If you’ve noticed yellow, brown, or white spots developing underneath your toenails or fingernails, you may have a fungal nail infection. Trying to get rid of nail fungus can be frustrating, especially if over-the-counter treatments don’t seem to help.<\/p>\n
Some people wonder if something as simple as rubbing alcohol can kill nail fungus. Here’s a quick answer: Using rubbing alcohol alone is not an effective way to treat nail fungus<\/b>. While rubbing alcohol can kill some of the fungus due to its drying effects, it does not fully penetrate the layers of the nail to eliminate the root of the infection.<\/p>\n
An antifungal nail polish or oral medication prescribed by your doctor is more likely to successfully cure nail fungus.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig deeper into the details surrounding rubbing alcohol and nail fungus. We’ll discuss the causes of fungal nail infections, explain whether rubbing alcohol can really kill the nail fungus at the source of infection, and provide proven home remedies and medical treatment options for getting rid of nail fungus for good.<\/p>\n
Dermatophytes are a type of fungus that commonly infects the nails. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on keratin, the protein that makes up your nails. The most common dermatophytes that cause nail fungus include Trichophyton rubrum<\/i>, Trichophyton mentagrophytes<\/i>, and Epidermophyton floccosum<\/i>.<\/p>\n
These fungi are spread through direct contact with infected surfaces, including wet locker room floors, public swimming pools, and shared nail tools. Dermatophytes begin by infecting the underside of the nail and slowly spread to cause thickening, discoloration, and distortion of the nail plate.<\/p>\n
Yeasts are another type of fungus that can infect fingernails and toenails. The most common yeast that causes nail infections is Candida albicans<\/i>. Yeast infections tend to affect nails that are frequently exposed to moisture, such as the nails on your dominant hand.<\/p>\n
People with chronic diseases like diabetes are at a higher risk of developing yeast nail infections. Typical symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain around the affected nails. The nails may also thicken and change color as the infection progresses.<\/p>\n
Yeast nail infections are often acquired by coming into contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.<\/p>\n
Molds are a less common cause of nail fungus. Molds thrive in damp environments and produce tiny spores that can infect nails. Frequent exposure to moisture is the biggest risk factor for developing a mold nail infection.<\/p>\n
Wearing damp shoes or showering without drying the feet properly can enable mold spores to take hold. People with nail injuries or psoriasis are also more prone to mold infections. The nails become discolored, distorted, and detached from the nail bed as the mold infection spreads.<\/p>\n
Some common molds that infect nails include Scopulariopsis<\/i>, Aspergillus<\/i>, and Fusarium<\/i>. Seeking prompt treatment is important, as mold infections can be difficult to cure.<\/p>\nCan Rubbing Alcohol Kill Nail Fungus?<\/h2>\n
Rubbing alcohol can help treat mild cases of nail fungus, but it has some limitations. Here’s what you need to know about using rubbing alcohol for nail fungus.<\/p>\n
Rubbing alcohol contains ethanol, which can kill fungi and bacteria. Applying it directly to an infected nail can penetrate the nail and destroy the fungi causing the infection. It helps dry out and peel away part of the nail, allowing new healthy nail to grow in its place.<\/p>\n
Research shows 70% isopropyl alcohol is more effective against nail fungus than lower concentrations. Higher concentrations like 90% may dry out the nail too much. Using 70% rubbing alcohol 1-2 times per day can help clear up mild fungal nail infections.<\/p>\n
While rubbing alcohol has antifungal properties, it has some drawbacks when treating nail fungal infections:<\/p>\n
Therefore, rubbing alcohol works best for mild fungal infections limited to the tips of nails. It likely won’t cure a severe nail fungus case on its own.<\/p>\n
You should see a dermatologist or podiatrist if:<\/p>\n
A doctor can properly diagnose the type of fungus and provide prescription anti-fungal pills, ointments, or laser therapy to effectively treat a severe nail fungus infection from the inside out.<\/p>\n
Tea tree oil is a popular home remedy used to treat nail fungus<\/b>. It contains terpinen-4-ol, an ingredient with powerful antifungal properties that can kill fungus and yeast (source<\/a>). Small studies have found tea tree oil to be an effective treatment for nail fungus when used twice daily for 3-6 months.<\/p>\n To use tea tree oil for nail fungus:<\/p>\n