Hypochlorous acid treatment can also be useful when it comes to treating toenail fungus. To put it briefly, hypochlorous acid treatment is likely to be able to help decrease fungi on the skin and the surface of the nails, but cannot be regarded as an efficient remedy for toenail fungus itself. Indeed, hypochlorous acid has antimicrobial properties and can successfully fight fungi; however, toenail fungus tends to be very challenging to treat due to its location under the nail. Thus, antifungal therapy is the only way to go.
Nonetheless, hypochlorous acid spray might be a great addition to one’s foot hygiene practices, helping to maintain cleanliness and moisture balance of the feet.
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Onychomycosis is another term used to refer to a toenail fungus, which is a fungal infection that usually develops in the toenails. The condition may start as a white or yellow dot underneath the toenail and will gradually worsen with time.
Symptoms of toenail fungus include:
- Thickened toenails
- Discoloration of the nail – usually in white, yellow, or brown colors
- Brittle or crumbly toenails
- Distorted toenail shape
- Separation of the nail from its underlying skin
Based on the findings by the American Academy of Dermatology, treating toenail fungus infections is difficult due to the fact that the fungus resides underneath the toenails.
What Is Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a substance produced by the body in response to various infections and conditions. Hypochlorous acid plays a significant role in eliminating harmful organisms and promoting healing processes.
For many years, scientists have been studying hypochlorous acid because of its high antimicrobial effect and low irritant potential. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, hypochlorous acid is a common ingredient in skin products due to its ability to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Learn more about whether or not hypochlorous acid is safe here.
Does Hypochlorous Acid Kill Fungus?
This is where things get interesting.
Research has shown that hypochlorous acid has activity against a variety of microorganisms, including some fungi. Studies have demonstrated that hypochlorous acid can help reduce fungal contamination on surfaces and skin by disrupting the cell structures of microorganisms. According to research published through the National Library of Medicine, hypochlorous acid is effective against a broad range of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and certain fungi.
However, killing fungal organisms in a laboratory setting is very different from treating an established toenail fungus infection.
Toenail fungus is difficult because the infection often lives underneath a thick nail plate. Even products with antifungal activity may struggle to penetrate deeply enough to fully eliminate the infection.
Why Toenail Fungus Is So Hard to Treat
For anyone who has encountered toe fungus, the condition is almost impossible to treat quickly and effectively.
This is due to the slow-growing nature of nails. Despite successful treatment, the healthy nail may take several months to grow back in place of the infected nail.
Additionally, toenail fungi can develop under the nails and remain safe from the effects of antifungal topicals.
The best way to cure toenail fungus is through the use of antifungal pills, creams, or medicated nail lacquers.
This is why most dermatologists consider toenail fungi to be difficult conditions that need special treatment as opposed to ordinary antifungal products.
Can Hypochlorous Acid Help Support Foot Health?
Potentially, yes.
Although hypochlorous acid is not able to treat toenail fungus infection, it could nevertheless help keep your feet clean and healthy in general.
There are a number of reasons why people use hypochlorous acid solution for spray:
- To ensure your feet stay fresh and dry
- To lower bacterial content in the skin
- To soothe skin irritation
- To cleanse damp areas
- For overall skin protection
Feet are mostly covered during a long day in shoes and socks, creating an environment with increased moisture level. Since fungi love moist and warm conditions, foot hygiene should not be overlooked.
The fact is that hypochlorous acid spray is light, easy-to-apply, and suitable for all types of skin.
Can You Use Hypochlorous Acid Alongside Toenail Fungus Treatments?
In many cases, yes.
Because hypochlorous acid is not considered a traditional antifungal medication, many people use it alongside other treatments recommended by a healthcare professional.
For example, someone treating toenail fungus may also focus on:
- Keeping feet clean and dry
- Changing socks regularly
- Disinfecting shoes
- Trimming affected nails
- Following prescribed antifungal treatments
Research published through the National Library of Medicine – Hypochlorous Acid Technology in Dermatology highlights the ingredient's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is one reason it continues to gain popularity in skin and wound care applications.
Why Are People Interested in Hypochlorous Acid for Toenail Fungus?
Another reason is that hypochlorous acid is seen as a milder choice than many other more aggressive antiseptics.
The trend today is for products that help keep skin healthy without making it dry, irritated, or painful. Because hypochlorous acid is made naturally by the body and often included in skin care, it has become popular as an ingredient for different issues, such as foot problems.
In addition, its use is simple. All you have to do is spray it and you'll spend no more than a couple of minutes.
On the other hand, it is vital to distinguish between general microbial cleansing properties and actual antifungal effects. Although hypochlorous acid can make the surface of your skin healthier, it has yet to prove itself as a treatment for toenail fungus infection.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Toenail Fungus?
If you suspect you have toenail fungus, the best first step is to get an accurate diagnosis.
Nail discoloration can be caused by several different conditions, including:
- Fungal infections
- Nail trauma
- Psoriasis
- Aging-related nail changes
- Other skin conditions
A dermatologist or healthcare professional can help determine what's causing the changes and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Early treatment is often easier than waiting until the infection becomes more advanced.
So, Does Hypochlorous Acid Kill Toenail Fungus?
Despite the fact that hypochlorous acid is found to have antifungal properties against specific types of fungi, it does not provide enough evidence to be used alone as a treatment of toenail fungus. Though it could play a part in foot hygiene by reducing bacteria from the surface of the skin, an antifungal medicine needs to be used to cure this type of infection.
For those who are suffering from nail fungus, it is always better to use hypochlorous acid for supplementary purposes only. It would be beneficial to keep your feet clean and healthy in order to prevent the growth of fungi.
FAQ
Can hypochlorous acid cure toenail fungus?
There is currently limited evidence that hypochlorous acid alone can cure established toenail fungus infections.
Does hypochlorous acid kill fungus?
Research suggests hypochlorous acid has activity against certain fungi, but effectiveness depends on the type of fungus and the situation.
Can I spray hypochlorous acid directly on my toenails?
Most hypochlorous acid sprays can be applied to the skin and nail surface according to product directions. Always follow label instructions.
Can hypochlorous acid replace antifungal medication?
No. If you have a diagnosed fungal nail infection, follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider.
How long does it take for toenail fungus to go away?
Toenail fungus can take months to improve, even with treatment, because nails grow slowly.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist regarding fungal infections, nail concerns, or treatment recommendations.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Nail fungus: Overview. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/nail-fungus-overview
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Hypochlorous acid benefits for skin. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hypochlorous-acid-skin-care
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Nail fungus: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018). Hypochlorous acid technology in dermatology. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6303114/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2020). Hypochlorous acid as a potential wound care agent. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7315945/
If you’re looking for a hypochlorous acid spray, you can learn more about our formulation here: Honeydew Labs.
It’s also available through select retailers, including Amazon.
Written by
Honeydew Labs Team
