| schema:text
| - Last Updated on January 27, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
According to a Facebook video, garlic and onion juice can cure nail fungus. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook video claims to cure toenail fungus by using garlic and onion juice, along with vinegar and baking soda.
Fact Check
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection of the nails caused by fungi. It usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection progresses, it can cause the nail to discolour, thicken, and crumble at the edges. The affected nails may become distorted in shape, dull, and lacklustre. In some cases, the infection can cause pain and a slightly foul odour. Nail fungus can affect both fingernails and toenails, but it is more common in toenails. Factors such as excessive sweating, walking barefoot in damp communal areas, minor skin or nail injuries, and having a compromised immune system can increase the risk of nail fungus. Treatment options include topical and oral antifungal medications, laser therapy, and, in severe cases, surgical removal of the nail.
Do garlic and onion have antifungal properties?
Yes, garlic and onion have antifungal properties. Garlic (Allium sativum) contains a compound called allicin, which has been shown to exhibit antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Similarly, onions (Allium cepa) contain compounds like sulphur, which also have antimicrobial effects. These properties make garlic and onion potential candidates for managing fungal infections in a preliminary or supplementary role.
Can garlic and onion juice cure nail fungus at home?
Not really. Even though garlic and onion have antifungal properties, there is insufficient scientific evidence to confirm that garlic and onion juice alone can effectively treat nail fungus at home. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is notoriously difficult to treat due to the hard, protective nature of the nail. This can prevent topical treatments from penetrating deeply enough to eradicate the infection.
Most studies supporting the antifungal properties of garlic and onion are either in vitro (in a lab setting) or involve other parts of the body where the conditions are more favourable for topical treatments. Therefore, garlic and onion may help to some extent for some people, especially in the early stages or as complementary therapy. But, they are not a reliable standalone treatment for nail fungus. Similar to claims about neem and guava leaves treating fungal infections, the evidence is insufficient. Additionally, some people suggest that a garlic, baking soda, and vinegar mixture can cure nail fungus at home, but this claim lacks strong scientific backing.
What do the dermatologists say?
Dr Sachin Gupta, a Dermatologist, from Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, states, “Garlic and onion have some antifungal properties in lab studies, their effectiveness as a home remedy for nail fungus is unproven and limited. Nail fungus often requires more aggressive treatment, such as prescription antifungal medications, to fully eradicate the infection. Patients should consult with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment options.”
Dr Rashi Soni, a Dermatologist, from Rashi Hospital, Hingoli, states, “While garlic and onion have demonstrated some antifungal properties in laboratory settings, relying on them to cure nail fungus is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Nail fungus is stubborn and usually requires prescription antifungal medications to truly eliminate it. Don’t waste time with dubious home remedies; consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.”
How to cure fungal infection on nails naturally?
We understand that natural remedies can be appealing, given the ease of access and affordability. But, they should be approached with caution and ideally used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Here are some natural approaches that may work to an extent:
- Tea Tree Oil: It has antifungal and antiseptic properties. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the affected nail. You should dilute it with a carrier oil to prevent irritation.
- Vinegar Soaks: Soaking feet in a mixture of vinegar and water (1:2 ratio) for about 30 minutes daily can create an acidic environment that may inhibit fungal growth.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda can help neutralise odours and might provide some antifungal benefits when applied as a paste or used in a foot soak.
- Coconut Oil: With its antifungal properties, coconut oil can be applied directly to the affected area. You can also use it as a natural moisturiser that helps fight the fungus.
- Vicks VapoRub: Vicks VapoRub appears to have a positive clinical effect in treating nail fungus (onychomycosis).
- Oregano Oil: Even oregano oil is likely to work for nail fungus
- Proper Hygiene: Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and using breathable footwear can prevent fungal infections from worsening.
We would like to make it clear that these are not ‘cures’ and may not work for everyone. Also, the clinical evidence is still lacking to confirm their efficacy for treating nail fungus. Most of the existing studies are on animals or in vitro. We need extensive research, preferably on humans, for a conclusion.
Can onions promote nail growth?
There are claims that onion juice can promote hair growth due to its sulphur content. This in turn can boost collagen production and stimulate hair follicles, allegedly. However, when it comes to nail growth, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of onion juice is scarce. Nails, just like hair, are composed of keratin, and while sulphur is an essential component of keratin. Having said that, the direct application of onion juice for nail growth needs more study. The few references to its benefits for nails are largely informal and based on personal testimonials rather than scientific research. Without solid scientific backing, it’s challenging to confirm the efficacy of onion juice for promotion of nail growth. Hence, making it an uncertain remedy for this purpose.
Can I use garlic on my nails?
Applying garlic directly to the nail for its antifungal properties is a common home remedy due to its known antifungal compound, allicin. This practice is popular among people looking for natural alternatives to over-the-counter treatments. However, while laboratory studies show that garlic has potent antifungal effects, its effectiveness in treating nail fungus in the real-world remains inconclusive. The tough, protective nature of the nail often makes it difficult for topical treatments to penetrate deeply enough to fully eradicate the infection. As a result, even though garlic may offer some benefit, its reliability as a standalone treatment for nail fungus is not well-supported by scientific research.
What kills nail fungus the fastest?
The fastest way to kill nail fungus is typically through prescription oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox). These medications work from within the body to help clear the infection more effectively than topical treatments alone. Moreover, certain topical antifungal treatments like ciclopirox (Penlac) or efinaconazole (Jublia) can be effective, especially when used in conjunction with oral medications. In severe cases, laser therapy or surgical removal of the nail may be considered. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for the best and most effective treatment plan for your specific condition.
The claim that garlic and onion can cure nail fungus is mostly false. These substances have antifungal properties, but their ability to treat nail fungus effectively at home remains unproven. For those dealing with nail fungus, we suggest seeking advice from a healthcare professional for the most effective treatment options. Natural remedies can play a supportive role, but they should not be used as the sole method of treatment.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)