Vinegar Treatment for Toenail Infection

Toenail infection is caused by a group of fungus, known as dermatophytes. Fingernails can also be infected; however, this type of nail infection is more common on the big toe and little toe. Usually infection starts as a small spot that eventually spreads, if timely treatment is not followed. Toenail infection is transmittable and can spread to other nails and to other parts of the body. Nail fungus or onychomycosis like any other fungus thrives well in moist and dark environments.

Toenail infection is caused due to lack of foot hygiene, infection from a person infected with dermatophytes, and also due to wearing poorly fitting shoes over a period of time. The infection can also be caused due to low immune system, abnormal pH of the skin and peripheral vascular disease . There are mainly three types of toenail infections - distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO), white superficial onychomycosis (WSO) and proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO).

Symptoms of toenail fungus infection include change of color of the nails, thickening and shedding of nails, deposition of keratinous substance under the nails and crumbling of the edges of nails. Foul smell from underneath the infected nails is a common sign of nail infection. Diagnosis of toenail infection is based on the signs and symptoms, lifestyle, medical history and at times, by observing a small sample of the nails under a microscope.

Vinegar Treatment for Toenail Infection

Treatment for toenail infection is required as symptoms of toenail fungus cause pain and discomfort. Treatment is usually done by following certain home remedies and sometimes medications (if necessary). Among the natural remedies of toenail infection, use of vinegar is one of the effective ways that has been followed by many people. Let’s discuss about the use of vinegar in the treatment of toenail fungus.

Vinegar is a dilute acetic acid produced from the oxidation of any liquid containing alcohol. Vinegar's acidic nature helps to kill fungi and bacteria that cause infection. Vinegar is proven to be effective in many cases of toenail infection. However, studies have found out that it is more beneficial in the beginning phases of toenail infection.

One way of using vinegar is by mixing it with water. Mix one cup of pure vinegar with two parts of lukewarm water. Soak the infected nail in this solution for about 20 minutes. Follow this method twice daily (morning and evening). It is recommended to clean hands and feet before and after using the treatment method. Also, make sure that feet and nails are dried, so as to prevent the spread of fungus infection.

Another method is to wipe the infected nails with cotton soaked in a mixture of equal amounts of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide or plain vinegar. One can also put two drops of the above mixture or vinegar in the infected nails with the help of a dropper. Following this twice per day will help in curing nail infection. As the infected nail grows, it is advisable to trim as short as possible until the affected part of the nail disappears.

Some people have claimed that drinking of apple cider vinegar speeds up the healing process. The recommended dose is two tablespoons of pure apple cider vinegar taken thrice daily. Before taking vinegar, it is advisable to seek advice of a physician as it may have certain side effects.

The major drawback of using vinegar in the treatment of toenail infection is that it needs around four to six months for effective results. Also, results may vary from one person to another depending upon advancement of the fungus in the nails. One can use any type of pure vinegar, but it is recommended to use apple cider vinegar and white vinegar (if possible) as they are known to be more helpful in curing toenail fungus.

After toenail infection is treated, proper nail care should be done in order to avoid recurrent infections and complications. Whenever possible, expose your nails to air and choose shoes that fit you properly. It is advisable to keep your toenails dry after bathing or washing your feet. One can use tissue paper to wipe the corners of your toenails. It is to be noted that floors in public places like gyms, locker rooms, shower rooms and areas around swimming pools are contaminated with nail fungus. It is advisable to wear slippers while entering such public areas to avoid toenail infection.