Will Bleach Kill Nail Fungus?

Toenail fungus can be tough to treat. Many people look for fast home remedies, so they soak their feet in bleach to kill nail fungus. But is it effective, and more importantly, is it safe? Let’s take a closer look and see how successful you’ll be if you use bleach to kill nail fungus.

Can Bleach Kill Nail Fungus?

Yes, bleach can kill some types of fungi because of its strong disinfectant properties. But toenail fungus usually hides under the nail and in the nail bed, and bleach can’t penetrate your nail deeply enough to completely remove the fungus. So, it is an unreliable solution. Worse, using bleach on your skin and nails can cause significant harm.

Dangers of Using Bleach for Nail Fungus

Using bleach to kill nail fungus is not without serious risks. Here are some dangers to consider:

• Bleach burns, itches, and makes your toes red. It can harm the sensitive skin around your nails and easily damage it with its harsh chemicals.
• If you leave your foot in bleach for too long, it can cause chemical burns and leave painful blisters or sores on the skin.
• Bleach weakens the nail and makes it brittle and cracked. This damage gives the infection more space to spread and makes it worse.
• Breathing bleach fumes irritate your lungs and throat, especially if you use it in enclosed spaces like bathrooms.
• You may have allergic reactions to bleach. Your allergy can cause swelling, hives, or even breathing problems.
• Bleach may make the nail look better at first by whitening it, but once the surface effect wears off, the fungus can return, often worse than before.

What to Do Instead of Using Bleach for Nail Fungus

Alright. You can use bleach to kill nail fungus, but there are safer, more effective nail fungus treatments in Gilbert Arizona to tackle this problem. Here are some good alternatives:

Antifungal Creams

You can use over-the-counter creams with clotrimazole or terbinafine. You need to clean and dry the area. Then, apply a thin layer on the infected nail and massage it into the nail and surrounding skin. Do it twice a day.

Prescription Medications

Oral antifungal drugs like terbinafine or itraconazole offer strong results. You can take pills to target the fungus beneath the nail from inside the body. In fact, about 70-80% of cases clear within 6-12 weeks with proper use.

Topical Prescription Solutions

You can also use prescription solutions like ciclopirox or efinaconazole. They penetrate your nails to kill the fungus at the root. Use the solution directly to the nail and cuticle once a day. For the best results, use them consistently over several months.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a lot better than using bleach to kill nail fungus. Lasers can treat stubborn infections because they target and kill the fungus deep beneath the nail without damaging the surrounding tissue. All you need are a few short sessions with a specialist. You can typically see improvements after just a few sessions of this nail fungus treatment.

Tea Tree Oil

For a natural option, you can apply tea tree oil twice daily. Use a cotton swab and dab the oil on your nail. Make sure to cover the whole nail and the skin around it. However, you need to know that tea tree oil may take longer to show results compared to medical treatments.

Foot Hygiene

Follow general instructions for foot hygiene:

• Keep your feet clean and dry at all times.
• Wash them daily with soap and water, then dry them completely.
• Change socks daily, and avoid tight shoes that trap moisture.
• Choose breathable shoes and flip-flops in shared spaces like gyms or pools.

Does Bleach Kill Fungus on Nail Clippers?

Yes, bleach can disinfect your nail clippers. To do it, you should soak your clipper in a bleach solution (1 part bleach with 10 parts water) for at least 10 minutes. This solution will kill any fungus or bacteria on the surface. Then, rinse your clippers thoroughly afterward to avoid skin irritation. Regular cleaning can help prevent the spread of fungal infections.

Causes and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

Podiatrist Gilbert say common causes include:

• Excess moisture from sweaty feet or wet environments
• Poor foot hygiene
• Tight shoes that trap moisture
• Walking barefoot in public places like pools and gyms
• Weakened immune system

Common symptoms include:

• Thickened nails
• Discoloration (yellow, white, or brown)
• Brittle or crumbly nails
• Nail lifting away from the nail bed
• Foul odor from the infected nail

What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Nail Fungus?

Oral antifungal medication like terbinafine is the most effective treatment for nail fungus. In fact, oral antifungals have a success rate of 70-80%. These oral meds work from the inside of your body and can target the fungus under the nail. They can penetrate the bloodstream, reach areas that topical treatments can’t, and effectively kill the infection at its source. However, your doctors should monitor your liver function during the treatment to ensure safety.

What Kills Nail Fungus the Fastest?

Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine are also the fastest. These drugs start clearing the infection within a few weeks and can show significant improvement in 6-12 weeks. Topical treatments and creams can take months, but oral medications act more quickly by attacking the fungus directly from inside your body.

Best Toenail Fungus Treatments in Arizona

At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we offer the best toenail fungus treatments in Arizona. Our podiatrists in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ, provide a full range of options, including prescription medications and customized care plans to kill your toenail fungus. Take action today. Call us at 480-812-3668 or schedule your consultation online today and take the first step toward healthier feet!

Conclusion

You can use bleach to kill nail fungus, but it is not effective or safe. Use safer, proven treatments like antifungal medications and laser therapy to tackle this problem. Don’t forget to talk to our professionals and avoid dangerous home remedies to avoid unnecessary harm.

FAQs

Is it safe to put bleach on toenail fungus?

No, bleach is not safe. It can cause skin irritation, burns, and nail damage.

Does hydrogen peroxide really kill nail fungus?

Hydrogen peroxide can kill surface-level fungi but is not as effective as prescription treatments for nail fungus.

How long does it take for bleach to kill fungus?

Bleach may kill surface fungi in minutes, but it does not penetrate deeply enough to fully eliminate a nail fungus infection.

Will vinegar kill nail fungus?

Vinegar has mild antifungal properties, but it is not a reliable or fast solution for treating toenail fungus. Stronger treatments are often needed.