How to Care for Toenail Fungus at Home | Essential Foot Care

If you've noticed thickening, discoloration, or crumbling nails, you may be dealing with toenail fungus. It is very common, especially as we get older. While prescription treatments are often the most effective route, there are steps you can take at home that support healthier feet and may help keep fungus from spreading.

Discover how to care for your feet with daily and weekly self-care routines, plus what signs to watch for that may require professional foot care.

Important note: If you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, are immune-compromised, or have increasing pain, swelling, or redness, please schedule an appointment with your podiatrist or primary care physician rather than self-treating. Fungal nail infections can occasionally lead to secondary bacterial infections in higher-risk groups.

What the evidence says about home remedies.

  Home remedies can be supportive but are not proven cures. Dermatology guidance notes small studies for tea tree oil and mentholated ointments, but larger, higher-quality trials are still needed. Think of these as adjuncts to good foot hygiene and professional care.

•   Medical treatments have the strongest results. Prescription oral or topical antifungals and in-office nail care have the best evidence for clearing infection. Your clinician can also thin thick nails to help topicals penetrate.

• Treat the skin too. Athlete's foot on the surrounding skin often co-exists and can re-infect nails. Keeping the skin clear reduces recurrence.

We're including tea tree oil, olive leaf extract, lemon, Listerine®, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and Epsom salt below because clients ask about them often. Evidence ranges from limited to mixed, so use them for comfort and hygiene, not as stand-alone cures.

Daily foot care routine (5-7 minutes)

1.   Wash and dry well. Use warm water and mild soap. Pat dry and make sure to dry between toes to reduce moisture that fungi love.

2.   Apply skin antifungal if needed. If you have peeling or itching on the feet, use an OTC antifungal cream for the skin (not the nails) as directed until clear. This helps prevent re-seeding the nails.

3.   Nail hygiene. Keep nails short and straight across. Disinfect clippers after use and don't share tools. Consider skipping polish while treating so you can monitor progress.

4.   Keep feet dry during the day. Wear breathable shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and change damp socks promptly. Disinfect shoes regularly.

5.   Moisturize skin, not nail surfaces. Hydrate heels and skin to prevent cracks. Keep heavy oils off the nail plate before applying any medicated products.

Weekly foot care routine (15-30 minutes)

  Use the soak recipes in the next section and follow these instructions for weekly care.

1.   Gently file. After soaking, lightly file thick areas of the nail surface to help any topical product reach deeper layers. Do not over-file.

2.   Apply your chosen topical. If using a prescription lacquer or solution, follow the label exactly. If you choose an essential-oil blend for comfort, apply sparingly and stop if irritation occurs. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil.

3. Sanitize tools and basin. Wash with hot soapy water and let air-dry.

Lemon and Apple cider vinegar Foot Soak

Give your feet a weekly refresh with a simple at-home soak! A soothing soak is an easy way to relax and care for your feet. Epsom salt helps ease tired muscles , detoxifies and softens rough skin, while the natural acids in lemon help remove dead skin. Organic ACV has anti-bacterial properties which makes it a great choice for an antifungal foot soak.

Foot Soak Ingredients:

1 Lemon (Juice and Peel)

2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (white vinegar can also be used)

3 cups Epsom Salt

Foot Soak Instructions:

1. Add lemon juice, vinegar, and Epsom salt to a tub of warm water.

2. Use the insides of the lemon to clean the feet.

3. Soak feet for 10-15 minutes.

4. Finish out with your daily foot care routine.

More Effective ingredients

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaves have been used in medicines for centuries. It is even called “natures antibiotic” in its extract form. Olive leaf extract is anti-fungal, anti-viral, and is a healthy immune system booster when taken in supplement form.

Listerine® Mouth Wash

It may sound odd to soak your feet in mouth wash but many people swear by it! Prepare your foot soak and add 30-50ml of Listerine® along with 2 cups of warm to hot water.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antifungal and antiseptic qualities and can help treat toenail fungus naturally. Clean the affected toenail with alcohol and then apply the tea tree oil directly to the nail once a day.

Caring for your feet doesn’t have to be complicated.

While podiatrists handle more serious fungal cases, our nurse foot care specialist provides expert trimming, callus care, and routine support to keep your feet healthy day-to-day. Schedule an appointment with Essential Foot Care in Medford, Ashland, or the Rogue Valley and take a step toward healthier, happier feet.

Disclaimer: Essential Foot Care provides routine nail and callus care. We do not diagnose or treat advanced fungal infections. Please consult a licensed podiatrist or medical doctor for diagnosis and treatment of serious foot conditions.

These are recommendations and not medical advice. You should always consult your medical doctor or podiatrist before moving forward with any treatment especially if you have concerns or have specific medical conditions or allergies.

Denise Bennefield, BSN, RN- Essential Foot Care