Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is caused by a group of fungus called dermatophytes which grow as they feed on keratin, the substance which makes up the surface of the toe nails. The big toe and the little toe are most commonly affected. The fungus causes disfiguration and discoloration of the toe nails and is also contagious.
Vicks vapor rub is becoming an increasingly popular home remedy for treating fungal nail infections. Since it is a fairly new home remedy, there is not much concrete proof of its effectiveness. There are many who claim that it has helped cure their nail fungus, while there are also many who have tried it without success. Nail fungus is considered to be a chronic problem and curing it is not so fast and easy. Vicks vapor rub is also not FDA approved for use on nail fungus. Research in this area is thin and there have been some who have found it to be an effective and cheap alternative to other medications with possible side effects. The ingredient thymol which is present vicks vapor rub is thought to be the active ingredient for treating the toenail fungus. However, it may also act by lightening the infected nail and make it appear somewhat better; this must not be mistaken for a cure. None of the ingredients that vicks vapor rub contains have been confirmed to fight fungus. They have been known, in fact, to weaken nails and may end up causing permanent damage to your toenails. Before attempting to use this treatment or any other treatment the effectiveness of which has not yet been fully confirmed, it is always important to seek medical advice.
There are other popular remedies by which you can treat toenail fungus. You can soak a tight wad of cotton in tea tree and insert it between the nail and skin as far as possible. If your nails are too short for this, then you may hold the cotton wad in place with a band aid. Leave this on overnight and wear socks so that the oil does not escape easily. You may also make a mixture of 2 drops of oregano essential oil with 1 tsp of olive oil and apply on the affected area. Oregano contains antiseptic and antifungal properties. Soaking your toenails in a basin filled with warm water and natural apple cider mixed in equal parts is also known to be effective. In addition to this, it is also recommended that you keep your feet dry and clean at all times.