Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that attacks toenails. It can be unsightly and, in some cases, even painful.
The pH scale is a way to measure how acidic or alkaline a substance is. It runs from 0 to 14. A pH of less than 7 is acidic, a pH of 7 is neutral, and a pH greater than 7 is alkaline (also called basic).
So, the question is: Is toenail fungus acidic or alkaline? And does pH play a role in the development or treatment of this stubborn infection? The answer may surprise you, and understanding it could help you find a more effective way to get rid of that pesky toenail fungus.
Understanding toenail fungus
Before we dive into the world of pH and toenail fungus, let’s make sure we understand exactly what we’re talking about.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is an infection caused by microscopic organisms. There are several common types of fungi that cause toenail infections, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. The most common culprits are dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Toenail fungus develops when these organisms get into your toenail area, usually through small cracks or cuts in the nail or surrounding skin. Fungi love to grow in warm, moist places.
If you have a toenail fungus, you may notice:
- Thickened nails
- Discoloration
- Brittle nails
- Debris building up under the nail
Factors that can lead to toenail fungus
A number of things can make you more prone to developing a toenail fungus, including:
- Environmental factors, such as humidity and the type of footwear you usually wear
- Wearing damp socks and shoes for long periods can contribute to fungal growth, making it important to kill shoe fungus with rubbing alcohol or other alternatives.
- Spending time in public swimming pools and showers
- Host factors, such as age, immune system health, and pre-existing conditions like diabetes
- Reduced blood circulation
- Weakened immune system
- Nail trauma from repeated injury to the nail
The pH of skin and nails
Healthy skin is slightly acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. This acidity is due to something called the acid mantle, which is a protective layer that helps keep bacteria and fungi from growing on your skin.
Similarly, your nails also have a slightly acidic pH. The pH level can actually affect the keratin structure of your nails, which is what makes them strong and healthy.
Most fungi, in general, like slightly acidic or neutral conditions. While they can tolerate some acidity, they generally won’t grow in extremely alkaline (basic) environments. That’s why the acid mantle on your skin is important: it creates an environment that’s not as friendly to fungal growth. Understanding this relationship between pH and fungal growth is key to understanding why fungal infections like toenail fungus occur and how to prevent them.
Is toenail fungus itself acidic or alkaline?
Fungi, including the ones that cause toenail fungus, produce acidic byproducts as a normal part of their metabolism, but is lactic acid for toenail fungus a viable treatment option? As they go about their fungal business, they release acids. This can make the immediate environment around the fungus more acidic.
However, it’s not really accurate to say the fungus itself is inherently acidic or alkaline. What matters more is the environment it creates and prefers to live in. So, the fungus’s impact on the surrounding environment is more important than its inherent pH level.
For example, Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), a common culprit in toenail fungus infections, often thrives in slightly acidic to neutral conditions. But keep in mind that these optimal growth ranges can vary from one fungal species to another.
pH and toenail fungus treatment
The pH level of your skin and nails is a measure of how acidic or alkaline they are. So, can changing the pH of your skin or nails help clear up toenail fungus?
The role of pH in antifungal medications
Some antifungal medications work better when the environment is acidic. When the pH is lower, certain antifungal drugs may penetrate the skin and nails more effectively.
For example, ciclopirox, an antifungal medication available as a nail lacquer, may have pH-dependent activity. Azoles, another class of antifungal medications, may also be affected by pH.
Can changing pH help?
Some people try soaking their feet in acidic or alkaline solutions to stop fungus from growing. For example, some people soak their feet in vinegar (acetic acid) to create an environment that’s not friendly to fungus. Other people soak their feet in baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), hoping to disrupt the fungal environment.
Some products claim to change the pH of the nail to fight fungus. However, it’s important to be skeptical about these claims, as there may not be much scientific evidence to back them up.
Important considerations
The environment inside and around your nails is complex. pH is only one factor that affects fungal growth. Other factors also play a role.
It can also be difficult to significantly change the pH of your nails using topical treatments because the nail structure is not very permeable.
The most important thing is to talk to a healthcare professional about the best way to treat your toenail fungus. Prescription medications are often necessary for effective treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What worsens toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Poor foot hygiene, such as not drying your feet thoroughly after showering, wearing tight shoes that don’t allow your feet to breathe, and frequenting public places like swimming pools and gyms without proper protection, can all worsen the condition. Injury to the nail can also make it more susceptible.
Can candida live in an alkaline body?
While the concept of an “alkaline body” is often promoted, the human body tightly regulates its pH levels. Candida, a type of yeast, can survive in a range of pH environments, although it generally prefers a slightly acidic environment. Dietary changes aimed at altering body pH are unlikely to significantly impact Candida growth.
What is the best pH for fungal growth?
Most fungi, including those that cause toenail fungus, prefer a slightly acidic pH environment. This typically falls within the range of 5.0 to 6.5. However, they can often tolerate a wider range of pH levels, making eradication challenging.
What kills fungus completely?
Completely eradicating toenail fungus can be difficult. Prescription oral antifungal medications are often the most effective, but they come with potential side effects. Topical antifungal treatments, laser therapy, and surgical removal of the nail are other options, but their success rates vary. Consistent treatment and patience are key.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
Don’t ignore it! Untreated toenail fungus can worsen and spread to other nails or even other people. Avoid sharing nail clippers or files, and don’t try to cover it up with nail polish without treating it first. Also, don’t pick at or try to cut off the infected nail, as this can increase the risk of infection.
Summary
Toenail fungus itself isn’t acidic or alkaline, but it creates an acidic environment. When fungus metabolizes, it releases acidic byproducts.
Changing the pH around the fungus could help treatments work better, but pH is only one factor. Lots of things affect how well a medication works.
The best way to deal with toenail fungus is to get medical advice. A doctor can help you come up with the best approach, which will probably include medicine and maybe some ways to change the pH around the fungus.