Vinegar is not proven to have anti-fungal properties and may only be effective at reducing the discoloration that is associated with a nail infection rather than removing the fungus itself.
It may be more effective when used as an ingredient in an Acidophilus beer soak treatment, although this too is not proven.
Application of vinegar as a nail fungus treatment
Experts suggest soaking your feet for 15 to 20 minutes in a mixture of 1 part white or apple cider vinegar to 2 parts warm (not hot) water. If this concentration of vinegar irritates your skin, you can decrease the amount added to the water.
Pros and cons of toenail fungus vinegar treatment
Pros:
- Inexpensive home remedy.
- Unlikely to have severe side-effects
Cons:
- The is no direct evidence that vinegar can cure nail fungus. The product is not designed for the treatment of nail fungus.
- Time consuming treatment.
- Vinegar can leave an unpleasant smell.
- Can cause a stinging sensation if there are open cuts or scrapes on the skin.
- The vinegar may simply be improving the appearance of yellow toenails via a bleaching effect rather than addressing the root cause of the disorder (i.e. destroying the fungus).
Purchasing white vinegar
White vinegar is a kitchen staple in many homes. It is widely available in supermarkets and grocery stores.