South Carolina) on 07/18/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

When I read about the Apple cider vinegar cure for toenail fungus, I was so excited but I knew I did not have time to soak my toe for 30 minutes two times a day. My life is very busy and so I decided to do the next best thing. I saturated the gauze of a Band-Aid and more the Band-Aid all day long. At night, I took the Band-Aid off, Took a shower, and at bedtime, I put another Band-Aid on my toe saturated in apple cider vinegar! It worked beautifully after two months! I recommend this for anyone on the go!


Vitamin E Oil

Posted by Jamberry (Usa) on 06/29/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Vitamin E oil works for me. Of the top ten nail fungus remedies, I have tried all but bleach and garlic (and I already eat an anti-candida diet). When I remembered reading about vitamin E oil, I added that to my nightly routine. Get a cheap bottle with lots of capsules. Pierce one with a safety pin then squeeze onto toe nail as described above. (The oil comes out easier if the capsule has been left on the counter for a while.) I do this twice a day when I am home and wearing sandals all day. If need to wear socks when going out, I put more oil on after I get home and back into sandals. At night I wear moisture-wicking socks (not cotton) and try to keep my feet out from under the covers so no moisture builds up on my toes. One-third of one toe is perfectly clear, and one-fourth of the other big toe is perfectly clear, after four months of treatment. I use Vicks under a bandaid if I must be in socks for several hours or more.


Coconut Oil

Posted by Pat (New York, New York) on 05/23/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I tried over the counter and prescription remedies to cure my toe nail fungus. I read about coconut oil as a remedy and tried it. I applied organic coconut oil to all of my toe nails twice a day; bed time and in the morning. I covered my toes with socks so as not to stain my sheets. Within weeks I saw a difference in the color of my nails. Within a few months I could see new healthy nail growth. As my nails grew the discoloration disappeared. In less than 5-6 months I now have clear healthy toenails. No other product worked so well. I continue to apply coconut oil to my toes and feet as a preventative.


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Michelle (Baltimore, Maryland ) on 05/09/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Just wanted to give encouragement to those suffering with toenail fungus.

I've had fungus on my big toe for about 4 years and it took over most of the toenail, right down to the nail bed. I first tried other recommendations, such as tea tree oil, vicks vapo rub, oregano oil, regular vinegar, and then acv. I have learned that what actually worked for me was braggs Apple Cider Vinegar with the "mother" diluted with approx 50% hot water. I buy the large gallon size on amazon. I first tried Apple Cider Vinegar straight, thinking it would be more effective than diluting it.
It seems to need the hot water to help the Apple Cider Vinegar penetrate better. I let it soak for a 1/2 hour twice a day. I used a small glass bowl added a little vinegar and some hot water just enough to dip my toes in to cover, but not my whole foot. That would use too much Apple Cider Vinegar because I changed the solution each time.

The other thing I did which I feel really helped, is that after soaking the first time for at least a1/2 hour or more in the warm acv, I trimmed the entire detached part of the nail down as far as I could and then used a power file deluxe rechargeable nail file made by the company"kiss"using the "pointed detail file" to thin whatever was left of the nail, which wasn't much at all. As I continued to soak twice daily, I also would thin, whatever nail was still properly attached to my nailbed, about 2 times a week.

It's been 9 months and my toenail is just about fully grown back.

You really can't miss a day, because the fungus will start to grow back and lift the nail up off the nail bed again. But if you keep soaking twice a day, it really should work. For the first 2-3 months I didn't see any change, but just when I felt like giving up, I started to see a a thin pink moon shaped sliver growing out of the nail bed. It grows very slowly and as long as I kept using the Apple Cider Vinegar and hot water soaks, it continued to grow a normal nail and I could tell that this time it was attached properly to the nail bed. It only works if its done twice a day every day. Sometimes I would do it for 20 minutes if there wasn't enough time.

I really owe it to Earth Clinic for the reviews that encouraged me to keep trying when nothing seemed to be working until I gave in and tried the hot water and Apple Cider Vinegar mixture.

I normally don't write reviews, but I wanted to encourage other toenail fungus sufferers to give Apple Cider Vinegar a try.


Ginger

Posted by Tammy B. (Anderson, Sc) on 04/07/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Coconut oil for sinuses, ginger root for nail fungus

I am a dog groomer-8 years I've breathed dog dander/hair/nail dust, etc.. and have kept a perpetual sinus infection, and eye infections off and on..I constantly worry about the constant use of allergy pills and decongestants, and finally on a whim tried the coconut oil in my nose, hanging my head upside down... The results have been unbelievable!! Worried I might be making a mistake, I googled "what if I etc", and got your info... Such a relief!! (I used the oil in my eye, also, and the results are just unbelievable) So far, all GOOD! Also, groomers keep wet feet and are often plagued w/ foot fungus.. I also had nail fungus, and first tried c. oil mixed with baking soda, which kept it from spreading, but that was it...

Then I tried ginger.. Fresh ginger root, smushed up under my toenails, as well as on the surface... Believe it or not, IT IS KILLING THE NAIL FUNGUS! In just 6 weeks I have almost brand new toe nail.. Almost completely gone!


Coconut Oil

Posted by Kristbjörg (Reykjavik, Iceland) on 10/15/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have had toenail fungus for 28-30 years. I have tried so many things to get rid of the fungus. Using tee tree oil 2-3 times a day for many months I could see it affected the fungus, it got dry hard and still more yellow but still stuck to the nailbed. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda, chlorine. Soaking my feet for 30 min every night in vinegar and salt or vinegar and baking soda. Too times I have taken terbinafine for many months at a time. This fungus medication is bad for you and each time the fungus was back in 2-3 months. Name it I think I have tried it all.

I had not heard anything about coconut oil regarding toenail fungus but I had heard about that it had some effect on fungus and I had used coconut oil in my scalp for some years because of dandruff and that seemed to be the only thing that worked.

I thought I had discovered something totally new with the coconut oil ;) that people did not know about. Why had nobody told me about this?

I started my treatment by cutting my nails as short as I could, all parts that were loose, then I took a new toothbrush (soft and dense type), brushed coconut oil over the nail and nailbed, every morning and evening. I think it was only about a week that I could see differense; the thick part under my nail was diminishing. Now its 5-6 months since I started with the coconut oil and my nails are without fungus plus they are smooth!


Multiple Remedies

Posted by Kristina (Evergreen, Co) on 05/19/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I've had toenail fungus for years but was slow on the uptake. At first my last two nails on each foot grew in deformed and separated from the nailbed, growing upward. Eventually my big toenails grew in ribbed and discolored. They also began to separate from the nailbed and developed white patches. I also developed my first Ingrown nail. After a lot of research I began using tea tree oil along with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and ACV. Two months in my nails are growing in clear and smooth!

Here's the regimen that works for me: (I keep the nails trimmed very short. I clean my tools regularly as well. ) In my morning shower I scrub my nails with a designated toothbrush and Dr. Bronners peppermint oil soap. Before I step out of the tub, I spray my toes with hydrogen peroxide. ( It comes in spray bottles at my local drug store)

Next, I swab my nails with alcohol on a cotton ball, then with ACV on a cotton ball, then I paint my nails and cuticles with a qtip and tea tree oil. I follow the same regimen at night. From other posts I've learned I've got to keep this up long after it appears the fungus is gone. I use this regimen because it's easy, cheap and I can sustain it over time. And it's working! It took only a few days for the white patches to disappear and of course the whole nail needs to grow in to see results.

I also have begun drinking lemon water to alkalize. Don't know which is helping the most but I suspect it's the tea tree oil given that's what I use the most of. These items are inexpensive and I'm grateful I didn't try medication as my friend did. Her fungus has cleared up but she's concerned about liver problems.

As an added bonus... My feet are always clean and I feel I am nurturing myself every time I take care of them.


Coconut Oil

Posted by Kat (Los Angeles, Ca) on 01/20/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have been ingesting coconut oil for 4 months and to my surprise my nails no longer have a fungus, are no longer thick, yellow or split. I am shocked how they have grown back as pink, thin and straight as my nails on my fingers! I did not have to rub coconut oil on my feet or nails directly, rather I simply ingested a 1-2 tablespoons 3x a week for the last 4 months. Now that I am a firm believer in the miracle of coconut oil I am going to start using it on my feet as well just to stay moisturized and help keep any fungal or bacterial infections away!

Side note: When I feel a sore throat coming on I will swish around a teaspoon of coconut oil in my mouth twice a day for 5-10 minutes. Each time no sore throat has developed, and my husband who has the same symptoms doesn't believe in the treatment so has refused and gets a full blown sore throat and cold, while I have no other symptoms.


Coconut Oil
Posted by Migrog67 (Santa Monica, Ca) on 05/08/2015
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have had athletes foot for nearly 50 years and a fungus on my left big toe for more than 35 years. The nail of the toe was completely black and the skin underneath the nail was hardened. The nail grew, but could not connect to the nail bed. I've had the nail completely taken off by a podiatrist as I was told that was necesary to start a new growth. Over these many years, I have tried one remedy after another and was told the only sure cure might also damage my liver. I opted to just wear closed toe shoes for the rest of my life rather that risk death due to a damaged liver.

I began using coconut oil in my food and on my skin for health reasons about 3 years ago, but just this past week, I read that it was also beneficial for nail fungus and decided to give it a try. Lo and behold, after only three days of use - morning and night, I can't believe that the color has begun to come back to my nail! I was so surprised that I decided to take a picture of the nail so that I could show its progress and put it on YouTube. I wish I had taken a picture the first night because no one would believe what it looked like just 3 days ago. Obviously I have a long way to go. The hard calcification under the nail is still there, but for only three days use, I didn't really expect it to. I also didn't expect that the color would have begun to return either. What a blessing and pleasant surprise.


Black Cumin

Posted by Faeqa (Amman, Jordan) on 11/01/2012 67 posts
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Peace upon all of you, I used black cumin (Nigella Sativa) for internal and external fungus and it give me a very good result, I think if you use it for Jock Itch it may give the same.

The way I used is: grind it then add ACV, let it stand around one hour to be a soft paste, take internally one teaspoon 2 times a day (before or after meal).

I used this paste externally for skin fungus especially feet fungus and it gives magic results and cure it forever.

Don't grind alot of black cumin, just prepare for 2-3 days every time and keep it tightly in a jar because it oxidize by air.


Dietary Changes

Posted by Neverenough (Baltimore, Maryland) on 09/21/2012
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

The problem with Athlete's Foot and Toe nail Fungus is that it is coming from your insides out. Your body flushes toxins out of your system through the sweat of your feet, pits, etc....

When you allow a build up of toxins in your systems and don't replenish the good stuff; you become prone to anything and everything under the sun.

It took me years to discover this even though most of this is explained to us when we are in high school. But you believe you are invisble and your body will always function the same way as when you were 19. Not so.

I decided to take my health more seriously recently after having bouts of all kinds of aliments. Which are really too numberous to post. But let's just say, I was a fully functional adult and was becoming dependent on those around me. I had been diagnosed with all kinds of issues and most were immune disfunctions.

I had been on every medication you could possible put someone on, for the side effects of this I had to take that-it was a vicious cycle. I was on an EXTREMELY high dose of pain killers as well and becoming more and more depressed as the months wore on.

I decided to stop the madness and quit everything I was being perscribed. I even quit going to the doctor's office because I was so sick of nothing working or if it did, it was only temorary.

I got myself on a daily regimen of vitamins, anti oxidants, Omega 3s, anything I figured I was lacking. With great success, I am pain free and so much more independent. I also noticed that the "things I was diagnosed with" were becoming less of an issue. We all feel that we are truly getting our daily intake of vitamins from the foods we eat, yet every story on the news is how these things are truly poisoning us.

I have noticed that by putting the good stuff back into my system the problems I was having have become less of "problems" and by minimal amount of application, the nail fungus and athlete's foot are gone. It is a problem #1 With the immune system and #2 With not putting back into your body what is taken out on a daily basis to run our hectic lives and #3 Taking more time to be good to ourselves and less time stressing because something isn't as we would like it to be.

My over all health has improved drastically since I began to refuel my body to do it's miraculous job of keeping me healthy. Think about this; where did the fungus come from? And for some, why does it come back so quick? You need to boost your immune system and boost your anti-oxidants and let your body do what it does best, fight the bad stuff. You can certainly help it along with treatments, but the most important is to fix it from the inside to take care of the outside.

It has worked for me and I am so thankful I paid attention to my body. It really does tell you what you need.


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 03/25/2011
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I had toe nail fungus under my big toe for about six years. In the past I had taken tablets for six months but it didn't clear it up. It was also starting to affect my other big toe. After taking the apple cider vinegar for about three months (with bicarb soda) (2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar with 1/4 tsp bicarb) the toe nail fungus is now totally gone. It took three months but you could see it clearing as the nail grew.


Ted's Remedies

Posted by David (Denver, Co) on 03/07/2011
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Yea for Ted's Remedy -

Thanks Ted, I have dealt with toe nail fungus for about 6 years. I actually took the pills (which have gone generic in the last 2 or so years, dropping the price considerably) but noticed a huge effect on my health while doing so. It was sucessful in curing 4 of 5 affected nails, it took about a year and a half to see the results. One toe nail in particular looked suspcious so was applying ACV to it, along with an over the counter fungus remover. It was masked but never really cured, it was on a smaller toe so it wasn't very noticable and I ignored it for a while. This winter I vowed to have another go at curing it and came upon this site.

Ted's recommendation worked wonders for me. I filed down the nail as much as possible, I thought I went to far as I started to feel a bit of irritation and some very slow bleeding but proceeded anyway. I put ACV, H2O2, and a small amount of listerine (another site's recommendation) in a bucket to soak the affected foot. After I would follow up with the bleach/water solution. In the morning I would coat the foot with the Tree/Lavender oil (mixed with vasoline) and at night after the soak I would use Lamisl and I would re-coat with the Tree/Lavender before bed. After 3 days I saw that the nail had hardened under where I had previously filed. The portion under the nail, that I though was the nail bed was really just infected nail that was soft and looked and acted like nail bed (and actually bled), it was really a surprise and now I know where the reinfection was coming from. I re-filed the area again (no bleeding or irritation this time) and saw a huge improvement in the general area and nail, along with dead skin sloughing off of my foot. I have been at it for 2 weeks with exellent results and the new toe nail coming in looks great. I believe that with diligence and this method I will end this stupid thing that has inconvienced my summers for too long. I wanted to leave my feedback and say thanks my foot health in general is so much better. I wanted to comment that a lot of dead skin on the foot may be the same fungus as what can work its way under the nail, I have had a similar dissapearance of that dead skin on my foot while taking the pills and now while doing this soaking method.

I also wanted to leave feedback to some of the other users of this method. I believe that some other people that have different symptoms (i.e. Not just nail fungus) and should look at different methods as this can be pretty agressive on the skin. For instance, start with the recommended soaking times and if it irritates the condition, stop using. I have upped my soaking times in the past week to a few hours (for the ACV/H202) when available with no adverse effects on my feet.


Alcohol, GFSE, Tea Tree Oil

Posted by Mountaingirl (Asheville, Nc) on 09/25/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

This is my post from several years ago.

05/30/2006: Melissa from Asheville, NC: "I developed toenail fungus while working in Athens, GA about 6 years ago. I would work 12 hours a day in the same shoes for over a year and used regular dress socks. The summers are very moist and humid and perfect conditions for toenail fungus. It is on both "pinky" toes but started developing on other nails though not as bad. 2 years ago it seemed to get worse and I kept my toenails manicured and polished to hide the nails. I believe, as others do, this made things even worse though my feet did look a lot prettier. This year, I got tired of trying to hide my nails and decided to try a natural remedy (Grateful Body Fungal Rx). It contains a day and night formula in convenient tubes so I could carry them with me and use discreetly. They recommend each to use at least 1x per day for at least 6 weeks. I've been using for several months and noticed a little improvement but not much. I found this site and started throwing everything I had at this issue (I figured if I didn't do it now, I'd live with it forever). My grandmother had both large toenails removed and I did not want the same to happen. My pinky toenails seemed like they were almost fused to the nail bed. They are very thick and yellow and starting to look deformed though still attached to my nail bed. I started this regimen last week and I am seeing good results. The nail seems no longer fused to the nail bed. and I can actually push the cuticle back (impossible before). The nails seem to be growing in cleaner, no ridges, normal thickness and no red streaks through the nail (as in the infected part). I am so psyched but trying no to get too hopeful. This is what I've been doing in morning AND evening, everyday: I keep a clean toothbrush for scrubbing my nails. I use a natural bar soap and scrub my nails (I use the sink because it's easier for me) with warm water. dry. I then keep a little bottle of pre mixed 3% H2O2 and ACV (5% acidity) 1/2 and 1/2 under the sink and pour this over all my toe nails (over toilet). I let this sit while I brush teeth (different toothbrush ;), wash face etc. I may add more and let sit again for a little while. I don't get much fizzing...sometimes more than others. Sometimes I get a little "pinched" feeling, but not usually. rinse. dry. I also keep a little bottle (old tincture bottle with dropper) with 25% clorox and water mixed. I then add this to nails and let sit 30 seconds or so on each foot. rinse. dry. I follow with Red Tyme oil (night) or Fungal Rx in the morning. I may add the night formula again if I go to bed late. Some people are sensitive to Red Thyme. I have very thick, oily skin and it does not bother me to use it neat. I wear sandals to work (never did before) and apply Fungal Rx several times a day while at my desk. Like I said, this really seems to be working and I am very hopeful. Once cleared up, I plan to buy more Fungal Rx and use daily for a year or so. I don't want this to come back. Also, I'll work on internal Candida... I know it runs in my family and I need to knock it out too. Thanks to this site and all the comments/feedback!!! I'll write back later in a few months to let you know if results continued."

I wanted to follow up and tell you that I was never able to fully get progess against the toe nail fungus until recently. I was able to spend most of my summer outdoors (albeit a lot of time at the pool w/moisture!) but I wore sandals all summer and allowed my feet to get full sun a good portion of the day. I also did hydrogen peroxide/cider vinegar soaks about 1x per month. The BIG difference has come from using a old glass spray bottle filled with:

2 Tbs. alcohol
10 drops grapefruit seed extract
20 drops tea tree oil

I apply this 2x per day and after getting my feet wet. At one point, my nails got very brittle and I started an application of coconut oil every once in a while. My nails are growing back completely normal and seem to be growing faster so I am able to trim them more often. There is only about 1/4 inch of "yellowed" nail reamining...which I should be able to trim off in the next 2 months. I will continue this all winter and give any updates. Good luck, don't give up!


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Enaks (New Rochelle, Ny) on 09/15/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I tried many different home remedies and prescription meds. Nothing worked. Then I came across Dr. Walt Stoll website and his vinegar treatment. Basically two drops of vinegar at the base of each toenail, twice a day. YOU MUST BE PATIENT. This cure takes a long time to work as it protects the NEW nail growth from getting the fungus. The fungus you already have on your nails must GROW out. So this treatment takes a long time and you must not miss an application. I have done this vinegar treatment twice a day since the end of Oct 2008 and it works. I am so happy and I have nice nails again! Don't get discouraged, it's a slow process. It takes about 30 seconds for each treatment, twice a day, for a total of one minute a day. Before that I was soaking my feet in mouthwash, used vapor rub, tea tree oil, prescription meds, light therapy, etc. I was walking around worried that someone would smell my vapor rub on my feet. ugh! I want to spread the word that vinegar works!! I applied mine after my shower, sat on the floor, dried my feet, used eyedropper and dripped vinegar on cotton swab to swish the vinegar around on the nail. Just a couple of drops each nail, then let them air dry. I also used some cheap foot powder to keep my feet dry for the day. In the evening I used the vinegar again, but not powder. My nails are CLEAR after 11 months, the time flies, and after a few months you will begin to see the new growth. I've been wearing flip-flops the past few months! I hope you all try it.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Thankful (Gurnee, Illinois) on 09/11/2009
★★★★☆

Editor's Choice

I am in awe of the power of something as simple as apple cider vinegar. Two years ago I dropped a hairdryer on my right big toe. Apparently this was enough to cause an interruption in the nail bed where fungi developed. It started deceptively slowly with just a thin white strip on the side of the nail that was barely noticeable. My podiatrist didn't seem particularly concerned about it, so neither was I. Besides, I typically wear nail polish and didn't have to look at it. However, at the beginning of this week I took my nail polish off and all the sudden I was the creature from the black lagoon! Ewwwwwwwww!!!!!! Approximately 80% of my nail was funkified with yellow and white globules, bumpy, thick and just gross. I have never suffered with anything like this in my life so I was freaked out big time. I knew there is absolutely no way I could take another prescription like lamisil because I take so many drugs for other more serious conditions. My poor liver is stressed as it is so I went to the internet in desperate need of help from the homeopathic community. Thank God for websites like this one! I soaked my infected toe in full strength apple cider vinegar for 3 days equaling 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night. I saturated a piece of toilet paper with the ACV and just laid in on the nail while I watched tv. In just six treatments the infected part of my toenail fell off this afternoon with no pain whatsoever. Under the nail was the grossest wet sawdust-like substance I have ever seen. I can hardly believe the ACV worked so quickly to eradicate the ick. If someone would have told me that it would work this quickly I never would have believed it after everything I have read. At this point, my plan going forward is to use a spray bottle to apply the ACV after I shower and then apply tea tree oil for a fungus killing antiseptic while also using an over the counter fungal care you paint on before bed. I know it will take months for the nail to grow back, but I feel hopeful that I can put this behind me. At least now I can see a healthy pink nail bed which I absolutely will NOT be covering with nail polish. Any additional suggestions in how to proceed would be much appreciated. A big thanks to everyone for posting and sharing.


Ted's Remedies

Posted by janedoe (Concord, NH) on 01/07/2009
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I was in my first triathlon last August and during my training had damp feet a lot...going from swimming to biking to running. Back in Sept. noticed the fungus. Tried store bought medicine, didn't do a thing. My brother has it on all toes, took oral medicine, didn't work! I found this site in Nov., have been using the acv/hydrogen peroxide, then beach/water soak, then AM teatree oil, PM monastat 7 cream w/bandaid at night, and my nail looks 80% better! I know it takes several months to go away, but I'm convinced this is the best treatment! I give myself a pedicure often, and cut back, and file the nail so that the soaks can get at it. I'm very impressed. Will post again when fungus completely gone! OK, so here's the deal: 50/50 ACV/Hydrogen peroxide, 1capfull of bleach/4 capsful of water, rinse between soaks. Then teatree oil in the AM, and Monastat 7 at night with a bandaid.


Castor Oil

Posted by Ann (Algonquin, IL) on 04/17/2008
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have successfully used castor oil to treat toenail fungus. My baby toenail was completely taken over by fungus. It had a black line running through it as well (another sign of fungus). I did this treatment twice per day until the nail grew out: First, I put two drops of vinegar on the nail. Then I placed a bit of cotton soaked in castor oil directly on the nail and kept it in place with a bandage. The nail is completely healthy. It's been almost two years since the treatment.


Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Linda (Clyde, Texas) on 02/07/2008
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I've used ACV for many problems including fungal infections. When my son came back from Iraq he had a horrible case of athletes foot. I used 1 cup ACV and distilled water as a foot soak and the infection cleared up completely. He only needed to do the foot soak 1 night. Also, I developed that horrible toenail fungus like my mother had...thick yellow nails with a flaky exudate underneath...I started soaking my toenails in ACV straight from the bottle. After a 10 minute soak, I would use a q-tip and get the ACV up under the nail. Within a week, I had healthy growth of my nails. Now they are completely normal. The prescription for this was $600 which I couldn't afford. The ACV was $3.95 and I only had to use a shot glass of it every night for a week to clear up the problem. Once new growth was healthy, I stopped the toe soaks and have not had to use it again.

I've used ACV to get rid of ringworm too. It works as quickly as black walnut hull extract. Just dab it on with a cotton ball, and BLOW as it burns. It may burn, but it works.

Finally, I worked in Iraq for a year and developed a horrible fungus in my sinuses and had to have emergency surgery. The fungus would always come back and I finally cleared the infection by using ACV in my nasal irrigator every day. I put 1 mL of ACV in a WaterPik bowl, with warm water. It burned and made my eyes water, but I could BREATHE! Anytime I have symptoms of that fungal infection, I immediately start using ACV in my nasal wash. Anytime I have the slightest symptom of cold or sore throat, I use a shot glass of plain ACV and the symptoms are gone with 1 dose. Now my BP is getting high, so I know what to do...I never should have gotten off of it. This is a great site by the way. For beauty, I've used a water/ACV mixture to tighten pores and to eliminate dulling from shampoo. My dogs get 1 mL of ACV in their drinking water every day and NEVER have fleas or ticks. I don't have to purchase expensive flea remedies. Just a little ACV will do it, but you have to be consistent with it.


Distilled Vinegar

Posted by Harrier (Long Beach, CA) on 12/10/2007
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

The website where this was original quoted from is http://askwaltstollmd.com/wwwboard/wwwboard.html

Dr Stoll doesn't mind people using his methods and letting others know. I had bad toenails and used that approach and it all cleared up. Using the two drops at the base allows the white distilled vinegar to absorb through the nail and change the PH under the nail. By using only two drops you also prevent excess moisture from remaining under the nail. You need to apply twice a day 12 hours a part. In about six weeks, you should begin to see a thin clear nail at the base. After 6 months, your nail should grow out. Once the nail grows out, you should continue applying for about three more months. The major mistake people make is forgetting to remain consistant and missing a treatment or applying to much. For that reason cotton schwabs are also recommended. One dunk for each foot. This treatment does take a while and is 100% effective if you do it corretly and have virtually no expense. For some it has taken two and a half years, most cases are cured between 9 months and a year. Once your nail is infected, Dr Stoll feels you must grow healthy nail to push out the bad nail. Another recommendation is to drink two Tablespoons of ACV with apple juice or water twice a day. This helps treat fungus. Remember white distilled vinegar on the outside and Apple Cider Vinegar orally. Not the other way around.


Cut the Nail Down

Posted by J. Riley (Honolulu, Hawaii) on 04/30/2007
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I had nail fungus on most of my nails-over half of them. I had a problem years ago with only the thumb nail. This time it was really bad-I'd had artificial nails and I neglected them. When they were removed, my nails were absolutely gone-paper thin with fungus. After removal this continued to spread lower and lower. Over half of my nails had extensive fungus--apparent by the unattached white colored nails. Some were almost unattached all the way down to the "moon". From my other incident years ago I learned there is NO cure other than to cut away COMPLETELY ANY and ALL nail that isn't attached (debriding). I messed around with a thumbnail for over 2 years. Attended a doctor who game me Rx and told me to keep my nail dry-nearly impossible. Finally I got fed up and cut down the thumbnail all the way as far as I could. Knowing this, this time I cut back my nails completly all the way down as far as possible. This involved over half of most of them. Kind of hard on the eyes, but why screw around with all these liver damaging drugs, and soaking, and failures. Amazing! I marked the calendar: by the time 4 weeks had passed all of my nails had reached the point of where the natural quick is--except the 2 thumbnails-they're alot slower! It's been 6 weeks since I trimmed them all the way back. I did have to invest in some special clippers-"cuticle trimmers". Otherwise it would have been impossible to get rid of all the "white"with regular nail clippers. The clippers are about $14.00. Much better than Dr. bills, Rx's soaks, salves; Also much better than fooling around for weeks, months, and years. Generally for me, the smaller the nail, the faster the recovery. I would like to thank the manicurist on this site for her imput. She has been a manicurist for 19 years and her advice includes using clear iodine on your nails. This, she says makes the nails grow fast. I have a slow thyroid so the iodine thing is very intesting to me. The best part aobut ths whole thing is: Not only did my nails fill back in quickly, but now they are the strongest I've ever seen them! Almost every night I put the clear ("blanco") iodine on them. I'm not a doctor, but I would NEVER take any prescription drug that would damage the liver. That to me is unconsiousable. I am not a doctor and cannot advise others. All I wish to do is share how quickly this worked for me and how strong my nails are now! I'm very grateful!


Cayenne

Posted by Vince (Philadelphia, PA) on 09/21/2006
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I cured the fungus by applying cayenne in salt water under the nail. I applied it and cleared any dead skin, and applied it again. working it under. I only applied it once, and it hasn't been back in 3 yrs. VF

All I do is mix a little cayenne with salt in water. Maybe 1/8tsp of each in about 3oz, and just soak the nail or skin for athlete's foot. For nail fungus I try to clean out any debris and reapply it, to make sure it gets in. I only had to treat mine once. I have a thumbnail that looks like it is separating in one spot. Maybe I caused it by cleaning my nails with a penknife a few times, but I treated it anyway. VF


Iodine, ACV, H2O2

Posted by Ryan (Sidney, Ohio) on 06/04/2006
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Yellow Toe Fungi" has many names and affects different people different ways. One of the more common forms of the fungi is, "hermaphrodite" (careful, a simple misuse of Google(R) yields very "different" results). Whatever the name of the parasite, it will generally fall under the category of, "dermatophytes". These creatures are indigenous to dark, warm & moist areas - which is why the foot is a lovely place for these critters.

The "cure" depends greatly on the person and WHERE the critters are located. Because the dermatophytes have to work "under cover" or under the nail - the further back they can get the safer they are. Some infections may be close to the tip and others may be back at the root. This is usually determined by how long the infection has existed.

There are 2 top-level treatment options for an infected person - internal & external. The external option is generally safer but takes longer to cure or possibly renders no result if the infection is not reachable externally. We can take advantage of osmosis in these cases though. The internal option often yields a higher success rate but generally isn't as good for the body. The reason being is that the chemicals/solutions/items that you ingest for the nail fungi aren't so great for the rest of the body - primarily the liver. I usually recommend an external option before resorting to an internal option.

EXTERNAL OPTIONS:
1.) Twice a day (or every bathing session) rigorously was the toes/fingers with soap and water(stop if cracking or drying of the skin occurs). We do this to help keep any new infections away cause these infectious critters don't need any help.
2.) Spend time outdoors in the sun barefoot. You don't have to walk or anything, just let your feet/hands be exposed to the sun. We do this because these infectious critters HATE the light.
3.) Twice a day submerge your toes/fingers in a 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar & Hydrogen Peroxide solution for 30-45 minutes. After done soaking let your fingers/toes AIR DRY in the sun preferably. We do this because the vinegar helps to normalize PH and the Hydrogen Peroxide helps oxygenate the affected area. Infections HATE alkaline & oxygen rich environments.
4.) Twice a day apply to dry fingers/toes DECOLORIZED iodine, completely covering the "free edge", cuticle, top area of nail & sides of the nail bed. We do this to better assist the normalization of body PH. Use iodine after consulting a licensed medical doctor as some individuals are allergic (which is a whole other topic).
5.) Before bed time each night, apply a "Vapor Rub" in liberal portions to all the areas mentioned in step 4. The Vapor Rub doesn't HAVE to be the Vicks(R) brand. You can go generic here. The MAIN ingredient your looking for in whatever you use is "eucalyptus oil". After application cover with a sock (even if it's the hand) to prevent smearing and removal.
6.) You'll need to reduce or eliminate your intake of acidic based refreshments (soda, soft drinks or pop). These type of refreshments support an acidic body PH which can decrease blood circulation (a key element to the healing process). If nothing else, your liver will thank you.
7.) Don't trim your nails too close to the nail bed(wait until AFTER you have reduced the current infection to start this practice). It's not unhygienic to have a small amount of nail overhang and it makes it harder for NEW infections to enter. The total healing time depends on the type/amount/length of infection & whether you take preventative measures to ward off a relapse. Generally speaking you should see some type of an improvement within 7 days if you follow the above instructions.

INTERNAL OPTIONS: Internal options are generally pharmaceutical options but there are some homeopathic internal options.

1.) Ingesting Apple Cider Vinegar is said to have positive effects with toe fungi. I recommend doing your own research on ACV gestation because I have never taken it internally myself and I'm not sure about quantities or dosing.

2.) Ingesting 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda every 3-4 days for 1 month. I personally have never tried this but I do know that taking baking soda in the amount/interval shown above will have wondrous affects on the body's PH balance (it brings acidic PH to alkaline and Vice a Versa). With an alkaline body PH the body is in the best possible position to fight off ALL foreign bodies and parasites.

I would strongly recommend attempting the External options I have listed first. *It is important to note that I AM NOT a licensed medical doctor and that my statements here HAVE NOT been reviewed by ANY licensed medical doctor from ANY country. My statements here are intended for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and I am not telling you to apply or undergo any medical treatments / procedures / applications.



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