Fungal nail infections, while common and often unsightly, may have a surprisingly affordable home remedy.
Dr Neera Nathan, known online as @dermatologysurgeon, has shared a budget-friendly tip that could spare sufferers from costly prescriptions. In her viral video, which has amassed over 177,000 likes, the Boston-based dermatologist reveals: “Here’s a personal hygiene hack I won’t gatekeep as a dermatologist, you’ve cheesy, crumbly toenail fungus. Use Vicks.”
She explains that Vicks VapoRub, typically used for easing chesty coughs, also possesses antifungal qualities capable of tackling tough nail fungus. “The same VapoRub your mom put on your chest when you had a cold has antifungal properties, and can get rid of stubborn nail fungus on your fingers and toes,” she continued.
“Apply this on any affected nail to be fungus-free. You can thank me later.”
In the caption, she added: “Vick’s VapoRub was shown in a clinical study to be an effective home remedy for toenail fungus and is a cheaper alternative to prescription antifungal treatments (which can be very expensive). Apply daily to the affected nail for best results (for 6 months for fingernails and 12 months for toenails).”
The research she references is a 2011 study by Richard Derby of the US AirForce medical group, which found that 83% of patients using Vicks VapoRub as a treatment for onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, experienced positive outcomes.
Instagram users were left astonished by the hack, sparking a debate in the comment section over its effectiveness. One user remarked: “FYI, doesn’t work overnight. Many many months. But it does work.”
Another chimed in: “Thanks for not gatekeeping this one.” Someone else wrote: “I love Vicks. I don’t have a toe infection but I will use it because I love the smell.”
However, some users didn’t believe it could have worked. A user wrote: ” Nah, doesn’t work,” while a second critic penned: ” Not effective. Also, cross contamination is super easy. Don’t double dip.”
A fungal nail infection can damage the nail and cause pain in the feet, she warned. Common signs to look out for include discolouration and hardening of the nails.
Research by Excilor — who provide a range of medicated foot care products — estimates that as many as 21 percent of the British population suffer from a nail infection at any one time, with 49 percent of those that suffer not aware they have an infection.
It is best to treat nail infections as soon as you can to prevent further damage. Doctor Gill Jenkins previously spoke to the Express about her advise for treating the infection, which a fifth of people in the UK will suffer from at least once in their lives.
If your symptoms are persistent or are worsening, always consult a doctor before trying home remedies.
