Nail fungus, medically referred to as onychomycosis, is a common and persistent condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail and, as the fungal infection progresses, it can cause nails to become discolored, thickened, brittle, and sometimes even painful. While prescription treatments are available, many individuals prefer to explore natural remedies as a first line of defense—especially for mild to moderate cases.

This article introduces a simple yet effective natural remedy for nail fungus, backed by antifungal properties found in baking soda, vinegar, and tea tree oil. These ingredients are widely accessible, affordable, and gentle on the skin, making them an excellent choice for daily use.

What Is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus is caused by the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. It typically affects toenails more than fingernails due to the warm, moist environment often found in shoes, which promotes fungal growth. The most common types of fungi involved are dermatophytes, but yeasts and molds can also be culprits [1].

Symptoms of nail fungus include:

Thickened or distorted nails
Yellow, brown, or white discoloration
Crumbling edges
Foul odor
Pain in severe cases
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nail fungal infections are more common in older adults, individuals with compromised immune systems, and people with diabetes or poor circulation [2].

While antifungal medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole are often prescribed for nail fungus, these treatments may take months and can sometimes cause side effects. Over-the-counter creams also have limited effectiveness for deeper infections because they may not penetrate the nail bed.

Natural remedies, when used consistently, can be beneficial for surface-level or mild infections. The following combination of baking soda, vinegar, and tea tree oil is one of the most commonly recommended home remedies due to each ingredient’s antifungal and cleansing properties.