Applying hydrogen peroxide to toenails every day can help get rid of ugly nail fungus. However, this remedy requires lots of patience.
Many people would like a simple, inexpensive way to treat toenail fungus. Fortunately, there are many home remedies that can prove helpful. So far as we know, there is not a single treatment that works in every case. But many people find that if they apply hydrogen peroxide daily to the affected nails they can clear the fungus.
A. The reader who suggested this remedy applied pharmacy strength hydrogen peroxide daily to the nails with a cotton ball after showering. We found relatively few scientific studies of this remedy, but one review of research included H2O2 as a way to make thick toenails more permeable. That might allow antifungal treatments to penetrate more easily (Murdan, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, Nov. 2008).
Laser Treatment For Fungal Toenails Lunula No Side Effects
Other simple remedies for treating nail fungus include vinegar or old-fashioned amber Listerine mouthwash. Usually people soak their feet in a solution that contains a third to a half vinegar or Listerine and the rest water. Readers trying any of these soaks must be patient. Toenails grow slowly, and the fungus won’t be gone until the nail has grown out completely free of fungus. That could take up to a year.
Many readers have found that applying Vicks VapoRub to the nails daily or twice a day can overcome toenail fungus. One clinical case series supports this home remedy for toenail fungus (Derby et al, Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, Jan-Feb. 2012). Nurses also report that this treatment is safe and can be effective (Snell et al, Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Jan-Feb. 2016).
Q. I found decolorized iodine works remarkably well for toenail fungus. Applied to the top of the nail and around the cuticle, it dries quickly and does not stain stockings or bedding. Cost: about $2.50.
The #1 Foot Fungus Treatment For Symptom Relief
I used it five times a week starting out. After the nail was once again normal, I started using it about once a week for maintenance and prevention. I don’t want ugly toenails ever again.
A. Iodine has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity that has been recognized since the early 19th century. It also is active against yeast, mold, viruses and fungi. Readers have reported that iodine can be effective against warts and nail fungus.
Tincture of iodine stains the skin and nails brown, which is why people prefer decolorized iodine. We discuss this and many other remedies for nail fungus in our Guide to Hair and Nail Care.
Dry Cracked Feet Fungus, Toenail Fungus, And Athlete's Foot Cures
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.” ReadJoe's Full Bio.
We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.Nail fungus is not an easy task to deal with. Though it appears as a yellow spot, it can spread to your entire nail and may crack it, leading to more tenderness and pain. You may use oxidative therapy like hydrogen peroxide for nail fungus to prevent further nail damage. Oxidative therapy is one of the common home remedies available to manage this condition. This article discusses how hydrogen peroxide helps you treat nail fungus and how to use it. Keep reading to know more about it!
The first person to determine that the yellow spots on the nails were a result of fungal infection was Georg Meissner, a German anatomist, in 1853.
Tea Tree Oil For Nail Fungus: Effectiveness, How To Use, And Side Effects
Hydrogen peroxide is a household remedy that is used to disinfect minor scratches and cuts. When used for treating nail fungus, its antifungal properties kill the fungus, letting the damaged part of your nails grow out. The liquid has several uses as an antiseptic, disinfectant, oxidizer, bleaching agent, as well as an antifungal agent (1). Its strong antifungal and antiseptic properties effectively treat nail fungus (2).
With regular use, the treatment can heal your nails within weeks or months, depending on the severity of the infection. It is recommended to keep using the treatment for a couple of months after your nail has been restored back to health to prevent future fungal infections. While there are not a lot of scientific studies on this treatment, it is a tried and tested home remedy that is sure to give you optimal results.
Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Regular use of hydrogen peroxide can show improvement in toenail fungus within a few weeks to months, depending on the spread of the infection.”
How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus With Bleach?
Thirty-eight participants in the trial either used Mycosinate or an approved toenail lacquer. A base layer of Mycosinate is a method for prolonged hydrogen peroxide emission. According to the research, Mycosinate is a novel topical treatment for onychomycosis that offers a high rate of efficacy and a superior safety profile.
You have to repeat this process every day until, and even after, the problem subsides. Getting rid of nail fungus is not easy and will take a lot of patience and effort.
This oxidate therapy using hydrogen peroxide is highly effective when it comes to treating nail fungus. The method involves using the peroxide to soak the infected and affected nails. As the oxygen levels increase, the fungus on your nails gets destroyed.
Natural Ways To Defeat Toenail Fungus
While method 1 is often quoted as a solution to nail fungus on the internet, we recommend using method 2. This is because under certain conditions, mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can form peracetic acid, which is a caustic chemical that does not share the desired properties to treat nail fungus.
Vinegar is an acidic solution that helps relieve itching and restores the pH balance of your skin and nails. These properties help the liquid create an unfavorable environment for the fungi to breed in, killing off the infection. Apple cider vinegar helps reduce inflammation, reducing the pain caused by nail fungus.
Baking soda contains antifungal properties that help prevent the growth of fungus. This solution helps balance your skin’s pH levels while killing off fungus.
Nasty Nail Fungus: What To Do If You Have It
Dr. Anna Chacon recommends saturating your toe in the peroxide for 30 minutes. She also adds, “If you do not see results, please visit your local dermatologist and get prescription treatment for your toenail fungus.”
If you experience any of the following side effects, try using a solution weaker than 2%. You can also try diluting the solution further with water.
The antifungal properties of hydrogen peroxide make it an effective solution for toenail fungus, cuts, and burns. You can mix it with other household remedies like baking soda or vinegar. But, additionally, you can also include over-the-counter treatments to accelerate healing. Learn from the infographic below about the other remedies you can use after treating your feet in the soak.
Dermal Therapy Fungistop 3 In 1 Nail Treatment 4ml
Yellow spots or discoloration of nails may possibly be due to a fungal injection. If not treated early on, it can spread and crack the whole nail causing pain and discomfort. While OTC antifungal creams can help, you can try hydrogen peroxide for nail fungus to give you that initial relief. It acts as an antiseptic and antifungal treatment and helps contain the infection. Soaking your feet in a dilution of hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes every day can result in a visible difference in a few weeks’ time. You may also use vinegar or baking soda as detailed above to enhance its antifungal benefits further.
Depending on the severity of the condition, it may take anywhere between a few weeks to several months of regular treatment with hydrogen peroxide to cure nail fungus.
Diminishing discolored areas on the nail, reduction in the thickness of the nail, new nail growth from the base of the nail, and a clear demarcation line between the old infected nail and the new growth are some signs that the toenail fungus is dying and your nail is healing.
Home Remedies For Nail Fungus That Work
Dr. Hari Hara Sudhan is a dermatologist in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He has 14 years of experience in this field. He is a regular contributor to newspapers and has also authored a book. He is a member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) and specializes in Dermabrasion, Scar Treatment, Dental Fillings, Anti...more
Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more
