The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mia (Lyons, Ny) on 10/30/2011
★★★★★
After reading posts on Earth Clinic I decided to try the ACV remedy for a big toe-toe nail that had thickened, had about 1/2 of the toe nail separate/lifted from the nail bed and which had been curling inward badly for a period of about nine years. I decided to become aggressive in fighting it because I saw it start in the big toe on my other foot as well. I figured if I didn't stop it now all my toes would be affected so I began an aggressive fight after reading several posts.
I first took off all nail polish. I kept this toe polished at all times because it was hideous; but after reading that the fungus likes it dark I realized I didn't get this problem until I began to regularly polish my toes. Next I filed the entire surface of the nail as thin as possible without filing right down to the nail bed. Next, I cut away the nail from the area on the toenail that was separated/lifted from the nail bed. The, I bathed it every night before bed with ACV and let it dry on my nail. I did this for about two weeks and, after growing out for several weeks almost two months, now my nail is finally almost completely grown out and normal looking.
THANK YOU ALL!!! THIS PLACE ROCKS!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Adrienne (Arlington, Ma) on 07/27/2011
★★★★★
I too find it very disturbing that physicians dismiss fungal infections or something as simple as ACV to treat it. Ignored fungal infections long term can permanently disfigure your nails, get into your blood and be terribly hard to treat, and of course infect others.
After getting a new doctor, I discovered that I had had athletes' foot for years. It took the form of small blisters and dry skin - that I couldn't figure out because it didn't itch and didn't respond to over-the-counter medications. The doctor told me that because I had had it so long, I probably would need to take Lamasil orally. Since like others here, I already take other medications that affect my liver, I was not at all happy to hear that.
Thank goodness for apple cider vinegar! I began soaking my feet in 1/2 ACV and water twice a day for 15 -25 minutes, it was easy while checking email. I used a tupperware container big enough not to easily slosh out and that both feet would fit in. Changed the solution once a week. Changed towels under the bin every other day, used new towels each day to dry my feet. Used a waterproof nail file to remove excess calluses and reduce thick nails. I washed and treated nail file with Lysol each day, sprayed the shower once a week (not good to do it more apparently). New towels in bath every other day in the beginning. Applied antifungal cream to my feet if I needed to wear shoes, changed socks at least once a day, sometimes twice if my feet sweated a lot.
Sprayed the heck out of my shoes, removed the inserts and sprayed them as well with an antifungal spray and left them out in the sun to dry. If you have old shoes that can't be sprayed, or you feel they're iffy, get rid of them. This is an important point that I don't see people mentioning here - you don't want to undo your hard work. I reinfected myself briefly because I grabbed an old pair of gardening shoes one day, and sweated in them without socks.
It took me about 4-5 weeks from the initial start of soaking to be fungus free. Yellowed skin and nails from cider stains gradually disappeared over a week or two. Lemon juice and/or a little scrubbing with a pumice stone can help speed its departure.
My mother and sister have nail fungus, and I recently told them about ACV - they're trying it too. Will post back in several weeks about their results.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carlji (Davis, Ca) on 07/24/2011
I have just started using Apple cider vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide to soak my feet. No idea whether it will cure the toenail fungus, but the irritation between my toes is gone. My feet feel cool and dry during the day, not clammy. (I am wearing sandals with socks. If I were wearing shoes in this heat, my feet might feel worse). Additionally, after a two minute soak, I can further trim my mis-shapen toenails. This makes using the vinegar/peroxide soak worth it to me, whatever long run effect it does or does not have on my toe nail fungus. Let you know about that in a couple of months.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ellis (Santa Fe, Nm) on 07/09/2011
quickly, is it an eighth or a fourth of the soda? two separate comments each have a different amount.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Chicagogirl (Chicago , Il, Usa) on 06/26/2011
Hello I looked at your pictures it looks like your nails are starting to grow out I just had a quick question I have the exact same problem on one of my toe nails, I've always used nail polish to cover it up and let my nail grow out to hide it. My nail grows and looks normal unless you pay full attention you cant notice its there but not attached. So did you at any point cut your nail or did you simply file it down?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dave (Raleigh, North Carolina) on 06/07/2011
Hello Debbie from Melbourne. Did you mix two tablespoons of ACV with water? Or did you just dump two tablespoons of ACV in an empty glass along with the baking soda and drink it without water?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 06/06/2011
Yes I took the ACV both in the morning and night. I put nothing on my toes, just drank it and the toe fungus disappeared. You could see the new nail growing in clear - a slow process.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 06/06/2011
Hi Mari, no I am not really taking it anymore and the fungus has never come back. I do occasionally take some ACV but I now just take the ACV with some honey in water rather than the baking soda though because the baking soda neutralises the stomach acid which affects your digestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mari (New York, Ny, Usa) on 06/06/2011
hello Debbie from Melbourne, Australia!
are you still taking your remedy or did it cure your fungus completely and are not taking it anymore? Just to clarify, you combined the vinegar and baking soda together and drank it in the morning and night? Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maddy (Ny, Usa) on 04/28/2011
Thanks for your reply. How was your stomach from doing this for so long? I hear that too much vinegar can be damaging? I appreciate you taking the time to reply
Maddy
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Suzanne (Rockledge, Florida Usa) on 04/16/2011
Debbie, did you mix the apple cider vinegar with the baking soda or taken separatly?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 04/10/2011
Maddy, for the nail fungus all I did was drink the apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons) morning and night with 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda (bicarb soda). I put nothing on my toe at all. The Apple Cider Vinegar will kill off the fungus inside the body including the toenails.
It will take about 3 months for it to be completely gone because new nail has to grow in. The new nail will be fungus free. I just kept cutting the old nail off as it grew.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maddy (New York) on 04/09/2011
Can Debbie from Melbourne please explain exactly what she did with the vinegar and soda. Did you soak it or make like a compress you placed on it? THANKS
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Janice (Richmond Bc, Canada) on 04/01/2011
★★★★☆
I have been drinking ACV with honey for 8 days and have noticed my new toenail growing in normally as the affected nail fungus grows out. It's just a wee small growth so far, but definitely can see the difference. I was surprised to see this today as I have also tried various natural topical treatments without much success. Plus, the toenail was so much easier to trim... softer nail, although my fingernails are strong and growing fast and the ridges are minimizing as well.
I had purchased the Dr Jarvis Book "Folk Medicine and Arthritis" and started the ACV and Honey(and one drop of Iodine every other day) and within a few days, my arthritis is improved by 85% and my lower back has been pain free for the first time in over a year.
And, my allergies seem so much improved too. Not completely, but so much better.
I am so pleased
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 03/25/2011
★★★★★
I had toe nail fungus under my big toe for about six years. In the past I had taken tablets for six months but it didn't clear it up. It was also starting to affect my other big toe. After taking the apple cider vinegar for about three months (with bicarb soda) (2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar with 1/4 tsp bicarb) the toe nail fungus is now totally gone. It took three months but you could see it clearing as the nail grew.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Irishbandit (Melbourne, Australia) on 01/26/2011
★★★★☆
Just wanted to let you know how I'm getting on with the ACV. Some nails seem to have improved, others I'm not sure (big toes). I've decided that I will keep going for at least 4 months no matter what (been doing it for 2 months so far). I've uploaded two more photos to Flickr, taken this morning
www.flickr.com/photos/31174923@N06/?saved=1
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Irishbandit (Melbourne, Australia) on 01/18/2011
I've had nail fungus for about 20 years at this stage. I've always hidden it with nail polish but last year, one of the nails became so thick that I could no longer cut it so I decided to visit a podiatrist. He told me that I had the worst case of nail fungus he has ever seen in someone so young (I am only 36). He said he thought only Lamisil tablets could help, but I don't want to try them so I've started using Apple Cider Vineger. He also said that the dry skin on the soles of me feet is Athlete's foot. I was really surprised as I thought this only occurred between the toes. He said if I wouldn't take Lamisil tablets, all he could suggest was keeping the nail filed as thinly as possible and using Lamisil cream all over my foot and on my nail. He filed my nails down for me. If your nails are really thick, I would suggest you get a podiatrist to do this for you before you start any treatment. He told me that NO topical treatment will work unless you keep the surface of your nails as thin as possible. He also told me to take a photo each month so that I could see if I was making any progress.
So, since the end of November I have been doing the following:
1. Filing the surface of my nails every three to four days so that the nail is a thin as possible so the vinegar can penetrate the nail bed. I always use a fresh emery board to do this. You can buy long ones and cut them up into smaller pieces with a scissors.
2. Soaking my feet once a day for half an hour in a 50/50 mixture of organic ACV and water. I only use organic ACV which still has "the mother" in it (says it on the bottle). I've read that you should do this twice a day but I have a life! It's hard enough finding time to do it once!
3. I re-use the ACV/water mixture for a week, then mix another batch.
4. I cover my entire foot and my nails every day in Lamisil cream.
5. I blow dry my feet after soaking them in vinegar.
6. I either use a fresh towel every time I dry my feet, or I use paper towel. I never use the same towel twice as you can catch fungus from yourself by using a towel that has touched infected nails.
7. I put bleach on the floor of our shower every so often to kill germs.
8. I cut off any yellow and crumbly parts of the nails. This makes such a difference if you are planning to go out in public, as you will see from the photos I've attached. In the November ones, all the yellow fungus bits are still attached and my toes look awful. They're still awful, but with a lot of the yellow cut away, people really don't notice (though of course I do! )
9. I've been wearing open toe shoes every day - it's summer here right now. This is easier for ladies than for men - I got some really cute peep toe shoes - my awful big toe and the toe next to it are slightly visible but the shoes are so great, no-one notices because they are too busy looking at the shoes. I think there has been a slight improvement, but toenails grow so slowly, I guess I won't really know for at least another month or two. But, I will keep you all posted 'cos I know that if you're like me, you're just dying to know if any of the home remedies really work and it's so hard to find photos of anyone who has been cured, apart from the ones printed by companies trying to sell their products and it's hard ot know if they're real.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jean (Charlotte, Sc) on 01/10/2011
I wanted to update and say that I'm still soaking my nails in ACV. I also drink about one tablespoon of ACV every day. Half of the big toenail came off the other day. I forgot to mention before that on the days that I don't have time to soak I take a capsule of Oregano Oil, stick it with a pin and put some on each nail. It even took away the pain (within minutes) of what was begining to be an ingrown toenail. It discolored my socks, but as I said before, I'd rather have healthy nails than white socks. My nails are still slightly discolored and I'm totally fine with that.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jean (Charlotte, Sc) on 11/15/2010
★★★★★
I began using ACV on my toenails back in June 2010. I have four toenails on my left foot that have been infected since 2002. I poured straight ACV into a small plastic tub and would soak my foot at least once a day (sometimes twice) for 10-20 minutes. I didn't mind the discoloration. Not like anyone was seeing my toenails anyhow. I first started noticing a difference about six weeks later. I could see the base of one of the nails was looking thinner. Unfortunately I took some time off from doing this because I had a baby. But I hadn't even realized that my pinky toenail is completely healed as of November 2010! I honestly didn't think it would work because that particular nail was so thick. But I am shocked and thrilled to say that ACV really worked! I wish I would have known this eight years ago! I could have saved a lot of money instead of trying all those over the counter creams. I'm now looking forward to possibly wearing sandals again next summer!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Me (Fremont, Ca) on 11/13/2010
★★★★★
I have had varying degrees of athlete's foot for the last 20 years. More recently toenail fungus has also developed. Having had success using ACV to remove moles I tried it topically for my foot issues. Treatment was as follows: Nightly wetting of my feet with ACV in a bowl. I only did this for two three nights for about 20 minutes and reduced the itching, burning and pealing dramatically. It has returned since then and has each time been alleviated with the same treatment. I have never been consistent enough to do it every night for six or seven days in a row which I believe would completely eliminate it. The ACV has also positively affected the toenail fungus in stopping the yellowing, curling and peeling. I believe with more commitment to ACV treatment mine could be completely healed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tony (Mammoth Lakes, California) on 04/13/2010
★★★★★
Many thanks to this site, and the individual posts - especially apple cider vinegar & emphasis on soaking. Both are working extremely well these last 2 - 3 weeks. My big toe nail had turned "white" with thickening of the nail, over some three years. Also, the other nails began to "whiten." I tried two over the counter brands, little to no progress.
Began soaking in ACV, and literally, withing 3 days the big toe nail showed receeding "white." As of tonight, 3 weeks from start of soaking, my big toe nail has a 96% healthy appearance, and the other toe nails dramatic improvement ( ie. decreasing "white" nails ).
I will continue this soaking process, learned from postings here, and report back. Tonight I want to tell my results, and to note a friend mentioning that having a nail scraping tested helps to determine exactly what is the cause / source of the fungus.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kate (Minneapolis, Mn) on 03/21/2010
★★★★★
This is a check-in on my ACV toenail fungus cure. I am still soaking my toes twice daily in ACV and it is working! It's taken longer than I thought it would but it definitely works! I started with nine badly affected toenails. Six were completely normal after four months. The last three are slow but definitely getting better. I have no idea why three are taking so much longer. They were among the worst but other bad ones cleared up quicker. I started using ACV last June 2009. I guess it may take a year. It takes a little discipline and patience. But compared to the 23 years I've had it, a year seems quick! ACV works, it's amazing. Thank you so much Earth Clinic!!
p.s. to Phil and to Deirdre at E.C.: I used Grapefruit Seed Extract for a year before starting ACV. I painted it with a fine brush on each toenail morning and night. I started out using it diluted because of the burning you referred to. But soon I applied it carefully full strength and it didn't bother my skin. However this remedy did nothing to change my nails. Maybe it helped to slow it a little from getting worse, but it did not diminish the fungus already there. ACV is the only thing I have tried in 22 years that has made any and a total difference.
Thanks, Kate - Mpls, MN
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, GA) on 12/19/2009
Thanks so much, Tricia! I will give it whirl. I used your nail file for cracked heels remedy to get the dye off my feet a few days after my ACV disaster and that was very helpful. But I never got it off my toe nails.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, GA) on 12/18/2009
I reused the acv a few times.
WARNING -- apple cider vinegar can dye your normal toenails a very ugly color if:
1) you don't dilute the acv with water
2) soak your toes too long
and
3) use cheap ACV from the grocery store
My toes are still discolored from doing the above 3 months ago!!
Deirdre
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Holland, Pa) on 12/20/2009
thanks to all of you for your input so far. I'm soaking in acv as i write. :) Its only day 3 so of course no results yet. Another few questions. I have been using tea tress oil as well for many years but this has done zero. Should I consider a different type oil such as grapefruit oil or coconut oil? I am confused about which oil to use. Do I apply this at night prior to bed or use it during the day? I do use powder to keep my feet dry as possible during the day and walk around in flip flops around the house. My feet of course are FREEZING in the flip flops:(
Thanks in advance for all of you!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 12/19/2009 84 posts
Susan from holland - this won't work for you cos yours is a fungus and has to be treated differently but it should work for deirdre cos hers is a dye problem.
I get discolored fingernails from some chemicals I use at work. It is usually only 1 fingernail when the latex gloves I use break.
1. Light dye-leave a slice of lemon on it for about 5 mins daily.
2. Heavy dye-3% h2o2 painted on with a q-tip above and underneath the fingernail.This usually works for nail polish staining too.
3. Iodine-break open a vitamin c capsule and dilute with water, stick finger in glass. This solution will take iodine out of clothes and off countertops too.
So far, because I get to attack it immediately, I rarely have to do any of the first two for longer than 4/5 days and the vitamin c only once so I don't know if there are any long term effects i.e. weakening of the nails.
It would be very rare tho' for the dye to get below the nail onto the bed as they are tightly bound to each other.
If the acv dye is still on your skin, Deirdre, I can't see there being a problem with a little H2O2 in a footbath if Ted recommends it directly on the face overnight for rosacea.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Phil (Dearing, Ga) on 12/19/2009
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Phil (Dearing, Ga) on 12/19/2009
Hi Deidre. It's me again, I should tell you that this particular Grapefruit Seed Extract is said to be very potent and should always be DILUTED WHEN PUT ON SKIN! It DOES NOT, however give the dilution ratio, but does say one dropper full for a BATH...So I guess, it does need to be diluted. I am just not sure to the ratio. Maybe there is info on the kind you have as to dilution.
But then again, maybe it is speaking only for putting on the skin to be diluted. Because it says " It can be applied directly under toes to help toenail fungus."
Oh I feel so bad now, because I can't tell you for sure and I have the catalog. Sorry.
Ok I have found this in another part and it says " This is used for external wound that are not healing well.You must dilute this. 10 drops per cup of warm water-wash area four times a day." I know this still doesn't answer, if you dilute to go under toes or not.
Maybe you should start with diluted, first and see how that goes...I will post again if I find anything else out. I haven't tried google on this, so I will try that.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Phil (Dearing, Ga) on 12/19/2009
Hi Deirdre and Susan. I would just like to let the two of you know that I have read that Grapefruit Seed Complex in liquid form can be used to treat nail fungus. This is a liquid and can be used for cleaning vegetables also. Tooth and gum infections if added to tooth paste. You can request a FREE catalog from herbalhealer.com and it tells what all it can be used for.
I HAVE NOT used this product. But this is what it states, That it can be put directly under the toes to help toe nail fungus. Some people also add 2 drops daily to glass of juice. It seems as this is a Fungus fighter internally and externally.
Hope this helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Holland, Pa) on 12/18/2009
I am planning to try Apple Cider Vinegar to treat my toenail fungus that has been a problem for years. I have tried, over the counter and prescription medication and nothing has worked for me. I do have a question. Do I reuse the ACV I soak my toes in or should I use a fresh batch every time I soak? Thanks for the feedback.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ringlette (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) on 10/18/2009
I'm writing in response to your post regarding warts. I do a great deal of travelling, and I somehow contracted a wart on the top of my big toe. For a year and a half, I tried everything that was offered from the pharmacy, including a home burning kit, but nothing worked. The wart would get smaller, but it wouldn't go away. Finally, I tried oregano oil. Twice a day I put a few drops on the wart and put a bandaid over it - the wart was completely and permanently gone in approximately one week. I tried the oregano oil for toenail fungus, and, unfortunately, have not had the same success. Please note, not all oregano oils are created equal - this is one product you get what you pay for. Some are diluted with olive oil and are not as good quality. Anyways, hopefully you get the results, you need with the banana peel treatment. If not, perhaps you might consider this alternative
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John (Dallas, Georgia, Usa) on 10/13/2009
★★★★★
I started the straight organic ACV soak for my athletes foot (moccasin type) and toenail fungus after trying everything that is sold over the counter as well as one of the liver type pills to get rid of the fungus. Nothing worked. I had this foot fungus for at least 10 years, and I thought I was doomed to have this for the rest of my life until I found the EC website and decided to try soaking my feet in the organic ACV. I used it twice a day for three weeks and my atheletes foot has disappeared and I can see the new clear/white toenail growing in behind the thick/yellow one. Incredible stuff!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kate (Minneapolis, Mn, Usa) on 09/22/2009
Well it's time for another check-in, this time it's been two months. In brief the ACV is working! This is truly remarkable. It's like getting the best birthday or Christmas present I could ever have hoped for. Just remembering it sometimes during the day brings a good feeling. Here's where it's at: I've continued with twice daily soaks for 1/2 hour or more. If it's occasionally less time then I make up for it later. Improvement has continued gradually in the way described in my previous post. It is not entirely gone. Of nine nails affected, three appear totally cleared up and six are greatly improved. Two of the six, the big toenails, are nearly clear but it takes them longer to fully grow out because they have farther to grow! From the base to two thirds out they appear close to normal looking. In my case, my nails seem to improve first at the base where they grow out and gradually they continue growing out clean. Four stubborn ones still have some signs of the fungus but they too are changing. The ones that had it the worst are taking the longest. I'm so thrilled already that I don't worry much about sandals anymore - even though the nails don't look great, I know they're on their way! Actually they may never look quite the same. I read in Ted's posts that once the nail has become separated from the nail bed, it never grows back in that place and I'm finding that to be true. But for me it's a small price to pay, a scar I guess. Meanwhile I'm not completely out of the woods yet. I figure maybe it'll be six months total. I'm psyched! Will check back.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Enaks (New Rochelle, Ny) on 09/15/2009
★★★★★
I tried many different home remedies and prescription meds. Nothing worked. Then I came across Dr. Walt Stoll website and his vinegar treatment. Basically two drops of vinegar at the base of each toenail, twice a day. YOU MUST BE PATIENT. This cure takes a long time to work as it protects the NEW nail growth from getting the fungus. The fungus you already have on your nails must GROW out. So this treatment takes a long time and you must not miss an application. I have done this vinegar treatment twice a day since the end of Oct 2008 and it works. I am so happy and I have nice nails again! Don't get discouraged, it's a slow process. It takes about 30 seconds for each treatment, twice a day, for a total of one minute a day. Before that I was soaking my feet in mouthwash, used vapor rub, tea tree oil, prescription meds, light therapy, etc. I was walking around worried that someone would smell my vapor rub on my feet. ugh! I want to spread the word that vinegar works!! I applied mine after my shower, sat on the floor, dried my feet, used eyedropper and dripped vinegar on cotton swab to swish the vinegar around on the nail. Just a couple of drops each nail, then let them air dry. I also used some cheap foot powder to keep my feet dry for the day. In the evening I used the vinegar again, but not powder. My nails are CLEAR after 11 months, the time flies, and after a few months you will begin to see the new growth. I've been wearing flip-flops the past few months! I hope you all try it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Thankful (Gurnee, Illinois) on 09/11/2009
★★★★☆
I am in awe of the power of something as simple as apple cider vinegar. Two years ago I dropped a hairdryer on my right big toe. Apparently this was enough to cause an interruption in the nail bed where fungi developed. It started deceptively slowly with just a thin white strip on the side of the nail that was barely noticeable. My podiatrist didn't seem particularly concerned about it, so neither was I. Besides, I typically wear nail polish and didn't have to look at it. However, at the beginning of this week I took my nail polish off and all the sudden I was the creature from the black lagoon! Ewwwwwwwww!!!!!! Approximately 80% of my nail was funkified with yellow and white globules, bumpy, thick and just gross. I have never suffered with anything like this in my life so I was freaked out big time. I knew there is absolutely no way I could take another prescription like lamisil because I take so many drugs for other more serious conditions. My poor liver is stressed as it is so I went to the internet in desperate need of help from the homeopathic community. Thank God for websites like this one! I soaked my infected toe in full strength apple cider vinegar for 3 days equaling 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night. I saturated a piece of toilet paper with the ACV and just laid in on the nail while I watched tv. In just six treatments the infected part of my toenail fell off this afternoon with no pain whatsoever. Under the nail was the grossest wet sawdust-like substance I have ever seen. I can hardly believe the ACV worked so quickly to eradicate the ick. If someone would have told me that it would work this quickly I never would have believed it after everything I have read. At this point, my plan going forward is to use a spray bottle to apply the ACV after I shower and then apply tea tree oil for a fungus killing antiseptic while also using an over the counter fungal care you paint on before bed. I know it will take months for the nail to grow back, but I feel hopeful that I can put this behind me. At least now I can see a healthy pink nail bed which I absolutely will NOT be covering with nail polish. Any additional suggestions in how to proceed would be much appreciated. A big thanks to everyone for posting and sharing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kate (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 07/28/2009
★★★★☆
Check back:
I wrote in on June 21'09 after starting ACV soaks for my toenail fungus. I have now been diligently soaking my feet twice a day for six weeks. (See my previous post 6/21/09 for ACV/H2O amounts.) After a month I nearly lost hope because I couldn't see any real difference. Then I looked closer when trimming my nails. It was looking slightly different. With renewed hope - like others I'm in this for the fight - I kept up the soaks (my feet are in the bucket as I type this). My toenails are definitely changing, I can hardly believe it. It's happening v e r y s l o w l y. They look like they are starting to grow out normally at the base. The nasty debris/buildup is also diminishing though not entirely gone. No nails falling off however like others report. I am poised to begin Ted's remedies (got all the stuff) which was my next plan if I didn't see any change. Now I'm just continuing the vinegar soaks so I can watch the experiment further. For those of you asking about soaking vs. just applying ACV on the nails: I tried that a couple of years ago. YOU HAVE TO SOAK! I do it minimum 1/2 hr twice a day. I have had a severe case for 22 years! The soaking seems to get the solution into the nail and nail bed which is where the nasty bug is residing. Just applying the solution topically isn't enough; it dries before it can penetrate. I'm not yet done but this is amazing!! I will report back in a few weeks again!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lon (Stanhope, NJ) on 07/03/2009
Did you use straight, undiluted ACV? Did you soak the foot in the ACV, or did you apply it directly to the nails and leaving it on? rinsing? once a day? more often? My disabled son has terrible toenails. I've been hopping around with different treatments because I'm confused about which is the best way. Your success sounds encouraging. I'd like to try your method consistently for a while to see if we can get this under control. More details would be helpful. Thank you for your help.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Suzann (Titusville, NJ) on 07/02/2009
★★★★★
I learned about ACV curing fungus through this website. I was desparate to try anything since I wasn't given a prescription of sorts for the fungus by my doctor. My three toes, especially big toes, were humiliating ugly and down right embarassing. Since February I have put on ACV in the morning and at night. Voila! My big toe lost it's nail and now a new nail without fungus is there. My other toe completely cleared up. My third toe is 90% better. So...I am a true believe in ACV. I hope someone can use my success story to help "ugly" feet and horrible toes. Now I can wear sandals again!! Suzann
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kate (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) on 06/21/2009
My mother 82, has used ACV/H2O for arthritis since her 30's for joint pain (from Dr. Jarvis's book). She has always sworn by it. From watching her, I now have tried it for joint pain - with success!
However I'm emailing about toenail fungus. I have pretty severe fungus in nine toenails. (One little pinky toe is beautifully normal for some reason.) Since my early 20's I've had a tendency to athletes foot. It started in my toenails when I was pregnant. My son is now 22 so that's how long I've had this 'blight' in my toenails starting with just one and very slowly spreading to others over time. The athletes foot also never disappears. Have tried every over the counter product w/ no results. Have always stayed away from the prescription oral stuff. Over the years I kept it from bothering me by daily application of olive oil or jojaba oil after showering (rubbed into skin after toes are well dried). I keep my nails meticulously clean and as trimmed as possible. Summers are not fun for obvious reasons cited by others.
A week ago I did an online search about it as I occasionally have over the years, and this time I was immediately struck by your website! Five days ago I started soaking my feet in ACV. I'm stepping it up from once to twice a day: am and pm. I'm using 1 part ACV to 2 parts H20. I use regular ACV and put in a couple of TBSP of raw ACV to save on cost. I soak my toes for at least a half hour. Will continue this experiment and let you know how it goes! Regardless, I think this is an excellent website - Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fancy (Fresno, CA) on 05/21/2009
Wow, Im so glad this remedy worked for you.I have had toe nail fungus for 8 yrs now and have not worn sandals since i was 17! Im a girl and lets face it my summer dresses arent going to look good with tennis shoes.=) My podiatrist prescribed me the generic brand for lamisil and it has not worked! its been a month and yet nothing. Im also a mommy and would love to go to the beach and finally walk on the sand barefooted with my kids. So im going to try this tomorrow i just dont know where to buy ACV? Someone mentioned on the website about a certain brand and also organic ACV we have a Whole Foods store would it be there? If you have any suggestions or advice please throw them my way. Thanks in advance.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angela (Te Kauwhata, New Zealand) on 05/06/2009
★★★★★
Having suffered with a horrible, unsightly, fungus ridden big toenail for many years I was delighted to find this site which offered natural remedies to cure the problem. I had previously taken lamisal tablets to rid the problem. This left me with an upset stomach. After weeks of taking the medication I couldn't bare the side effects of it any longer and stopped taking it. The fungus quickly appeared again. After all that I have found Apple Cidar Vinegar was the answer. I mixed around 1/4 cup of ACV with enough water to place my big toe in. I soaked the toe morning and night in this mixture. I then applied Lamisal cream under the toenail. I also heeded someone elses advice not to put nail polish on the toe as it allows the fungus a lovely dark environment to thrive in. To cut a long story short, my perserverance paid off and I am thrilled to say that my big toenail is now completely fungus free. Thank you ACV and Earth Clinic!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nat (Huntsville, AL) on 05/01/2009
Not long. I just covered the nail with a generous amount of vinegar and then allowed it to air-dry. I did this 1-2 times per day for a few weeks, until the thickness and discoloration were almost totally gone. After just a few days, I was able to remove large amounts of flaky whitish matter from under the nail - presumably the dead fungus. I continued applying the vinegar and removing the foreign matter until I was satisfied with the results. I still apply vinegar once a week or so for maintenance, and have had no further trouble with the nail.
I had been considering getting Lamasil or Penlac before trying this, but figured I might as well give it a try first - and I'm very glad I did. More severe cases may not respond as well, but I'd say it's worth a shot.
EC: Thanks very much for updating us!
