Daily Toenail Hygiene

Here's what you'll need:

Here's what to do:

To reduce day-to-day fungal and bacterial exposure around toenails

Important: This information is for general education. It does not replace medical care. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy (reduced feeling), immune suppression, or open sores, review this plan with your clinician first.

Goals

• Lower microbial load on skin and nail surfaces.

• Keep the toe and nail area clean and dry to reduce reinfection risk.

• Support healthier nail growth by reducing ongoing irritation and contamination. (Nail growth still takes months.)

Supplies

• Soft-bristle brush (for example, a long-handled back brush) or a soft washcloth. Purchase on Amazon 

• Hibiclens (chlorhexidine) cleanser. Purchase on Amazon 

• 70% isopropyl alcohol. Purchase on Amazon 

• Tea tree oil + oregano oil blend (follow the product label). Purchase on Amazon 

• Clean towel or paper towel for drying.

Daily steps

1. Wash gently with Hibiclens. Wet feet and toes. Apply Hibiclens to the brush or cloth and clean the toes and nail area with light pressure. Avoid aggressive scrubbing. Keep out of eyes and ears, and avoid use on large open wounds.

2. Rinse thoroughly. Rinse well with running water to remove all cleanser residue (including under and around the nail edges as best you can).

3. Apply 70% alcohol to toes and nails. Apply to the nail surface and the skin immediately around the nail (nail folds). Avoid cracked skin, cuts, or ulcers. Alcohol is flammable—keep away from heat/flames until fully dry.

4. Let the alcohol evaporate. Allow several minutes to air-dry completely before applying oils or putting on socks.

5. Apply tea tree + oregano oil blend. Suggested source (example): Purely Northwest Tea Tree and Oregano, 1 fl oz (available on Amazon). Apply a small amount to the nail plate and around the nail folds. If the product is very strong or causes burning, dilute it (for example, mix 1–2 drops into a teaspoon of a carrier oil). Avoid the eyes, and wash hands after application.

Safe-use guardrails

• Stop the protocol and contact your clinician if you develop increasing redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, blistering, or significant burning.

• If you have diabetes, neuropathy, poor circulation, or fragile skin: use very gentle pressure, avoid brushing between toes, and inspect feet daily (use a mirror if needed).

• Hibiclens precautions: do not use in the eyes, ears, mouth, or genital area. Rinse thoroughly. Do not use on deep puncture wounds or extensive open skin unless directed by a clinician.

• Alcohol precautions: can overly dry or irritate skin. If dryness occurs, moisturize the tops and bottoms of feet (do not moisturize between toes). Keep away from flames and do not smoke during use.

• Essential oil precautions: tea tree and oregano oils can trigger dermatitis or chemical burns if too concentrated. Patch test first (small area for 24 hours). Keep away from children and pets. Avoid use in pregnancy/breastfeeding unless cleared by your clinician.

Simple habits that improve results

• Dry between toes carefully after bathing or sweating.

• Change socks daily (more often if you sweat) and choose moisture-wicking socks.

• Rotate shoes so they can fully dry between wears; consider antifungal powder/spray for shoes if you have recurrent issues.

• Trim nails straight across and avoid digging into corners. Disinfect nail clippers after use and do not share them.

• If nails are very thick or lifting, professional trimming/debridement can improve topical penetration.

When to seek medical care

• Spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or a red streak up the foot.

• A new sore, ulcer, or crack that does not heal, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

• Sudden dark discoloration under a nail after no injury, or severe pain.

• No improvement after 8–12 weeks, or the problem keeps returning (you may need nail testing and prescription therapy).

Updated: January 05, 2026

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