Looking for a hassle-free method to remove nasty fungal infections? Then read this article on How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus with Bleach!
Are you tired of visiting a podiatrist whenever you suspect a toenail fungus? An extremely cheaper and time-saving option is bleach. This homemade remedy will save you time and a few bucks as well. So, let’s find out How to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus with Bleach below.
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Is It Safe to Use Bleach for Toenail Fungus?
Bleach is not recommended for toenail fungus treatment as it can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, and other potential complications. While it’s true that bleach eliminates fungi, bacteria, and viruses, it’s not formulated for use on the skin. But if you still want to use this product for toenail fungal infection, try the below hack.
How To Get Rid of Toenail Fungus With Bleach?
Toenail fungal infection (onychomycosis) happens when mold and yeast penetrate the toenails through breaks, cuts, or other injuries. These microorganisms thrive in humid environments and are present in the air all the time. If you’re experiencing this condition and want to get rid of it asap, use the below remedy.
What You Need
- Bleach
- Half a Gallon of Water
- Used Plastic Tub
- Clean and dry towels
- Q-tips (optional)
Directions
- Fill the tub with half a gallon of water.
- Add one tablespoon of bleach to the water and mix well.
- Soak your feet in the solution for a minimum of ten minutes.
- After 10 minutes, wash your feet with fresh water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Do not forget to drain the water in the tub and make sure not to use it for any other purpose to avoid the risk of transmitting infection.
- Repeat the process twice daily until all the symptoms vanish.
You can also dip Q-tips in the diluted bleach solution and directly apply it to the infected nails. Make sure to repeat this process once a day, every alternate day.
Does Bleach Kill Toenail Fungus?
Yes, bleach can kill toenail fungus because of its powerful anti-microbial action. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness against toenail fungus. As suggested earlier, choose other remedies due to health-related concerns.
Other Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
If you don’t want to use bleach due to skin-related concerns, try the below home remedies to get rid of mild to moderate toenail fungus.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
The duo of baking soda and cider vinegar eliminates toenail fungal infection through their anti-fungal activities. Read here for detailed instructions.
2. Vicks VapoRub
As per this research, Vicks is the most effective and affordable treatment for onychomycosis. Get the remedy here.
3. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
To eliminate onychomycosis naturally, use this potent home remedy. Use this powerful duo once a day until the toenail fungus disappears.
4. Betadine
Another potent home remedy that treats onychomycosis is betadine. This antiseptic solution shows significant improvements in this fungal infection.
5. Thieves Oil
Use thieves oil to reduce the symptoms of mild toenail fungus. This oil is effective against onychomycosis thanks to its different ingredients.
6. Snakeroot Extract
If you’re suffering from mild to moderate cases of toenail fungus, snakeroot extract is best for you. It’s a promising product because of its anti-fungal activity.
7. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Also known as Melaleuca oil, tea tree oil is a colorless liquid with a distinct camphor-like scent. Its exceptional antifungal properties make it a safe and effective solution against onychomycosis. Read the detailed remedy here.
8. Garlic
Packed with antifungal and antimicrobial properties, garlic is the best choice for toenail fungal infection. For this, put crushed or chopped garlic on the affected nail for half an hour regularly.
9. Oregano Oil
Thymol present in oregano oil is full of anti-microbial and anti-fungal capabilities. That’s why oregano oil is a promising product for toenail fungus. Combine 5-10 drops of oregano oil and 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil in a bowl. Apply this solution to the toenail twice daily for best results.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple vinegar is effective against candida species, which is responsible for onychomycosis. It’s all possible because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activities. Simply submerge your affected foot in a bucket filled with equal parts of vinegar and tepid water for half an hour. Repeat this method once or twice regularly for up to 1-2 weeks.
11. Listerine Mouthwash
If you want to use this remedy, soak the fungal-affected foot in the Listerine for 15-20 minutes daily.
Note-Â Avoid the above hacks if you have any skin-related disorder.
How To Prevent Toenail Fungus?
Prevention is always better than cure, so taking precautions to avoid toenail fungus is as vital as treating this condition. Some pointers that will help you avoid the embarrassment and stress of dealing with an infected toenail are:
- Keep your feet clean and dry: Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so keeping your feet clean and dry can help prevent toenail fungus.
- Wear breathable shoes and socks: Choose shoes made of breathable materials, and wear socks made of moisture-wicking materials like cotton or wool. Regularly put your shoes and socks under direct sunlight to kill any fungus or bacteria.
- Avoid sweaty socks- Exchange your socks for a clean pair whenever they become sweaty.
- Use antifungal powder or spray: Sprinkle the antifungal powder or spray inside your shoes and on your feet to help prevent fungal infections.
- Trim your nails regularly: Keep your toenails trimmed short and straight across.
- Don’t share personal items: Avoid sharing nail clippers, files, socks, or shoes with others, as toenail fungus can spread easily.
- Wear shower shoes in public areas: Fungi breed in warm, damp environments like public showers and locker rooms. Wear shower shoes or sandals to protect your feet from infection.
- Avoid nail polish and artificial nails: Nail polish and artificial nails can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for fungus, causing infection.
- Throw Old Footwear- Discard old shoes, slippers, and other footwear.
- Disinfect your nail tools: If you have had a fungal infection before, it’s important to disinfect your nail clippers, files, and other tools before using them again to prevent reinfection.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy immune system can help your body fight off fungal infections. Eat a well-balanced diet, do plenty of exercise, and avoid smoking.
Precautions
- People with diabetes and weak immune systems should consult a physician immediately in the case of any toenail fungus.
- Avoid using bleach if you have sensitive skin or an open wound, as it may cause irritation, rashes, and burning sensations.
- If you are applying the bleach-water solution directly to your toenails, you must perform a patch test first.
- In case of any other doubts, consult a dermatologist before starting self-treatment.
When To See a Physician?
Mild toenail fungus is easily treatable at home with natural remedies. But consulting an expert dermatologist or podiatrist is highly recommended if:
- The toenail is thick, discolored, or deformed.
- Home remedies are unable to treat toenail fungus, or the condition worsens.
- The toenail fungus is severe and painful.
- The toenail spreads to other nails or the surrounding skin.
- You are experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, redness, and swelling around the infected toenail.
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