Need a Remedy for Toenail Fungus

Just wanted to add another opinion for tea tree oil. Get a high grade one. There is a Jason's oil that Walgreen's sells. If you can't find that, I would go to Whole Foods or Central Market. You don't want a really cheap one with added alcohol or anything that dilutes the oil.

Peace,
M.
www.yogapotential.com

Oh C.,

I can't imagine what you must be going through!

I can't give any advice as I've never experienced anything like this, but I know you'll get through it.

The loss of a toenail is never easy, but hang in there and know you're not alone.

D. Hinds

I would do 2 things. Go to a health food store and ask for a homeopathic remedy for fungus and buy some tea tree oil. You can rub the oil all over and try to get it under the nail. This has worked well when my mom had the same problem. With these treatments you don't need to worry about side effects.

Scripts for nail fungus are hard on your liver. I have the same thing and my doc wanted to give me the script, but I chose not to. A family friend and nail tech told me to use tea tree oil 2-3 times per day. It can take up to 6 months to heal, but so do the scripts. You can get it at Walgreens and Sallys- about $10 per bottle.

Not to many people have offered up vinegar - it worked wonders. But instead of soaking my foot in it, my doctor just told me to get a Q-tip and apply it directly to the toe nail affected - 2-3 times a day. I too lost my toe nail once and was getting ready to lose it a second time but once I started to use it, it actual prevented me from losing it the second time. I have not had an issue since! The natural acid in the vinegar kills the fungus. What was great - we had it in the house so I did not have to go out and get something "special"!!!

Tea tree oil works great!

Sandra

C.,
I have the same problem and tried the prescription meds without success, so I think it's a great idea for people to try natural remedies prior to trying the Rxs, which are expensive AND hard on the liver!

What's working for me right now (not gone, but almost) is an OTC medication called "Tineacide" which I found at Walmart. I read on-line that the fungus that causes nail problems also causes athlete's foot, so I sprayed the inside of my shoes with an athlete's foot med spray too.

LISTERINE MOUTHWASH (SOAK YOUR FEET)
I put some on a cotton ball and rub across my toenails daily after I shower

Hi C.-

My husband Kevin has had a toe fungus problem for many years that has left him without toenails on some of his toes, and the rest of the nail beds are dark and discolored. Most insurance companies will not cover Lamisil because we had tried several times before to fill prescriptions on my insurance and his, to no avail, and it was expensive to pay for it out of pocket.

We recently changed insurance companies and found that we had to change our primary care physician. We found Dr. Featherston in Carrollton. During a recent visit, he informed us that the generic version of Lamisil is on the $4 prescription list at Walmart. You don't have to use your insurance benefits and pay the normal copay at all. You just pay the $4 dollar price directly to WalMart.

You simply need your Doctor to write out a prescription for Terbinafine. You do have to take a blood panel test and wait for the nurse to give you the okay, before you can begin to take the medication, in our case, it was a 2 day wait. We were given a 30 day supply of tablets at 250mg. You don't have to take the medication for several months like in the past, you only have to take the 30 day supply.

The doctor said we will have to take another blood panel after we complete the medication to ensure there was no permanent damage to his liver, but, it was a risk we were willing to take since my husband had endured years of uncomfortable side effects with this problem.

I hope this helps. I know my husband stopped itching between his toes the day after he started his medication, the red, sore, raw skin in between his toes has cleared up and his nails are starting to return to their natural color. It does state that the medication may take months to work after the treatment period is over, so some people may not see immediate results, but, we have and it's great!

I hope this helps. I can tell you I have tried every over the counter cream, oil, pill and medication you can possibly find, I tried the holistic method, vitamins, homeopathic treatments. Nothing has worked, we never saw any relief in his symptoms. I still have 3 huge bottles of peroxide and Vick's stored in my bathroom from previous treatments. I am not trying to be a Negative Nancy, but, I have spent lots of money over the years and would like to make sure you don't do the same with remedies that will not work.

Good luck to you!

A. G.

Whenever I am seeking a natural alternative, the first place I look is The People's Pharmacy. This column is printed in the Dallas Morning News once a week, but they do have a website www.peoplespharmacy.com You can search through their archives. I look there for EVERYTHING.

Hope this helps.

Good Morning C.,
I looked it up on webmd.com (great website!) and this is the cause of toenail fungus http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/fung... from here look just to the right and you can click on Home Treatment, When to call the doctor, prevention, etc. Good luck and hope you get rid of of it soon.
Have a blessed day! K.
Stay at home mom with 3 beautiful girls. Working from home and loving it!

I've had success with clove oil. You can purchase it at any GNC store. My husband suffer with nail fungus for many years. We went to Dr's and tried medicine, a nail polish like medication, cleaning, cutting nail off and nothing worked like the clove oil. You have to use it daily and you will not see results for about 3 weeks. Good luck.

I am taking this liquid supplement that has allowed my body to heal from all sorts of things. My sister-in-law in Florida started taking it, and she wrote me that her toenails, all yellow from fungus, have all become normal again. The yellow, dark nail lifted off and a normal nail sits on each toe now. That change happened within the first two months of taking it, if I remember right. She started taking it in May, and that was the first thing she noticed other than more energy and well being.

I don't have fungus on my toes, but she surely is excited about that. It gave me the use of my hands back that were swollen and sore from arthritis. Some friends have also reported that result, some no more GERD,( acid reflux ) and some that it helped their rotator cuff injury. Now have full range of motion and no pain. Another said that their excema is under control now. It just crosses into the blood stream and allows the body to heal itself. You drink two ounces a day. Even my dogs and grandbabies are drinking a smaller dose and are not getting sick anymore.
Look at my website to see about it. (It is a free website they give you to keep up with things, and also to share with friends. My cell number is ###-###-#### if you want to try it. There is an empty bottle money back guarantee. I don't have it here except for what we take. I would enter you in the computer and it would come to your house. Or I could give you the website and you could enter yourself. Worth a try for that toenail fungus. A.

I struggled with toenail fungus for years - at least 5. My big tonails came off several times too. I tried every over-the-counter medication available, as well as other suggestions I found when I googled "toe nail fungus." My doctor also advised against the prescription. What finally cured me was soaking my toes in a water & clorox mixture about every other day for 15 minutes. (I can't tell you how much clorox per quart, I just poured some in. When it got too strong it would burn, so I made it weaker - and I re-used the same mixture for several times, but put a tight cover on it.) Then I often also applied Vicks Vaporub & put a bandage around my toes it so it wouldn't soil my shoes or socks. Now I don't really know whether the clorox would have worked without the Vicks, because later on I quit using it and just did the clorox soaking. It took a long time, because toenails grow very slowly, but finally I did totally get rid of the fungus. So if you're committed to the program I'll bet you'll be cured too. Just be faithful. Fungus can't grow in a clorox solution. Hallelujah!

i have heard that distilled vinegar works the best

VICKS!!!!!! OMG, it works! Put it on your feet before you go to bed and put some socks on! I guarantee in a week, it's gone! Completely!

Use real Tea Tree oil 2 times a day every day and it will go away. Whole Foods has pure Tea Tree oil and it is cheap. It works without side effects. Good luck and God Bless. L.

You might can try using Listerine, not the generic, use the name brand. Give your foot a good soaking after a shower. Make sure it's good and clean.

i have a friend w/ this problem - her dr told her the side effects of prescription are hard on the liver. i advised her to take a probiotic. go to your local health food store (they are very knowledgeable at whole foods and even mom and pop places). most likely you have a yeast overgrowth in your body and it's attacking your toe and you need the GOOD bacteria to balance out the bad.

Heard that soaking your feet in cornmeal does the trick. go to www.dirtdoctor.com

None of the natural remedies worked for my husband! We tried everything, and got nowhere. Our Dr. prescribed him Sporanox taken twice a day for 1 week every month. Yes those medications are hard on the liver, but they will do blood work on a regular bases to make sure your liver function is at a normal level. Drinking any alcohol can increase the effects on your liver, so none for him. The Sporanox isn't as hard on the liver as other medications. He has been on the medication for about 4 months now and he is already seeing a difference and his liver function has remained at a normal level. I love using nautral remedies whenever possible, but as a nurse I realized this was something that needed a treatment from the inside out.

My mom and stepdad rave that soaking your feet in cornmeal deep enough to cover your toes mixed with just enough water to cover the cornmeal works miracles. I tried Lamisil a couple of years ago and found out on day 12 of taking it that I am highly allergic to it. I was visiting my daughter in LAX area and broke out in horrible hives. I looked like something out of a horror movie on my early flight home. I have since tried other over the counter medicines, etc, but recently heard about the cornmeal remedy. I'm gonna try it! Good luck, B.

I had fungus in my finger nail and my nail salon sold be some stuff that they had it only took 2 drops twice a day don't recall what the name is i bought it at top nails at harwood at central in bedford. it really cleared my nail up and my nails are real so it was not caused from having acrylics

I recommend the tea tree oil as well but the oil of oregano would be more potent.I Only buy the brand name Oregamax and I also recommend taking that by mouth as well (they sell capsules) as this kind of oregano kills fungus in the intestines. This will help it not come back. I'd also reduce my sugar intake or go off all sugars for a time while your body is fighting off a fungus. Sugar is food for fungus and they thrive on it so if you must use a sugar use honey or agave nectar found at Sprouts. Also, white bread, pasta and potatoes convert to sugar in your system and I recommend eating whole wheat bread and pasta and forgoing potatoes for a bit. Your body has been designed to fight off fungus by itself but it is important to not feed the fungus while you're body is trying to fight the thing off. I'm writing you this and I'm thinking I need to go and practice what I'm preaching. I'm off to make my family pancakes with maple syrup for breakfast and we've been eating horrible. You're making me think we all need to get back to healthy eating!!!

Listerene mouthwash...soak your toes in it. Also great for athletes foot.

the nail salon i go to takes a slice of a lime and rubs that on your toenail

Well, this isn't a proven method, but my daughter had a little bit of this fungus and we did not want to give her meds. So we soaked her foot every night in a bucket of warm water with just a little bit of bleach. Like, 2 T per gallon. It might help and it won't hurt. Bleach is even used in dishwater solution at some restaurants, so I think putting that amount on feet won't harm them. It's cheap... might as well try it!

C., i do not KNOW these would work nor have i read about it but what about giving Tea Tree essential and Lavender essential oils a try? I have a business in which i make and sell handcrafted bath and body products. i know both of these are antifungal, antimicrobial, anticiptic (sp?) etc all that good stuff...i wonder if they would work?

Hi C., Wow! You have a lot of responses! Here is one more that is similar to some of the others but a little more info. What I had success with was Tea Tree Oil - 3 different forms of TTO. The bar soap, I got that at Vitamin World, made by Herbal Authority. Use it with a brush to scrub toes. Massage the Tea Tree Oil in at bedtime. I used the Tea Tree Ointment and put a bandaid on the toe during the day.

If you decide to go this route, be sure to make sure the oil is in a glass bronze or blue bottle - never clear. Clear bottles allow sunlight to penetrate & damage the delicate properties of the oil.

It's not the best smelling stuff, but do the research - it is amazing! Antiseptic - antifungal - antibacterial - From toenail fungus to ear infections and dandruff!

Hope this helps!!

I am believing God's BEST for you!

D.

Hi C.. My husband had toefungus for years and he used an athletes foot spray everytime he got out of the shower. He sprayed it directly on the toenail and then put his sock on. It eventually grew out and off with a new toenail. It hasn't come back either and it's been about I wanna say 4 or 5 years ago. Good luck!!! S./ N. R. H.

neosporin worked for me suprisingly. my ob suggested it when i was preg and couldn't take anything. i couldn't believe it cleared up. occasionally i'll have the same issue and it always works. i'll give vicks a shot too.

Check into Grapefruit Seed Extract (not grape seed) They carry it at Whole Foods. If you call the company that makes it (you could google it before you buy, to get the number...the packaging is red and white) let them know your issue and they can tell you how to use it for your problem.

This will sound crazy, but soak it in white vinegar for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a day.
V. B.

I went on a long hiking trip many years ago and had a toenail fungus upon my return. Went to the dr and he gave me a prescription medicine; however, he had to check my liver before prescribing. However, I took it and never had the problem again. I don't know the name of the medication since it was over ten years ago; however, I would recommend doing what your dr says. My aunt never got hers fixed and it spread to her other toes. She lost all of her toenails on one foot. She wishes of course that she went to the dr. sooner. She now has no toenails on her left foot. Can't wear sandles, etc. Good luck!

Hi C.,

I am not sure if this will work, but it is worth a try. I use ACV(apple cider vinegar) by Braggs. It helps Althelet foot fungus. you just need a 50/50 solution of Bragg's ACV to distilled water and do it 2 times a day or more if needed. It works wonders also on rashes or just gargling with it for sore throats. You must use Bragg's because it contains live enzymes that is what is necessary for health and healing. If you would like any additional information just email me a ____@____.com. Please let me know if it helps.

Sally

check into Penlac. it is a prescription topical toenail product so there is no need to have liver function tests. my uncle used it and it cleared up his toenail fungus. It is a lot of work though, you have to paint it on (like clear nail polish) and file the nail down regularly. It takes a long time, because you have to do it until the healthy nail grows out.

Getting on really good absorbing vitamins will help your body fight the fungus, I had this problem for almost a year until I got on some good vitamins then it cleared up asap. Melaleuca(a high grade of tea tree oil) does work well with the vitamins,
Visit www. LiveTotalWellness.com/Texas for more info.

C.:

I went on Ketakonazol years ago and it worked wonderfully. I had struggled with the problem from the time I was 6 months to 26 years old. I had to go in every other week for liver tests because I was allergic to the standard treatment, but even then, it was worth it!

Now there are much better medications that act more quickly. There are over the counter medications that you can get from a drug or beauty supply store. I have heard that tea-tree (sp) works for some people. If your problem persists, I would not hesistate to go to medicine. The fungus tends to spread to other toenails and may lead to athletes foot. Be sure and clean the tub or shower after every use so that youir whole family doesn't get it.
Jen

Dear C.,
Try half and half H Proxide & water worked for me.
Good luck and God Bless
J. G

Listerine. Just soak your feet in it. (No personal experience, just got it in one of those emails that told of the amazing things that listerine cand do.)

Good luck!

I say the Vicks Vapo rub. You just have to do it every single day and it takes a while to see results. I never remember to do it everyday so haven't had complete success. But,I tried a exspensive prescript with NO success at all! I just wonder why this is spreading like crazy. Besides myself,I know 3 others in my family who have gotten this. Even my old family practitioner,we moved,had one!!

Hi C.,

There is a great Nutritional Supplements that can help you, no side effects and a lot of health benefits. Let me know if you are interested and I will share information with you.

I am a mom of two, married for 18 years and work from home helping people with their health and finances.

A.
###-###-####

Try soaking it in vinegar on a regular basis.

In the Dallas Morning News on Wednesday, I saw an ad for a laser for toe nail fungus. All it said was to contact your Dr. so I don't know anything else about it. The ad said virtually painless and showed before and after photos but didn't say how many sessions it took. Hope this helps!

I got rid of mine using a combo treatment.

Prescription Penlac (paint it on)
and
Tea Tree Oil

plus you keep the nail trimmed as close as possible; get rid of as much of the infected stuff as you can.

It took a very long time (several years) to get rid of the fungus because at first I was just using the Penlac. That by itself did not work for me. I didn't have complete success until I started using the Tea Tree Oil also.

Good luck!

A.

My uncle had his same issue. He has success with Vicks vaopr rub and his medical option was a going on a med for 6 months at least to clear it up.

Hope it helps.
S.

I loss a toenail last summer, I used Vicks on my toe (I read about this on the internet), in the morning and again at night and now you can't tell there was ever a problem, so it worked for me. Blue Star ointment is suppose to work too, but I didn't try that.
Hope this helps.