(Important: Always talk to your doctor about medical conditions such as nail fungus. Many people claim to have success treating toenail and finger nail fungus with home remedies, so we feel the information is worth publishing. However, there is usually little if any scientific evidence to back up such home remedy treatments.
Vicks VapoRub for Nail Fungus
Updated 6/05/06. Consumer Reports published promising results from a clinical trial that investigated the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub for treating nail fungus. Unfortunately, the article is no longer available online, so here is the meat of the article:
Michigan State university clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, thought it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months. While the study had notable weaknesses, it nevertheless suggests that VapoRub's efficacy may at least rival that or more costly, prescription topical medication. Oral antifungal drugs are more effective, but they can cause serious side effects. While further research is certainly needed, our chief medical consultant says that VapoRub-or Meijer's Medicated Chest Rub, which contains the same mix of eucalyptus, menthol, camphor, and other oils-is worth a try.
Vicks vs. Lamisil Tablets
Though the clinical studies of Lamisil and Vicks vary in terminology, method, and length, some conclusions can still be drawn. After 48 weeks on Lamisil, 38% of participants had both a negative fungi culture and 0% of their nails infected. 70% of Lamisil patients at 48 weeks demonstrated "negative KOH plus negative culture". It's hard to say exactly what that means, but it sounds like only 38% of patients in the Lamisil study had a "complete cure". In comparison, 32/85 (37.64%) patients in the Vicks study were "clear of the condition". For some people, at least, it seems that Vicks may be a viable alternative to prescription nail fungus treatments. Always talk to your doctor about medical conditions such as this.
Vicks Testimonial
- Here is an email we received from a visitor, who's name we have kept anonymous. Send emails to info@nail-fungus.org
"Best and easiest and safest method of getting rid of nail fungus is VICKS VAPORUB. Jjust need to rub it on your toenails at night and if you wish cover with a sock to keep your bedding clean..somehow it must smother the fungus or something... It is totally harmless, although it has its own smell shortly after you begin treatment. When the nail starts to grow out you will have healthy nail again. Lots of the medical treatments can be dangerous to your liver and you will need your liver enzymes tested from time to time... so try the VICKS." - Anonymous
It has been suggested that the menthol, camphor, eucalyptus in Vicks could be what inhibits or kills the fungi. At least one review I read reported that it temporarily turns the nails a dark, almost brown or black color. Therefore it may be best suited to the toenails, but may be worth experimenting with on fingernail infections. Wearing a sock to sleep to keep the vapor rub off your sheets is probably a good idea.
If you are limiting yourself to home/alternative remedies to treat your nail fungus, Vicks Vaporub seems to have the most evidence backing it up and best results.
Vinegar
Vinegar is also a common recommendation for treating nail fungus. Vinegar is applied to the site of infection two times daily. Apparently this works by making the infected area more acidic. Fungi seem to have trouble living in environments that have an acidic PH balance. Many commercial topical treatments work in a similar way, but are more concentrated and specifically suited to killing fungal infections. Acidic commercial treatments, such as FungiNail, may be preferable to vinegar. However, evidence suggests that acid treatments are not effective on many infections. Vinegar has a rather strong smell, and it may be noticeable to people around you. This is another reason to go with commercial products, though sometimes they have a distinctive medical smell to them. It is important to regularly apply whatever treatment you are using, as recommended. Skipping treatments can give the infection a chance to rebound.
Bleach - Nail Fungus Treatment?
We certainly can't recommend any of these treatments, especially one as severe as bleach. However, we have received comments from visitors stating that using bleach or bleach or products which contain it on their nail fungus has produced positive results. It should be noted that bleach can kill just about any type of organism, including living skin. So it is not a chemical to be treated lightly. It can also bleach your clothing, sheets, and even furniture. Given all of these facts, I feel that there are certainly better and more convenient treatment options for fungal nail infections. Be sure to discuss ANY treatment you are considering with your doctor.
