Imagine a world where the dreaded 'rotten egg' smell becomes a hero in the fight against stubborn nail infections. Sounds bizarre, right? But here's where it gets fascinating: scientists from the University of Bath and King's College London (KCL) have discovered that hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), the gas behind that infamous odor, could revolutionize the way we treat nail infections. And this is the part most people miss—it might work faster and with fewer side effects than current treatments.
Published in Scientific Reports (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-22062-7), this groundbreaking research sheds light on a problem that affects 4 to 10% of the global population, with nearly half of those aged 70 or older suffering from it. Nail infections, primarily caused by fungi and occasionally bacteria, are not just unsightly—they can lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable groups like diabetics and the elderly. The challenge? Current treatments are either slow, risky, or ineffective.
Here’s the controversy: Oral antifungal pills, though reasonably effective, take 2–4 months to work and can cause side effects, particularly in patients with other health issues. Topical treatments, while safer, often take years to show results—if they work at all. Why? Because nails are tough barriers, making it nearly impossible for drugs to reach the infection deep within. This leaves patients frustrated and desperate for better solutions.
But hydrogen sulfide might just be the game-changer. Unlike traditional treatments, H₂S penetrates the nail plate far more efficiently. In lab tests (https://medicalxpress.com/tags/laboratory+tests/), researchers found it doesn’t just stop at reaching the infection—it disrupts the microbes’ energy production, causing irreversible damage and ultimately killing them. Even fungi resistant to common antifungals didn’t stand a chance.
Dr. Albert Bolhuis from the University of Bath explains, 'This gas’s unique ability to reach the infection site and its novel mode of action make it a promising candidate for a highly effective topical treatment.' But here’s the bold question: Could this smelly gas really outshine decades-old treatments? And if so, why hasn’t it been explored sooner?
Of course, there’s a catch. Hydrogen sulfide is toxic in high doses and, let’s face it, smells terrible. However, researchers assure us that the amounts needed for treatment are well below toxicity levels, and clever formulations could minimize the odor. The team is now working to develop a patient-ready treatment within the next five years.
Professor Stuart Jones from KCL is optimistic: 'We’re excited to turn these findings into a product that could transform nail infection treatment.' But this raises another thought-provoking question: Are we ready to embrace a treatment that, despite its potential, comes with such a notorious reputation?
What do you think? Would you be willing to try a 'rotten egg' gas treatment if it meant faster, safer relief from nail infections? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
More information: Fritz Ka-Ho Ho et al, Antimicrobial effects and mechanisms of hydrogen sulphide against nail pathogens, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-22062-7 (https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-22062-7)
Citation: 'Rotten egg' gas could be the answer to treating nail infections, say scientists (2025, November 3) retrieved 3 November 2025 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11-rotten-egg-gas-infections-scientists.html
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