Vinegar - A Fight Against Nail Fungus

There are many home remedies described today that people say can help to combat nail fungus problems.  One of the most well known home remedies that produce good results is vinegar.  It is certainly important to consult with a doctor if you have persistent toe nail fungus, toe nail fungus that is spreading, or very painful toe nail fungus.  For more moderate nail fungus, a home remedy like vinegar might be all that you need to cure the problem. 

 Vinegar's Background

Vinegar has been used for medical purposes for centuries.  There is documented proof of its use in both China and Greece for medical purposes.  Today, vinegar is found to help decrease and eliminate toe nail fungus.  It's certainly a popular treatment method, as it's easy to find, it doesn't cost much to purchase and it works for both toenails and fingernails. It's also a popular treatment since you don't need a prescription in order to begin trying it, and there are no harmful side effects to worry about.

Which Vinegar To Use?

There are many types of vinegars on the market today including malt vinegar, wine vinegar, fruit vinegar, balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and others.  Many people recommend apple cider vinegar as a toe nail fungus treatment because it works to reduce the inflammation and pain that people experience with nail fungus and it kills the bacteria from the fungus.  Fungus changes the pH balance of the skin when it invades and it often causes irritation and itching.  Vinegar, with its acidic composition, helps to relieve the itching and the pain.  The acidic nature of this remedy also combats the acidic nature of the fungi.  It keeps the fungi from spreading and growing.

How Do I Use Vinegar? 

In order to use vinegar as a home remedy for nail fungus, here are two recommended courses of action.   Many suggest soaking your feet in a mixture of 50% water and 50% vinegar or apple cider vinegar for at least 30 minutes at a time three times a day.  Others report success by applying vinegar directly to the infected part of the nail or to the base of the nail twice a day.  In order for this to be helpful, you do need to make sure that the vinegar remains in place long enough to benefit the infection.    

Vinegar is certainly an interesting home remedy for nail fungus and one that can easily be tried by anyone interested in this home remedy.