First reported by Dr. T H Oliver in 1920, ozone and oxidative 
therapies have been used extensively by doctors to treat a wide 
range of health problems, such as vascular disease, cancer, viral 
diseases, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases and spinal disc 
problems. Additionally, these treatments are effective therapies 
for contaminated wounds, burns and infections. The use of oxygen 
to heal is based on the idea that it breaks down and eliminates 
toxins from the body by "burning" them through the process of 
oxidation.

In the process of ozone and oxidative therapies white blood cell 
production is also encouraged, there is an increased delivery of 
oxygen to the cells, red blood cell flexibility is expanded and 
metabolism is also stimulated. Because of its ability to kill 
bacteria and fungus, many cities purify their drinking water with 
ozone.

Ozone therapy can be received in one of several ways, including 
injection, inseffulation, ozone "bagging," external use of 
ozonated olive oil, and autohemotherapy. Inseffulation is the 
process which consists of inserting a tiny tube into the infected 
area and up to half a liter of pure ozone in a humidified gas is 
introduces in less than thirty seconds. In order to fight nail 
fungus, the best delivery of ozone to the body is by bagging or 
the application of ozonated olive oil. Bagging is done by placing 
the infected fingers in a plastic bag and filling that bag with 
ozone. Ozonated olive oil, available in many natural health 
stores, is made by bubbling ozone through olive oil for several 
days until it solidifies. An effective way to reduce both the 
symptoms and prevalence of the infection is to apply ozonated 
olive oil to the affected nail several times daily until the 
fungus has died and the healthy nail has regrown.

Oxidation therapy is commonly administered via hydrogen peroxide. 
Because the body's cells produce hydrogen peroxide as a first 
line of defense when confronted with bacteria, parasites and 
yeast, it is known as an effective and natural immune system 
booster. To treat nail fungus with oxidation therapy, a finger 
soak is the best application. It is wisest to use food grade 
hydrogen peroxide (35%) as the over the counter solution (3%) 
contains other chemicals and impurities that may adversely affect 
sensitive skin. Mix 2 ounces of the food grade type with warm 
water and soak the nails infected with the fungus for 30 minutes. 
If using the over the counter version, you will need nearly 
twelve times the hydrogen peroxide to make an equally effective 
solution. Repeat this treatment three to four times per week 
until the infection has cleared.

Hydrogen peroxide is an extremely safe and effective treatment 
for nail fungus when used with care. Because the pure form of the 
solution is highly toxic and dangerous, it is absolutely 
necessary to take care when using this home treatment by always 
diluting it correctly. When administered in proper amounts this 
form of treatment has shown great promise in the healing of many 
ailments, including nail fungus.

When treating your nail fungus with ozone or oxidative therapy, 
the success of the treatment depends entirely on your willingness 
to continually treat the nail as directed and to continue your 
chosen course of therapy for a considerable amount of time. The 
treatment of nail fungus is so lengthy due to the fact even after 
the fungus has died and the nail begins to clear, the treatment 
must continue until the infected portion of the nail has 
completely grown out. Unfortunately, because the cure for nail 
fungus can take six months or longer, many people choose to live 
with it rather than take measures to combat it.

Once the fungus has been effectively killed and the nail is 
completely healthy, it is vital to take steps to ensure that the 
fungus does not return. Keeping nails clean and trim is important 
to ensure that the fungus cannot make a home under the nail. 
Never pick at hangnails or other skin around the nails; germs can 
more easily find a way into your nails if you do. When your hands 
are to be exposed to water for prolonged periods of time, use 
rubber gloves and make sure to give the gloves ample time to dry 
inside out after use.

If you typically have your nails done at a salon, be sure that it 
is a reputable one that understands the importance of sterilizing 
all manicure equipment. It also may be necessary to discontinue 
using nail polish or artificial nails as they can trap moisture 
under the polish and encourage the growth of fungus. It is also 
imperative to keep the hands clean, especially after contacting 
fungus that may reside on other fingernails or toenails because 
of the contagious nature of the fungus. Additionally, maintaining 
a healthy immune system is a key to fighting any fungal 
infections to which you may be exposed. 

Dr. Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C. is a Doctor of 
Chiropractic, Registered Dietitian and Independent Research 
Scientist. He has over 15 years of educational and research 
experience in health care focusing in clinical nutrition, 
alternative medicine, chiropractic, fitness, health and wellness. 
Dr. Group is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Fungus 
Research, L.L.C. and heads the research and development team 
dedicated to producing advanced, new anti-fungal and anti-
microbial products. http://www.nail-fungus-toenail.com