Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) are common foot problems that can be difficult to get rid of.
A lot of people wonder if hydrogen peroxide foot soaks can help. While some people swear by it as a home remedy, others urge caution. Is it safe? Does it work?
This article will explore using hydrogen peroxide foot soaks to treat toenail fungus and athlete’s foot, including the benefits, risks, and how to do it safely.
Hydrogen peroxide and toenail fungus
Toenail fungus can be stubborn and tricky to treat; understanding its symptoms, causes, and best cures is essential for effective management. Some people wonder whether hydrogen peroxide is a good choice for resolving this problem.
How hydrogen peroxide may work
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and an oxidizer. It’s possible that it can kill fungus by damaging the walls of the fungal cells.
Ways to use hydrogen peroxide on toenail fungus
Here are a few ways to use hydrogen peroxide to treat toenail fungus:
- Direct application. Soak a cotton ball in 3% hydrogen peroxide and apply it to the affected toenail for 5 to 10 minutes. You can repeat this once or twice a day. Make sure to clean and dry the area well before you apply the hydrogen peroxide.
- Foot soak. Make a foot soak of equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Soak your foot for 15 to 20 minutes each day.
- Baking soda paste. You can combine hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected toenail for 10 to 15 minutes. Start slowly and increase how often you use the paste as you see how your toe is responding.
Things to keep in mind
If you’re going to use hydrogen peroxide to treat toenail fungus, remember these important points:
- Only use 3% hydrogen peroxide.
- Watch for skin irritation. If you notice any, stop using the hydrogen peroxide.
- Test the hydrogen peroxide on a small area of skin before you apply it to a larger area.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Athlete’s Foot
Can hydrogen peroxide treat athlete’s foot?
Hydrogen peroxide is not usually recommended as the only way to treat athlete’s foot, and I would recommend that you seek medical advice from a doctor, podiatrist or other healthcare professional instead.
A 2014 study in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology showed success with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and iodine, but the study authors did not recommend hydrogen peroxide as a stand-alone treatment.
Risks of hydrogen peroxide
It’s important to consider the risks of using hydrogen peroxide incorrectly.
For example, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause:
- Skin burns
- Gas embolism (when gas bubbles block blood vessels)
- Vomiting
- Lung irritation
A review of published case studies in the medical journal Burns reported that a 35-year-old woman suffered full-thickness skin burns on her feet after soaking them in hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes.
If you’re considering using hydrogen peroxide on your feet, talk to a healthcare professional about whether it’s right for you.
Other treatments that may help
There are other treatments that may provide relief from foot fungus. Keep in mind that none of these options are substitutes for medical care. If you have a serious infection, it’s important to seek help from a doctor.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a popular home remedy, and some people add a few drops of tea tree oil to their hydrogen peroxide soak for extra help.
Apple cider vinegar
You can try mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar. But be careful: Some people report that apple cider vinegar can cause a tingling or burning sensation.
Over-the-counter creams
For athlete’s foot, creams containing clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or ketoconazole may help.
Epsom salts
Epsom salt baths can help to clean and dry your feet, which is important for preventing the spread of infection; be sure to consider pool safety and prevention to avoid chlorine-related issues for athlete’s foot, too.
When to seek professional medical advice
Although hydrogen peroxide foot soaks can be helpful, they’re not always enough. If you have toenail fungus, keep in mind that home treatment might not work in all cases. You should seek professional medical advice if:
- Your toenail fungus is severe
- The infection won’t go away
- You’re experiencing bothersome symptoms or side effects
- You have diabetes or another underlying health condition
For athlete’s foot, see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus?
While some sources suggest various home remedies, there’s no single ingredient guaranteed to “destroy” nail fungus with just one cup. Treatments like vinegar, Epsom salts, or diluted bleach are sometimes mentioned, but their effectiveness varies, and they aren’t a guaranteed cure.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Permanent elimination of toenail fungus can be challenging. Prescription antifungal medications, either oral or topical, often provide the best chance of complete eradication. However, even with medication, recurrence is possible. Consult a doctor for the most effective treatment options.
Is hydrogen peroxide good for foot fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties and may help to kill some surface-level fungus. However, it’s not a particularly strong antifungal agent and might not penetrate deep enough to effectively treat a toenail fungus infection. It can be used as part of a broader foot care routine, but it’s not a standalone cure.
Can you mix vinegar and peroxide for a foot soak?
While some people suggest mixing vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, it’s generally not recommended. Mixing these two substances can create peracetic acid, which can be irritating to the skin. It’s best to use them separately, if at all, and always in diluted form.
Can I soak my infected toe in hydrogen peroxide?
You can soak an infected toe in diluted hydrogen peroxide (typically a 3% solution mixed with water). While it might help clean the area and kill some surface bacteria or fungus, it’s unlikely to cure the infection completely. It’s best used as a supplementary measure alongside other treatments recommended by a healthcare professional.
Wrapping Up
Hydrogen peroxide foot soaks may help with some minor foot problems. However, they can also cause skin irritation and other side effects if you aren’t careful. Because of this, you should always use caution when soaking your feet in hydrogen peroxide.
If you have a serious or long-lasting foot problem, you should see a doctor. A hydrogen peroxide foot soak is not a substitute for professional medical care.