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People are aware that bleach (sodium hypochlorite) has powerful cleaning power. They use this familiar household product to remove stains from sheets, towels and white clothes. Some also use diluted bleach to remove mold and mildew in bathrooms and to sanitize toilets. Because chlorine bleach has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal activity, some visitors to this website have suggested using a dilute solution to treat nail fungus or athlete’s foot. People who are desperate to get rid of their ugly nail fungus may be tempted to try this approach. We find such advice worrisome. We have been roundly spanked by a lot of readers and some health professionals for urging caution. Here are a few stories.
Bleach Remedy Damaged Foot:
Q. My husband used bleach in warm water to treat toenail fungus. Now his feet and heels are fire engine red and painful. It looks like he burned them. Should he see a foot doctor or dermatologist about this?
A. Yikes! No one should ever use bleach directly on skin. If some gets on accidentally, it should be washed off immediately with soap and lots of water.
Your husband should contact a dermatologist to get proper treatment for this chemical burn. That is why we tell people NOT to use bleach for nail fungus or athlete’s foot!
Beware Bleach on Skin:
Q. You have sometimes written about ways to treat athlete’s foot, but you haven’t mentioned the best one: BLEACH! On the rare occasion that I get a toe fissure or itchy sole, I just pour several glugs of bleach into the shower and slosh about in it for a minute before I turn on the water.
One treatment is all it takes. Don’t worry; it’s only bleach
A. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) should NEVER be applied to the skin. It can cause irritation, burns and blisters. That’s why you’ve never seen such a recommendation here.
Just because “it’s only bleach,” does not mean it’s safe on the skin.
Some Readers Disagree:
Not everyone agrees with us that topical use of Clorox® can be hazardous. Some readers have responded critically to our caution.
Our warnings are “unwarranted:”
Q. Your bias against using dilute bleach to treat nail fungus or athlete’s foot is unwarranted. You state that “some people are highly sensitive to this chemical.” So? People could be sensitive to a lot of things, but that shouldn’t limit a highly effective proven safe remedy from being discussed.
A. You are not the first person to chastise us for cautioning about the topical use of dilute bleach (sodium hypochlorite).
For example, another reader offered this comment:
“A dermatologist told me to soak my nails in diluted Clorox® (diluted enough that it doesn’t burn). I did, 30 minutes every night. After several months, I finally got rid of the fungus. Although I tried many other topical medicines and laser treatments, none worked.”
This reader is depressed about our caution:
Q. I checked your website for reliable toenail fungus treatments. Unfortunately, I found only the depressing news that the OTC medications are virtually worthless. You had a sobering warning against soaking feet in a Clorox solution, too.
I tried my own treatment successfully, though, and thought you would like to hear about it. I’d had a whitish growth on my big toenails for several years. Since I couldn’t wash it off or scrape it off, I mostly ignored it. I don’t know if it was fungal or bacterial.
When the left toenail started crumbling, I decided I’d better do something about it. I started scrubbing my toenails in the shower with a small stiff brush (a toothbrush would do) and Hibiclens, an over-the-counter antibacterial soap. I also mixed a solution of one part bleach to two parts water and applied it to the toenails using a cotton swab, twice a day, letting it dry in place.
Within about a week the whitish deposit was gone. I kept up with the Hibiclens for about another week, noting that the damage on the left big toenail seemed to have stopped.
Encouraged, I kept up the bleach treatment until the left big toenail was almost grown out. All my toenails look great now. The damaged nail is healthy. The remedy was easy, safe and cheap, and, best of all, took care of the problem.
A. Thanks for sharing your experience. The quick response suggests that your nails might have had a bacterial infection. Fungus usually takes a long time to eradicate.
We especially appreciate your careful application of a diluted bleach solution. Bleach, aka sodium hypochlorite, is one of the most controversial nail fungus remedies we have encountered.
Readers have pointed out that dermatologists sometimes recommend Dakin’s Solution, which contains dilute bleach and a buffer. We have heard from other readers who have burned their skin with bleach that had not been diluted enough. Using cotton swabs to apply the solution just to the affected nail was a smart move.
Because you appreciate home remedies, you may be interested in our eGuide to Favorite Home Remedies. This online resource is available under the Health eGuides tab.
What Is Dakin’s Solution?
Chemist Henry Dakin developed an antiseptic with both antibacterial and antifungal activity for field use in World War I. It contained dilute bleach and a buffer in sterile water. Pharmacies still sell it today.
Nurses create their own solution by boiling four cups of water for at least 15 minutes. To that sterile water they add ½ teaspoon baking soda and 3 oz of household bleach. It must be kept in a sterile tightly closed container out of the light. It only lasts two days.
Even a highly dilute solution may cause irritation for highly sensitive individuals. That’s why we discourage such use unless prescribed by a health care provider. We hope the clinician will also monitor the patient’s progress closely.
Cynthia points out that this treatment has been used for about 100 years in medicine:
“Guess what, bleach is safe when diluted! DAKINS SOLUTION, which is made for open surgical wounds, is a mix of chlorine bleach, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water! Here are directions on how to make it from the Department of Inpatient Nursing at Ohio State University: http://www.itstactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Dakins_Solution.pdf
“What do you think is used in swimming pools and jacuzzi/hot tubs? Chlorine! Clorox® SHOULD NEVER BE USED FULL STRENGTH EVEN FOR CLEANING! YOU NEED TO READ INSTRUCTIONS!
“This is sometimes the best solution to use for bacteria such as C. Diff infections which require isolation in hospitals. Bacteria have not developed any resistance to bleach!”
Steve in Florida had good success with dilute bleach:
“I had horrible, debilitating athlete’s foot that I caught from the shower in the fitness center. For years, I tried all the over-the-counter cremes and a variety of organic oils from health stores. Nothing worked.
“Out of sheer desperation, yesterday, I soaked my feet with one tablespoon of sodium hypochlorite in a gallon of warm water for half an hour. What relief! My feet are feeling and looking great and the itch is gone.”
Historical Uses for Topical Chlorine Bleach:
Cynthia is right that the British chemist Henry Dakin developed a topical solution containing chlorine bleach to treat infected wounds during World War I. Dakin’s Solution was dilute chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite). While it is possible to make this at home (it requires 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, 3 tablespoons plus 1/2 tsp. of 5.25% bleach and 4 cups of water), we strongly discourage home use. Creating the dilution correctly can be tricky. Accidentally getting bleach on skin can be harmful.
Pharmacists can make Dakin’s Solution, but DIY chemists should refrain from trying this in the bathroom.
Hospitals rarely use this old-timey remedy these days, though Dakin’s Solution (DS) still has its advocates. An article in the Journal of Surgical Research (Dec. 2014) suggests that DS may negatively affect white blood cell (macrophage) survival and function. The authors note that killing off macrophages with DS “may result in impaired pathogen clearance and delayed healing.”
Despite reassurance by readers that dilute sodium hypochlorite is safe to treat nail fungus or athlete’s foot, some visitors to this website report problems:
Linda shared this unpleasant experience with dilute bleach:
“Maybe you would like to see a photo of my feet, with blisters from using 2 capfuls of bleach in a bowl of water. It does happen and I was shocked to have it happen to me.”
Avoid Bleach and Ammonia!
Some people get carried away in a cleaning frenzy. They assume that if a little is good then a “lottle” is better. They may mistakenly think that mixing two cleaners (ammonia and bleach) will work better than either alone. BIG MISTAKE!
Cynthia says that everyone should read instructions, but sadly many people don’t bother. When bleach and ammonia mix, highly toxic chloramine gases are created. They are highly irritating to the nose, throat and eyes. Damage to lungs can be very serious.
Other Ways to Overcome Athlete’s Foot:
There are many over-the-counter antifungal treatments that work well.
One reader shared his experience:
“I have suffered from athlete’s foot and jock itch for years. My doctor recommended Zeasorb antifungal powder, which contains miconazole. This works wonders for me.”
Other remedies that readers praise include soaking the feet in dilute vinegar, amber Listerine, baking soda or Epsom salts solutions.
One enterprising reader did an experiment on an old-fashioned remedy, soaking the affected foot in urine:
“Two months ago I instituted a quasi-experiment for a home remedy to treat my toenail fungus, which is on both feet. Each morning I treat only the right foot, using urine (heard on your syndicated public radio program).
“In the morning shower, I apply a small amount of surfactant (dish-detergent) with a paintbrush to the toenails of the right foot, dump some saved urine into a dedicated wastebasket, and then soak the toes for several seconds.
“After two months, there appears to be a remarkable improvement of the right foot over the left (which has remained untreated).”
Urine and certain other athlete’s foot remedies became popular as a way of controlling foot odor. A number of readers have told us they learned about this approach during military service.
Should you wish to learn more about home remedies (not including bleach) for either athlete’s foot or nail fungus, our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies, has lots! It also has suggestions for many other common ailments from allergies, arthritis and bursitis to insomnia, stinky feet and warts. Check out the reviews at this link.
Bill
I’ve used bleach before. However, you really have to respect it.
I used 1-2 drops with 1 cup of water, and it did resolve athlete’s foot and jock itch successfully. Took several days.
I just made a mistake with some slow/thick bleach and used a tablespoon in about 1/2 cup. Only applied for about 20 seconds and fire engine red.
They most likely do not recommend because it is very, very easy to chemically burn yourself.
Debby
I had toenail fungus on both of my big toes. Actually, I had it twice. The nails on the big toes fell off. What I did was to treat it with tea tree oil and oil of oregano. Both safe for me–I followed directions.
Mary
When I was a teenager and had fungus between my toes, my mom took ACV and poured a little bit of the ACV between my toes. YIKES!! Man oh Man did that burn. It sure did get rid of the fungus though.
Katie
Bleach baths are recommended even for babies (with eczema.) If people follow dilution guidelines your warnings seem off base. It’s like saying avoid using Tylenol at all because if you take 20 at one time it’s going to damage your liver.
Janine
Hypochloric acid might be a good choice for this purpose. I haven’t tried it myself for foot fungus, but maybe someone else has and can comment.
Art I
In my experience, Athlete’s Foot can be treated successfully with ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar with “Mother” such as Bragg’s or a store brand. It’s safe to use and highly effective in many cases. ACV has a variety of safe and effective uses and has been used since the times of The Ancient Greeks,as well as being used by our grandparents and great-grandparents. Give it a try.
Curt
As an adolescent, I worked in the fast food industry, and stood for hours in shoes that did not breathe and accumulated sweat. My feet were so disgustingly smelly that my siblings and friends would quote the ABC Wide World of Sports tagline and talk about the “agony of” smelling my feet. If I took my shoes off, the smell of my feet would fill the room.
I remember once being paired off in a room with a high-school crush and taking my shoes off. The entire room smelled so bad that we thought it was the Black Labrador dog that was hanging around in the room. Only later did I realize that I had blown my only opportunity with a girl I was infatuated with, because my feet were so smelly.
I tried soaps, Johnson’s Foot Bath, and Desenex, but nothing worked beyond an hour or so. A couple of years later, after seeing how a weak solution of bleach was used to sanitize food equipment, Inthought of trying it for my awful foot odor.
I poured about three capfuls in a bathroom sink of hot water and soaked my feet for 15 minutes. Voilá. My foot odor was gone FOR DAYS!!
I never experienced any sort of eczema or reaction to the bleach, other than an inoffensive light bleach smell, when I let my feet go bare.
Years later, I regret the missed opportunity with the girl I obsessed over, but no one ever joked about the “agony of my feet” ever again.
Straight bleach? Maybe not, but a diluted sodium hypochlorite solution? Hell, yes!!!
Edgar R. Gonzalez, PharmD, FASHP
I am a registered pharmacist with a BS in Pharmacy 1981 (PCP&S) and PharmD 1983 (Univ of Utah). As former tenured profesor and Dean in Pharmacy and author of over 150 peer reviewed publications, I am concerned about your role as the People’s Pharmacy. Neither of you is a pharmacist, and I question your clinical experience. I have listened to your talk show for years, and I enjoy it. However, you are not honest to the public when you hold yourselves as representative members of the profession of Pharmacy.
Joe Graedon
Dear Dr, Gonzalez,
We have never represented ourselves as members of the profession of Pharmacy. If you have listened to our nationally syndicated radio show you know that Joe calls himself a pharmacologist and Terry calls herself a medical anthropologist.
If you go to the About The Graedons you will find our bios:
https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/about
Nowhere do we suggest that we are pharmacists or representatives of the profession of Pharmacy.
Joe did receive:
Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa: “Communicator extraordinaire, recognized as one of the country’s leading drug experts for the consumer. Author, lecturer, teacher, radio and television personality, your ‘People’s Pharmacy’ columns and books have brought potentially lifesaving information to millions and have helped people make informed decisions about protecting their health.” Long Island University, Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences May 12, 2006.
Art I
ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) is an effective and safe anti-fungal, both topically and internally, for a multitude of minor medical and skin conditions such as “Athlete’s Foot” and other related skin conditions. Research it here and on the Web for details.
Laurence
I used the grapefruit diet one a day for several months, until all the yellow nails are gone. If you can’t get grapefruit (out of season), switch to grapefruit juice.
Grapefruit juice interacts with a LOT of medications. Don’t use this system if you are taking any medications it interacts with.
Virginia
I might have read it here, but my chronic nail fungus finally responded to applications of Neosporin rather than an anti-fungal cream. Long term use of anti-fungal can allow overgrowth of bacteria, you know, and upset your skin’s normal biome.
KRIS
I have found that 70% DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) with 30% distilled water will kill foot and nail fungus within 10 days.
I soak my feet for 20-30 minutes 1x daily and usually within 7 days it is gone, I do 3 more days to make sure it is gone.
Ernest
Desperate people in desperate situations do desperate things. I had an uncle who was an infantryman (ground pounder) in WWII. He told me that one of the most worrisome problems that they faced was with their feet. They were almost always wet and itching. He said the best treatment that they found for the problem was the use of bleach and clean socks. Both my wife and I have toenail fungus, and she has tried many doctor prescribed medicines which, for the most part, have not worked.
Linda
I do not intend to be rude but “baloney.” I put a couple capfuls of cheap bleach in a tub of warm water, and after two days of fifteen minute soaks before bed my niece was cured of it. Of course, we put clean, fresh sheets on the bed and had her wearing new, untainted shoes at the start of treatment which was 100% effective. But, we had her soap wash her feet, rinse them thoroughly and dry them completely after each soaking.
Bleach, which is created with salt/sodium so to say, is NOT harmful when used correctly, knowledgeably. All the red, itch, tenderness isgone. Her life back to normal. Clean bedding, clean floors, clean sock, clean shoes.
Toby
I think it depends on your skin type. I can tolerate high chlorine, gasoline, and bleach.
(Referring to Bleach)
I don’t recommend it in any other situation than dire emergency. Like MRSA or other topical fast- spreading bacteria or when you don’t want to lose a limb. I use it on Brown Recluse bites, which I believe are bacterial, not venom-related.
Not diluted on a scraped, cleaned wound.
However, it can cause serious skin problems. Always rinse well, and never use in contact with blood, bleeding or large open wound.
It’s not really first aid. It can accomplish the task.
Rob
What do you think is in the water you drink from your tap? It’s chlorine. It’s the only thing humanity knows of to kill germs and still be able to drink. I don’t think if you mix bleach with water and soak your feet for 10 minutes it is going to hurt you. Have you ever gone swimming in a swimming pool for a few hours? There’s some crazy amounts of chlorine in there, and it doesn’t hurt anyone. You may get bloodshot eyes if you open your eyes underwater, like I used to do…
Joe Graedon
Rob,
The amount of chlorine in your drinking water is WAY smaller than the amount some people are putting on their skin, even after diluting it. There is no good way to determine how strong your “dilute” bleach is and it could do significant skin damage.
Morgan
Obviously, if you’re getting burns from the bleach you’re using too much. I love how this page said to never ever do it and quickly got shut down.
Kathryn
I’m a biochemist and all I can say is that the writer must think people are idiots. Gees give the common man some credit would ya? This article makes one believe that the general public is so stupid that Clorox may as well be taken off the shelves bc we’re all to stupid to use it properly. Good grief, Drs. including Mayo Clinic, recommend bleach baths for folliculitis, eczema, hard to treat skin infections etc etc. Then they list the recipe. Why does the writer here think no one can follow a recipe???
Benny
CT
It was my podiatrist that first recommended a bleach bath for my athlete’s foot. Dermatologist seconded it later on.
paigee
NYC
Bleach may be used for your feet so long as it is diluted and its use is not frequent and prolonged. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be recommended for the treatment of hookworm egg infections on exposed feet by medical professionals.
Mike
Huffington Post: “you should never use bleach on athlete’s foot. Over-the-counter products such as Tinactin will clear it up in a couple weeks!” Also the Huffington Post: “We would like to take this time to thank our sponser Tinactin Tough actin Tinactin!”
Jamesbond
Full strength on toenails twice a week to treat toenail fungus. Then dry. No problems.
Dave
Charlote, NC
Dihydrogen Monoxide = H2O = water. Perfectly safe LOL
Matt
RTP
Sodium hypochlorite, at around 6% solution in a jug of bleach, is not what I’d worry about. It’s odd that the writer of this article, in telling what his or her opinion is about the substance, failed to mention the most dangerous chemical in that jug. That would be the rest of the solution; 94% dihydrogen monoxide! Please, for the love of all that is good, stay away from this extremely dangerous substance! People have been known to frequently die after total immersion in it! It is used in the production of most all hazardous chemicals known to man.
It is contained in various dangerous health-hazards such as vaccines, alcoholic drinks, and is even in the chemical cocktail they use for lethal injection! Its basis is the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, a species shown to mutate DNA, denature proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and chemically alter critical neurotransmitters. The atomic components of dihydrogen monoxide are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol. It’s even been identified to be one of the largest ingredients in acid rain, and can be found in cancerous and pre-cancerous tissue.
So, it’s your life; do you really want to expose yourself to something this dangerous?
Dave
Charlotte, NC
Ummm Dihydrogen monoxide = H2O .. which is water@@@
LOL.. it’s perfectly safe
I dont know if the above comment was a joke or what, but it’s totally wrong
Tammy P.
Florida
I was just at my dermatologist for my foot fungus issues, and she is the one who recommended me to use bleach, and soak my feet.
Who
Some place
Bleach and pool chemicals are the exact same thing. Only difference is the concentration is higher in a pool. So sorry guys, no more swimming either! Lol
Steven
Do not use bleach, as you’re killing the good bacteria that is native to your skin. You may successfully kill the bad fungus or bacteria you’re trying to prevent while also destroying the good bacteria that normally prevents certain pathogens from colonizing on your skin.
Most anti-fungus medications for the skin are designed to target the fungus only and do not harm your benign beneficial skin bacteria.
Anonymous
Mo
I’m wondering y athlete’s foot keeps returning? I’m gonna try the bleach! I’ve suffered toooo long! Embarrassing in the summertime! Where does it come from? Never barefooted? ? Answer, anyone?? Thank you
Dave
Charlotte, NC
No, bleach and pool chlorine are NOT always the same! They sometimes are. You can put sodium hypochlorate in your pool/hot tub.. but there’s a TON of other chlorine and bromine solutions for the pool.. NEVER.. NEVER put pool chemicals on you
Kaye
Texas
All bleach is NOT created equal. I’m concerned that some who used ‘bleach’ may not have been aware of the contents of their bottle. For disinfecting purposes, bleach labeled simply ‘REGULAR’ is 6% sodium hypochlorite and useful. Other bleaches labeled as CONCENTRATED, SPLASH-LESS regular, and (various) SCENTS can cause problems, especially burning, and although recommended for ‘cleaning’ may not be recommended for ‘disinfecting’! In other words before creating a solution for any purpose, including feet, READ THE whole LABEL.
Gary
Iowa
I have fought athlete’s foot for 50 years. It had gotten into the toenails causing them to thicken to the point I had to use a Dremel grinder to thin them down before trimming. Tried all the over-the-counter stuff with no success. After helping friends mitigate flood damage (aka mold) with bleach, I figured what the heck: I use 2 glass bread pans. 1 capful of bleach in each. Fill half full with hot water. Soak feet until water gets cold while reading in the ‘library’ 3 times a week.
The change is dramatic. I couldn’t tell you where my Dremel is anymore and feet no longer peel, crack or itch.
elbochie
NC
try lamosil from the podiatrist … it works
Marcia
Seattle, WA
I’ve had toenail fungus for more than 60 years. I have spent thousands ( yes, thousands) of dollars in treatments, including almost 2K$ for a state-of-the-art laser treatment that actually made it worse. Vinegar does not work, athlete’s foot treatments and creams do not work, antifungal pills do not work, (or work for a little while and it all comes roaring back). So, I’ll give this Clorox thing a try. Thank you to all who said that it did not work for them. They may be sensitive, or they used it at a high strength. I use Clorox all the time, and get it in my hands often. I used to volunteer in an animal shelter and we treated the runs every day with a Clorox solution that often got in my hands. I never had a problem. Now, why didn’t I think of using it for my nails? By the way, I have a relative who cured his toe-nail fungus with antifungal pills. His nails are clear, but his liver got injured by that treatment, and he developed a very serious health issue from that, which he will always have to contend with. Clorox cannot be worse than that.
George
My mother has the most horrible calcified fungal toenails! Since she’s mostly indoors and in bed, her feet are the worst. I finally did a foot soak with a new plastic tub (about 18″ X 24″). I put in warm water about half way…half a gallon, I’d say, more or less. I wanted to cover her feet but not have it overflow, Then, I added about a cup, maybe a tad more, of Clorox to the water, and put her feet in to soak for about an hour while watching TV. After that, I went in and did a hand rubdown of her feet while still in the water (yes, I got my hands wet with this).
Old dead skin just came falling off. I used a toothbrush to gently brush around her toenails and between toes…gotta be gentle, then it’s OK. Took that opportunity to clip her nails, too. The thick, calcified fungal parts of the nails were a little softer, but not all the way through. Didn’t want to get too aggressive, so after making sure all the old skin was off her feet and ankles, I just took her feet out of the plastic tub and dried them off, then let her just sit there enjoying the TV for about half an hour. Thing about chlorine is, it evaporates fairly quickly. Then it was back to bed. Next day, her feet were shiny smooth, not a bit of old, dead skin, and the fungus seemed to have lessened. Did the exact same thing one week later. Spaced it out to a week to give her feet a chance to recuperate.
No old, dead skin the second time, and continued to work on the monstrosity toenails. There are no adverse affects whatsoever. I DO NOT rinse her feet when I take them out of the tub, just a pat dry. Like I said, chlorine evaporates on its own, so no need. Skin looks bright, smooth, and no more itching. Nails are getting better, and clipping them has become easier. That’s it for now. Note: that’s a lot of chlorine: a cup in a half-gallon, but it’s working so well, I wonder if mere teaspoons in gallons would do anything at all. Thing is, I have a problem here, and I want to attack it hard without hurting the feet. What I’m doing seems to be working well so far so I’ll continue. Thanks.
Cindy
LA
I wondering if this is safe for diabetics?
Fanny
Londonderry
Bleach is a winner
bill
ill
I soaked my feet in equal parts bleach[ 4 cups] and warm water. This was to treat nail fungus, The top of my feet turned red but did not hurt. I cleaned off all the bleach from my feet, dried them and 7070before putting on my sox I used rubbing alcohol ( 70%) as an extra measure to rid me of this fungus. MY GOD IT BURNED LIKE FIRE! DONT USE THE BLEACH! Its been an hour and they still sting.
George
California
The alcohol was a bad idea, not the bleach.
George
I’m a Clorox fan, but a half-and-half solution seems a little over the top. Try 1+ cup in a half gallon of water, and extend the soaking time to an hour or two. No need to rinse afterward, just pat dry. Chlorine evaporates very quickly…and for Pete’s sake, do NOT use alcohol afterward. If you just GOTTA rinse, rinse with clean water. See how this works for you. I have a buck that says it’ll be better.
Captainr9k
WI
I think using a 1:1 ratio of bleach to water should only be used when you really want to destroy something, Bill. It sounds like you succeeded.
David
Texas
PLEASE LISTEN for the Free Easy Cure.
DRY you feet after EVERY wash COMPLETELY and EXCESSIVELY.
Growing up I was such a sufferer that my own mother ran when I took off my shoes. Feet burned and itched to no end, Red Flaming Rashes. One day my Brother said “Well,Stupid, if you will just DRY your feet after the Shower” (talking about School showers after PE) the Athlete’s Foot will go away. Darned if it did not immediately go away & Trust me I DRY the HECK out of my feet EVER Since. Never had an issue again.
Please People Spread the word. DRY YOUR FEET, BETWEEN TOES & ALL.
DRY, DRY, DRY.
Samuel
Spartanburg, SC
I’ve suffered from athlete’s foot since 1990, and I finally turned to bleach after all other remedies failed, and bleach is working. I’m sorry, but you are dead wrong and need to remove or edit this article.
Stefon
Tampa
Chlorine is used in our drinking water. I swim aften. Chlorine is used in my pool treatment weekly. I use chlorine in dish water. I am now trying this on my feet. I’ve had terrible athletes feet for the past 25 years
Keith
NorCal
A 10% solution of bleach and water is offen use in food service spaces as a disinfectant. It is an option set forth b y the Health Department. This is what I recommend, as it is what I use on my feet.
Chris
Atlanta
I turn to this site for advice quite frequently but I have to say that after reading this article I’m second-guessing myself for doing so. When diluted properly, bleach is proven to have positive results against many skin afflictions. This article is obviously born of opinion, and lacks fact. Quoting research quantified with words like “may” further exposes the opinionative nature of the piece.
Kristine
Atlanta
My dermatologist recommended a “bleach bath” once a week to help stop recurrent skin infections caused by my RA medications. It also keeps my skin clearer and–believe it or not–softer. Use a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of household regular strength bleach in a full tub of water (remember, less is more). Fill the tub BEFORE you get in. I wash in the water like a regular bath–including my hair–with no issue.
You will smell a bit like a plastic pool toy afterwards but I’ve grown to like it because, to me, it means I’ve beaten back the germs that kept screwing up my medication regimen. Bleach really doesn’t smell unless it is killing something. Swimmers who rinse off BEFORE getting in a pool notice far less bleach smell than those who don’t. So, if you want, shower before your bleach bath. I also recommend a quick clean water rinse after the bath. Helps cut down on the smell and rinses any “sensitive” areas. Plus, I always feel like taking a bath is like “stewing in your own swill” (as my mom used to say). So, I like to rinse afterwards anyway.
Helaine
Summerville, SC
I applied pure bleach to my toenail with a q-tip daily to treat nail fungus. It worked and I’m fungus free. I was careful not to get the bleach on my skin, only the nail.
Mike
Murrieta CA USA
I’ve I sometimes suffer from dermatitis blisters on my feet from the heat and sweating in shoes. Bleach is the only thing that has saved me from loosing my job. Once these blisters start, they just keep multiplying. Bleach has saved me. There is nothing wrong with putting two small cap fulls into a four gallon foot pan and soaking for just 5 mins. This has caused my blisters to dissolve the next day and shrink down level with the base of my skin. I’ve been going to dermatologists for years and nothing they sells ever works. The rule is, anything in moderation is OK. I do realize that bleach kills living organisms which is what your skin is. This is why I would only soak for 5 mins with a very small amount in a foot pan of water. Then when you take your feet out, rinse them well. The bleach gets deep into the skin and does it thing. Look at swimmers, they have some of the most healthy feet from the chlorine in pools.
Off topic but: I’ve also discovered that using none scented cloth detergents helped me with my feet. The issue with fragrance and fabric softeners is that when your feet sweat, the dampness in the socks releases the fragrances from the socks into the skin andreally causes issues for some people like myself.
Doug
New York City
Bleach followed by vinegar then washing in water is good. The vinegar’s acidity neutralizes the bleach’s alkalinity. It seems to be helping alongside prescription anti-fungal cream.
ladyliza
Have you tried apple cider vinegar? It works for many fungii including ring worm, jock itch, athletes foot.
Sandy
Los Angeles
Mild solution is OK
John
Texas
I and every painter that worked for me has spent sometimes 3-4 consecutive days literally drenched in bleach water while pressure washing apartment buildings or entire streets of condos paid for by home owners associations. Literally soaked all day.
Honestly, it’s frustrating to hear such conservative opinions involving medical advice……It’s not that I have some special resistance to these “Blisters” and “skin irritations” my entire crew took turns under the 8 hour “bleach rain” pressure washing two story buildings soaked down to your underwear. Yes, I would think your privates might be extra sensitive to such “reckless disregard for caution” yet I’ve never experienced or heard a complaint from an employee after literally soaking for 8 hours straight in bleach water. Sometimes for days at a time!!!!
Steve F
Florida
I had horrible, debilitating athlete’s foot that I caught from the shower in the fitness center. For years, I tried all the over-the-counter cremes and a variety of organic oils from health stores. Nothing worked.
Out of sheer desperation, yesterday, I soaked my feet with one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of warm water for half an hour. What relief! My feet are feeling and looking great and the itch is gone.
M
southampton
This entire article is invalid. Yes, Sodium hypochlorite is a very effective disinfectant; Bleach bought on the shelf is about 3% in strength. Bleach used in swimming pools for chemical disinfection is 14% (granted that is largely diluted and balanced with an acid).
My point is – providing you’re not an idiot and use it in a controlled manner, you’ll be fine. After all, how many times have you swallowed pool water?
Chaz
earth
@Joel – that’s just aspirin, if you’re crafty you can make your own aspirin cream too, but a similar product is called amylactin is OTC. When it works (ie. finds dead skin that hasn’t sloughed off yet…) it smells like ammonia, so once you smell that smell, wash it off and scrub off the dead skin which is loose now. At least that’s what I do.
As far as bleach, it’s one of the quickest degrading chemicals you could use, so I’m pretty sure the blistering stuff we’re reading about is just basic chemical sensitivity /allergy. Anyone can be allergic to anything. Grass isn’t bad just because some people are allergic to it. If your hands itch in the hot tub or swimming pool, if your mouth burns from city water with bleach in it, then probably you should look for another solution. Otherwise bleach is probably fine for you. Personally I hold with the higher concentrations, but not every day. There are so many other germ killing things out there. Rotating them is better, and let’s not forget, if it’s on the nails, file the nail down as much as you dare (from the top down, not the edge) to get rid of the home the germs have made.
Also many people have noticed that if you get put on quinolones, your toenail “fungus” is gone too. Next time you have a nasty enough cold to need that, jump on the chance and kill those germs good. Not all the things that live in your nails are funguses.
Alexa
I called to talk to my doctor about writing me a prescription for athletes foot because the over the counter stuff wasn’t working and his nurse told me to soak my feet in dilluted bleach 3 times a day for 3 days. I don’t think a nurse would advise it if it’s “dangerous”. Probably not the best thing for your skin but a whole lot better than athletes foot if you ask me!
Dan
Denver
Actually, there is plenty written on the corrosive effects of sodium hypochlorite.
And if you think its use in swimming pools is safe, you should google “dangers of chlorine in pools”.
In addition to burning the skin and lungs, it has been linked to asthma, in children, and cancers.
This resonates with me because a close family member has to avoid pools because of high sensitivity to chlorine. And we use all filtered or bottled water at home.
Ruth
Elkins, West Virginia
I use Dakin’s ssolution on a diabetic ulcer every day. It does not hurt and has so far kept the infection at bay.
My brother worked at a bar and had to mop the floor with a bleach solution. He had athlete’s foot and his shoes would get wet with it. His althetes foot did get better with it.
I used to wipe my feet with rubbing alcohol following gym classes. Never got athoetes foot.
Dorothy
Georgia
Today’s topic and discussion is a blessing for me. I accidentally burned the bottom of one foot with a cleaning product I used in the tub. I think I failed to rinse the mat and bottom of the tub properly and then, later, stepped onto the mat as I showered. That one foot is red on the pressure points, and my heel is sensitive and has continued to peel. I admit I was careless and caused my problem, but that is a moot point now. I thank you for all points made here, and I will try the Olive Oil, etc and hope for some relief.
Jack
Florida
As a teenager, I had chronic athlete’s foot, cracks between the toes, redness, the whole catastrophe. In my freshman year of college I took a job as a lifeguard at a health club. One of my duties was to slop down the showers with an industrial strength bleach daily, which I did in my uniform – swimsuit – barefoot. It stung, but nothing awful. By the time I quit the job a few months later, athlete’s food was gone. Forever. That was over fifty years ago, and I have never had athlete’s foot again.
I have also had ‘crotch rot’, and sebhorreic dermatitis, but not had the inclination or guts to try the same cure.
Carol Sidofsky
Colorado
Deepak Chopra, M.D. recommends using a cotton q-tip to apply organic SESAME SEED OIL to areas of the foot that are infected with athlete’s foot fungus, and then wearing clean, dry, cotton socks to keep the sesame oil in contact with the infected parts of the feet–at least at night while sleeping.
I tried this, and IT WORKS! The reason it works, I believe, is that the sesame seed oil prevents oxygen from reaching the athlete’s foot fungus, and this kills the fungus, due to oxygen deprivation.
The second I put the sesame seed oil (organic, plain, not the toasted oil) onto my athlete’s foot areas between my toes (red, inflamed, itchy, painful), I felt RELIEF FROM BURNING, ITCHING, and it worked quite quickly (just took a few days) to kill the athlete’s foot fungus!
Leslie
Oregon
On a hunch, after trying over the counter Cure for toe nail fungus, and unable to get a prescription ( as it is very hard on the kidney’s ) i tried Tea Tree Oil for husbands severe nail fungus..
It works. About 3 months now and it is almost to the top of his nail as the new growth has come in below.
Our Dr was very pleased at the results, Our son now has tried it and equally same results for him
I purchase the TT Oil at Fred Meyer Store Nutrician Department. just a drop on the effected area every day,
Cynthia
GUESS WHAT Bleach is safe when diluted!!! DAKINS SOLUTION which is made for OPEN SURGICAL WOUNDS is a mix of chlorine bleach, sodium bicarbonate ( baking soda) and water!! from Ohio State University here are the directions on how to make: http://www.itstactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Dakins_Solution.pdf There is much MISINFORMATION and you are passing it on!! What do you think is used in swimming pools and jacuzzi/hot tubs?? Chlorine!! only stronger than what is in chlorine bleach. Bleach SHOULD NEVER BE USED FULL STRENGTH EVEN FOR CLEANING!!! IDIOTS NEED TO READ INSTRUCTIONS!! Bleach is sometimes the best solution to use for bacteria such as C. Diff infections which require isolation in hospitals, and no bacteria have not developed any resistance to Bleach!!
Dave
Florida
Hot air – from your hair dryer will knock out athletes foot fungus quickly. I have done this periodically over many years. If I have been outdoors- Sailing with wet feet, playing tennis or softball for a long time or working outdoors (6 hours) in the hot, wet heat of Florida, athletes foot comes back.
I pull off the loose skin between my toes. then turn on the hair dryer on high, place it to blow between my toes, and move it in and out. Avoid too much heat too close- just on the edge of pain for 1 minute. Next day that skin will be dry and the fungus is gone. It will not come back again until you are careless and leave wet shoes on.
Now to kill the toenail fungus- a recent problem, but athletes foot has gone away!
Stan
I cleared up my athletes foot by accident. I didn’t even realize I had athletes foot – I thought that I just had very dry feet. I was trying to cure toenail fungus and alternated soaking my feet every day in straight vinegar (5%) and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide needs to be diluted 1 part to 2 parts water as it’s a bit too strong to use straight up. I soaked them for about 15 or 20 minutes each night. My feet were soft as a baby’s after about 2 weeks. Sadly it didn’t work for the toenail fungus so I’m going to try a diluted bleach solution and see how that goes.
I purchased some relatively inexpensive rubber boots, removed the sole insert and soaked my feet in those. That way I could move around, sit at my computer, watch TV etc. It also allowed me to use much less solution compared to filling up a foot soak tub. You have to walk slowly though so the liquid doesn’t slosh out of the boots. If you try this get them a couple of sizes too large so they are easy to get in and out of.
Jason
So cal
Thr rubber boot idea is really awesome. I know how you are kind of restrained if you have to sit and soak in a tub.
M
NY
That’s really hysterical, but a good idea too. Bravo
Andrew
Essex
I’ve used sodium hypochlorite bleach before and it works a treat, and I’ve never had burns or blisters.
Also I agree about the importance of dryness. Another good remedy is to use a hairdryer, as hot as you can stand, around the affected areas.
Linda
Colorado
Ok, so now I learn to never use Chlorine to treat athletes foot… how can I stop the burning? I will never touch clorox again. But sure could use
Hilary
Florida
Ive actually had a podiatrist who treated me for toenail fungus and ingrown infection tell me to use a bleach/water foot soak. It worked, why would a doctor recommend something that would harm? Bleach worked!
James
SC
This is the worst medical advice I have ever read.
Matt
Woodstock,ha.
I looked on your site to see if bleach can be used to cure athletes foot. There is some information on the topic but it doesn’t actually answer the question.
Does bleach cure athletes foot?
AJ
Although I’m a huge fan of using bleach, it is NEVER a good idea to use in such quantities as suggested in the original question. Just No. Seriously a big No! If you’re using it on your skin make sure you have diluted it enough. Think swimming pool! Several jugs is a no. My guess is that person was making a joke at others expenses. Not funny and not cool.
Hayley
NM
Glugs, not jugs.
Isabel
BC
The question poster said several GLUGS not jugs. It has worked remarkably well for me! I use it diluted in a foot soak twice a week and the other nights I have used sea salt and Epsom salts combined. The best results come after the diluted bleach water foot bath with a good 45 -60 min soak. Just sayin’. Then I cover my feet in Vicks Vapor Rub and my feet tingle so good! I sleep with clean soaks on and remove in the morning to improve feet. For a really bad case of Moccasin style athletes foot that affects the whole sole of the foot with dry calloused cracks and several it hinges it will take literally 4 weeks of diligent nightly treatment. Totally worth it and don’t give up! And the cost in comparison to using the fungal creams and powders is huge. Treat your shoes and wear a different pair daily allowing each pair to fully dry out and spray inside with Lysol even or sprinkle baking soda in them.
Matthew
Connecticut
Obviously there is no “one solution fits all”. Because we are all individuals what may be good for one might not be good for another. My suggestion would be before trying anything on your own to consult your family/personal doctor. Be sure that she/he has all the information she/he needs (if she/he doesn’t already) to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to ask any and all questions that pop into your mind (like “Can I use bleach?”, “Is this remedy better than that?”, “What are the possible side effects of this or that treatment?”, etc.). Try the doctors advice first, then, if you don’t like it, get another opinion from her/him. At the end of the day though, remember, the final decision is yours. It’s your body, just try to make informed, rational decisions.
JJ
United States
I applied diluted bleach to a stubborn ringworm that my daughter had on her face and it cleared it up in 2 days.
Jen
Oregon
Bleach is perfectly fine to use on the skin. In fact, evidence-based practice has shown that, when a stubborn infection such as pseudomonas persists in a non-healing skin ulcer, Dakin’s solution is a safe and effective medication in killing the bacteria. This is placed on an open wound. I can’t imagine that it would be harmful on a fungal rash.
Ted
UK
Dakin’s solution is NOT household bleach. Dakin’s is made from sodium hypochlorite.
Andrew
California, United States
Household bleach IS sodium hypochlorite.
Edgar
Georgetown
I have a fungus affecting my outside fish tanks. I was hoping that I could use bleach in the tanks to kill the fungus. All the fish have been removed and we have scrubbed & cleaned the tanks. I’m trying 1/2 cup of bleach to 75 gallons of water.
julie
Yucaipa, CA
Now that I’ve already used the bleach and have blisters what can I do now?
Jason
SF
My very experienced dermatologist recommended a 1:80 diluted bleach solution for 10 minutes a day to help treat athlete’s foot.
DB
How can it be said that bleach is bad? To say that bleach is “bad and causes burns” cannot possibly be correct. I would like to see the scientific papers that support this claim. No, maybe there aren’t any scientific studies that support the opposite conclusion either. But think of this: As sodium hypochlorite is used in swimming pools, this would mean that anyone who ever went swimming in a swimming pool would get blistered and chemically burnt to a crisp – but this obviously does not happen. Sure, maybe several “glugs” may be too much, but I am sure there is a moderate bleach-to-water ratio that could be used with satisfactory results, with no risk as claimed here.
Helen
Ohio
I ruined my feet doing what someone said they did by pouring some bleach in their shower water. I’ve been trying for five years to regain the texture of the skin on the bottom of my feet. My feet feel “rubbery” and have been peeling ever since. I tried Udder cream…yes, the stuff they use on cows for lubricating their udders. No success. I just bought a “Ped-Egg” to sand off the peeling skin. It’s making my skin too thin, I think. Any other help out there??
Lisa
Texas
This mixture works wonders!
1/2 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and
1/2 Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Put it in a bottle you can shake vigorously to mix. The vinegar and oil separate so you have to make sure to mix it vigorously each time before you apply it. Once you apply it do not wash it off and just let it soak into your skin to work the magic.
You can also try Organic Coconut Oil
For a foot soak baking soda with hydrogen peroxide will remove the dead skin off your feet. Then put the oil on after you rinse and dry your feet well. Hope this helps :)
Joel
Anapolis, MD
I had the same problem with the development of “rubbery” skin on the feet.
My dermatologist prescribed a product available by prescription which is covered by my insurance. It has greatly helped, but not completely. It is a cream called Salicylic Acid 6%.
Linda
Colorado
Maybe you would like to see a photo of my feet, with blisters from using 2 capfuls of bleach in a bowl of water… it does happen and I was shocked to have it happen to me…
OP
If you read the dilution instructions online, you’ll see that two capfuls of bleach in a bowl of water is not nearly dilute enough to prevent blisters. Sometimes a little of something is good; a lot of the same is bad.
Ryan
GEORGIA
The website doesnt want to be sued for recommending something that can injure you. Yes, bleach is ok for humans in a DILUTED form. The city even puts a small amount in city water. I used to work in the food industry and the last stage of washing dishes was to dip them in a solution of maybe 8 gal water to 1/4 cup bleach. This never burnt my hands. I would start there or maybe even at 1/8th cup, Scrub my feet with a nail cleaning brush for 30 seconds. Then immediately rinse my foot and use the blow dryer like another poster stated.
Be smart if you use home remedies. You shouldnt melt your foot off with a hair dryer and you shouldnt use straight bleach. If you dont think about such things, you shouldnt use home remedies.
ED
As a former lifeguard, none of our staff ever suffered from Athlete’s Foot or Acne. The chlorine count in our public pool was high enough to kill these fungus and bacteria.. We wandered in and out of the locker rooms and pool decks barefoot all day long. Yeast infections from sitting in soggy bathing suits were common.
WEC
I have found that none of the available creams, lotions, etc. work for my athletes foot. What does work is dryness. Every time I put on or remove my shoes, I draw my socks back and forth between all my toes. I very seldom get an infection. When I do, it clears up faster that it ever did with medications. Side effect: it removes any “toe jam” which causes foot odor.
Andrew
Dryness does, indeed, work. I’ve treated minor athlete’s foot episodes successfully numerous times by swabbing my feet with rubbing alcohol. The alcohol has a powerful dehydrating effect and by applying it once or twice daily, the athlete’s foot is usually gone within two days. It works better than commercial preparations, although it can sting a bit if the skin has become cracked or there are broken blisters from the fungus.