Q. I have been diagnosed with dreaded toenail fungus. My doctor recommended an oral medication that is taken over several months, or even up to a year.
This medication can cause liver damage, though, so I want to try to avoid going this route. I have heard of several home remedies, including tea tree oil and Vicks VapoRub.
I am currently trying Vicks. My toenail has fallen off, but how can I tell if this treatment is successful? Do you have any other recommendations?
A. We have been collecting home remedies for nail fungus for years, so we have several suggestions. Now that your toenail has fallen off, you’ll need to keep treating it for several months until it grows out fungus-free.
One reader had this experience: “I had a toenail fungus, and the nail was about to come off. My doctor referred me to a podiatrist but commented, if it weren't so far gone, he would recommend putting Vicks VapoRub on it. I tried it anyhow and got results within days. It saved me a trip to a podiatrist. Three years later, the nail is perfect.”
Other people have had success treating nails with hydrogen peroxide, Listerine, vinegar or tea tree oil. We are sending you our Guide to Hair and Nail Care so you can learn more about these approaches.
