What about Home Remedies, do they work?

The Truth About Home Remedies for Nail Fungus

“Too good to be true?” Home remedies for nail fungus treatment are cited across the Internet. The best practice is to seek medical advice from trained professionals above-and-beyond searching the Internet for what does or doesn’t work.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil produced from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, an Australian plant. According to the National Institute of Health, Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties and is only “18% effective” in treating nail fungus. In this study patients were required to apply tea tree oil twice a day for 6 months. When compared to a 90% success rate from laser treatment, Tea tree oil is a substandard option.

Vinegar

Vinegar is popularly listed under home remedies to treat nail fungus. The acidic properties of Vinegar can inhibit the growth of fungus by changing the pH balance of the affected area, however. Patients would have to soak their feet for 5 minutes twice a day for 12 months to see a result, furthermore. There are no scientific studies supporting the use of Vinegar as safe or effective home remedy to treat nail fungus.

Oregano Oil or Olive Oil

These oils have the added benefit of softening the nail and cuticle and possess similar properties as tea tree oil. Soft nails resist cracking better, which keeps fungus, bacteria and other particles from entering the nail. Patients have to apply these oils twice a day for six months and deal with slippery toes and feet; which present other potential health risks.

Listerine

The antibacterial qualities in Listerine 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 nail matrix where the fungus thrives.

Note: Laser Nail Treatment is safe, possesses no chemicals, and has efficacy of 80-90%.