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.
Rubbing alcohol is widely used for its rapid action against bacteria, while hydrogen peroxide may offer additional benefits in reducing surgical site infections. The choice between these antiseptics should be guided by the specific clinical context and the desired outcomes.
Alcohols are better because they are not broken down by enzymes as readily as hydrogen peroxide (your liver metabolizes alcohols but this is irrelevant when applying small amounts of alcohols to your skin or mucus membranes). Ethanol is effective, but isopropanol is both less volatile and more potent so is preferred.
Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. It is known for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is readily available in most households and is often used for cleaning wounds and sterilizing surfaces.
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.
It is generally advisable to avoid consuming alcohol when you have a fungal infection. Alcohol can weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight the infection. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of antifungal medications, including those prescribed to treat fungal infections.
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.”
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.
A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is safe for nail application and effective against fungus. Avoid higher concentrations, as they may cause burns or skin irritation.
People should never use pure isopropyl alcohol on their skin because it can pass through the skin and cause toxicity. If a person gets isopropyl alcohol on their skin: Remove any contaminated clothing. Wash the skin with lots of water and soap.
The release of oxygen causes foaming, which helps to remove dead skin and clean the area. This product should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
Iodine. For more than a century, iodine has been regarded as one of the most efficacious antiseptic to reduce infectious complications and topical iodine forms have been used for wound treatment. The simplest form of iodine is Lugol's solution, which has irritating and caustic properties (18).
RUBBING ALCOHOL
This substance is generally considered stronger than hydrogen peroxide as it contains a higher percentage of active ingredients usually at 70% compared to the latter at 3%. This solution is commonly used for killing germs and viruses in surgical settings.
While not necessarily a “mistake”, a common misconception is that if hydrogen peroxide bubbles, it means your wound is infected. Hydrogen peroxide will bubble whether your wound is infected or not. A chemical reaction occurs while cleaning and creates little oxygen bubbles. Don't sweat over the bubbles.
Small cuts and scrapes can be left uncovered, but moisture is usually needed to help speed up the healing process. Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) and cover with an adhesive bandage any exposed wounds that might become dirty on the hands, feet, arms or legs.
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.
There are two common ways to use hydrogen peroxide to treat your toenail fungus. Wipe hydrogen peroxide directly on the infected area with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Add 1/8 of a cup of hydrogen peroxide to four cups of cool water. Soak the infected feet for 10-20 minutes, and then pat dry with a clean cloth.
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.
Hydrogen peroxide can easily kill fungus on the surface level but is not intended for internal use. You can pour hydrogen peroxide over the infected area, but be aware it may sting and should bubble, especially if you have any open wounds.
Skin/Eye Contact
Hydrogen peroxide is poorly absorbed through intact skin. When used for household disinfectant purposes (3% to 5%), it is mildly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. At a concentration of 10%, which is found in some hair-bleaching solutions, it is strongly irritating and may be corrosive.
Taking antibiotics, steroids, oral contraceptives, medicines that cause dry mouth or medicines that turn off healthy bacteria. Feeling stressed. Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar or yeast. Having uncontrolled diabetes, HIV, cancer or a compromised immune system.