Rubbing Alcohol For Toenail Fungus: The Complete Guide

Discolored toenails can be the first indication of toenail fungus.

Also known as onychomycosis, it is a common condition that usually starts with a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail.

As the infection spreads, it causes the nail to lose color, thicken or crumble. It can affect several nails at a time and may or may not be painful.

With that said, while fungus can also affect fingernails, it is a more common condition in toenails.

From over-the-counter creams and ointments to home remedies, there are multiple ways to treat toenail fungus and prevent it from coming back.

One of the most common methods is to use rubbing alcohol for toenail fungus. Rubbing alcohol is often used as a topical antiseptic.

It works well to kill fungus on the skin level. This is why it is a tried and tested method of not only getting rid of toenail fungus but also for treating athlete’s foot.

Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus

Before you try self-care remedies for toenail fungus, it is essential to learn more about its symptoms to identify it correctly.

Here are some most common symptoms of toenail fungus. You may have toenail fungus:

• If your toenail has thickened.
• If the color of your toenail is different from other nails. A white or yellow-brown discoloration is common.
• If your toenail has turned brittle or ragged.
• If your toenail has deformed or has a distorted shape.
• If your toenail is slightly smelly.
• If your toenail is hurting or you experience pain wearing closed shoes.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you are likely to have toenail fungus.

The best course of action is to use antiseptic creams or sprays or rubbing alcohol for toenail fungus.

How To Use Rubbing Alcohol For Toenail Fungus

Rubbing alcohol can be used in the initial stages of toenail fungus to kill the fungus for good and keep it from spreading.

Since it is a topical antiseptic known for its sterilization properties, it works best to take care of fungus on the level of the skin.

If the fungus is not treated topically in time, it can release spores that can penetrate to deeper levels into the skin.

In such a case, you may have to take oral medication to treat toenail fungus.

This is why it is advisable to treat toenail fungus as soon as you notice it. The earlier you treat it, the easier it will be to get rid of it.

Let’s take a look at how you can use rubbing alcohol for toenail fungus in the initial stages.  

1.     Clean Your Feet And Nails

The first step is to thoroughly clean your toes and feet. Use warm water and soap to wash your feet.

Scrub under the nails using a nail brush to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated under the nails.

Scrubbing will also expose the bacteria, increasing the chances of effective treatment through rubbing alcohol.

2.     Check For Breaks In The Skin

Once the nails are clean, dry them thoroughly using a clean cloth. Check the skin around the nails for cuts or breaks in the skin.

Keep in mind that if your skin is broken in any place, applying rubbing alcohol will sting. This makes it important to check your skin prior to treatment.

While a small break in the skin may not be much of a problem, if you have a big cut or unhealed blisters in the area, you may want to postpone the rubbing alcohol treatment for toenail fungus until your cuts and blisters have healed completely.

3.     Soak Your Nails In Rubbing Alcohol

Pour rubbing alcohol in a bowl or a small tub and soak your feet in the liquid. Let your feet rest in the rubbing alcohol for around 20 -25 minutes.

You can repeat this twice a day to make sure that rubbing alcohol reaches the fungus and kills the bacteria.

4.       Sterilize All Equipment

Sterilize everything from your nail clipper kit to the nail brush used for scrubbing under the nails. Keep in mind that toenail fungus is contagious.

This means that if you keep using the same objects during and after the treatment, the fungus is likely to return.

So, take your time to sterilize every object thoroughly to prevent the problem from coming back.

You can use rubbing alcohol to get the job done.

Based on the material of the object you are sterilizing, you can either wipe the objects with an alcohol pad or let it sit in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes (preferably 20-30 minutes) before rinsing them with water.

5.      Repeat As Necessary

Killing toenail fungus with rubbing alcohol can take up to two weeks. Repeat as necessary for around two weeks.

If you see no results or the pain persists, it is advisable to see a doctor.

Preventative Measures

While using rubbing alcohol for toenail fungus is an easy way to kill toenail fungus, prevention is still better than cure.

Here are a few tips that you can use to prevent toenail fungus.

• Clean feet are healthy feet. So, wash your feet regularly and moisturize them afterward.
• Trim nails regularly and smooth the edges with a filer. Sterilize your nail clipper, filer, and other objects that you use for nail care after every use.
• Always wear footwear in the pool area, gym, public bathrooms, and locker areas.
• Opt for footwear made out of breathable material to keep your feet sweat-free and odor-free.
• Choose a hygienic salon for foot care that sterilizes manicure and pedicure tools for every customer.
• Avoid using artificial nails and nail polish if you are struggling with toenail fungus.

All these tips will also help to keep toenail fungus from coming back.

Remember, you can easily kill toenail fungus and avoid medication by treating it in time.

So, make sure you use rubbing alcohol for toenail fungus as soon as you notice the symptoms. You are likely to see visible results after the first few uses.

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