Can soaking garlic in vinegar treat fungal nail infection?

Sep 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Qingyun
Introduction
In general, soaking garlic in vinegar cannot treat fungal nail infection (onychomycosis). Fungal nail infection is a relatively common condition, primarily caused by fungal infections. After exposure to fungi, it may lead to skin damage, causing thickening or separation of the nail, and even nail loss. Soaking garlic in vinegar is ineffective at killing the fungus and may instead irritate the local skin.

Generally speaking, soaking garlic in vinegar cannot treat fungal nail infection (onychomycosis). The specific analysis is as follows:

Fungal nail infection is a relatively common condition, primarily caused by fungal infections. After being infected by fungi, the skin around the nail may become damaged, leading to thickening, separation, or even nail loss. Soaking garlic in vinegar generally does not effectively kill the causative fungi and may instead irritate the local skin, potentially interfering with recovery. Therefore, this home remedy should not be used blindly. It is important to visit a dermatologist at a hospital for proper evaluation and, under medical guidance, use antifungal medications such as clotrimazole cream, ketoconazole cream, or compound miconazole nitrate ointment for treatment.

In daily life, attention should be paid to dietary adjustments—avoiding spicy and irritating foods and consuming more vegetables and fruits. If the condition is severe, patients should seek medical care promptly to prevent disease progression.