Is Bleach Safe For Toenail Fungus
Bleach is a caustic solution. Healthline has looked closely at the risks of getting bleach on the skin. If misused, it can severely damage the skin. It doesnt matter if you use chlorine or non-chlorine bleach as the risks are the same. Using straight bleach on toenail fungus can be dangerous and damaging.
You should never soak your feet in undiluted bleach or apply straight bleach directly to the toes. An exception to this rule is using a bleach pen as it is not as concentrated as straight bleach. But, you should still be very cautious with any bleach solution that you dont understand.
Some of the potential side effects of putting bleach on toenail fungus include:
- Itching
- Skin damage
- Pain
If you experience any of these side effects after using a bleach treatment for toenail fungus, rinse it off immediately. If its left on and causes irritation, it could cause severe burns to your skin.
Another risk factor is getting it in your eyes. If it gets in the eyes or mucous membranes, it can cause permanent damage. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling bleach, so you dont accidentally touch your face or other areas of your body.
Breathing in bleach can cause respiratory problems and damage the lungs. If you breathe in too much of it, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
Why Should You Use Bleach For Toenail Fungus
The foremost reason is quite recognized for the usage of bleach is the convenience. Bleach is the best home remedy for toenail fungus and readily available and that too at a lower cost. A good number of people have confirmed that their treatment has been successful with bleach.
If the infection is lesser, the soaks may work. However, if the case is severe, applying the bleach directly is recommended. It can kill the fungal spores and also lighten up the yellow toenails. Nevertheless, talk to your doctors to make an informed decision.
Donât Miss: Acrylic Nails Infections
What Is Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is a disinfecting liquid. It conveniently allows you to deliver chlorine to a variety of surfaces.
In Chemistry, chlorine bleach is the water solution of sodium hypochlorite. The U.S.E.P.A. also approves the use of chlorine bleach as a disinfecting agent.
One of the famous brand names for chlorine bleach is CLOROX. It is easily available in all supermarket stores.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Finger Nail Fungus Fast
Can Clorox Be Poured On Your Toenail Fungus
As the name says Clorox, it literally clears bacteria. Many Clorox products have precautions mentioned at the back of the package. It says not to use on the skin.
As it has chlorine, it can dry out our skin and cause rough patches. In the worst cases, Clorox can completely damage our skin.
So whatever your reasons may be, never pour this bleach solution directly on your toenail fungus.
How To Kill Toenail Fungus With Bleach
MISHKANET.COM” alt=”How to get rid of toenail fungus with bleach > MISHKANET.COM”> Toenail fungus is an unsightly condition caused by yeast and other types of fungi. When a fungus infects the toenail, the result is yellowing and thickening of the nail. Eventually, the nail may begin to crumble, and the area beneath it may emit a foul smell. Doctors often prescribe oral medications for treating toenail fungus, but some people prefer home remedies, such as those that use bleach to kill the fungi.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
You May Like: Will Epsom Salt Help Toenail Fungus
After Application: See How Your Feet Respond
It is important to minimize the risk that you end up hurting yourself.
Getting rid of the fungus is high on the priority list, but a persons overall health is more important.
Test to see if bleach is right for you. Start out with 1:10 dilution of bleach and water.
If irritation does not occur, gradually increase the bleach to water ratio.
Putting the bleach directly on the nail should be avoided if you have sensitive skin. If applying bleach directly to the nail is causing issues, then dilute the bleach and then try the application.
If bleach just is not working for you or causing pain and discomfort, there are alternatives.
Historical Uses For Topical Chlorine Bleach:
Cynthia is right that the British chemist Henry Dakin developed a topical solution containing chlorine bleach to treat infected wounds during World War I. Dakins Solution was dilute chlorine bleach . While it is possible to make this at home , we strongly discourage home use. Creating the dilution correctly can be tricky. Accidentally getting bleach on skin can lead to the problems listed above.
Pharmacists can make Dakins Solution, but we strongly discourage DIY chemists from trying this in the bathroom.
Most hospitals rarely use this old-timey remedy these days, though Dakins Solution still has its advocates. An article in the Journal of Surgical Research suggests that DS may negatively affect white blood cell survival and function. The authors note that killing off macrophages with DS may result in impaired pathogen clearance and delayed healing.
Despite reassurance by readers that dilute bleach is safe to treat nail fungus or athletes foot, some visitors to this website report problems:
Linda shared this unpleasant experience with dilute bleach:
Maybe you would like to see a photo of my feet, with blisters from using 2 capfuls of bleach in a bowl of water. It does happen and I was shocked to have it happen to me.
You May Like: How To Treat Nail Fungus On Hands
How Fast Does Bleach For Toenail Fungus Work
The appeal of bleach is that its such a strong solution. Most people think this means it will work fast, but thats not the case. Bleach has to be heavily diluted, so its effects wont be as rapid.
Toenail fungus wont go away overnight. But, you have to take into consideration the fact that it didnt show up overnight, either. The best thing you can do for bleach or any treatment to work faster is to catch a toenail fungus early on. Mild toenail fungus can be cleared up in weeks.
Dont stop treatment just because it looks like the infection is starting to get better. Whether youre using bleach or another home remedy, keep using it for a few weeks even after the fungus has cleared up to make sure its completely gone.
Because it is so strong, bleach can kill fungus and leave your nails looking clean and white. Many people have enjoyed success with bleach foot soaks, pastes, and pens.
Make sure to dilute bleach if youre putting it on your feet. If not, you will almost certainly irritate your skin or toenails. You may also experience side effects if you breathe in this chemical solution.
If you want a DIY solution for toenail fungus, bleach may be what you need to clear up a fungal infection. If you have sensitive skin, a more natural option to treat toenail fungus is recommended.
I Also Got Ear Fungus From The Same Basement
After much prodding and my stubborn attitude, the kindly ear doctor had me syringe out my ears each day with common old Peroxide. The next visit, he said, Your ears are as clean as a whistle. He might have heered the wind blowing through.Anyway, to make a short story long, I was left with the toenail invasion. That became a tough job as the darned things found a nice home in my socks, shoes and under my toenails.
Also Check: Can I Polish My Toenails If I Have Fungus
How Do Dermatologists Treat A Fungal Nail Infection
Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail, cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.
To completely get rid of the infection, most people also need one or more of the following treatments:
Medicine you apply to the nail: If you have a mild infection, a medicine that you apply to your nails may get rid of the infection. This treatment helps keep new fungus out while the nails grow. Fingernails typically grow out in four to six months. Toenails take longer, usually takes 12 to 18 months.
Probably the most difficult part of this treatment is remembering to use it as often as prescribed. Some treatments must be applied every day. Others you apply once a week. To get the best results, its essential that you apply these medicines exactly as directed.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the following medicines that you apply to the nail to treat nail fungus:
-
Amorolfine
-
Efinaconazole
-
Tavaborole
Side effects from these medicines are generally mild. Possible side effects include redness and swelling, an ingrown toenail, and stinging or burning when you apply the medicine. In clinical trials, none of these side effects caused patients to stop using the treatment.
The FDA has approved the following systemic medicines to treat nail fungus:
-
Fluconazole
Donât Miss: Nail Tech Jobs On Cruise Ships
S To Kill Nail Fungus With Bleach
Nail fungus can be quite hideous especially if you have been suffering from the condition for a while. It can leave the nails brittle, cracked and yellow. Fungal infection can look unhygienic especially if it affects the fingernails.
Although the condition is not life threatening, it should still be treated as soon as possible. Fungus can be very resistant to treatment and each person responds differently to each treatment method. One method is to kill nail fungus with bleach. There are various methods of applying bleach to nail fungus but which one is right for you?
Also Check: What Is The Best Otc Toenail Fungus Medicine
Bleach Pen For Toenail Fungus Reviews
Even though bleach pen is made to remove stains from clothing by rubbing it over stains before washing the clothing, many people are sharing positive views online about using bleach pen successfully to get rid of nail fungus
and it clearly shows that it does not only help with discoloration it also kills nail fungal infections.
This product can be bought at any place where laundry detergents are sold or buy it now at.
One of the good things reviewers say about bleach pen for nail fungus is that it is easy to apply, cost effective and effective.
Popular Nail Fungus Treatments
There are several treatment routes for nail fungus, including over-the-counter products, prescription topical treatments, oral medications and home remedies, according to Harvard Health Publishing. In order for a product to successfully treat toenail fungus, it must seep into the nail and nail bed.
Over-the-counter products are a common solution, as they can be easily bought in drugstores and are relatively inexpensive. Often, OTC toenail fungus treatments are applied with a brush, like nail polish. While many of these treatments don’t promise a cure, they can at least provide temporary relief or improve the appearance of your nails.
A doctor may prescribe an oral medication to treat a fungal infection. Common medications include itraconazole and terbafine, which can eliminate the fungus in about 10 months, according to Harvard Health Publishing. These drugs can be harmful on the liver, though, and your doctor may take steps to check your liver function before you begin taking them.
Home remedies for toenail fungus may seem simple, but they can quickly become unsafe or irritate the infection. Before you try at-home treatment, consult a doctor. Bleach, a common household disinfectant that’s also been used as a DIY fungus treatment, is no guarantee to fungus-free toenails and is not recommended by medical professionals.
Read more: How to Use Baking Soda to Treat Toenail Fungus
Don’t Miss: How To Identify Fungus On Trees
Using Bleach To Kill Fungus
Bleach can quickly kill fungus on nonporous surfaces, like shower tiles. Before getting to work, put on a mask, protective glasses and rubber gloves and open the windows and/or turn on a fan. Bob Vila recommends pouring 1 cup of bleach into a gallon of warm water. Dip a stiff-bristled brush into this solution and then scrub briskly. For tougher mold, pour some of the solution into a spray bottle, spray it on the area and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing.
Bleach can also be used to remove mold from upholstery and fabrics. Since mold spores spread, first take the item outside. Then, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrape off as much mold as possible. If the fabric is white, you can pretreat it with the homemade bleach spray. Otherwise, use a store-bought stain remover. Be sure to read the product label to see if it is safe for your upholstery or fabric.
Do not let the homemade solution sit on the fabric for more than a few minutes otherwise, you could ruin it. After treating the mold, you can wash the fabric with detergent and hot water. It may be necessary to complete this process more than once to get rid of all the mold. Also, be sure to let it dry completely otherwise, new mold may appear.
Things You Will Need
Bleach And Toenail Fungus
Before we start talking about bleach to cure the toenail fungus, let us first understand what toenail fungus is and how it attacks. Toenail fungus is a very common fungal disease, and almost every other person has suffered with it.
Fungus and fungal spores are widespread in air and water, and the fun fact is they are invisible, so you never know when they settled on your skin or inside your mouth.
General cleaning habits are essential to avoid such incidents but keeping your feet clean can be a challenging task.
Whenever our toenail gets injured, or cut, or when we wear tight shoes that put some pressure on the toenail. Fungal spores sometimes present in our shoes or on the ground gets inside our nail bed.
They gradually grow, make the toenail painful, and can even lead to the complete destruction of the nail.
Recommended Reading: How Do People Get Toenail Fungus
*** Christmas Recipes ***
Italian sausage and a heap of Parmesan cheese lend signature flair to the easy Thanksgiving dressing…
A classic dry martini cocktail made with gin and vermouth and stirred with ice.
It’s all about the layers and ruffles in this dramatic seasonal pie.
As with hot chocolate, use any milky liquid you prefer, whether it’s from a cow, nuts ,…
This is the dramatic seafood paella that looks stunning, with crustaceans and shellfish. You can vary…
Alton Brown’s turkey brine recipe from Good Eats will give you a flavorful Thanksgiving turkey with juicy…
Bone-in turkey breasts are easy to find, and as impressive as a whole bird when you roast them in butter…
Make and share this Basic All Purpose Brine for Meats, Chicken, and Turkey recipe from Food.com.
Cutting leeks into large pieces gives them a presence equal…
Poach quince in rosé with a dash of cocktail bitters and a few warm spices, then assemble into a tart…
It takes a day or two for the peel to dry, so plan ahead perfect Candied Orange Peels
The killer combination of coconut, almonds, and milk chocolate makes for a delectable candy bar. One…
A whole roasted duck doesn’t have to be fussy. With just a few hours’ roasting and hardly any work at…
This recipe is from Eben Freeman, bartender of Tailor Restaurant in New York City. The drink tastes best…
When Beatrice Ojakangas published *The Great Scandinavian Baking Book* in 1988, she won a lot of fans-including…
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Before you put them on, sprinkle baking soda into each shoe to absorb odor. It also acts to decrease the activity of fungal spores. Fill a spray bottle with diluted white or apple cider vinegar and spray it into your shoes whenever youre not going to wear them. It can help slow down the growth of fungal spores. Dont worry, the vinegar smell will disappear as it dries. Use both together to keep bacteria under control.
You May Like: How To Fix My Toenail Fungus
What You Should Know Before Using Bleach For Toenail Fungus
Although it’s certainly not visually pleasing, toenail fungus is a common infection, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you’re a swimmer or frequent exerciser, you’re probably no stranger to fungal infections, as they are commonly developed around pools or in gyms.
The convenience and low cost of an at-home bleach treatment for toenail fungus may sound appealing. However, treating fungus with bleach is neither safe nor widely recommended. Before you’re tempted to treat an infection on your own, consult a doctor for the safest and most effective options.
Read more: Vitamin D Deficiency and Skin Problems
Why Does Toe Fungus Keep Coming Back
This type of fungus thrives in warm, moist environments think public swimming pools or locker rooms where it can be easily transferred between people. Once you pick up the infection, it can spread fairly quickly, largely because you keep your feet inside shoes, creating the perfect environment for fungal growth.
Recommended Reading: How To Disinfect Shoes From Fungus
Other Ways To Overcome Athletes Foot:
There are many over-the-counter antifungal treatments that work well. One reader shared his experience:
I have suffered from athletes foot and jock itch for years. My doctor recommended Zeasorb antifungal powder, which contains miconazole. This works wonders for me.
Other remedies that readers praise include soaking the feet in dilute vinegar, amber Listerine, baking soda or Epsom salts solutions. One enterprising reader did an experiment on an old-fashioned remedy, soaking the affected foot in urine:
Two months ago I instituted a quasi-experiment for a home remedy to treat my toenail fungus, which is on both feet. Each morning I treat only the right foot, using urine .
In the morning shower, I apply a small amount of surfactant with a paintbrush to the toenails of the right foot, dump some saved urine into a dedicated wastebasket, and then soak the toes for several seconds.
After two months, there appears to be a remarkable improvement of the right foot over the left .
Urine and certain other athletes foot remedies became popular as a way of controlling foot odor. You can learn more from our FREE Guide to Smelly Feet.
Should you wish to learn more about home remedies for either athletes foot or nail fungus, our book, The Peoples Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies, has lots!
Revised: by Joe Graedon on 8/10/17