Many old wives tales still circulate regarding home treatments for onychomycosis and the majority of these remedies revolve around everyday items found in every home. Many of these treatments use items such as beer, Listerine, Vicks Vaporub, oregano or lavender oil, apple cider vinegar and don’t forget chlorine bleach. Let’s take a quick look at each remedy and then we’ll explain the reasons we think they are a total waste of your time.

Beer

Ingredients: One liter of white vinegar, half sachet of acidophilus and one liter of dark beer at room temperature.

Regimen: For 30 days the fingers or feet need to be soaked in this solution for ? hours, at minimal, once each day. For greater results, it’s suggested that this soaking take place two times each day for up to three months. The area needs to be completely dried after treatment (a hairdryer is suggested).

Listerine

Product information: A mouthwash, Listerine is alcohol based with ingredients that include methyl, thymol, menthol, eucalyptol and salicylate.

Regimen: Place infected nail in a small container filled with Listerine and soak for 30 minutes. Repeat twice each day for at least six months.

Warning: If your feet are cracked this treatment can be very uncomfortable and painful since this product does have a high level of alcohol.

Vicks Vaporub

Product Information: This product is designed as a topical cough suppressant. We actually located individuals who have used Vicks as a nail fungus treatment!

Regimen: Twice each day, rub a substantial amount of Vicks into the infected nail. Treatment should take place for anywhere from half a year to a year and a half.

Research: The University of Michigan has completed research projects that indicated Vicks is an ineffective treatment for more than 62 percent of users that took part in the study. An additional survey of consumers indicated that more than 90 percent of those who used Vicks Vaporub for up to one year would not recommend the treatment to others.

Warning: Vicks Vaporub has not been approved by either the FDA or the manufacturer as an effective treatment against nail fungus infections.

Essential Oils

Most frequently used: Lavender, Oregano or Tea Tree Oil.

Regimen: We have located a number of recipes that use one or more of these oils either individually or combined. The common factor in each remedy is the need to apply the oil at least, if not more, two times every day for up to six months.

Vinegar

Regimen: Either white or apple cider vinegar can be used. The vinegar should be applied directly to the nail three times per day (for best results apply after showering). Apply daily for a minimum of six months. Weekly, place your nails in a larger tub filled with vinegar for 20 minutes.

Chlorine Bleach

Regimen: Place your feet in a strong solution of ten parts water to one part bleach or a weaker solution of 100 parts water to one part bleach for approximately ? hours per day (15 minutes during the morning and evening is suggested) for up to 30 days. For greater results it’s suggested that the onychomycosis treatment is continued for 60 days. Completely dry the area after every treatment (a hairdryer is suggested).

Warning: Tale note that this is a hazardous and corrosive chemical. Bleach will damage the surrounding skin that is exposed during the bleaching process of the infected nail. Avoid inhaling any fumes and protect your eyes. Keep out of the reach of any children.

After extensive study we found all these treatments a waste of time and here’s why:

Each treatment takes a great deal of time. Most individuals had difficulty performing and sticking to the recommended daily regimen for the recommended timeframe. Individuals involved in our study discontinued use after 7 to 14 days simply because their schedules were too hectic and the treatments were difficult to include in their daily schedules.

Each product may produce a variety of side effects and many are dangerous when used in contrast with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Several examples include chlorine bleach and tea tree oil. Bleach is harsh and can cause serious damage to the surrounding skin and many indicated that they suffered from an allergic reaction, including blisters or rashes on the feet and dermatitis on the hands when using tea tree oil.

After in depth research, both online and by interviewing various health care professionals, we have reached the conclusion that results are rarely positive when home remedies are used. Some may notice a short-term improvement in their condition, but the root cause is rarely addressed or cured simply because these natural remedies are ineffective when used incorrectly.

While initially thought to be inexpensive, using these products several times each day for an extended timeframe can increase the cost substantially.