Bleach removal of fungus from the nails is a common at-home treatment.  This is a good example of why not everything on the internet should be accepted as true. Using bleach to treat fungus is ineffective, and is discouraged by podiatrists and other medical professionals. Some other “home remedies” for toenail fungus are less harmful, but the only way to really cure the condition is with medical attention. As a result, many doctors have to treat patients with chemical burns.

Is Bleach Safe to use on the body?

Bleach removal of the fungus is a bad idea for several reasons. The most important reason to avoid it is the dangers bleach can have. Bleach is a chemical cleaning product that isn’t meant for use on the skin. It can be dangerous to even inhale the fumes from bleach for too long, and putting the chemical directly on your body can cause serious damage. The bleach could even cause chemical burns and additional infections on your skin.

Bleach removal won’t do much good for the fungal infection either. Bleach isn’t an antifungal agent and isn’t effective at killing the fungal spores. The only way to kill fungal spores efficiently is with a product or treatment specifically designed for the purpose. Even prescription antifungal medications are ineffective at doing this. 

Treatment options for fungal nails

Aside from bleach removal, there are other options available for fungus removal. These are almost all much safer than using bleach. Also, most of them are more effective at curing the fungus. However, some still carry dangers with them. Oral medications for fungus can cause dangerous side effects, including liver toxicity. These medications therefore require blood work before and during the treatment and are recommended against for people who may have liver issues.

Bleach removal, oral medications, and topical medications alike can be ineffective at eliminating the fungus. A better option is laser treatment, specifically with the PinPointe laser. This laser only requires one session to kill the fungus, and is the most effective treatment on the market. This new nail should be thin and soft enough to cut. To schedule a consultation with a licensed podiatrist for the PinPointe laser, give us a call at 1-(800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information.