Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that can make your nails discolored, thick, and even crumbly. Because of the structure of our nails, getting rid of a nail fungus infection can be a challenge.
One common household remedy that people often wonder about is rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is a widely available antiseptic and disinfectant. You probably already know that it’s great at killing germs and bacteria.
But the big question is: can rubbing alcohol kill nail fungus? There’s a lot of debate about this, and not a lot of solid scientific evidence. Some people swear by it, while others say it’s a waste of time.
In this article, we will explore the ways rubbing alcohol might work against nail fungus, how effective it may or may not be, its limitations, and other possible treatments to consider. So, let’s dive in and get to the bottom of whether rubbing alcohol is a viable solution for nail fungus!
What is nail fungus? A closer look at onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is the medical term for nail fungus. It’s a common condition that can affect your toenails or your fingernails, but it’s more common in toenails and can sometimes be a risk factor related to receiving a nail fungus from pedicure.
Causes and types of nail fungus
Most of the time, nail fungus is caused by dermatophytes. The most common types of dermatophytes are Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Sometimes, yeasts and molds are the culprits. If you have a nail fungus, it might be caused by Candida species.
Symptoms and diagnosis
If you have a nail fungus, you might notice:
- Discoloration of the nail (yellow, white, or brown)
- Thickening of the nail
- Brittleness of the nail
In more advanced cases, you might experience pain, inflammation, or separation of the nail from the nail bed.
It’s important to see a doctor or other health professional for a diagnosis. They may want to take a fungal culture or nail clippings to determine what’s causing the infection.
How rubbing alcohol works: Antiseptic and disinfectant properties
Rubbing alcohol is a go-to for many people because it’s cheap and readily available, but is it the best choice for nail fungus?
How it works
Rubbing alcohol works by destroying proteins and breaking down the membranes of cells in microorganisms. That’s why it’s effective against many kinds of bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
Pay attention to the concentration, though. Most experts recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Why rubbing alcohol may not work well on nail fungus
Rubbing alcohol mostly works on the surface. That means it doesn’t penetrate deeply into the nail to get rid of a fungal infection.
Plus, it might not kill all the fungi that can cause nail infections.
It also evaporates quickly, which means it may not stay in contact with the fungus long enough to kill it.
Can rubbing alcohol treat nail fungus?
Lots of people want to know if they can get rid of nail fungus using rubbing alcohol. Here’s what you should consider.
Lack of scientific evidence
While you can find studies that examine the effectiveness of different treatments for nail fungus, there are few or no clinical studies specifically about using rubbing alcohol to treat nail fungus.
That doesn’t mean rubbing alcohol is necessarily ineffective. It just means that scientists haven’t studied it in a rigorous way. The studies that do exist may be small or have problems with the way they were designed.
Anecdotal evidence and user experiences
Some people say rubbing alcohol helps them with nail fungus. They report that when they apply it regularly, their nail looks better. People sometimes use it as a “helper” alongside other treatments, or they use it to try to prevent a fungal infection from starting.
If you’re going to try using rubbing alcohol, it’s important to use it consistently over a long period, though some may look for a 3 minute shower hack for toenail fungus.
Potential benefits of using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol may have some benefits in treating nail fungus, such as:
- Its antiseptic properties may help prevent bacterial infections from starting.
- It may help to dry out the nail bed, which makes it harder for fungus to grow.
- It’s easy to find in stores, and it’s relatively inexpensive.
Limitations and risks of using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol may help with some minor surface-level issues, but it has limitations and can even pose risks:
- It won’t get rid of severe infections. If the fungus is deeply embedded in the nail or has spread to multiple nails, rubbing alcohol probably won’t be enough.
- It can cause side effects. Rubbing alcohol can irritate your skin, causing dryness and cracking around the nail. Some people may have allergic reactions. It should never be ingested and needs to be kept away from children.
- It can delay or prevent you from getting proper treatment. If you rely on rubbing alcohol instead of consulting a doctor, the infection could get worse and spread to other nails.
Alternative and More Effective Treatments for Nail Fungus
While rubbing alcohol might offer some minor relief, there are more effective ways to tackle nail fungus, including methods to fight toenail fungus naturally with manuka oil. Talk to your doctor about these options:
- Topical antifungal medications like ciclopirox or efinaconazole. These prescription-strength treatments penetrate the nail better than over-the-counter remedies.
- Oral antifungal medications like terbinafine or itraconazole. These are more effective for severe infections, but they can have potential side effects.
- Laser therapy. This is a newer treatment option, but it can be pricey.
- Surgical nail removal. In severe cases, removing the nail allows for direct application of topical treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
No, you shouldn’t attempt to cut off a toenail infected with fungus. This is not an effective treatment and could lead to infection or further complications. Consult with a doctor or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment options. They may recommend trimming the nail back, but not complete removal.
Is isopropyl alcohol the same as rubbing alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol is a type of rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol generally refers to either isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol (ethanol) denatured for topical use. Isopropyl alcohol is the more common type found in most households and drugstores.
What not to do with toenail fungus?
Avoid picking at or attempting to scrape off the infected part of the nail, as this can spread the fungus. Don’t ignore the infection, hoping it will go away on its own. Also, avoid sharing nail clippers or files with others to prevent spreading the fungus.
What kills toenail fungus overnight?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet that will kill toenail fungus overnight. Treating toenail fungus takes time and consistent effort. While some home remedies might provide temporary relief, they typically don’t eradicate the infection quickly. Prescription medications are often the most effective, but also require consistent application over a period of months.
What is the fastest home remedy for toenail fungus?
While “fastest” is relative, some people find that tea tree oil or vinegar soaks can provide some relief and potentially slow the spread of the fungus. However, these are unlikely to provide a quick cure and may take weeks or months to show any noticeable improvement. Prescription treatments from a doctor are generally the fastest and most effective option.
Conclusion
There’s not much scientific evidence that rubbing alcohol can effectively treat nail fungus. While it might offer some benefit as a way to prevent nail fungus or as a supplemental treatment, don’t rely on it as your only treatment.
If you think you have nail fungus, talk with your doctor to get a diagnosis and find out about treatments that are proven to work. Relying only on rubbing alcohol, especially if you have a severe infection, might not be enough to get rid of the problem.