Onychomycosis commonly known as toenail fungus is a condition that affects toenails. Although this bacterial infection is caused by the same microscopic culprits that cause ringworm, toenail fungus treatment can be a bit more frustrating simply because the infection is situated in the nail bed where it is protected by the nail itself. Toenails are inherently hydrophobic, which makes them excellent at repelling most topical creams and solutions. Some home remedies for this ailment suggest that regular household bleach might be of some assistance in getting rid of the fungus.
Bleach for Toenail Fungus
It comes as no surprise that sodium hypochlorite needs to be used with extreme care. This substance can be particularly abrasive to the skin if it is not applied carefully and in the right amounts. Bleach should always be diluted before use – poisoning oneself with any caustic substance is no joke. Even when diluted, this chemical needs to be kept away from the eyes, mouth and any mucous membranes.
A Simple Bleach Solution Soak Could do the Trick
The bleach solution soak approach to treating toenail fungus is probably the most gentle way to go about it. One tablespoon to a gallon of clean, warm water is all it takes. It is important to file or trim the nail down as close to the nail bed as possible, in order to facilitate “easy access” for the solution. A half hour soak daily is recommended. This diluted bleach solution is not harsh enough to cause any irritation but may take much longer than other forms of treatment.
Treating Toenail Fungus with Bleach
Applying a bleach solution to the affected area and allowing it to sit for fifteen minutes before rinsing it off might be another clever way to treat toenail fungus. Although slightly more aggressive than the above-mentioned soak, this approach tends to require a shorter overall treatment period. Simply apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the nail and add one or two drops of plain, undiluted bleach. The petroleum jelly offers a buffer against any undiluted bleach becoming too harsh for the skin. Once the paste has been rinsed off (preferably in a warm shower), the nail should be filed down as much as possible.
What if it Does not Work?
If, after 8 weeks, there has been no change, it is probably a good idea to consult a professional. Laser treatments for toenail fungus are generally recommended as the quickest and least frustrating method of combating nail fungus.
