Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails.

If your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment. If your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help. But even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back.

Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis (on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis). When fungus infects the areas between your toes and the skin of your feet, it’s called athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).

Tips To Treat Toe Nail Fungus

1. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca, is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic abilities.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthTrusted Source, some small-scale clinical studies showed that tea tree oil might be effective against toenail fungus.

To use, paint the tea tree oil directly onto the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Find therapeutic-grade tea tree oil here.

2. Oregano oil

Oregano oil contains thymol. According to a 2016 review, thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab. Some people use oregano oil and tea tree oil together.

Both products are potent and may cause irritation or allergic reaction. Combining them may increase this risk. You can also find oregano oil online.

3. Olive leaf extract

An active substance in olive leaf extract, oleuropein, is thought to have antifungal, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting abilities.

You can apply olive leaf salve directly to nail fungus or ingest in capsule form.

According to this review, taking one to three olive leaf capsules with meals twice daily is more effective than olive leaf salve in treating toenail fungus. Drink plenty of water throughout this treatment. Find olive leaf extract capsules or oil online.

4. Ozonized oils

Ozonized oils such as olive oil and sunflower oil are “injected” with ozone gas.

According to a 2011 studyTrusted Source, this type of ozone exposure in low concentrations for a short duration can then inactivate many organisms such as fungi, yeast, and bacteria.

Another study found ozonized sunflower oil was more effective in treating toenail fungus than the prescription topical antifungal, ketoconazole (Xolegel).

To treat toenail fungus with ozonized oil, work the oil into the affected toenail twice a day.

5. Vinegar

Only anecdotal evidence exists supporting vinegar as a treatment for toenail fungus. Still, it’s a reasonably safe home remedy to try.

To use, soak the affected foot in one part vinegar to two parts warm water for up to 20 minutes daily.

6. Listerine

Listerine contains ingredients such as menthol, thymol, and eucalyptus, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This may be why it’s a popular folk remedy for toenail fungus.

Supporters of the treatment recommend soaking the affected foot in a basin of amber-colored Listerine for 30 minutes daily.

7. Garlic

You may treat toenail fungus with garlic by placing chopped or crushed garlic cloves on the affected area for 30 minutes daily.

It may be better, and less smelly, to treat it from the inside out with garlic capsules. Take as directed by the manufacturer.

8. Change your diet

The link between diet and health is clear. The healthier the foods you eat, the better chance your body has to fight off conditions such as toenail fungus.

Give your body the nutrients it needs by eating:

probiotic-rich yogurt
enough protein to support nail regrowth
enough iron to prevent brittle nails
a diet rich in essential fatty acids
foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as low-fat dairy products