Did you know? While bleach is traditionally used to disinfect the house from floor to ceiling, it can also be used to combat foot fungus. Of course, it's not the best solution, but it's rumored to be effective when you don't have a pharmaceutical product on hand. But you still have to use it correctly! Here's everything you need to know about this amazing practice.

Foot fungus  everything you need to know

There are different types of fungal infections. Among the most common is plantar fungus, a fungus that develops on the skin at the bottom of the feet. There is also nail fungus, a fungus that affects the nails.

Are you wondering what causes this type of pathology? In principle, mycoses develop in a warm and humid environment, in other words, when the feet are enclosed in shoes for too long. That's not all! It is possible to catch fungi of this type on the floor of public swimming pools or in bathrooms.

Do you want to know if foot fungus is painful? Well, it depends on how severe the infection is. In some cases, this condition is distressing. In others, it is simply unsightly or annoying.

The main symptoms of foot fungus are:

  • Redness or swelling of the skin or nail.
  • A peeling.
  • Itching.
  • Yellowish or whitish spots in cases of nail fungus, as well as thickening of the nail.

Bleach to treat foot fungus is a valid option

It's a fact! In theory, you can use bleach to treat toenail fungus. It's even quite effective, depending on the severity of the condition. Bleach has recognized disinfectant and antifungal properties.

However, using bleach to solve this type of problem is not recommended, as this solution is irritating and can have negative effects on the body, especially in case of overdose. It is better to reserve this option for emergency cases and adults only. In other cases, leave the treatment of foot fungus to health professionals.

How to Use Bleach to Treat Foot Fungus

Need to use this substance to relieve your symptoms? In that case, here's how to apply bleach to foot fungus.

Preparing a foot bath

Don't have any pharmaceutical products on hand? Prepare a foot bath with bleach by diluting the active ingredient.

Here's how to do it:

  • Wash your feet thoroughly with soapy water and rinse before patting the skin dry with a clean towel.
  • Cut your nails.
  • Pour 3 liters of lukewarm water into a basin and add 30 ml of bleach.
  • Mix your preparation carefully before immersing your feet in this miraculous bath.

After 10 minutes, rinse your feet with clean water. You will repeat the treatment every week until the symptoms disappear.

Dakin's Solution Foot Bath

Here is a recommended pharmaceutical alternative to bleach: Dakin's solution. This liquid antiseptic is available without a prescription just a few steps from your home. In the formula of this product, we find potassium permanganate and sodium hypochlorite (the substance present in bleach). You may wonder what makes this solution more suitable. Dakin has a less basic pH than bleach. It is therefore less irritating.

Bleach and foot fungus when to stop treatment

As you will have understood, bleach is aggressive for the skin. This is why it must be diluted before each application. If you feel burning or if your feet become covered in redness, you must stop the application. That's not all! Bleach produces irritating vapors and you must ventilate the room when you use this solution. In case of coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, consult your doctor immediately.

How to prevent foot fungus

You can avoid getting foot fungus by taking a few precautions:

  • Wear cotton socks.
  • Opt for leather or canvas shoes.
  • Ban synthetic materials.
  • Change socks every day.
  • Wash feet thoroughly with soapy water, including between the toes.
  • Spray an antifungal solution into the shoes.