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| - Last Updated on January 23, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a mixture of lemon juice, cloves, and baking soda can cure nail fungus at home immediately. We did the fact check and termed this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram post suggests, “Mix lemon peel water, cloves, and baking soda together, then add lemon juice. Add 1 litre of warm water, soak your feet for 20 minutes, and wash it off. Nail fungus will go away immediately.”
Fact Check
Does this home remedy have any scientific backing?
No, it does not. While some individual components of this mixture might have some mild antifungal properties, there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that this specific combination can effectively cure nail fungus.
- Lemon: Lemon juice contains citric acid, which has some antifungal properties. However, its effectiveness against nail fungus is limited and likely insufficient for complete eradication.
- Cloves: They contain eugenol, a compound with known antifungal activity. However, its direct application to the nail may not be effective enough to penetrate the nail and reach the fungal infection.
- Baking soda: It has some antifungal properties and may help create an environment that stops fungi from growing. In a 2012 study, baking soda was tested at a concentration of 10 g/L. It stopped fungal growth in 80% of lab tests (in vitro) and worked on 79% of infected nail and skin samples (ex vivo) after 7 days, not instantly as some posts suggest. The study did not involve people, and we still do not understand the exact mechanism of how it works. Furthermore, a 2021 study showed it may help prevent yeast infections in some people. Overall, it may not be effective for everyone in treating nail fungus at home.
Can this home remedy cure nail fungus immediately?
No. Nail fungus is a persistent infection that can take weeks or even months to treat effectively. There is no home remedy that can cure nail fungus “immediately.”
We spoke to Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital, Mumbai, to get her views on treating nail fungus. She explained, “Nail fungus is challenging to treat and usually requires prescription antifungal medications for complete recovery. Home remedies and over-the-counter solutions often fall short in providing lasting results. Seeing a dermatologist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, helping to prevent the condition from worsening or leading to permanent damage.”
We also spoke to Dr Sachin Gupta, Consultant Dermatologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, for his expert advice on treating nail fungus. He said, “Getting rid of nail fungus typically needs prescription antifungal medications, as over-the-counter treatments usually aren’t strong enough. It’s important to see a doctor for the right diagnosis and care because delaying treatment can lead to a stubborn infection or lasting damage to your nails.”
On a related note, social media posts often suggest using bee venom, or garlic and onion juice to cure nail fungus. However, these methods lack clinical evidence and are not proven to be effective.
Is this home remedy safe for everyone?
Not necessarily. Using this home remedy can pose risks for certain individuals, such as those with sensitive skin or open wounds.
- Skin irritation: Some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to lemon juice, cloves, or baking soda.
- Open wounds: Applying this mixture to broken or infected skin can increase the risk of infection.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare professional before using any home remedies, including this one.
What are the risks of relying solely on this home remedy?
Delaying proper treatment can have serious consequences:
- Spread of infection: Nail fungus can spread to other nails and even to other people.
- Worsening of symptoms: Delaying proper treatment can allow the infection to worsen, making it more difficult to treat.
- Potential for permanent nail damage: Untreated nail fungus can cause permanent nail damage, such as thickening, discoloration, and even nail loss.
What are the recommended treatments for nail fungus?
Nail fungus is a stubborn infection that requires professional medical attention.
- Antifungal medications: These can include oral medications or topical treatments, such as creams, ointments, or nail polish.
- Professional medical procedures: In some cases, procedures such as laser therapy or nail removal may be necessary.
A healthcare professional can properly diagnose the condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
THIP Media Take
The claim that a mixture of lemon juice, cloves, and baking soda can cure nail fungus at home immediately is mostly false. While some of the individual ingredients in this home remedy may have some antifungal properties, there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that this specific combination can effectively cure nail fungus. Relying solely on this home remedy may delay proper treatment and increase the risk of complications. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for nail fungus.
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