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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, September 7, 2025
Onychomycosis of 52 Years Responds to Oral Low-Dose Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide: Case Report
By Hannah Ayettey, M.D.; Mary Ayettey-Adamafio, M.D.; Charles Hayfron-Benjamin, Ph.D.; Emmanuel Tagoe, Ph.D.; Hector Addo, M.D.; Ruth Ayettey Brew, M.D.; Isabella Quakyi, Ph.D.; Albert Amoah, Ph.D.; and Seth Ayettey, M.D., Ph.D.
Condensed Report
Background
Onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nails) is notoriously difficult to treat. Conventional antifungal drugs often require long courses, carry risk of side effects, and still relapse frequently. In contrast, dilute oral food-grade hydrogen peroxide (FGHP) has shown promising antifungal action in recent pilot cases.
Case Summary
A 71-year-old woman with 52 years of severe nail fungus affecting all fingers and toes volunteered for FGHP therapy after decades of failed conventional antifungal treatment. She received alternating cycles of 0.5% and 1.0% oral FGHP (40 ml three times daily), followed by a maintenance phase.
Results
- Within the first cycle, diseased nails loosened and detached.
- At 9 months, new nails began growing.
- By 16 months, 8 new toenails and 8 fingernails had fully or partially regenerated.
- Side effects were minimal - only brief nausea on the 1% solution, easily managed.
- The patient reported more energy, resolution of nail pain and discharge, and a return to normal social life.
Figures
Figures reproduced from the original case report, with patient consent.
Figure 1. Fingernails before treatment - showing dystrophic, thickened, and discolored nails.
Figure 2. Toenails before treatment - all toenails affected, with paronychia.
Figure 3. Fingernails after 16 months of FGHP therapy - new, healthy nails visible.
 
Figure 4. Toenails after 16 months of FGHP therapy - multiple new nails grown back, restoration of nail beds.
Discussion
This case is notable for two reasons:
- FGHP demonstrated selective antifungal effects without damaging healthy tissue.
- Hydrogen peroxide likely acts by generating oxidative stress within iron-rich fungal cells (Fenton reaction), sparing normal host tissue. The patient's strong family history suggests possible genetic or immune predisposition, yet even in this high-risk context, FGHP proved effective.
Conclusion
Oral low-dose FGHP therapy appears to be a safe, low-cost intervention with potential to overcome resistant onychomycosis. Further clinical studies are urgently needed to confirm dosage, fungal species response, and long-term outcomes.
Editorial Note
This article is a condensed version prepared for OMNS readers. It highlights the essentials of a longer clinical case report.
👉 For the full original article, including detailed methods, full image set, and references, see:
Orthomolecular.org - [Full Case Report]
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Editorial Review Board:
Jennifer L. Aliano, M.S., L.Ac., C.C.N. (USA)
Albert G. B. Amoa, MB.Ch.B, Ph.D. (Ghana)
Seth Ayettey, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D. (Ghana)
Ilyès Baghli, M.D. (Algeria)
Greg Beattie, Author (Australia)
Barry Breger, M.D. (Canada)
Ian Brighthope, MBBS, FACNEM (Australia)
Gilbert Henri Crussol, D.M.D. (Spain)
Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D. (USA)
Ian Dettman, Ph.D. (Australia)
Susan R. Downs, M.D., M.P.H. (USA)
Ron Ehrlich, B.D.S. (Australia)
Hugo Galindo, M.D. (Colombia)
Gary S. Goldman, Ph.D. (USA)
William B. Grant, Ph.D. (USA)
Claus Hancke, MD, FACAM (Denmark)
Patrick Holford, BSc (United Kingdom)
Ron Hunninghake, M.D. (USA)
Bo H. Jonsson, M.D., Ph.D. (Sweden)
Dwight Kalita, Ph.D. (USA)
Felix I. D. Konotey-Ahulu, M.D., FRCP (Ghana)
Peter H. Lauda, M.D. (Austria)
Fabrice Leu, N.D., (Switzerland)
Alan Lien, Ph.D. (Taiwan)
Homer Lim, M.D. (Philippines)
Stuart Lindsey, Pharm.D. (USA)
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Juan Manuel Martinez, M.D. (Colombia)
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Dr.Aarti Midha M.D., ABAARM (India)
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Karin Munsterhjelm-Ahumada, M.D. (Finland)
Sarah Myhill, MB, BS (United Kingdom)
Tahar Naili, M.D. (Algeria)
Zhiwei Ning, M.D., Ph.D. (China)
Zhiyong Peng, M.D. (China)
Pawel Pludowski, M.D. (Poland)
Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi, Ph.D. (Ghana)
Selvam Rengasamy, MBBS, FRCOG (Malaysia)
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Thomas N. Seyfried, Ph.D. (USA)
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T.E. Gabriel Stewart, M.B.B.CH. (Ireland)
Jagan Nathan Vamanan, M.D. (India)
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