Home remedies

A Google search on toenail fungus treatments produces more than a half-million hits, with plenty of ads for do-it-yourself topical liquids, salves, and creams. Several of the treatments contain ingredients loosely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and categorized as supplements, such as acetic acid, and a variety of oils, including jojoba, lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree. Some are capable of killing some fungi. All clamor for your attention and dollars. Some offer money-back guarantees that expire long before you're able to see any success. Randomized, controlled trials are lacking, and evidence for cures is scant.

Two popular over-the-counter or home remedies are water-diluted vinegar foot soaks and Vicks VapoRub. Details of use are up to you since neither comes with printed instructions for treating toenail fungus. Because it is relatively cheap and nontoxic, we think that VapoRub— which contains eucalyptus, menthol, camphor, and other oils—may be worth a try.