Bleach, or bleach, is a chemical component with anti-bacterial solid properties on spores, viruses and fungi. These characteristics make it an excellent disinfectant, but can only be used with adequate precautions. Let us find out if bleach is a good remedy against onychomycosis and what the most appropriate treatments may be.
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Onychomycosis And Bleach: The Truth
Often, bleach, also called sodium hypochlorite, is recommended as a natural remedy against onychomycosis. Still, it is not a remedy that can work: the mycosis is located under the lamina and in the context of the same, making treatment very difficult: you need a product that passes through the foil effectively, neither diluted nor concentrated. It must, therefore, be remembered that you should never immerse your feet directly in undiluted bleach. Otherwise, side effects could occur, such as:
- Skin discolouration
- Itching
- Burns and burning sensation
- Damage to the foot and surrounding tissues
- Both local and respiratory irritations
If, after such a treatment, you experience one of the following symptoms, it is a good idea to rinse your foot thoroughly and contact a doctor – as well as to look for an effective and, above all, safe remedy against onychomycosis. Another piece of advice is to mix bleach with substances such as never
- Ammonia;
- Alcohol;
- Hydrochloric acid (since there is a risk of developing toxic gasses).
Therefore, bleach has a fungicidal function, but no scientific evidence recommends its use without health risks.
How To Cure Toenail Fungus
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the fingernails and toenails caused by dermatophyte fungi or yeasts that enter the body through small lesions or cracks present on the surface. Therefore, when you notice the specific symptoms of onychomycosis, such as the appearance of white or yellow spots, thickening, fragility, deformity or detachment of the nail itself, it is best to resort to different treatments. Here are some.
Toenail Mycosis: Natural Remedies
To treat onychomycosis, immunostimulating plants for oral use can be used – in the form of decoctions, essential oils or extracts:
- Turmeric
- Astragalus
- Echinacea
- Mistletoe
It is also possible to choose herbal teas containing extracts derived from antifungal plants, such as:
- Berberine
- Walnuts
- Garlic
For topical use, there are essential oils based on:
- Origin
- Cinnamon
- Marjoram
- Cinnamon
- Melaleuca
- Thyme
- Cloves
What To Eat To Cure Onychomycosis
First, it should be underlined that no diet can prevent or treat onychomycosis.
At the same time, however, some nutrients are essential for supporting the immune system and exert an antioxidant effect. Here are the ones:
- Vitamin C, contained in peppers, lemon, orange, parsley, kiwi, grapefruit, broccoli, cabbage;
- Omega3 in oily fish and algae;
- Vitamin D, present in fish and egg yolk;
- Selenium: which can be found in meat, milk and derivatives, potatoes;
- Probiotics found in yogurt, buttermilk and tofu;
- Zinc: contained in bivalve molluscs, milk, liver and meat;
- Iron: present in meat and fish;
- Polyphenolic antioxidants, present in fresh fruit and vegetables, red wine, aromatic herbs and tea;
- Magnesium in oilseeds, bran and cocoa;
- Amino acids, such as lysine and glycine, contained in cheeses, legumes, and meat.
Pharmacological Remedies For Toenail Mycosis
Pharmacological remedies to treat nail mycosis include topical application of creams and nail polishes. From this point of view, the most effective active ingredients for less complicated cases of mycosis are:
- Ciclopirox
- Amorolfine hydrochloride
- Amorolfine
- Tioconazole
In some cases, it is possible to use antifungal drugs for oral use, such as terbinafine and itraconazole. These medicines – to be taken for at least 12 weeks – promote the growth of a new healthy nail, gradually replacing the infected part (an operation that can take four months or more). It should be kept in mind, however, that some antifungals can generate side effects such as skin rashes and liver damage. Doctors generally advise against the use of these drugs in people suffering from liver disease but also in those suffering from congestive heart failure.
Valuable Tips For Preventing Toenail Mycosis
To maintain adequate hand and foot hygiene, it is essential to follow some practices :
- Adequately treat other localized infections, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm;
- Keep psoriasis under control;
- Use breathable gloves, socks and footwear (such as loose-knit cotton and comfortable, open-toed footwear such as sandals or shoes made of natural fabric);
- Keep diabetes under control since hyperglycemia associated with diabetes mellitus can cause problems with the blood vessels in the foot;
- Increase attention to personal hygiene in the case of immunosuppression due to oncological therapies;
- Consult your doctor immediately if signs of onychomycosis appear.
Also Read: Thickened Nails: Causes And Remedies
