Natural Nail Fungus Treatments: Effective Home Remedies

Bleach

Posted by Barb (Suwanee, Ga Usa) on 09/26/2011
★★★★★

Tried everything to save a gross toenail on husband's big toe - he was about to lose the whole nail to fungus. Very thick, woody, yellow and lifted up... Ugh. We put Clorox or Purex bleach (full strength) into a small basin and he put just his toes into it and soaked for about 10 min. Wiggling the toes so the skin would allow bleach underneth the toenail. You will see yellow dusty-looking stuff start coming out from under the toenail going into the bleach, and after probably 5 or so minutes, we took the foot out and dried it with a towel (it kind of ruins the towel, so use one you don't care about... We used paper towels). The next day there is more of a healthy pinkness to the nail, and we repeated this procedure in about 4-5 days. This totally got rid of the fungus, and now his toes are all perfect. About every 1-10 months, we do a fingernail that looks yellow, or whatever needs doing. Usually, drs. will tell you this fungus stuff comes with age, but we feel we solved it. Don't do it too long or too often because the bleach will feel like it is burning. Pills for fungus are quite hard on the liver, so be careful of those prescriptions...

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Iris (Raleigh, Nc) on 09/08/2011

Sounds like you might be allergic to the Tea Tree Oil. A couple of years ago, I tried it for fungus on both big toes, and after a few months, I was sure it was working. The fungus part of the nail was moving further out and healthy nail was replacing it. Then, my toes started itching and had blisters all around the toenails. Went to the dermatologist, who said to stop the Tea Tree Oil. It took weeks for my toes to stop itching and heal. After that, the fungus came back with a vengeance. A few weeks ago, I noticed nail fungus on one fingernail and tried Tea Tree Oil for one day. Once again, I broke out in itchy blisters all around the nail. So it's confirmed, no more Tea Tree Oil. It was the only thing I've tried that has ever worked on the fungus, but it's not worth the blisters! Be careful!

Listerine and White Vinegar

Posted by Carol (Houston, Texas) on 08/31/2011
★★★★★

Doctor recommended Lamisil cream for big toe fungus. Did not explain much about how it should work and it didn't seem to help. Then, I used tea tree oil for about three years morning and night... But lived in a cold climate, always wearing closed toes shoes. The big toe nail would peel off ocasionally but no real success.

Have now retired and moved to a warm climate. Wearing sandals ALL the time. Soaking my foot in listerine and distilled vinegar once daily for about 10 minutes (and drying carefully afterward). Following up with daily application of tea tree oil. Filing down surface of nail frequently, trimming nail very short, cleaning out under the nail regularly. Improved my diet to reduce sugars and flour. After four months, I see success! The nail is no longer peeling and looks almost normal now. Will continue this regimen for another month or so and hold off on nail polish for six months to ensure it is all gone.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Anti-Yeast Cream

Posted by Lady22599 (Columbus, Ga) on 08/31/2011

Just wanted to chime in with a regimen I started last week. I've had fungus on both big toes for sometime but it got worse recently because I've been painting my nails every week and we had a bad heatwave this summer. I had some medicated shampoo left over from a bout of Seborrheic Dermatitis. It contains an anti-fungal called Ketoconazole. The prescription strength is 2% but you can buy a 1% over the counter at most drug stores. I wash my feet with that every morning and night. After washing and drying thoroughly I use a q-tip to apply a generic brand of Monistat 7 cream to both toe nails concentrating on the base and sides (think U shape). I can already see a difference in the skin surrounding my nail. It had taken on a dark color like I was bruised but now it's pink again. After reading the great success some have had with ACV soaks I plan to add those to my regimen this weekend (just in the evenings). I took pictures of my toes when I started so I can chart the change and will keep you guys updated.

Henna

Posted by Shelby (Evansville, In) on 08/31/2011
★★★★★

Henna is anti-fungal, thought I'd throw that out there.

I usually use it to dye my hair, but I've been reading up on it, and I'm going to try it on a persistent fungus near my eye. I usually just mix it with hot water and let it sit for an hour, then apply it wherever. Henna can smell pretty strong, but feels absolutely wonderful on your skin.

It has to sit and absorb for a few hours, so don't do it if you're in a hurry, and it can be a bit messy. Now I just need to figure out where to get those tiny little paint brushes to paint it on exactly.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin E, Vitamin D

Posted by Bia (Lahore, Pakistan) on 08/29/2011
★★★★★

Hi,

I would like to share success of cure fungal nails. My daughter aged 7yrs since she was goign through this acute fungal nails which she got it from making bubbles out of liquid dishwasher.

After seeing several doctors, applying medicines, homoepathic, etc.

Finally after great research I applied apple vinegar for 2 years and vitamin E oil cap and manicure them regulary and vitamin D-3 suspension 1tsp at night worked like magic and I want eveyone who are suffering from this should start applying these and see how they vanish as they never existed.

Monica

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Megny (Miami, Fl) on 08/27/2011
★★★★★

I had an issue with nail fungus for several years - hid it with nail polish until it finally got really bad. 5 of my toes were infected, and the worst was my big toe, which had separated from the nail bed and had debris under it. It's been about a month, and I'm noticing improvements in all my toes, especially the big toe - it's growing in clear and healthy, and the new growth is attached to the nail bed! Here is what I did:

1: After showering, I would dry my feet REALLY well with a paper towel and hair dryer - using your towel can spread the fungus.

2: I shower in the morning before work, so once my feet were dry I would put straight tea tree oil on all the nails. The big toe looked really bad, so I put a bandaid over that one, since I wear sandals pretty much year-round. I have some light-colored antifungal nail polish (there are several brands out there, I bought mine on Amazon) that I put on the toes that weren't as bad, since I NEVER wear socks and am a little vain about my feet :-)

3: Anytime I was home I made sure I was barefoot with nothing covering my toes. If I was working out and wearing socks, I made sure I wore a clean pair each time that were made of a moisture-wicking material - your feet need to breathe!

4: Every night I'd soak my feet in a 50/50 mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and water. Make sure it's at LEAST 50% ACV. It will turn your toenails a sort of yellowish color, be forewarned. Soak them for a minimum of 30 minutes, if you can do more that's best.

5: before bed, when my feet were totally dry I'd put tea tree oil on all my toes and let it soak in. I didn't want to get the oil on my sheets so i'd usually put a pair of (clean! ) socks on once it had soaked in a bit.

I am totally sick of the smell of tea tree oil and ACV, but the remedy is working! It's slow going because the toenails grow so slowly, but if you stick with it and are consistent, you will see results. It's important to let your feet breathe and be exposed to air as much as possible, and also to keep your shower, nail clippers, etc. disinfected.

OTC

Posted by Ebonyblu (Arlington, Va, Usa) on 08/22/2011
★★★★★

Unbelievably, I found an over the counter product that WORKS. I have had nail fungus for about 10 years because I have to wear compression stockings, which caused sweating of my feet, and eventually toenail fungus. I initially tried an OTC that turned my infected nails brown and did not cure my fungus. I wish I had never used it.

Years later, I found this website in 2006, and tried Ted's remedy. My nails were growing clear of fungus about half way, and then one nail reverted when the season changed. So it cured one nail, and I started over with the second nail. Somehow, everytime the nail would start to grow out it would revert again.

So then I took a chance on an OTC product named Keractil, by a new company. I actually thought it wouldn't work, but at least I'd give something else a trie after the past two years of failure. I received that product which looked like it came from a small mom and pop shop, but said what the heck. The worst it could do is not work. So I put it on and two weeks later I saw fungus free nail begin to grow. I still followed Ted's remedy with a weekly foot soak of Apple Cider Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide. During the other days and nights I used Keractil. This product is a lifesaver. Almost 4 months later, I am 95% fungus free of the nail. I also learned that this product is used by members of the military because they wear combat boots and thick socks year round. This product is no gimmick, and I am not trying to endorse it. I really want to share a remedy that works well in addition to Ted's remedy. One last thing is to recommend biosil supplements - which speed the growth of hair and nails. Not everyone's nails grow quickly.

Oregano Oil

Posted by Angie (Quesnel, B.c., Canada) on 08/16/2011

Nail fungus can be cleared up with a combination of tea tree oil and pure lemon juice. Also take probiotic supplements.

Iodine

Posted by Jan (Northern, Virginia Usa) on 08/15/2011

Ammonia added to iodine will make an explosive. I would not recommend that.

Oregano Oil

Posted by Bern (Albany, Ny) on 08/11/2011
★☆☆☆☆

Tried using oregano for a persistent toenail fungus in the large toe. Applied oregano oil diligently twice per day for 9 months and noticed no difference.

Detoxification

Posted by Joylie (Solana Beach, Ca) on 08/11/2011

Congratulations on all you are doing. I also like EDTA (I think it's called) for detoxing.

Colloidal Silver

Posted by Reba (Soddy-daisy, Tn Usa ) on 08/08/2011
★★★★★

On top the ACV and other natural topical treatments, try swallowing 1 tsp. of liquid silver 7 times a day for two days, and ringworm should never come back. It worked for a foot fungus that nothing else would cure. Liquid silver can be bought at health food and vitamin shops. It was the antibody used in the old days. It works for fungal, bacteria and virual infections. I will never be without the silver, because I use it for all kinds of infections, and it works.

Zinc Oxide

Posted by Maria (Silver Spring, Maryland) on 08/08/2011

Thanks Debbie, I will try that to keep them clear. I also have noticed that when I push up my PH my nails do better, and drinking ACV does increase the PH. Thanks again

Zinc Oxide

Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 08/07/2011

Maria, I cured my toenail fungus by just drinking ACV twice a day with water. I put nothing on my toes at all. It has been about a year now and it never came back. Just grew out as the toenails grew. It took about 3 months before you could see it growing out.

Zinc Oxide

Posted by Maria (Silver Spring, Maryland) on 08/06/2011
★★★★★

Zinc Oxide for nail fungus

I have been fighting toenail fungus for over 50 years, and of course tried everything. The most promising was oil of oregano, which worked well provided my feet were not exposed to the hot sun (walking in the street). As soon as that happened all the gains I had made vanished and had to start over again. Then I discovered zinc oxide and it cured my nail fungus: my big toenails are now clear after 8 months of consistently using zinc oxide every day. This is what I have done: every morning at the end of my shower I use Zinc Oxide shampoo to wash my feet. Then I dry my feet and nails very well with a paper towel (not a cloth towel) and dispose of the paper towel. Then I clean the nails with a pointed tooth pic (one for every infected nail) and then I dry the nails again with a cotton ball. After that I dry the feet with a hair dryier. Then I apply a zinc oxide cream (found in diaper rash ointment) and rub my feet together to make it penetrate. At night I apply more ointment and also dash zinc oxide powder (also used for babies diaper rash) on my toenals. (I use the cream and powder all day if I am wearing socks). The cream and powder keep the feet dry at all times and no fungus can survive. I suspect that the oregano oil may work in the summer if used in combination with the zinc oxide approach.

Vicks

Posted by Jerry (Cleveland, Texas) on 07/25/2011

I started out using bleach in an effort to cure the fungus under my thumb finger nail about 6 months ago. I had very little results if any. Then, I got a list via my email for home cures and it listed VICKS as a cure for fungus under the nails.

I've been using it now for about a week, and my nail looks much better. I purchased some of those "finger ballons or condoms" at the pharmacy and put that on after applying the vicks. This keeps the vicks in place, and the finger dry.

Alkalize

Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 07/15/2011

Hi Carol, I have used the ph strips which are cheap but found them to not be accurate enough. On EC Ted said the meter is beter and they are now cheaper to buy so I had a look around and have now bought a ph meter. Plus they have come down even more, mine was just under $20 and it is great. It is easy to check your urine 1st thing in the morning and also at other times throughout the day. It allows you to check your progress when using any alkalizing remedies, you may even find that you need to take them at different times or you may need to use Ted's carbicarb (especially at night if your 1st morning urine ph is very acidic). Also in addition to Debbie's suggestion you may also get some benefit with soaking your toes in an ACV & water mix, or just dabbing them with straight ACV. All the best, Maria

Alkalize

Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/15/2011

Carol

I also had toenail fungus. I started taking 2 tablespoons of ACV with honey twice a day. The fungus gradually disappeared and has not come back. It did take a while but when the new nail grows in the fungus will grow out with the old nail. It was about three months or a bit more for it to be completely gone. It has been nearly a year and it has not come back. I had it in both big toes and it had been there for quite a few years.

Alkalize

Posted by Carol (Cambridge, Mn) on 07/14/2011

I have struggled with toenail fungus, but have suspected an underlying candida problem. I also would like to know how to check PH balance. Any other diet tips would be welcome, as well.

Pulse Generator

Posted by Codexaureus (Columbus, Ohio) on 07/06/2011

Bad infection between the little and fourth toes. Dragged what may have been fungus to the surface by electrifying the skin with a puls generator (1-2mA at 5V, 30kHz pulse). The electrodes were two small pieces of copper tubing, the negative electrode placed between the little and fourth toes, the positive between the big and second toes. Removed some small 'white wires' that came to the surface.

After the skin healed up a small metal pin was placed between the little and fourth toes. The negative electrode was connected to the pin, the positive electrode was placed in the mouth with enough saliva to increase the area of conductance. A small protrusion of pus came to the surface. Charge flow was increased to 20-25mA at 5V. White staphylococcus aureus necrotizing fasciitis became visible right below the surface of the skin.

This infection would have and probably has gone unnoticed for years. Antifungal creams sometimes with corticosteroids were prescribed in the past never completely curing the infection. Possible eczema and sensitivity to fungi were the only conclusions.

For the necrotizing fasciitis a 10 day course of 30 amoxicillin/clavulanic acid pills (500mg/125mg) were prescribed. To increase treatment effectiveness a blue light-emitting diode was directed at the site of infection (blue light phototherapy kills Staphylococcus aureus).

P.S. Treatment with lytic bacteriophages is also possible but mainly for multidrug resistant bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus resists human defensins by production of staphylokinase. Fungi evade the immune system of their hosts by secreting extracellular protein 6.

Borax, Clove Oil

Posted by Elly (Topeka, Kansas) on 06/15/2011

I also rub a little lavender oil on my skin if I feel the slightest itch come back and so far so good.

Borax, Clove Oil

Posted by Elly (Topeka, Kansas) on 06/14/2011
★★★★★

Hi folks, clove oil and borax have helped me conisderably with my stubborn foot fungus and eczema. I ingested it and also used it on the foot. I used one drop of clove and a pinch of borax in water to drink and I added one drop of clove and a pinch of the borax to some olive oil and rubbed in on my feet. After a few days of this they feel 100% better so far. Im cutting my sugar down to help this as well. One side effect I noticed is increased libido lol.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil

Posted by Margaret (Knoxville, Tn) on 06/14/2011
★★★★★

For nail fungus, try soaking the toe in warm water and ACV. Organic ACV. Just put about a half cup in a warm foot bath and soak once or twice a day for about 20 minutes each time. I've cured my husband's toenail fungus with his remedy and he had had them for years!

Another thing that feet love is a rub down with organic coconut oil after that soaking.

Detoxification

Posted by Jeff (Mckinney, Texas, United States) on 06/10/2011

Forgot to say that as I started consuming the BS I also mixed some BS with a little water and wiped it on the fungus on my torso and elbow-folds. Three days later the fungus is almost completely gone and has completely stopped itching.

Detoxification

Posted by Jeff (Mckinney, Texas, United States) on 06/10/2011

This site is great. Special thanks to Ted and Bill for all the first-hand information. I have been reading it non-stop since stumbling upon it. I apologize for the length of this, please bear with me.

Here's how I got here: A few years ago I read a book about fungus and all its effects -- the author contributed pretty much everything to fungi and/or mycotoxins including cancer. The reason I purchased this book was due to the following reasons:

1) I was exhausted during my day -- I needed 5 hour Energy shots to keep from falling asleep. This was typically after a meal, so I started thinking I had a major sensitivity to sugar. I was a typicaly SAD (Standard Amercian Diet) guy who loves bread, sugar, and all things meaty. Never really had any of the other symptoms of Candida so don't think that was the cause.

2) I developed a fungus on my torso and in the folds of my elbows. I couldn't get rid of it except to go to the Doc and get Fluconazole. He gave me 4 pills to take 1/week for 4 weeks. I took 2 which got rid of the fungus and then kept the other 2 which a year later I needed to use again to get rid of it. It came back about 4 months ago.

3) I also developed a toenail fungus. I lost my toenail due to soccer and the new one came in clean but I'm determined to keep it that way.

4) About 3 months ago I went to the dentist for a cleaning. He said I had bone loss and my gums were receding and asked me if I was diabetic. I'm not. I'm in my 40's, over 6' tall and weigh about 200 lbs. (I've since figured out that this is definitely due to Acidosis and having constant acid conditions in my mouth.)

5) Mild digestive issues. Consistent diarrhea, food induced. Let me put it this way, I never really have quiet time in the bathroom -- lots of courtesy flushes are necessary and it was rare to have just a normal 'ol BM. Have noticed recently color tends to be on the lighter brown side indicating not enough bile.

So, going from there I deduced that if fungus is a potential cause of cancer they must thrive in the same type of environment. Indeed they do, they both love acid environments. Armed with information on what a healthy pH is I purchased some strips and started testing. My first test: Saliva = 6.2; Urine = 5.8. That night I took a teaspoon of Baking Soda in a glass of water. I burped several times and went to bed. I didn't sleep well that night, mostly due to feeling some energy and the crazy gas. I woke the next morning and felt better with more energy than I've had in months if not years. A side effect -- it gave me the worst case of gas that I've experienced in a long time -- this lasted for the next few days (I repeated the evening BS in water) but tapered off. QUESTION 1: Any ideas what was going on in my system? I would be interested to hear if anyone has experienced the same.

Next morning my pH was Saliva = 7; Urine = 7.4

So, here I am a week later -- I've read through most of this site and here's what I've implemented thus far. Replaced a lot of my grooming products with natural versions to cut out some pollutants: toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream, and deodorant. I've only modified my diet slightly -- cutting back a little on bread and sugar. I'm a huge water drinker naturally and don't drink any coffee but was also a huge black tea drinker with Sweet&Low(Saccharin). I've cut out most of the black tea, all of the Sweet&Low. I take the BS with water at night time every now and then if I feel my pH is edging upward. I squeeze lemons in my water at every meal. I purchased or already had: ACV, BSM, EVCO, Sesame Oil, Himalayan Crystal Salt, powdered Vit C, Borax, Vit D3, Lugol's 5%, and a few detox items like Chlorophyll pills. I did buy the right kind of Milk of Magnesia and some carbonated water -- and am planning on making Mag Water and mixing in some Borax (QUESTION 2 -- is this the best way to start with Magnesium supplementation?)

My current routine:

I started OPing in the morning starting with Sesame Oil b/c I thought with EVCO I might get some Herxheimers. Did that 2 days, and did EVCO today for the first time. No adverse reactions whatsoever -- just noticed by the end of the day my skin is a little oily. Also have been ingesting 1 tbsp of EVCO in the evening each day for the last couple of days.

After Oping, rinsing, and brushing my teeth I've been drinking a small glass of Vanilla Coconut Milk with 1 tbsp of BSM mixed in -- yum! I then eat a banana or a breakfast bar on my way into work. During the day I've tried 1/2 squeezed lemon BS in a half glass of water a couple of times and noticed my pH didn't really move all that much. The last day I've been using ACV BS with some honey (I like this) and noticed my pH has definitely gone alkaline for my Urine -- it's 7. 8. My saliva remains right around 6. 8 though.

I haven't implemented Borax or Lugol's yet b/c I just got those. I haven't been taking the VitC (other than putting it in the honey), D3, or any of the detox support supplements yet either. Not quite sure how to implement all of this into my daily routine -- when to take what. I know I can do a couple of drops of Lugol's in a glass of water in the morning (QUESTION 3: need to be on an empty stomach?)

QUESTION 4: based on the information above and your experiences/expertise should I go through a cleansing routine? Hulda Clark said to do a parasite cleanse (preferably with a zapper -- QUESTION 5: does this really work?), then a Kidney cleanse, followed by a Liver cleanse. Obviously I don't want to do anything that will be taxing on my system if it's uneccessary but I want my system operating on all cylinders.

QUESTION 6: any advice on the order of the cleansing routine? Or if I should do some sort of heavy metal detox prior to instituting a cleanse? Is there a way to know you need to detox from metals or anything else? Any advice on the most efficient way to do a heavy metal detox and what to look for to know it's working?

Thanks for your patience and your help. You guys rock!

Apple Cider Vinegar, Anti-Yeast Cream

Posted by Mari (New York, Ny, Usa) on 06/06/2011

Jill from Portland, how much of the monstat did you use on your nails?

Apple Cider Vinegar, Anti-Yeast Cream

Posted by Elizabeth (Adelaide, Australiz) on 05/06/2011

Jill from Portland, have you considered a visit to a Homeopath. Fungal infections can be difficult to treat and stem from an underlying systemic or constitutional problem. Homeopathic medicine may be another approach to treating the presenting problem. Elizabeth

Garlic

Posted by Kelly (Cinicnnati, Ohio) on 04/30/2011

to Jen ftom Vancouver BC-- dont know if you still read this (yours was in 09) but for fungus treatment.... To accelerate the garlic (1 clove chopped) effect, mix it with vapo rub (any brand) I used about a heaping tsp of the mixture and loosely bandaged it. I did it on my left big toe and it cleared it up in a couple of days ( whole toenail was black and had brown pus come out when squeezed--i know yuk! ). I got this remedy from EC, couldn't believe it worked so fast. Hope this helps. God Bless!

Mouthwash

Posted by Gerardo Lares (Brooklyn, Ny Usa) on 04/28/2011

hi everyone..... I had this problem for a long period of time and tried everything with no results, but learned on the way that the most recommended were vinegar, garlic, peroxide water, and some other products..... I mixed half garlic (fresh) and vinegar blended them and then mixed again 50/50 with fungi cure (i guess any brand will do it) but thats the one I used and after three weeks of using this twice a day im almost home free, do it you wont regret it.

Shoe and Sock Tips

Posted by Uneeq3 (Los Angeles, Ca) on 04/18/2011

Just wanted to know if any of you had to throw away the shoes you have been wearing during/after the positive results.... And doesn't nail fungus contaminate shoes especially those worn without socks?

Ted's Remedies

Posted by Susane (Santa Monica, Ca) on 04/10/2011
★★★★★

Ted Remedy plus Thymol works. First of all.. Be patient. Toe nails take a long long time to grow. My docotor, from Kaiser, prescribed Thymol. It's a liquid that you apply twice a day. I used it for 6 weeks and couldn't see any change. I called the doctor and asked for Lamisil. The doctor told me that he has never known Thymol not to work. So... I added Ted's Remedy. For 2 weeks, twice a day, I did the 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide followed by a 50/50 solution of bleach/water for 30 seconds to a minute and then rinsed. I then followed this by using the Thymol drops.

After 2 weeks I started seeing a difference. At that point I stopped everything but the Thymol. I am now currently 7 months into the entire event of trying to save my toenails and am happy to say that of the 7 infected toenails 4 of them are completely cured and the other 3 are slowly getting there. One of my big toenails was about 80% infected and apparently it takes about a year to fully regrow a big toenail and I appear to be on track for that mark. You must be diligent and patient. My prescription of Thymol costs about $15 a bottle and I have used 3 bottles over 7 months and will probably need another 2 bottles. Also, my doctor told me that he personally uses Thymol once a week just as maintenance.

Topical Acidophilus

Posted by Steve (Lebanon, Pa Usa) on 03/26/2011

Your site is so helpful. I thought I would share this tip I stumbled upon after suffering for some years. Take acidophillus pills and grind them in the coffee grinder and apply with water to make a paste to fungal infested areas. Works like a charm and safe too although the dust does work loose from the skin. These are tough to cure and many applications may be necessary but be confident relief is on its way!

Ted's Remedies

Posted by Lindsay (Chicago, Il, Usa) on 03/10/2011

Update: I blame the diluted Clorox for the breakdown around my nails. I do not recommend doing that step unless your nails are so far gone that nothing else works. Here is the version of this remedy I have been using for the last few months (after several trials and errors) that has healthy pink nail finally growing in on every toe: each morning and evening wipe down the nails with the 50/50 vinegar and peroxide solution, then rinse, dry thoroughly, and cover the nails with Vicks vaporub (the Vicks was recommended by my doctor) and sprinkle a foot powder with Micronazole Nitrate over all the toes (I'm not sure how integral the powder part is, but it prevents athlete's foot from being a problem on and around the skin, and it keeps my toes from feeling like they are covered in Vicks vaporub). Since I've been doing this through the winter, my feet have socks and shoes on them almost all the time, but this has not been a problem. A couple of times a week I will soak my (clean) feet in the 50/50 solution for about 15 minutes instead of just wiping them down.

Positive side effect: If you have a problem with rough skin and callouses, the peroxide makes them soft and easy to slough off. Most of my small nails are already grown out, and the large ones are about half-way grown out doing this routine. It is time consuming but I consider it worth it. Doing the routine just once each day didn't have the same effect.