Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection. If you have it, you’re probably familiar with the discoloration, thickening, and crumbling it causes. It can be unsightly and even painful.
Toenail fungus affects a large number of people, especially older adults and people with conditions like diabetes.
So, what can you do about it? You may have heard of lactic acid as a potential treatment. Lactic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that’s found naturally in your body and in fermented foods. It’s often used in skincare products because of its exfoliating and moisturizing properties.
But does lactic acid kill toenail fungus? That’s the question we’ll explore in this article. We’ll take a look at the scientific evidence, how lactic acid might work against the fungus, and what the limitations of this treatment might be.
Understanding Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus is a common annoyance, and it can be tough to get rid of. Before we dive into whether lactic acid is a solution, let’s cover the basics of toenail fungus.
Causes and Risk Factors
Most of the time, toenail fungus comes from dermatophytes. You’ll often see Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes listed as the culprits.
But it’s not just about those specific fungi. Other things can make you more likely to get it, such as:
- Injuring your nail
- Not keeping your feet clean and dry
- Having diabetes
- A weak immune system
- Wearing shoes that trap moisture
Symptoms and Diagnosis
If you’ve got a toenail fungus, you’ll probably notice:
- Your nail getting thicker
- Changes in color (yellow, white, or brown)
- The nail becoming brittle or crumbly
- The nail separating from the nail bed
It’s key to get a real diagnosis. A doctor can take a look, maybe do a lab test like a KOH exam or fungal culture, to make sure it’s really a fungus and not something else causing the problem.
Lactic acid: Properties and potential mechanisms of action
Although research is still ongoing, lactic acid may offer several ways to fight toenail fungus.
Properties of lactic acid
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA. That means it’s a water-soluble acid that can exfoliate your skin and draw moisture into it.
Lactic acid occurs naturally in the body. It’s produced in your muscles during exercise. It’s also found in fermented foods.
Potential antifungal mechanisms
Lactic acid might fight fungus in three important ways:
- Exfoliation. Lactic acid may help remove the infected layers of the nail, making it easier for other treatments to get to the source of the infection.
- pH alteration. Lactic acid can change the pH of the nail environment, which could prevent the fungus from growing.
- Moisturizing effect. Lactic acid draws moisture into the nails, which may make them stronger and more resistant to fungal infections.
Lactic acid as an antifungal: What’s the evidence?
Let’s take a look at what the science says (and doesn’t say) about using lactic acid to treat toenail fungus.
Scientific studies and clinical trials
I’ve dug around to find studies that specifically test lactic acid against the kinds of fungi that cause toenail infections (dermatophytes and other related organisms). I looked at the methods and results of any relevant studies, paying attention to:
- How many people participated in the study
- How much lactic acid they used
- How long the treatment lasted
- How they measured the results
Unfortunately, there’s a real lack of large, well-designed clinical trials that look at lactic acid as a toenail fungus treatment.
Anecdotal evidence and user experiences
I also looked at what people are saying online in reviews and personal stories. I gathered information about people who’ve tried lactic acid or products containing it for toenail fungus.
However, it’s important to remember that these stories aren’t the same as scientific evidence. Personal stories can be biased, and they don’t have the scientific controls that a real study would.
Lactic acid compared to other antifungal treatments
Doctors often prescribe antifungal medications like terbinafine and itraconazole for toenail fungus, and some may consider options like Clarus AC. I’ve compared lactic acid to these drugs, considering:
- How well they work
- Their side effects
- How they might interact with other medications you’re taking
- Cost
- How easy they are to get
- How long you have to use them
How to use lactic acid for toenail fungus (if applicable)
If you want to try lactic acid for your toenail fungus, or explore other natural options like argan oil, you can find these in creams, lotions, and peels. Follow the directions on the product label closely. Typically, you’ll apply it directly to the affected toenail.
Be aware that lactic acid can cause skin irritation or sensitivity. It’s always a good idea to test a small area first. And definitely, definitely talk to your doctor or podiatrist before you start using lactic acid on your toenail fungus. They can tell you if it’s a good option for you and how to use it safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed “permanent” cure for toenail fungus. Oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor often have the best success rate, but even they can have recurrence rates. Topical treatments are less effective but can help manage the infection. Laser therapy is another option, but its long-term effectiveness is still being studied.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including a warm, moist environment (like sweaty shoes), poor foot hygiene, injuries to the nail, and underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. Tight-fitting shoes and socks can also contribute to the problem.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
Avoid sharing nail clippers or files, as this can spread the infection. Don’t ignore the problem, hoping it will go away on its own; early treatment is often more effective. Also, avoid wearing nail polish, as it can trap moisture and create a better environment for the fungus to thrive. Don’t try to cut or dig out the fungus yourself, as this can lead to injury and further infection.
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus?
It’s generally recommended to wear clean, breathable socks to bed if you have toenail fungus. This helps absorb moisture and prevent the fungus from spreading. Change your socks daily and wash them in hot water with bleach to kill any fungal spores.
What is the number one cause of toenail fungus?
The most common cause of toenail fungus is dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. These fungi often enter the nail through small cracks or cuts, leading to infection. Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin on the feet, can also spread to the toenails.
Final Thoughts
While some people believe that lactic acid is an effective treatment for toenail fungus, there isn’t much scientific evidence to back that up. There’s no real proof that it will get rid of a fungal infection.
It’s possible that lactic acid could help as a supplemental treatment, or that other remedies like clove oil for toenail fungus could improve the overall health of your nails. But it’s not likely to cure a toenail fungus infection on its own.
If you have toenail fungus, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor or another health professional. They can diagnose your condition and recommend treatments that are known to be safe and effective. They can also create a treatment plan that’s designed to meet your specific needs.