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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Erasing 25 Years of Nail Fungus with Low-Dose Hydrogen Peroxide: A Case StudyBy Mary Ayettey-Adamafio, DDS; Hannah Ayettey, MD; Hector Addo, MD; Ruth Ayettey Brew, MD; Emmanuel A. Tagoe, PhD; Charles Hayfron-Benjamin, MD, PhD; Albert Amoah, MD, PhD; Seth Ayettey, MD, PhD*
🔑 Key Takeaways
🦠 Background: Why This MattersChronic fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are notoriously hard to treat. They can cause embarrassment, social withdrawal, and physical discomfort-especially in elderly patients. Conventional treatments often fail, especially when the infection penetrates deep into the nail matrix where antifungals cannot reach. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a natural disinfectant made by our immune cells, has long been used topically for wounds and dental care. Less known is its use in oral or intravenous bio-oxidative medicine, where it acts selectively against pathogens and tumor cells via Fenton chemistry-generating hydroxyl radicals that damage iron-rich microbial cells while sparing healthy ones. This case study shows that very low concentrations of oral food-grade hydrogen peroxide may succeed where conventional antifungals fail-eliminating long-standing nail fungus with minimal side effects. 👵 The Case: 25 Years of ResistanceIn 2000, an 80-year-old Ghanaian woman developed fungal infection in her right middle finger. Over 5 years, it spread to all 10 fingernails. She underwent a long list of treatments:
None worked. Her nails remained dark, brittle, thickened, and socially stigmatizing (Figure 1). In January 2023, with informed consent, she agreed to try an experimental course of oral FGHP. 💊 The Protocol: Simple, Low-Dose, Structured
Instructions:
📈 Results: Fungus Gone, Nails Shed
⚠️ Adverse Effects
🧬 Why Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work?Hydrogen peroxide generates hydroxyl radicals via the Fenton reaction, targeting pathogens and tumor cells with elevated iron content. Unlike healthy cells-which are protected by catalase and peroxidase enzymes-fungi are highly vulnerable. This selectivity makes FGHP:
Critics cite risks of oxidative stress or toxicity, but those typically involve high concentrations (3-35%) used in teeth whitening, not oral doses under 1%. In this case, the treatment was non-toxic, safe, and effective. 🌍 Bigger PictureIf validated in larger studies, low-dose oral FGHP could:
It also raises important hypotheses about fungal pathogenesis:
These questions merit deeper exploration. 🧪 ConclusionThis case shows that orally ingested 0.5-1% FGHP:
We call for controlled clinical trials to evaluate efficacy and safety in a broader population-and to explore even lower concentrations that may retain efficacy while minimizing risks. 🧠 About the AuthorsProf. Seth Ayettey, MD, PhD is a senior anatomist and medical researcher at the University of Ghana Medical School. He and his co-authors represent a multidisciplinary clinical team spanning dermatology, internal medicine, dentistry, radiotherapy, and physiology. This case study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana's leading tertiary medical center. 📝 AcknowledgmentsWe thank Dr. Joseph D. Awotwi, Mr. Reindorf Perbi, and Dr. Joseph Canacoo for supplying FGHP, and Mrs. Cecilia Ayettey for assistance with dilutions. Dedicated to Prof. Felix Konotey-Ahulu, whose vision inspired this work. 📸 Appendix: Figures
📎 Supplementary Full Report (PDF Download)For the complete technical report with full references, detailed methods, discussion on Fenton chemistry, and original citations: 📄 [Download Full Case Report PDF] Or contact the corresponding author: Prof. Seth Ayettey at seth.ayettey@gmail.com Orthomolecular MedicineOrthomolecular medicine uses safe, effective nutritional therapy to fight illness. For more information: http://www.orthomolecular.org Find a DoctorTo locate an orthomolecular physician near you: http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v06n09.shtml The peer-reviewed Orthomolecular Medicine News Service is a non-profit and non-commercial informational resource. Editorial Review Board:
Jennifer L. Aliano, M.S., L.Ac., C.C.N. (USA)
Comments and media contact: editor@orthomolecular.org OMNS welcomes but is unable to respond to individual reader emails. Reader comments become the property of OMNS and may or may not be used for publication. Click here to see a web copy of this news release: https://orthomolecular.acemlna.com/p_v.php?l=1&c=448&m=395&s=bad97c655476f96a390a72c05a742011 |
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