Hydrogen peroxide is a light blue chemical that has become a household staple and is quickly becoming the solution to all sorts of problems.
It started purely as a household cleaner, but is now used for a wide range of purposes, including hair lightening, drain removal, teeth whitening, and nail and foot treatments.
Respectivelyclinica cleveland, nail fungus accounts for 50% of all nail problems and affects 1 in 10 people. So there is a high chance that you are browsing this guide in search of a nail fungus solution.
What is alarming is that toenail fungus is contagious, which means there is a high chance that you could infect a family member or friend. Therefore, we recommend that you start hydrogen peroxide treatments immediately to avoid further problems.
What is a fungus?
Nail Fungus Is Known Professionally As "Onychomycosis" And It's NoisyInfection protection today– Affects 12 million Americans.
This fungal nail infection can spread to the nails from a variety of organisms, including yeast, fungus, and dermatophytes (mold). Spread of the infection usually occurs when these organisms come into contact with the skin around the nail or with a broken nail.
According to a 2004 nail hygiene survey, 52% of respondents reported symptoms of highly contagious nail fungus or infections, yet only 15% discussed their nail care issues with a doctor.
Given these amazing statistics, we recommend that you take care of your nails with hydrogen peroxide at home.
Causes of nail fungus
There are several causes of toenail fungus, some of which you can train yourself to avoid.
1. A weak immune system
The immune system is the body's defense mechanism and protects it from external aggressions. However, the immune system can become depleted and lower its barriers for a variety of reasons, including age, poor diet, or underlying health conditions.
So, the best way to prevent nail fungus is to maintain a healthy body through good diet and good sleep.
2. Insufficient nail care
Fungi are most easily attracted to dark, moist and warm habitats, including but not limited to swimming pools and changing rooms.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that you do not go barefoot in these places.
Also, it would be best to keep your nails trimmed, dry and clean. To ensure complete disinfection, we recommend that you clean your nails daily or weekly with hydrogen peroxide.
3. Sweaty hands or feet
Since fungi thrive in moist environments, your sweaty hands and feet are an ideal place for them to thrive. Due to favorable factors, reduced sunlight and increased heat, they particularly prefer sweaty shoes for their habitat.
Therefore, we recommend cleaning your shoes daily with hydrogen peroxide and putting antifungals in your shoes and socks to absorb moisture.
4. Change
Onychomycosis affects one in two people over the age of 70, making it a 50% threat rate for the elderly.
This is because older people have extremely dry nails, which leads to cracked nails and makes it easier for fungus to break out. In addition, the blood flow in the body also decreases.
This blood flow includes white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting bacteria and infections. So, once the fungus is in the nail areas, it easily develops.
Therefore, seniors need regular exercise to maintain healthy blood flow. Also, constant nail hydration is essential. One more step would be to regularly disinfect your nails with hydrogen peroxide to eliminate even the slightest trace of onychomycosis.
Is hydrogen peroxide an effective treatment for nail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has been known for its disinfectant and antibacterial properties since the 1920s; and was religiously accustomedtreat woundsand cuts until recently.
However, recently its antifungal properties have been studied more closely and antibacterial properties have been found to eliminate nail onychomycosis. In addition, hydrogen peroxide also promotes the growth of the damaged part of the nails, which makes it easier to cut.
Hydrogen peroxide has the potential to heal nails in weeks to months, depending on the severity of the fungal infection.
It is also recommended to continue this hydrogen peroxide treatment even after the nails are declared fungus free. This is a precautionary measure to prevent future fungal adhesions.
How to use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to treat nail fungus?
This fungus-fighting duo offers ultimate relief. This is because vinegar is an acidic solution known to relieve itching and revitalize the pH balance of nails and skin.
These properties help hydrogen peroxide create an environment in which the fungus cannot survive, thereby eliminating onychomycosis.
In addition, apple cider vinegar reduces inflammation caused by nail fungus and effectively relieves pain.
get the ingredients
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- White Vinegar / Apple Cider Vinegar
- Distilled water
- Tina plastic container
- tissue
to use
There are two ways to use these two components to kill fungus. We recommend that you use the first method because the second one can be dangerous under certain circumstances. For example, under certain conditions, mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar can produce peracetic acid, a corrosive acid.
Method 1
- Take a plastic container and pour equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water into it.
- Soak fungus-infested nails in this mixture for about 10 minutes.
- The next day, take a plastic container and add equal amounts of vinegar and distilled water.
- Soak fungus-infested nails in the solution for 10 minutes.
- You will need to alternate between the two solutions until the fungal infection is gone.
Method 2
- Take a plastic bathtub and pour equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide, distilled water and vinegar into it.
- Similar to Method 1, you have to soak your nails in this solution for about 10 minutes.
- Dry your nails completely with tissue paper before covering them.
- Remember to dispose of the tissue after use.
How to use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to treat nail fungus?
You probably expected these two elements to join forces in this war against fungi. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are a very compatible sanitizing duo and are effective against fungi.
This is because baking soda contains antifungal properties that help balance the skin's pH levels and prevent fungal growth.
get the ingredients
- 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- ½ cup of baking soda
- 4 cups of warm water
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- Container or plastic tub
- tissue
The process
- Take a plastic container and add the mentioned amounts of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, Epsom salts and water.
- Using a wooden spatula or plastic spoon, mix the ingredients together until you have a well-blended mixture.
- Immerse your nails well in the solution for about 10 minutes.
- Dry your nails with tissue paper before covering them.
- Be sure to dispose of used tissue paper. Also, be sure to use a concentration of more than 3% hydrogen peroxide to prevent nail damage.
How can you soak your feet in hydrogen peroxide to treat a fungal infection?
If you want to treat yourself to a mini spa session, this method is right for you!
Seriously, this at-home spa session is "oxidative therapy" for your feet. The increased levels of oxygen your feet receive leads to asphyxiation and elimination of the fungus.
get the ingredients
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Distilled water
- A plastic container or tub
- scarves or towel
The process
- Take a plastic bathtub and pour equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water into it.
- Soak your feet in the solution for about 30 minutes.
- When the timer ends, dry your feet with a towel or tissue. Be sure to wash the towel or dispose of the tissue paper.
- When the nails are dry, cover them.
- Repeat this process every day until the yeast infection is gone, and continue using the treatment once it is gone.
to use
If you don't have the patience to endure a 30-minute foot soak, you can spray your feet with diluted hydrogen peroxide. Be sure to let your feet air dry.
Daily tips to suppress and prevent nail fungus
There are several small steps you can take every day to help prevent yeast infection, and we've highlighted a few that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.
- Make sure your fingers and toes are covered when you are outdoors.
- Keep nails trimmed and clean.
- Be sure to dry your hands and feet thoroughly after washing.
- Spray some antifungal solutions on your shoes and gloves to get rid of any lingering or invasive fungus.
- Make it a strict habit to dry your gloves, shoes and socks thoroughly after washing them. As mentioned above, the biggest draw to mushrooms is moisture.
- Disinfect your shoes, socks, and nail tools with hydrogen peroxide.
How do I clean my foot tools with hydrogen peroxide?
There is a high chance that your foot tools are carrying the fungus and they could be the reason why your fungal infection persists despite repeated treatments.
Also, through foot and nail tools, the fungus can be transmitted to another person who uses them.
If you like a hydrogen peroxide foot bath, the tools can come with you. Alternatively, soak tools in 3% hydrogen peroxide for an hour or overnight after use.
How do I clean my shoes and shower with hydrogen peroxide?
Your shoes are an ideal breeding ground for hydrogen peroxide. They are also a natural habitat for odors and germs.
To reverse all this, you can spray your shoes with 3% hydrogen peroxide every now and then. However, a more effective approach to disinfecting shoes was soaking them in a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and distilled water.
Liquid substances can damage leather shoes, so be careful not to drop a pair of leather in a puddle of the mixture. Also, avoid spraying with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, as this will also damage leather shoes.
Your showers also contain germs and bacteria, so it would only be fair to spray them with peroxide next to your shoes.
Side effects of using hydrogen peroxide on nails
Hydrogen peroxide can effectively cure yeast infection, but it can also cause some side effects. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you should consult a doctor before trying these treatments.
The risk of using hydrogen peroxide is as follows:
- Even at concentrations as low as 3%, there is a high possibility of skin irritation. These include redness, burning and mild itching.
- This can lead to dry feet and cracked heels.
- Hydrogen peroxide can also cause skin peeling.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, we recommend using a concentration of less than 3%. You can also further dilute hydrogen peroxide with water to reduce its concentration.
fungus free nails
If you've been consistent with your hydrogen peroxide treatments, there's a good chance you've gotten rid of the yellow spots and discoloration your nails have acquired.
Remember to continue the treatment even if you are fungus-free. After all, precautionary measures cannot harm your health.
Now that you're no longer contagious, treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure!