Remedies To Eliminate Nail Fungus: Myths And Truths

Nail fungus is difficult to get rid of. What does science say about its effectiveness? We analyze it. For quick relief, many people turn to natural or homemade alternatives. Fungal infection is estimated to be responsible for 50% of all nail diseases. Its prevalence worldwide is very high, and at times it can be challenging to eradicate. Due to the latter, home remedies to eliminate nail fungus have emerged as a more “effective” alternative. But are they better than conventional treatment? Different means affirm that therapies based on garlic, vinegar, or turmeric are enough to eradicate nail fungus. Almost always, the affirmations are made for free; it is even stated that they can undo the infection in a matter of days. That is why today, we have given ourselves the task of demystifying some natural remedies for nail fungus, all to resort to the safest and most effective therapy.

Onychomycosis or nail fungus infection

Fungal nail infections are called onychomycosis. As reviewed in an article published in Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets, the condition of the nail region is caused by dermatophyte fungi, non-dermatophyte molds, and yeasts. Most episodes develop due to the proliferation of dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. Non-dermatophytic nail fungal infections manifest in species such as  Aspergillus, Acremonium, Fusarium, Scytalidium, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. If you have onychomycosis, then it means that the nail unit is infected by one of these organisms. Finally, only 2% are generated by yeasts ( Candida albicans, mainly). It may interest you: Having nail fungus: everything you need to know. It is important to note that infections of this type are not just superficial. Indeed, they can also penetrate the subungual tissue. A treatment designed to eliminate them must take the latter into account, especially in patients with diseases such as diabetes. With that being said, can nail fungus remedies deal with the problem? We analyze the myths and the realities of its use.

11 folk remedies to get rid of nail fungus: myths and facts

There are many reasons why people may turn to natural or home therapies to get rid of nail fungus. The lack of time or resources to seek medical attention and the belief that they are effective and safe explain much of their popularity. We already warn you that the clinical picture of nail fungus infection usually overlaps with that of other conditions. Examples include nail psoriasis, lichen planus, yellow nail syndrome, and nail trauma. Therefore, the idea is that you consult a specialist to determine its actual cause and the appropriate treatment according to the case. As for the effectiveness of remedies for nail fungus, we point out that there are significant reservations in this regard. So far, no conclusive evidence supports its use or safety. We review the most popular ones and see what the science says about them.

1. Apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide

Myth. According to popular belief, combining apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide creates an antifungal remedy to eliminate nail fungus on both hands and feet. It is stated that it is enough to mix it in a 10/90% concentration, respectively, and apply a couple of drops to the affected area until it improves. What does science say? There is not a single scientific work that endorses or approves the combination of these ingredients to eliminate foot fungus. Certain studies have explored its efficacy separately, despite significant reservations and limitations. For example, a paper published in Natural Products Research suggests that apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties, but its effectiveness varies greatly depending on the type of microorganism. Although hydrogen peroxide is claimed to have inhibitory properties against bacterial and yeast species, it is not used clinically to treat fungal nail infections. Reality. Combining apple cider vinegar (and any vinegar) with hydrogen peroxide is ineffective in eradicating nail infection. It is most likely to irritate the skin around them since they usually contract part of the infection or become sensitive to it.

2. Garlic

Myth. It is not difficult to find claims that garlic is an effective remedy to eliminate nail fungus. Those who use it create a paste by grinding this ingredient, which they apply to the nail surface. What does science say? A paper reported in Molecules in 2020 suggested that garlic extract has an antifungal effect against Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, two fungi that cause onychomycosis. Another study in International Letters of Natural Sciences found that its compounds are effective against Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypsum, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Reality. Garlic, as a natural home remedy for nail fungus, has little support. Its effectiveness is limited, so it cannot be said to reverse the infection completely.

3. Plain yogurt

Myth. It is not very well known when the legend began, although perhaps it was born due to the attribution of probiotics to control and improve the bacterial population. Some decide to apply a little yogurt on the infected areas to try to get better. What does science say? The evidence does not support the use of yogurt to eliminate nail fungus. A work reported in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology attributes a potential benefit to probiotics in fungal infections. Still, they have no practical application for conditions like this. Reality. Although applying yogurt to your nails should not pose any risk or contraindication, the truth is that it is an ineffective therapy that remains mythical.

4. Tea tree essential oil

Myth. Essential oils cannot be missing from home remedies for this problem. In theory, applying a couple of drops of tea tree oil daily can stop and even reverse the progression of the infection. What does science say? Some reports suggest combining tea tree oil with conventional therapies may be better than alone. Despite this, these are old or limited reports regarding the population studied. Reality. Tea tree oil has been used with other agents to treat fungal nail infections. It has not been used independently, so it will likely be ineffective under this format.

5. Vicks VapoRub

Myth. Although Vick VapoRub is an ointment designed to treat various symptoms of respiratory conditions, some use it to promote the recovery of fungus-infected nails. When used like this, it is applied directly to the nails. What does science say? According to a study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, this menthol product may have some positive clinical effects in treating onychomycosis. Most are subjective in the short and medium term, while some people may experience a cure for the infection in a long time. However, the sample of the cited study was minimal. Another study published in the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care evaluated the product’s efficacy in onychomycosis in people with HIV. The researchers found that the therapy may have specific benefits and is safe. Reality. Apart from the studies above, no other works attribute the conclusive effectiveness of Vick VapoRub in reversing infections of this type. It cannot be stated with 100% certainty that it is effective, and in any case, the apparent effects are achieved after almost a year of application.

6. Salt against fungus

Myth. In addition to being a widely used ingredient in the kitchen for all kinds of preparations, some say salt can be a remedy against nail fungus. In principle, it is usually used as a foot bath. What does science say? The effectiveness of this therapy has no basis in science. The remedy usually takes advantage of the apparent benefits of Epsom salts. Although these have specific applications in health (always under medical recommendation), among them is not reversing or inhibiting fungal infections. Reality. The use of salts of any kind is not recommended for onychomycosis.

7. Oregano essential oil

Myth. Along with other nail fungus remedies, oregano essential oil is trendy for home therapy. According to its advocates, it is applied directly to the affected nail, with rapid improvements. What does science say? No studies have evaluated the impact of this essential oil as a treatment for onychomycosis. A work published in Skin Appendage Disorders in 2020 tested its combined effect with vitamin E, lime essential oil, and tea tree essential oil. After 12 months, 78.5% experienced a cure from the infection. Reality. Since there is no scientific evidence on the individual use of oregano oil, it cannot be said to be effective.

8. Baking Soda

Myth. Baking soda is credited with the property of eliminating foot fungus. It is applied directly, also through immersion baths. What does science say? A study in the journal Mycopathology showed that this compound has properties to combat dermatophytes, yeasts, and skin and nail molds. Apart from this work, no others have studied the direct application of bicarbonate for onychomycosis. Reality. Apart from the apparent ability of baking soda to inhibit the growth of fungi, the truth is that its use may have more risks than benefits. It can irritate the skin around the nails, so its use should be avoided in these contexts.

9. Olive Leaf Extract

Myth. According to popular belief, olive leaves have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can be used to reverse nail infections. What does science say? Evidence suggests it may be helpful against Candida infections, but it has only been approved in laboratories and specific settings. The impact of olive leaf extract in these settings has not been studied. Reality. Given the lack of evidence, olive extract is not recommended to treat onychomycosis infections. Neither does the application of olive oil, alternative many people resort to.

10. Ageratin Extract

Myth. Ageratin is a plant used in Mexican culture to treat fungal skin infections and eliminate nail fungus. It is a popular alternative to conventional or formal treatment. What does science say? Evidence for the efficacy of this compound is minimal. There is only one paper published in the journal Planta Medica, which gives it some support. The researchers found their extract to be similar in effectiveness to ciclopirox. Furthermore, the study participants did not experience severe side effects. Reality. In the medium and long term, gelatin extract may specifically affect onychomycosis. Only one study supports this property; the rest has a widespread endorsement.

11. Ozonated oils

Myth. Ozonated oils are natural oils to which ozone gas is added to their composition, the most common being olive and sunflower. They have become popular recently for various dermatological diseases, including skin and nail infections. What does science say? In line with other remedies, there is no scientific support for using ozonated oils to cure onychomycosis. Its use and commercialization are recent, so it’s mechanisms and action mode are unknown. Specific potential uses are attributed to it in the antimicrobial field without forcefulness in this regard. A study published in the International Wound Journal pointed out that, although there is a low probability of significant risk in the short term after its use, the lack of studies that support its use in the medium and long term requires prudent use and more research on its sequelae. On the skin and nails. Reality. Ozonated oils are marketed as a panacea capable of curing almost any dermatological condition. So far, its properties have not been thoroughly studied, so it is convenient to be measured when resorting to them.

Remedies for nail fungus do not have immediate effects.

If the doctor authorizes the use of any home remedy, it is essential to follow his instructions. On the other hand, it is necessary to remember that, in general, home remedies do not provide immediate results, so it is recommended to be patient when resorting to them. An appropriate treatment added to good hygiene can help heal the area and obtain good results, hence the importance of rigorously complying with the doctor’s recommendations.