Decolorized Iodine for Treating Nail Fungus

Nail fungus is one of those conditions that usually trouble patients (or possibly their spouses) more than they bother doctors. Before there were modern medicines for treating nail fungus, doctors often advised most patients simply to live with it as a cosmetic problem.

Now there are quite a few pricey prescriptions for nail fungus including efinaconazole (Jublia) or tavaborole (Kerydin), but the cure rate is not tremendously impressive on any of them. It is no wonder many people turn to inexpensive home remedies as this reader did:

Treating Nail Fungus with Home Remedies:

Q. I found decolorized iodine works remarkably well for toenail fungus. Applied to the top of the nail and around the cuticle, it dries quickly and does not stain stockings or bedding. Cost: about $2.50.

I used it five times a week starting out. After the nail was once again normal, I started using it about once a week for maintenance and prevention. I don’t want ugly toenails ever again.

A. Iodine has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity that has been recognized since the early 19th century. It also is active against yeast, mold, viruses and fungi. Readers have reported that iodine can be effective against warts and nail fungus.

Drawback to Tincture of Iodine:

Tincture of iodine stains the skin and nails brown, which is why people prefer decolorized iodine. We discuss this and many other remedies for nail fungus in our Guide to Hair and Nail Care.

10/5/17 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/hydrogen-peroxi-1/