Toenail fungus is a common infection that can cause your toenails to become discolored, thick, and even painful. It’s definitely not pretty, and it can be uncomfortable, too.
So, if you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you might be wondering about quick and easy solutions. One question that often comes up is: can hand sanitizer kill toenail fungus?
This article takes a look at the ingredients in hand sanitizer and whether they have any antifungal properties. We’ll also explore what experts have to say about using hand sanitizer for toenail fungus, and we’ll cover some proven treatment options that can help you get rid of that pesky infection for good. Let’s dive in!
Understanding toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is often caused by dermatophytes, but it can also be caused by yeasts or molds.
If you have toenail fungus, you may notice that your nails have become:
- thickened
- discolored
- brittle
Toenail fungus can sometimes be painful.
Why toenails are vulnerable to fungal infections
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, like the inside of your shoes. Poor hygiene or a toenail injury can also make it more likely that you’ll develop toenail fungus.
Hand sanitizer ingredients and their (lack of) antifungal properties
If you’re wondering whether you can cure toenail fungus with hand sanitizer, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at why that’s probably not a good idea.
Common ingredients in hand sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are usually made with 60 to 95% alcohol, either ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol kills germs by breaking down their proteins.
Hand sanitizers also contain other ingredients, such as moisturizers like glycerin or aloe vera, and fragrances.
Can alcohol kill fungus?
Alcohol is pretty good at killing bacteria and viruses. It works by breaking down the proteins that make up those organisms.
But alcohol isn’t very effective against fungus, especially if the fungus has already set up shop in your toenail. The alcohol concentration and the amount of time it stays in contact with the fungus just aren’t enough to get rid of it.
What this means for toenail fungus
Hand sanitizer might help prevent fungal spores from spreading on your skin, but it’s not going to get through your toenail to the fungus underneath.
Sorry to say, there’s no science to back up the idea that hand sanitizer can treat a toenail fungus infection.
Why hand sanitizer isn’t an effective treatment for toenail fungus
While hand sanitizer is great at killing germs on your hands, it won’t do much good against toenail fungus. Here’s why:
- Poor penetration: Your toenail is thick, and it blocks the hand sanitizer from getting to the fungus underneath. Antifungal medications are formulated to get through the nail and reach the problem area.
- Insufficient contact time: Hand sanitizer evaporates super fast, so it doesn’t have enough time to kill the fungus. Antifungal meds need to stay in contact with the fungus for an extended period to work.
- Limited spectrum of activity: Alcohol isn’t as effective against fungus as it is against bacteria and viruses. Antifungal medications are specifically designed to target fungal cells.
Effective Treatments for Toenail Fungus
As we’ve established, hand sanitizer isn’t a reliable way to treat toenail fungus. So, what does work?
Topical Antifungal Medications
You can find over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments at the drugstore. Look for ingredients like tolnaftate and clotrimazole. These can sometimes help with mild infections, but you have to be patient and apply them exactly as directed for weeks or months.
For more stubborn cases, your doctor can prescribe stronger topical medications like ciclopirox or efinaconazole. These are usually more effective than over-the-counter options, but they can also come with side effects.
Oral Antifungal Medications
When a toenail fungus infection is severe, oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole are often the best choice. These are much stronger than topical treatments, but they also require a prescription and can have potential side effects and drug interactions, so your doctor will need to monitor you closely.
Other Treatments
There are also other ways to treat toenail fungus, like laser therapy (which uses focused light to kill the fungus) and, in very severe cases, surgical removal of the nail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hand sanitizer help with nail fungus?
While hand sanitizer is effective at killing many bacteria and viruses, it’s generally not effective against toenail fungus. Toenail fungus lives deep within the nail bed and is difficult to reach with surface-level treatments like hand sanitizer. Specialized antifungal medications are usually needed.
What kills toenail fungus overnight?
Unfortunately, there’s no overnight cure for toenail fungus. It’s a persistent infection that requires consistent treatment over several weeks or months to eradicate. Some prescription medications may show results faster, but patience and adherence to your treatment plan are essential.
Can hand sanitizer affect your nails?
Frequent use of hand sanitizer can dry out your nails and the surrounding skin, making them brittle and prone to cracking. The alcohol content in hand sanitizer strips away natural oils, which can weaken the nail structure over time. Moisturizing your hands and nails regularly can help mitigate these effects.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including wearing tight-fitting shoes that trap moisture, having poor foot hygiene, experiencing injuries to the nail, and having underlying health conditions like diabetes. Warm, damp environments are ideal for fungal growth, so keeping your feet clean and dry is crucial.
Can I sanitize my feet?
Yes, you can sanitize your feet, but it’s best to use products specifically designed for foot hygiene, such as antifungal soap. While hand sanitizer can be used in a pinch, it’s not ideal for long-term use due to its drying effects. Consider using antifungal foot sprays or washes that are formulated to kill fungus and bacteria without excessively drying out your skin.
To Conclude
Hand sanitizer is not a good way to treat toenail fungus. It doesn’t penetrate the nail well enough, and it doesn’t stay in contact with the fungus long enough to kill it. Plus, hand sanitizers aren’t usually formulated to kill fungus anyway.
If you think you have toenail fungus, see a doctor. They can diagnose your condition and help you find the right treatment.
You can help prevent toenail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry and exploring natural remedies like black seed oil, and by not sharing shoes or socks with other people.