Vinegar Cure for Toenail Fungus

There are multiple ways of using vinegar. The basic uses of vinegar are that of a preservative and as a seasoner in food. It can also be used as a cleanser, deodorizer, etc.

Fungus is an infection caused by fungi. Fungi grow in warm, moist areas. The toenails are generally warm and moist, due to sweaty shoes and hence are an ideal place for the growth of fungus. The fungal infection normally starts with one toenail and eventually spreads to the others. A toe with a fungal infection appears discolored. The toenail fungus is also called 'tinea of the nails'. When the toenail is affected with fungus, the pH balance of the skin is disturbed, making it alkaline. The alkaline nature of the skin causes irritation in the affected part and gives rise to itching sensation. Vinegar is acidic in nature and helps in relieving this itching sensation. It is used widely by the exponents of the alternative science of medicine.

Different types of vinegar like, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, coconut vinegar, rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, etc. help in the treatment of toenail fungus. It is one of the cheapest available remedies in the treatment of toenail fungus and is easily available everywhere.

Vinegar Cure for Toenail Fungus

1. Take warm water and apple cider vinegar in equal quantities in a tub. Soak your feet in this solution for 15 - 30 minutes. Then pat dry the feet. Be careful that there is no water residue on the feet. The hot water soak can also be alternated with the cold water soak. But the feet have to be pat dried in either of the cases. This should ideally be done thrice a day; in the morning, afternoon and evening.
2. Vinegar can be applied to the base of the toe. The best way is to rather spray the vinegar on the affected toe. This is supposedly more effective than soaking the feet in water.
3. The next remedy is to mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide in the ratio 1:1 and soaking the feet in it for about 2 to 3 minutes. Wash the feet with water at room temperature and apply vaseline over the infected nail.
4. Use apple cider vinegar and pure tea tree oil in the ratio of 1:3 on the affected part. Be sure that the affected part is entirely soaked in the mixture.
5. A bandage soaked in vinegar can be applied to the affected toenail for the entire day. With continual use of the bandage, it can be noticed that the fungal infection reduces and eventually disappears.
6. Apple cider vinegar can also be taken as an oral medicine, thrice a day. The taste is not really good, but it can prove to be a worthy medicine for fungal infection. It can be added to fruit juice to enhance the taste, but it is not really recommended.

The important thing to be remembered is that, in most of the treatments the white vinegar available at the local grocery stores, should be used. Do not use the undistilled variety of vinegar. All the remedies mentioned above should be carried on until the infected toenail is totally outgrown and a new nail is seen. The treatment should not be missed even for a day. For the entire nail to outgrow; it normally takes 6 - 8 months. Patience is the virtue that is required throughout the treatment period. But always remember to keep your feet dry.