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How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Nail Fungus a Step By Step Guide
Specialty: Dermatology
Nail fungus can be awful to deal with. Starting off as a yellow spot, the fungus grows to spread over your nail. And if not treated in the early stages, it can grow to cover your entire nail, thicken it, and even crack it, causing pain and tenderness. Thankfully, there are at-home treatments that can help treat this issue, the most common being oxidative therapy. Oxidative therapy incorporates the use of hydrogen peroxide to treat nail fungus. Keep reading to know more about how this works and how to use hydrogen peroxide for nail fungus treatment.
Is Hydrogen Peroxide An Effective Treatment For Nail Fungus?
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.
Here, I’ve put together a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to use hydrogen peroxide to treat nail fungus.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Nail Fungus
Why This Works
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.
NOTE
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.
How Often?
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.
Why This Works
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.
How Often?
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.
Why This Works
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.
Side Effects Of Using Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus Treatment
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.
- Hydrogen peroxide can irritate your skin causing redness, stinging, and mild itching.
- It may also dry out your skin and cause cracked feet.
- Peroxide can cause your skin to peel.
If you ever notice discoloration on your skin, it might be nail fungus. The next time this happens, you know what to do. Have you ever dealt with nail fungus? What helped you treat it? Tell us in the comments section below.