Sophia Delgado
Fingernail and toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection that causes nails to become discoloured, thickened, cracked, and sometimes painful. While there are prescription medications and over-the-counter topical treatments available, many people opt for natural remedies such as hydrogen peroxide due to its antifungal, antiseptic, and oxidising properties. Hydrogen peroxide is a common household disinfectant that can effectively kill nail fungus and prevent its growth by breaking down its cell walls and releasing oxygen, which disrupts the fungus's protective outer layer. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and persistent or severe infections should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Hydrogen peroxide can kill nail fungus, but it may not be able to fully clear up a deep infection. |
| Antifungal properties | Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen which disrupts the fungus' protective outer layer, breaking down its cell walls and eventually killing the cells. |
| Ease of use | Hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and can be easily purchased at most pharmacies and grocery stores. |
| Safety | Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe for topical application when used as directed. It can cause dryness or irritation if applied too often. |
| Treatment timeline | For minor infections, slight clearing may be seen within 2-4 weeks of daily application. More noticeable infections can take 2-3 months or longer to clear. |
| Treatment method | Hydrogen peroxide can be applied directly to the nail or diluted with water for a milder solution. Soaking the nail can help ensure full coverage. |
| Alternative treatments | Other home remedies for nail fungus include vinegar, baking soda, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, oregano oil, and prescription oral antifungals. |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen peroxide's disinfecting properties
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household disinfectant that is often used to treat nail fungus. It is a popular remedy for people seeking a natural option due to its strong disinfecting properties.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect the surface of the nail, which can reduce the number of fungal spores and slow the spread of infection. It can be applied directly to the nail or diluted with water for a milder solution. Soaking the affected nail in a hydrogen peroxide solution can help ensure full coverage and penetration. It is also an inexpensive treatment option for fungal infections, especially in mild to moderate cases.
When hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the fungus, it releases reactive oxygen. This oxygen disrupts the fungus's protective outer layer, weakening and destroying the fungal cell walls. This process breaks down the fungus's structure, eventually killing the cells.
While hydrogen peroxide can be effective in treating nail fungus, it may not fully clear up deep infections, especially those under the nail. It is important to use it correctly and seek guidance from a healthcare professional, especially for severe or persistent infections. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide may cause dryness or irritation if applied too often, so caution is advised.
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Peroxide's effectiveness on deep infections
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household disinfectant that can be effective in treating nail fungus. It has strong antiseptic properties, allowing it to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When applied to the nail, hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen, which interferes with the fungus's cellular functions and prevents its growth. This reactive oxygen weakens and destroys the cell walls of the fungus, eventually killing the cells.
While hydrogen peroxide can be effective in treating nail fungus, it may struggle to reach deep infections, especially under thickened nails. For deep, stubborn infections, it can take six months or longer for any visible changes to occur, even with consistent use. This is because hydrogen peroxide may not be able to penetrate the nail and reach the site of infection, making it less effective in clearing up the fungus.
To enhance the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide on deep infections, it is recommended to use it consistently over time. Additionally, combining hydrogen peroxide with other treatments may improve its ability to reach and treat deep infections. For example, alternating between hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can create an unfavourable environment for the fungus to breed, potentially killing the infection. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is another antifungal agent that can be used alongside hydrogen peroxide to balance the skin's pH levels while killing the fungus.
It is important to note that hydrogen peroxide should be used correctly and with caution. It can cause dryness or irritation if applied too often, so it may need to be diluted with water for skin use. For severe infections or persistent infections, it is recommended to seek guidance from a healthcare professional and consider other treatment options, such as topical prescription medications or oral systemic antifungals.
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Natural alternatives to peroxide
While hydrogen peroxide can be used to treat nail fungus, it may not be the most effective method. Peroxide may struggle to reach fungus under thickened nails, and it can take six months or longer for any visible changes to occur. Therefore, it is recommended to proceed with caution when using hydrogen peroxide to treat nail fungus.
- Tea tree oil: The September 2022 review in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that using topical tea tree oil on toenail fungus was just as effective as the antifungal clotrimazole. Tea tree oil is more of an antibacterial, so it is not typically recommended for fungal infections. However, some small-scale clinical studies have shown that it might be effective against toenail fungus. To use tea tree oil, dilute it in a carrier oil or purchase a tea tree oil cream and apply it to the infected area two or three times daily.
- Oregano oil: Oregano oil contains thymol, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Apply oregano oil to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
- Listerine Original Antiseptic Mouthwash: The gold-coloured version of Listerine contains thymol, a plant compound with antifungal properties. To use it as a treatment, fill a basin with Listerine and soak your foot and nails in the liquid for 15 minutes, two to three times a week.
- Vicks VapoRub: A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus. Its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus. Apply a small amount of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area at least once a day.
- Kerasal: Kerasal is an over-the-counter nail lacquer that improves the appearance of nail damage caused by fungus. It is made with urea, glycerin, lactic acid, and other ingredients. To use it, apply a thin layer to the infected nails in the morning and at night for one week, then once at night for at least eight weeks.
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Prescription treatments for toenail fungus
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household disinfectant that can be used to treat nail fungus. It has strong antiseptic properties, which means it can kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When applied to the affected area, hydrogen peroxide kills the fungus causing the infection. However, hydrogen peroxide alone may not fully clear up a deep infection as it struggles to reach under the nail, where the fungus often hides.
If you are looking for prescription treatments for toenail fungus, there are a few options available. Firstly, oral medications tend to yield the best results and may help get rid of the infection faster. Examples of oral medications include terbinafine (Lamisil) and posaconazole (Noxafil). While oral medications are effective, they can have side effects and interact with other medications. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before starting any treatment.
Another prescription treatment option is topical solutions, such as JUBLIA® (efinaconazole) 10% solution, which is specifically designed for treating fungal infections of the toenails. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions when using this medication and to be aware of potential side effects, such as redness, itching, and irritation at the treated site.
Additionally, there are prescription nail polishes available for treating toenail fungus. These may take longer to work and may not be effective for severe cases, as they don't penetrate the nail very well. However, they can still be a good option for people with mild cases of toenail fungus or those who cannot take oral antifungals.
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional, especially if the infection is severe or persistent. They can provide guidance on the most suitable treatment option based on your individual needs and circumstances.
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Preventing the spread of nail fungus
Keep Nails Clean and Dry: Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Therefore, it is essential to keep your nails clean and dry at all times. Wash your hands and feet regularly and ensure they are thoroughly dried, especially after any activities that cause sweating.
Trim Nails Regularly: Keep your nails trimmed and filed to reduce the risk of fungal spores spreading. Trimming your nails also helps remove infected parts and promotes the growth of healthy nail tissue.
Disinfect Nail Tools: Tools such as nail clippers and files can harbour fungal spores. To prevent the spread of infection, disinfect your nail tools after each use. You can soak them in hydrogen peroxide for about 10 minutes or wipe them with a peroxide-soaked cloth.
Protect Nails: When going outdoors, keep your fingers and toes covered to prevent direct contact with potential sources of infection. Wear gloves when working in humid environments or when handling objects that may be contaminated.
Practice Good Footwear Hygiene: Fungi thrive in dark, moist environments, and your shoes can be the perfect breeding ground. Wear breathable shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe. Wash and disinfect your shoes and socks regularly to eliminate any fungal spores.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Poor hygiene increases the risk of developing and spreading nail fungus. Wash your hands and feet regularly, especially after any activities that cause sweating. Keep your skin clean and moisturized to prevent cracks or breaks that can provide an entry point for fungi.
While these preventive measures can help reduce the spread of nail fungus, it is also important to treat the infection effectively. Hydrogen peroxide is a popular home remedy for nail fungus due to its strong disinfecting and antifungal properties. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and persistent or severe infections should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hydrogen peroxide can kill fingernail fungus. It breaks down the cell walls of the fungal cells, releasing oxygen that weakens and destroys them.
You can soak the affected nail in a hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes or apply it directly to the nail. It is recommended to dilute the peroxide with water for skin use.
Yes, hydrogen peroxide should be used with caution. It may cause dryness or irritation if applied too often. It is important to seek guidance from a healthcare professional, especially for severe infections.
Yes, alternatives include vinegar, baking soda, Vicks VapoRub, tea tree oil, oregano oil, and ozonized oils.
Nail fungus can cause discolouration (usually white, brown, or yellow), thickening, cracking, and pain in the affected nail(s).
