The Truth About Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
Home remedies for toenail fungus treatment are widely cited across the internet, but we at Clear Toes, a Houston laser nail treatment clinic, want to give you the facts about these “too good to be true” remedies.
Remember, laser nail treatment for toenail fungus is safe, chemical-free, and over 90% effective.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil produced from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australian plant. While this home remedy has been shown to have antiseptic and antifungal qualities, according to the National Institute of Health is only 18% effective.” This study required patients to apply tea tree oil twice a day for 6 months – hardly worth the effort for such a low success rate.
Oregano Oil or Olive Oil
These oils have similar properties as tea tree oil and have the added benefit of softening the nail and cuticle. Soft nails resist cracking better, which keeps fungus, bacteria and other particles from entering the nail. While these home remedies for toenail fungus in Houston can provide some results to a limited percentage of the population, you have to apply it twice a day for six months and deal with slippery toes and feet.
Listerine
Listerine is a commonly recommended remedy for nail fungus. The antibacterial qualities in this product and others like it can kill bacteria and fungus on the skin, but the active ingredients are too large to pass through the nail and penetrate into the nailbed where the fungus in your toenails lives.
Vinegar
Vinegar is popularly listed under home remedies for toenail fungus in Houston. Vinegar is an acidic liquid which can inhibit the growth of fungus by changing the pH balance of the affected area. Assuming you can soak your feet for 5 minutes twice a day for 12 months you could see a result, however there are no scientific studies showing that this is safe or effective home remedy for nail fungus.
