How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to kill toenail fungus

What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is a light blue liquid with strong oxidizing properties. The chemical formula that represents it is H2O2, meaning at the molecule level it is made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms.

The solution has many uses. It can be used as a bleaching agent, an oxidizer, a disinfectant, an antiseptic, and an anti-fungal agent. Several studies show that we need hydrogen peroxide for chemical reactions that occur in our bodies. It's also present in its natural form in freshly squeezed fruits and vegetable juices.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Treat Nail Fungus

This method of clearing nail fungus is also known as oxidative therapy. Essentially, it's the act of soaking the affected nail in hydrogen peroxide until the fungus gets destroyed due to the increased level of oxygen.

Here's the step-by-step:

1. Obtain 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Use a solution that is no more than a 3% concentration. A solution that is more than 3% is not as safe to use and may cause skin reactions.
2. Mix the hydrogen peroxide solution with an equal quantity of water or vinegar (if treating your feet).
3. Soak your infected nails in the solution for about 30 minutes each day. Continue the process for about a month without skipping any days, or until the fungus is totally grown out.

This method of treatment works for some people, but it definitely takes time and persistence. It's important to not skip any days while you're treating your nails. You should continue until the fungus is completely gone.

You should see positive results in about a month. However, if after using this treatment your condition does not improve, you should see a doctor.

Is This Method Effective?

Treating your fungus with hydrogen peroxide will only work if the solution permeates the thick layers of the nail plate and the nail bed since this is where the fungus typically breeds. That's why it's important to soak your nails for at least 30 minutes each day for at least a month to guarantee that the solution will reach the fungus in your nail.

Remember that this treatment takes time to work, though some people find this method too time-consuming to continue doing for a month.

Alternative Methods to Cure Nail Fungus

There are several other natural methods to permanently cure nail fungus. One of them is tea tree oil, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which can be used to treat nail fungus as well.

How to Treat Toenail Fungus Naturally

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

Lacey on July 19, 2017:

Never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together in one container. The resulting chemical, peracetic acid, can harm you when mixed together this way if you accidentally create a strong concentration in this fashion.

Doug Stricker on July 25, 2015:

Get some rubber boots. Pour in your hydrogen peroxide solution. Put on the boots barefooted and go about your business for at least an hour every day. Continue without skipping any days until your nails are all grown out perfect again. This may take two months or more.

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.

Hydrogen Peroxide Fights Toenail Fungus:

Q. I tried your hydrogen peroxide treatment for toenail fungus and it worked like a charm.

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).

Other Remedies for Lovely Toes:

Vinegar and Listerine:

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.

Sometimes people combine Listerine and vinegar in the same soak. Success still requires patience!

Vicks VapoRub:

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).

Decolorized Iodine:

We heard from one reader who used “white” iodine to good effect:

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.

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.

Drawback to Tincture of Iodine:

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.

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