Background
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is caused by various fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds, which invade the nail and lead to discoloration, thickening, and deformation of the toenail. Current treatment options, such as oral antifungal medications and topical agents, often have limited effectiveness, potential side effects, or require long-term usage to achieve satisfactory results. Consequently, there is a need for alternative and effective treatments for toenail fungus.
Previous research has suggested that certain fungi responsible for toenail infections are sensitive to high temperatures, which may compromise their viability and ultimately lead to their eradication. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a controlled, high-temperature water bath treatment in eradicating toenail fungus. By immersing the affected toenails in a water bath maintained at 44 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes per day, we hypothesize that the heat will effectively eliminate the fungal infection and improve the appearance and health of the toenails.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of a controlled, high-temperature water bath treatment for toenail fungus. The findings from this pilot study will provide valuable insights into the potential of this alternative treatment method and inform future research on its safety, tolerability, and optimization.