Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a pretty common infection. It affects the nail itself and the skin underneath the nail, called the nail bed. You’ll likely notice it as a discoloration, often yellow toenail fungus, or thickening of the nail, and it can sometimes be uncomfortable.
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic, meaning it’s designed to kill germs. It’s used in all sorts of things, from medical settings to everyday products.
So, does chlorhexidine kill toenail fungus? That’s the question we’re going to explore. The answer is a bit more complicated than you might think, so let’s dive in.
What is chlorhexidine?
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic, not an antibiotic. That means it is designed to kill germs on contact, not to be absorbed into your body to fight an infection. It works by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms.
Chlorhexidine has been used for almost 60 years in medical and consumer settings.
What it works against
Chlorhexidine works against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi.
Compared with other disinfectants, such as alcohol, chlorhexidine’s disinfection properties last longer. That is, it keeps killing germs for a longer period after you apply it.
Chlorhexidine use and toenail fungus: Direct application and limitations
Chlorhexidine is a powerful antiseptic, and you may already have some in your medicine cabinet. It’s often found in skin scrubs, oral care products, and wound-cleaning solutions.
Typically, chlorhexidine products involve direct contact with the area you want to disinfect.
But when it comes to toenail fungus, the situation is more complicated.
Toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to treat because the fungus lives under the nail. The nail plate acts as a barrier, making it difficult for topical treatments to reach the infection.
Many topical antifungals have limited success in treating onychomycosis (toenail fungus) because they simply can’t penetrate the nail effectively.
Is chlorhexidine an effective treatment for toenail fungus?
While chlorhexidine excels at surface-level antisepsis, it’s not usually prescribed for toenail fungus. Because it’s unlikely to penetrate deeply enough into the nail bed to kill the fungus, it’s not likely to resolve the infection.
Other treatments for toenail fungus, and how to prevent it
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, it’s good to know about all the possible treatments and what you can do to keep it from coming back.
Established Treatments for Onychomycosis
Doctors usually prescribe antifungal medications to get rid of toenail fungus. These can be topical (applied directly to the nail) or oral (taken by mouth). Some common ones are:
- Topical: ciclopirox and efinaconazole
- Oral: terbinafine and itraconazole
There are also other treatments like laser therapy, red light therapy, or even nail removal in severe cases.
The Role of Hygiene in Preventing Toenail Fungus
Keeping your feet clean and dry is super important. Wear socks and shoes that let your feet breathe, and try not to walk barefoot in public places like locker rooms or pools.
Chlorhexidine as a Preventative Measure (Indirect)
While chlorhexidine isn’t a direct treatment for toenail fungus, it can help prevent other infections if your nail is damaged by the fungus. It’s more of an indirect benefit, not a cure for the fungus itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
While not a proven cure, Vicks VapoRub contains ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which might have some antifungal properties or help soften the nail, allowing other treatments to penetrate better. Anecdotal evidence suggests it can improve the appearance of the nail, but it’s unlikely to eradicate the fungus entirely.
What is the best disinfectant for toenail fungus?
Commonly used disinfectants include bleach solutions (diluted), rubbing alcohol, and antifungal sprays containing ingredients like tolnaftate or clotrimazole. These are best used to disinfect shoes, socks, and nail clippers to prevent reinfection, rather than directly treating the nail fungus itself.
What worsens toenail fungus?
Several factors can worsen toenail fungus, including wearing tight-fitting shoes, having sweaty feet, poor hygiene, nail injuries, and underlying health conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system. These conditions create a warm, moist environment where the fungus thrives; understanding at what temperature nail fungus dies can also help in treatment.
What is the sock trick for toenail fungus?
The “sock trick” involves changing your socks multiple times a day, especially if your feet sweat a lot, to keep your feet dry. Using moisture-wicking socks and antifungal powders inside your shoes can also help create a less favorable environment for fungal growth.
Which mouthwash is antifungal?
Some mouthwashes containing essential oils like thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, and methyl salicylate (found in brands like Listerine) have demonstrated antifungal properties in vitro. While they might have some benefit as a complementary treatment, they aren’t as effective as prescription antifungal medications for toenail fungus.
Closing Thoughts
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic. It’s not normally used to treat toenail fungus directly. Toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to treat with medications you put on your skin because it’s hard for the medication to get through the nail to reach the fungus.
If you think you have toenail fungus, you should talk to a doctor to get a diagnosis and find out what treatments might work for you.