Despite its popularity as a purported home remedy, there is no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide in treating toenail fungus. This misconception likely stems from the fact that hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent with antimicrobial properties.
Soak your affected foot for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. This method can be done once daily, as it allows hydrogen peroxide to reach all areas of the toenails while keeping the skin hydrated. Baking soda is another popular natural remedy that may help with toenail fungus.
Terbinafine and itraconazole are the 2 medicines most commonly prescribed for fungal nail infections. These usually need to be taken once or twice a day for several months to ensure the infection has completely cleared up.
Its strong disinfecting properties break down the fungus's structure and make it a popular remedy for people seeking a natural option. Applying peroxide directly to the nail can disinfect the area and potentially slow the spread of infection. However, peroxide alone may not fully clear up a deep infection.
Topical treatment with Vicks VapoRub: The combination of camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the three main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, is believed to stop the growth of certain fungi. Follow the same application process as for tea tree oil. Numerous readers swear by this.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes. Don't pick at the skin around your nails. Don't use nail polish or fake nails on your nails.
The best type of vinegar to treat toenail fungus is apple cider vinegar, a very acidic and strong solution that destroys toenail fungus at the source. To take full advantage of this, mix one cup of apple cider vinegar with at least 2 cups of water – this will dilute the vinegar so that it won't burn your skin.
Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide kill fungi, too. Which product you use depends on what germs you're trying to kill, the surface you're trying to kill them on, and how much time you have. Rubbing alcohol works faster, but it can damage porous surfaces such as wood or granite.
If your fungus doesn't clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines. Topical medicines.
Hydrogen peroxide is not an effective treatment because it actually irritates the skin and inhibits wound healing. The advice about using it has changed because new research shows that the irritation it causes is not worth the antiseptic effect.”
Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.
Older age. Wearing shoes that make your feet sweat heavily. Having had athlete's foot in the past. Walking barefoot in damp public areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms.
Keep your feet and toes covered
Protect your partner from being exposed to fungus by covering your feet at night. If you wear socks to bed, there's no chance your bare feet will make contact with theirs.
Nothing kills toenail fungus right away. It can take at least 6 months to as long as 18 months to see your nail return to normal. What kills toenail fungus the fastest? A prescription medication like terbinafine will work faster than a home remedy, but you'll still need to take it for about 12 weeks.
Hydrogen Peroxide is another powerful disinfectant and helps keep your ingrown toenails clean and free from infection. Adding a small amount to your basin of warm water will help to keep the area clean, however, it works best on fresh wounds and shouldn't be the only remedy used.
A: Although it is more common for fungal nail infections to affect your toenails, nail fungus can spread to your fingernails as well. Avoid touching and picking at toes and feet and ensure you complete the whole course of toenail fungus treatment recommended by your foot doctor.
For best results, repeat the hydrogen peroxide treatment daily or a few times a week until the infection clears up. Be consistent and patient, as it may take weeks or months to see results. Keep an eye on the affected nail(s) for signs of healing, such as less discoloration or thickening.
Some studies suggest that hydrogen peroxide may have antifungal effects and can help inhibit the growth of fungi. However, there is no significant scientific evidence to support its use as a standalone treatment for toenail fungus.
Listerine Antiseptic Mouthwash—Original Flavor
It contains thymol, a plant compound that has antifungal properties. (It's not found in other varieties of Listerine, so the gold color is key.) “This mouthwash can be used to treat nail fungus,” Dr. West says.
I generally encourage healthy adult patients with mild toenail fungus to not treat it or to treat it just using topical measures. For example, you can buff the nail down with a file to keep it thin, so the fungus has a less of a home to live in. You should also keep the nail trimmed.
Tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil: Both oils have antifungal properties, and studies found they performed as well as some over-the-counter and prescription topical antifungal treatments. Ozonized sunflower oil: A Brazilian study found that sunflower oil worked to treat toenail fungus infection caused by yeast.