Vicks VapoRub is an over-the-counter medication used by people to treat nail fungus, but does it work and how long does it take to actually see a difference? The process of treating nail fungus may seem simple on the surface, but there are many factors that can influence how long a treatment lasts. If you’re looking for more information about getting rid of this painful condition faster and more efficiently, keep reading!
There are plenty of myths surrounding how long it takes for Vicks to work. When dealing with nail fungus, there are some things you can do at home to speed up the process, but let’s dive into the real science behind the best way to treat your nail fungus.
How Long Does It Take For Vicks To Work On Nail Fungus?
As you will see, there are quite a few variables that come into play, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Instead, continue reading and learn how to get rid of nail fungus in the fastest possible way.
The Process of Treating Nail Fungus
Treating nail fungus is neither quick nor easy and it can be very frustrating at times. The good news is that most people who complete the initial treatment are successful in eliminating their infection over time.
Depending on your specific situation, you may need to enlist the help of a dermatologist. This is especially true if the infection has become severe and the nail begins to detach from the part of your toe underneath it. Even so, there are plenty of things that you can do at home to speed up the healing process.
So, what is involved in treating nail fungus? Here’s a look at this slow process:
1. You must have a nail infection.
Before you can treat your nail fungus, you must first have an infection. There are some people who are able to cure the problem without having any visible signs of it, but for the most part, that’s not the case.
2. The area under the infected nail gets irritated and red.
This soreness is what causes your skin to become tender so that you can recognize if your nails are infected in the first place. There are some infections that cause your nail to become brittle and flaky or discolored without any redness or pain.
3. You treat the nail for a period of time, usually about a month.
The length of time you need to treat your nail fungus will vary depending on the severity of it. The best thing you can do is to remain consistent with whatever method you use to eliminate your infection, no matter how long it takes.
4. Your nail remains strong, but it may begin to detach from the part of your toe underneath it.
With some infections, the skin under your nail has a tendency to become very dry over time and may separate from the second layer of tissue that it sits on. This can allow for the infection to spread and for the nails to fall off completely. If this happens, you have to have them reattached or have a skin graft performed in order to restore them back onto your foot.
5. You keep going with whatever method you used to treat your nail fungus.
The most important thing is to continue using the treatment until you are completely cured. At this point, you should be able to stop using any special products and still have a healthy looking nail for years to come. It may take time for your nails to return to their normal color and strength, but it’s never too late to get rid of them before they become a problem.
Vicks and Others?
There are many different over-the-counter remedies available for treating nail fungus. Some of the most popular include Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, and Listerine. Of course, there are also prescription medications as well if you don’t like any of the home treatments. The real question is… which one has been scientifically proven to work? Let’s take a look at that now.
Vicks VapoRub
Vicks VapoRub has been used for years to treat nail fungus and it does seem to work for most people. The main ingredient in this product is eucalyptus oil, which contains terpenes that can kill the fungus that causes your infection. It also contains menthol, which can give you a cooling sensation when you apply it to your nails.
The problem with this product is that you may not get the same results every time. Some people state that it was effective for them, but there are others who say it didn’t work for them. This can cause a lot of frustration if you’re looking for the best way to treat nail fungus fast.
Pros:
It’s available over-the-counter at most drug stores and pharmacies. You don’t need to see a doctor and it’s not expensive either.
Cons:
It doesn’t contain terpenes, so it’s not as effective in treating nail fungus. The menthol is the main ingredient, which can be harsh on the skin. Some people also say that it causes a burning sensation when you apply it to your nails and skin.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another option to consider for treating nail fungus before you actually go to a doctor for help. It contains terpenes that can help kill the fungus while also giving your nails a soothing sensation. It’s also an antiseptic, so it can help to stop the infection from spreading.
Many people swear by this product, but there are those who say it doesn’t work for them. Of course, the main issue is that you don’t know how well it will work before you actually try it. This makes it very difficult to properly state whether or not this method is any better than others on the market today.
Pros:
It contains terpenes and is used as an antiseptic to fight the infection. It’s also soothing for your nails and sore skin.
Cons:
You can’t really trust the claims of this product, as there are still many that say it doesn’t work. The menthol can be harsh on the skin as well.
Listerine
Listerine is another product that you can use to treat nail fungus at home. While it may not be as effective as some of the other products, it does have its benefits depending on what type of infection you have. The main ingredient in Listerine that helps to treat your infection is eucalyptol, which can be found in tea tree oil as well.
You should also know that this product can dry out your skin if you use too much of it. This can cause the skin under your nails to separate as well. Some people have been able to treat their infection with this product, but there are also those who find it doesn’t work.
Pros:
It’s available over-the-counter at most drug stores and pharmacies. You don’t need to see a doctor and it’s not expensive either. It has many natural ingredients, which can be soothing for your skin and nails during the infection process.
Cons:
It may be harsh on your skin and can cause your nails to fall off completely. Some people have been able to get rid of their infection with this product, but there are others who say it doesn’t work for them.
Prescription Medication
There are a few prescription medications that you can take when you have nail fungus. The most common ones are Lamisil and Sporanox, which are both from the terbinafine family. Of course, there are other medications that you can use as well.
The problem with these drugs is that they can be expensive and you may have to take them for a long time in order to cure your infection. Some people say it works for them, but others find that it doesn’t do anything for them. This makes it very difficult to tell whether or not it’s worth taking this kind of medication if your infection is severe.
Pros:
You don’t have to do anything in order to treat your infection. You just have to take the medication and you should see results over time. The most effective way to use this treatment is by applying the cream twice a day for about twelve weeks.
Cons:
It’s expensive, especially if you have a severe nail fungus infection on multiple fingers or toes. It can also take a long time to notice any difference in your nail color and appearance as well. Some people have to take the medication on a regular schedule, which can be very inconvenient.
How to use it to treat nail fungus?
As you can see, there are many different over-the-counter remedies that you can purchase in order to treat nail fungus. Some of them have been proven to work, while others have not. The problem is that it’s difficult to know which option will work best for you until you actually try them yourself.
However, it’s important to remember that the treatments don’t always work the same way. If you have a mild infection, you may be able to get rid of it with Vicks VapoRub. If your infection is more severe and your doctor recommends prescription medication, then there are two medications that can help to cure your infection.
Treatments that don’t work
There are also some treatments that don’t work, such as vinegar and bleach. These products can damage the skin if you use them incorrectly. Vinegar is an acid and bleach is a base, which means they can react to each other to cause unexpected damage. It’s better to avoid these products altogether in order to protect your skin and nails at the same time.
Athlete’s foot treatment
You may have heard of athlete’s foot treatment before, but did you know that it’s not just for athletes anymore? An athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes the skin between your toes to become red and irritated.
This infection is common in locker rooms, as the skin can become moist and warm. This environment can cause your feet to become more susceptible to infections. If you experience athlete’s foot, you may find that it spreads to other parts of your body as well. Athlete’s foot is also seen in your groin area, between your fingers and toes, in the armpits and under the breasts for women.
Are Nail Fungus and Heart Disease Related?
Many people will ask whether or not nail fungus can cause heart disease as well. This is a common concern, but it’s important to note that there are no studies that have proven that having nail fungus can cause you to develop any diseases at all. It’s a common myth that has been spread for years, but there are no facts to back up this rumor.
Nail fungus is contagious even though it is not considered a disease most of the time. There are many other types of fungus that can be dangerous, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. However, it’s important to note that some of the symptoms are very similar when you have nail fungus, which can make it difficult to tell them apart from other conditions as well.
Final Thoughts
There are many different ways to treat nail fungus. The one that’s going to work best for you really depends on a lot of factors. These include the severity of your infection, the number of nails involved, and your overall health. For example, if you have just one nail that’s infected, you may only require a mild medication that can be taken over-the-counter.
