Bleach is a chemical solution that is used to whiten or remove color through the process of oxidation. In the household, bleach is commonly use as a whitener for clothes or as a cleaning agent. Not long ago, bleach has been found to have another usage. Bleach can be used for treating toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus which is also known as onychomycosis is a common disease which can affect anybody. It is estimated that more than 35 million Americans are infected with toenail fungus. Commonly, the fungus would infect the nail by living on the nail bed. The nail plate that protects the nail bed would now serve to protect the fungus as it grows and spreads out. The nail bed would also make it hard to reach the fungus for treatment. Treating toenail fungus with a bleach solution was proven to be effective just as long as the proper steps are followed.

In treating toenail fungus, it is first necessary to cut short the nail and to file the nail plate. Cutting the nail short will make it easier for the bleach solution to go underneath the nail pate and penetrate the nail bed. The filing of the nails would also make them more porous so that the bleach solution can also penetrate the nail bed to reach the fungi.

The next step is to soak the infected area in a bleach solution for about 30 minutes each day for several weeks until you can see visible results. A bleach solution can be prepared by mixing 1 tablespoon (or one capful) of bleach in a gallon of warm water. Increasing the dosage of the bleach might lead to skin irritation. The chlorinated and oxidized water would then make its way to the nail bed where it will kill the fungus that lives there. It is advisable to soak your feet twice a day to have better results.

The treatment of toenail fungus with bleach is a proven to be effective as well as economical. However, this treatment will only work if the soaking is done diligently. Failure to be diligent would cause the fungal infection to come back. Once the infection has been treated and the fungus eradicated, it is important to take precautions to prevent re-infection. Always keep your feet dry.