There are many risks of DIY toenail fungus bleach. DIY toenail fungus bleach is a very risky and unadvised treatment to try at home. It has the potential to cause severe and lasting damage to the entire toe and foot. This includes the nail itself, the skin of the toe, and the skin of the foot. Chemical burns are a very common symptom of damage from using bleach on the skin. In other words, it comes into contact with harsh chemicals like cleaning products. These chemicals need to be used according to the label instructions. Even then, they need to be used very carefully.
DIY Bleach
DIY toenail fungus bleach may seem easy because blogs and articles online recommend it. However, the people who are recommending them are not nail doctors. They don’t know the proper way to treat toenail fungus. One huge reason contributing to their ineffectiveness is the severe lack of proper medical research.
Actually, all treatments for toenail fungus will have minimal effects on the condition. Receiving proper medical care from a nail doctor will always be the better option. Many of these at-home treatments are actually extremely dangerous. They don’t have any research backing them at all and are very likely to cause severe damage to your body. As discussed earlier, some toenail fungus blogs may recommend using bleach on the nails to cure toenail fungus infection. However, medical professionals like podiatrists, as well as the actual manufacturers of bleach, do NOT recommend trying this out; you are likely to cause much more harm than good!
Unsafe DIYs
Chemical burns from this type of treatment occur because of the harshness of the bleaching chemical itself. The chemical is this harsh for a reason; it needs to be able to effectively dissolve dirt, grime, and bacteria that are present on surfaces like tiles in bathrooms. It is good for this purpose because surfaces like tiles are resistant to the damaging effects of the chemical. However, the human body is different.
These burns from bleach can vary in their severity. Also, the less diluted the bleach solution is, the worse the chemical burn will be. If you have applied bleach to your skin for any reason, you should immediately rinse it off with water for at least 5 minutes. After rinsing for this period of time, you should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
The Limitations of DIY Foot Care
- Incomplete Diagnosis: One of the primary pitfalls of DIY foot care is the lack of a comprehensive diagnosis. Toenail fungus can be caused by various fungi species, each requiring a specific treatment approach. Without a professional diagnosis, individuals may resort to generic home remedies that may not target the specific fungus causing the infection.
- Inadequate Treatment Duration: DIY foot care often lacks the rigor and duration required for effective toenail fungus treatment. Some individuals may not adhere to the recommended application frequency or may discontinue treatment prematurely, leading to incomplete eradication of the fungus. Professional guidance ensures a more disciplined and monitored approach to treatment.
- Risk of Aggravation: Certain DIY remedies may inadvertently worsen the condition. For instance, aggressive scrubbing or the use of harsh chemicals can irritate the skin around the toenail, exacerbating the problem. Professionals can recommend gentle yet effective treatments tailored to individual needs.
Risk of Chemical Burns
DIY toenail fungus bleach leads to damage that will vary in severity. Chemical burns will be more severe when it’s in contact with the skin for a longer period of time. Additionally, the severity of the burn will increase significantly as the bleach solution is more concentrated as well.
If bleach contacts your skin, you should immediately rinse it off to minimize damage. Do this with running water at first, and rinse it off for 5-10 minutes. Before you start rinsing, remove any clothing that could have come into contact with the bleach.
Many treatments available for toenail fungus aren’t very effective. Some of them can even have a serious risk of harmful side effects.
Burns from Bleach Treatment
DIY toenail fungus bleach will lead to different levels of damage. This depends on multiple factors, which include how long the bleach was on the skin. Chemical burns develop to a worse stage as the chemical and the skin touch for a longer period of time. This causes skin contact to increase before the chemical is washed off. Additionally, the concentration of the bleach will increase the level of burn significantly as it becomes more and more concentrated. Proper protection and handling of bleach are also necessary, even when using the bleach for its intended purposes.
Chemical burns from DIY toenail fungus bleach can be avoided by getting appropriate medical attention instead. Toenail fungus infections are best treated by nail doctors. These doctors specialize in treating issues of the feet. Many treatments available for toenail fungus aren’t very effective. And some of them can even have serious risks of harmful side effects.
Treatment for toenail fungus should be safe so that you can be cured without risk. The PinPointe laser is an FDA-approved treatment for the fungus that only requires one session to eliminate the fungus. To learn more about the PinPointe laser technology and schedule a free consultation with one of our podiatrists, visit our about us website here.
When to Seek Professional Help
While home remedies may work for minor foot care issues, toenail fungus treatment often demands a more comprehensive and specialized approach. Seeking professional assistance becomes crucial when:
- Persistent Infections: If home remedies show no improvement after several weeks, it’s time to consult a specialist. Persistent infections may require prescription medications or advanced treatments that only a healthcare professional can provide.
- Recurrent Infections: Recurrent toenail fungus infections signal an underlying issue that DIY remedies may not address. Professionals can identify and address the root cause, preventing further recurrences.
- High-Risk Individuals: Individuals with diabetes, compromised immune systems, or circulatory issues should avoid relying solely on DIY foot care. The expertise of a healthcare professional is vital to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.
Final Thoughts
While the allure of DIY foot care is understandable, toenail fungus treatment in Miami demands a cautious and informed approach. Recognizing the limitations of home remedies is essential to avoid prolonged discomfort and potential exacerbation of the condition.
If you’re facing challenges with foot infections such as toenail fungus and need treatment in Miami, Laser Nail Therapy is here to help. Our certified nail technicians provide specialized laser solutions to expedite your journey to healthier feet. Reach out to us now for more information and take the first step towards a speedy recovery.