Don’t let summer be a flop because of toenail fungus.
Dr. Scott Walter, a board-certified dermatologist near Denver, is sharing two home remedies for the common but mortifying occurrence of mold under toenails.
He suggests soaking feet in a blend of equal parts white vinegar, yellow Listerine and water twice a week for 15 minutes and using Vicks VapoRub daily.
“Try these two methods!” Walter posted on TikTok last week. “But remember toe nails grow slow so 6-12 months is needed to complete treatment.”
Listerine contains menthol and thymol, which boast antifungal properties, according to Healthline. Walter prefers the yellow version, claiming the green and blue kinds can stain your tub.
Vinegar has also been found to combat some types of foot fungus. Scientific research on these soak ingredients is lacking, but there have been anecdotal reports of their effectiveness.
Dr. Abigail Waldman — a dermatologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital — recommends mixing one part white or apple cider vinegar with three parts warm water and soaking toes for up to 40 minutes at a time. You can substitute Listerine for vinegar.
Waldman warns of increased exposure to fungi in the summer, from getting a pedicure or walking barefoot in locker rooms, spas or near swimming pools.
“Feet are more likely to be sweaty and damp, which provides a better environment for the fungi, yeasts and molds that are naturally present on your skin to flourish,” Waldman said in the Harvard Heart Letter last year.
As for Vicks VapoRub, UCLA physicians say it contains camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol, which may curb the growth of certain fungi. One small study found that Vicks VapoRub “seems to have a positive clinical effect” in treating nail fungus.
Prescription drugs such as Lamisil and Sporanox have shown more success on this front than creams and gels, but side effects can include diarrhea, stomach pain, mood changes and rarely, liver damage.
Meanwhile, Walter’s followers thanked him for the advice and shared some go-to remedies of their own.
“[Tea] tree oil fixed mine,” one crowed. “6 months applied every day.”
“I used a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and saw new growth beginning in 3 days time,” another bragged.