Hydrogen Sulfide Emerges as Effective Treatment for Nail Fungus

Hydrogen sulfide, a gas known for its strong rotten egg odor, may offer a new and effective treatment for stubborn nail infections. Researchers from the University of Bath and King's College London have found that hydrogen sulfide can penetrate the nail plate more effectively than current topical antifungal treatments.

These infections, caused predominantly by fungi, affect an estimated 4 to 10 percent of the global population, with nearly 50 percent prevalence in adults aged 70 and older. Current treatments, including oral antifungal medications and topical products, often take several months to show results and carry risks of side effects.

The new research, published in Scientific Reports, highlights hydrogen sulfide's antimicrobial properties, showing it can kill a broad spectrum of pathogens, including difficult-to-treat fungal species.

The research team used a compound that releases hydrogen sulfide in laboratory experiments, demonstrating that the gas disrupts microbial energy production and damages the cells of the fungi. Dr. Albert Bolhuis stated that a topically applied medicine containing hydrogen sulfide could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with persistent nail infections.

While hydrogen sulfide does have a strong odor and some toxicity, researchers believe that treatment concentrations could remain below harmful levels and that proper formulation could minimize unpleasant smells.

The research has so far been conducted in vitro, but the team aims to develop a patient-ready topical treatment within the next five years, as noted by Professor Stuart Jones.