Jarred2004
06-06-2001, 10:34 PM
I am 15/m and have toenail fungus on 3 toenails. I can't paint my toenails so I can't swim in the summer with my friends b/c I am so embarrassed of it. I will do ANYTHING to get rid of it. I have had it my whole life and am so embarrassed I never swim with anyone but family. I also HATE that I can't wear sandals. I have ALWAYS wanted to. My dad talked to a doctor friend about it and all they said is that there are some prescription drugs but they are hard on the liver and very expensive. PLEASE I can't live with this any longer. I can't wear sandals or swim b/c I am afraid people will see. Can someone please tell me how to get rid of this stuff? I have tried clipping them down and putting Lotrimin and I have tried that oil stuff from Wal-Mart, but neither work. How do I get rid of this stuff? Please help!
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Marti
06-07-2001, 12:28 AM
Bleach and vinegar are not a cure and will only mask the problem -- this 'cure' is just a myth. Fungus 'feeds' on the proteins in the nail plate and leaves behind evident yellowish debris between the nail plate and the nail bed. It can move from toenail to toenail. Oral medication is the best treatment for nail fungus, although the doctor should take a scraping and grow a culture to determine the strain of fungus causing the infection in order to prescribe the proper medication. Since fungus thrives in warm, moist places like the feet, it would actually be better if you did wear sandles so your toe nails would have a chance to 'dry out'. Nail fungus is generally from the 'yeast' family of fungal spores. Believe it or not, one of my clients had exxcellent results from using Monostat 7. She would push some of the cream between the nail plate and the nail bed twice daily. You could still use the Lotrimin and 'push' it between the lifted space. Fungus spores are hard to 'kill' and can also be treated with topical applications of Penlac which is applied like nail polish. It will penetrate the nail plate layers to do its' 'job'. I would still go see a dermatologist who is more knowledgable of nail diseases and have it treated properly. Home remedies may work for a while, but in the long run, medical intervention and treatment work better and are more permanent. It can take from 6 months to a year before the fungus 'dies' and the toe nail is 'normal' again.
redwing
06-07-2001, 10:13 AM
I tried the oral medication and the fungus came back in my big toe nail. There are also certain side effects to be concerned with when taking the oral medications, like possible liver damage. I have been trying the vinegar routine decribed above for about 4 months and the new growth has now turned pink. I also am adding "vapo rub" (Vicks and other generic brands) as a topical to the nail. I read this somewhere as another possible cure. So I am doing both at once. All I can say is try it and see if it works for you. I agree that you must not miss a day.
[This message has been edited by redwing (edited 06-07-2001).]
[This message has been edited by redwing (edited 06-07-2001).]
Jarred2004
06-07-2001, 03:33 PM
I have regular vinegar from the store, but what exactly is distilled vinegar? I will try that and see if it works, I just need to know what distilled vinegar is.
redwing
06-07-2001, 03:58 PM
You can buy white distilled vinegar in large plastic bottles, like at Kroger's. I think Heinz has one in a smaller glass bottle. It's also a great mild cleaner when mixed in with water, for windows, wood floors etc. It's located in the grocery store by the cider vinegars, which you do not want. A small amount will last you a long time for the nail treatment. I believe it is about a 5% solution (see label). If it is 5%, you do not have to dilute it for the nail treatment. I put some in a small plastic bottle and apply it with a Q-tip.
[This message has been edited by redwing (edited 06-07-2001).]
[This message has been edited by redwing (edited 06-07-2001).]
redwing
06-22-2001, 12:01 PM
DLieber - hope this helps.
Christine VR
06-25-2001, 08:31 PM
Hi there,
I read on the old boards that Vic vaporrub works. I don't know if it does but mor ethan a few people swore by it. Maybe you should try that. It's cheap and worth a shot. Good luck
I read on the old boards that Vic vaporrub works. I don't know if it does but mor ethan a few people swore by it. Maybe you should try that. It's cheap and worth a shot. Good luck
Marti
06-25-2001, 10:43 PM
All of these home remedies 'curing' nail fungus is a really huge MYTH. With even prescription drugs, it can take up to a year or longer to actually kill the fungal spores that cause the nail plate destruction because they feed off the protein in the nail palte. Without the proper medication (oral and/or topical), the fungus can 'eat' it's way down the nail plate until it reaches the matrix. Once it gets to the place where the nail plate cells are 'born' and eats its way through this portion of the nail unit, the nail will NEVER grow again. Is rhe complete loss of a nail worth saving a few dollars by not seeking medical attention?
Actual TRUE nail fungus is rare, and probably less than 2 - 3% of all finger nail or toe nail infections are actually fungus. The rest are caused by bacteria. If it is a bacterial infection, keeping the nails clean and dry at all times will rob the infection of the contaminates it 'eats' as its food, and the moisture it needs to grow.
Only a physician can determine which spore is causing the infection and will prescribe the proper medications to alleviate the spores from your body.
Vinegar is a pickling agent. Bleach is harmful to the skin and neither will do anything to KILL a live, hungry spore. Vicks vapor rub is a petroleum based product with added menthol - all it will do is make the spores 'high' with the vapors. It contains absolutely NO anit-fungal ingredients, medications or anything else to 'kill' an active fungal spore.
If you really want to get rid of the dastardy, eating machine - get to a doctor and take the medication. Otherwise, risk losing the entire nail! Remember, fungus can spread from finger to finger, toe to toe , hand to hand, foot to foot, and to other persons you come in contact with. It is highly contageous in its' active state!
Actual TRUE nail fungus is rare, and probably less than 2 - 3% of all finger nail or toe nail infections are actually fungus. The rest are caused by bacteria. If it is a bacterial infection, keeping the nails clean and dry at all times will rob the infection of the contaminates it 'eats' as its food, and the moisture it needs to grow.
Only a physician can determine which spore is causing the infection and will prescribe the proper medications to alleviate the spores from your body.
Vinegar is a pickling agent. Bleach is harmful to the skin and neither will do anything to KILL a live, hungry spore. Vicks vapor rub is a petroleum based product with added menthol - all it will do is make the spores 'high' with the vapors. It contains absolutely NO anit-fungal ingredients, medications or anything else to 'kill' an active fungal spore.
If you really want to get rid of the dastardy, eating machine - get to a doctor and take the medication. Otherwise, risk losing the entire nail! Remember, fungus can spread from finger to finger, toe to toe , hand to hand, foot to foot, and to other persons you come in contact with. It is highly contageous in its' active state!
slymenstra
09-01-2001, 04:25 PM
ive been dealing with the gross nail syndrome for about five years now .....the medications didnt work at all , in fact they caused problems with my digestive system . tried everything ...from actually soaking them in undiluted bleach to filing them down to a nub till they bleed . the medications are so expensive and i had to cut through some red tape to get my insurance to cover them .real cures !!!thats what i want !!
windcaller
09-01-2001, 08:16 PM
I did it all...I used vinegar, lotrimin, lamisil and sporanox..NOTHING WORKED.
Your only remorse is to go see the doctor and either take the medications, or have the nails removed...I had to have my big toenails removed completely. That was the only way I was able to get rid of the fungus.
I wish you better luck :)
Your only remorse is to go see the doctor and either take the medications, or have the nails removed...I had to have my big toenails removed completely. That was the only way I was able to get rid of the fungus.
I wish you better luck :)
redwing
03-26-2002, 12:59 PM
Since I last posted, I have found that using the vinegar along with Vic's vapo-rub did NOT work for my (large) toenail fungus, but I wasn't always doing this twice a day either. Also, I think the vapo-rub may have prevented the absorption of the vinegar by the nail plate.
What is working now (for the past 6 months) is applying ONLY undilluted white vinegar morning AND night (and also after any bath/shower) to the base of the affected nail using a Q-tip. To be effective you must NEVER skip an application. My large toe nail is now coming out pink and healthy! I'll keep you posted. Good luck to all.
What is working now (for the past 6 months) is applying ONLY undilluted white vinegar morning AND night (and also after any bath/shower) to the base of the affected nail using a Q-tip. To be effective you must NEVER skip an application. My large toe nail is now coming out pink and healthy! I'll keep you posted. Good luck to all.
Terez Nicole
03-30-2002, 12:29 AM
Instead of looking for ways to temporarily kill toenail fungus, you need to get to the bottom of why you have it in the first place. Most toenail fungus isn't caused by having dirty feet, it is a symptom of an internal problem that originated much higher up, in your gut.
Systemic Candidiasis (AKA systemic yeast infection) is the cause of most toenail fungus. I suggest that you do some research on the internet or buy a couple of books on Candidiasis.
A medical doctor prescribed a month's worth of Diflucan pills to treat my toenail fungus. There was some improvement, although it did not last. The pills were beginning to affect my liver and the fungus came right back.
Next, I went to a homeopathic (natural) physician, who educated me on the yeast/fungus Candida. She put me on a strict diet and recommended a safe yeast killer. In addition to an overall improvement in my health, the toenail fungus cleared up completely and has never returned.
I hope this helps you in your quest to end your problem.
[This message has been edited by Terez Nicole (edited 03-29-2002).]
Systemic Candidiasis (AKA systemic yeast infection) is the cause of most toenail fungus. I suggest that you do some research on the internet or buy a couple of books on Candidiasis.
A medical doctor prescribed a month's worth of Diflucan pills to treat my toenail fungus. There was some improvement, although it did not last. The pills were beginning to affect my liver and the fungus came right back.
Next, I went to a homeopathic (natural) physician, who educated me on the yeast/fungus Candida. She put me on a strict diet and recommended a safe yeast killer. In addition to an overall improvement in my health, the toenail fungus cleared up completely and has never returned.
I hope this helps you in your quest to end your problem.
[This message has been edited by Terez Nicole (edited 03-29-2002).]
dgrams949
03-30-2002, 09:03 PM
HEY YES THE VICKS DOES WORK IF YOU USE IT EVERY DAY. IT TAKES TIME FOR ANYTHING TO WORK ON THIS. THERE IS NO FAST WAY TO GET RID OF THE FUNGUS. JUST KEEP CLEANING AND APPLYING VICKS. IT DOES WORK.........
DGRAMS 949 :wave:
DGRAMS 949 :wave:
mwhod
04-01-2002, 11:43 AM
If you will use a brush and clean your nails twice a day morning and night and use vicks vapor rub on them it will cure nail fungus, it takes some time but it does work, once you begin to see the improvement you will be convinced and continue easily, keep nails trimmed. This does work, let no one tell you different.
mwhod
04-01-2002, 11:46 AM
Diflucan i thought is primarily for yeast infection,
bain
07-23-2002, 04:11 PM
Originally posted by mwhod:
If you will use a brush and clean your nails twice a day morning and night and use vicks vapor rub on them it will cure nail fungus, it takes some time but it does work, once you begin to see the improvement you will be convinced and continue easily, keep nails trimmed. This does work, let no one tell you different.
Oh YES IT DOES work! Yay! So glad to see the word getting out! Cider vinegar may work also, but don't do the two treatments together, try one or the other.
Posting below, what I wrote in another thread:
Vicks -- even the generic kind, compare ingredients -- cured my fungal toenail almost completely in 3 weeks, after 5 years of using Penlac and the usual expensive junk. It's amazing. I recommended it to someone I work with who, for DECADES, had yellow, hard peeling thick nails and crusty heels -- she has always hidden her feet. After two weeks, she is wearing barefoot sandals, showing off her toes and creamy feet. She slathers in Vicks and puts on thin cotton socks twice a day, sleeps in socks. She actually cried when she thanked me. I'm posting this in its own thread, because those who suffer with fungal nails need to know this. There is a long article about the doctor who discovered the healing powers of VIcks, it's somewhere in Usenet groups -- I read that, was at my wits' end with trying expensive prescriptions, spent 99 cents on generic vaporub, and my toe is smooth, flat and almost completely healed.
It is even recommended for diabetics, but I DO NOT vouch for that. Diabetics need to check with a doctor before trying ANYthing like that.
But for those in my uh, shoes -- try it! You'll be stunned. Scrub and dry your problem area, and slather Vicks or a generic with the same composition of ingredients, do it at least daily, if not twice daily, wear your little socks so you don't have a mentholatum smelling house. It's a cheap, tiny thing, certainly worth a try, yes?
It is truly amazing, and I wish I had back all the $$ I've spent on prescription drugs.
Joe Graedon's People's Pharmacy site (NOT a site that sells things!!!!) has information about the benefits of this medicine cabinet staple that I am not allowed to post, for some odd reason.
[This message has been edited by bain (edited 07-24-2002).]
If you will use a brush and clean your nails twice a day morning and night and use vicks vapor rub on them it will cure nail fungus, it takes some time but it does work, once you begin to see the improvement you will be convinced and continue easily, keep nails trimmed. This does work, let no one tell you different.
Oh YES IT DOES work! Yay! So glad to see the word getting out! Cider vinegar may work also, but don't do the two treatments together, try one or the other.
Posting below, what I wrote in another thread:
Vicks -- even the generic kind, compare ingredients -- cured my fungal toenail almost completely in 3 weeks, after 5 years of using Penlac and the usual expensive junk. It's amazing. I recommended it to someone I work with who, for DECADES, had yellow, hard peeling thick nails and crusty heels -- she has always hidden her feet. After two weeks, she is wearing barefoot sandals, showing off her toes and creamy feet. She slathers in Vicks and puts on thin cotton socks twice a day, sleeps in socks. She actually cried when she thanked me. I'm posting this in its own thread, because those who suffer with fungal nails need to know this. There is a long article about the doctor who discovered the healing powers of VIcks, it's somewhere in Usenet groups -- I read that, was at my wits' end with trying expensive prescriptions, spent 99 cents on generic vaporub, and my toe is smooth, flat and almost completely healed.
It is even recommended for diabetics, but I DO NOT vouch for that. Diabetics need to check with a doctor before trying ANYthing like that.
But for those in my uh, shoes -- try it! You'll be stunned. Scrub and dry your problem area, and slather Vicks or a generic with the same composition of ingredients, do it at least daily, if not twice daily, wear your little socks so you don't have a mentholatum smelling house. It's a cheap, tiny thing, certainly worth a try, yes?
It is truly amazing, and I wish I had back all the $$ I've spent on prescription drugs.
Joe Graedon's People's Pharmacy site (NOT a site that sells things!!!!) has information about the benefits of this medicine cabinet staple that I am not allowed to post, for some odd reason.
[This message has been edited by bain (edited 07-24-2002).]
Marti
07-25-2002, 12:22 AM
A fungal or yeast infection which results in Onychomycosis, can invade through a tear in the proximal and lateral nail folds as well as the epony****m - the seal between the nail plate and the nail bed. This type of infection is characterized by onycholysis (nail plate separation) with evident debris under the nail plate. It normally appears white or yellowish in color, and may also change the texture and shape of the nail. The fungus digests the keratin protein of which the nail plate is comprised. As the infection progresses, organic debris accumulates under the nail plate often discoloring it. Other infectious organisms may be involved, and if left untreated, the nail plate may separate from the nail bed and crumble off.
TRUE fungus is very hard to 'kill' and requires prescription medication taken as prescribed. Most oral fungal medications are very hard on the liver, which is why they are only prescribed for short periods, then the patient is taken off them for a while, then starts again. Fungal spores LOVE a moist environment, which is why it attacks the toenails more often than the fingernails. One can re-infect themselves by wearing the same pair of shoes 2 days in a row because the fungal spores can also live in the moist environment of ones shoes - especially leather shoes.
The 'myth' of Vicks Vapor Rub 'killing' fungus is just that - a myth. It is an old home remedy that I remember my Great Grandmother using for more than just toenail fungus. What is does do is mask the problem, but it actually doesn't 'kill' a TRUE fungal spore. Now, if the problem is actually something else, it might improve the condition, but the condition of the nail is aided more by the 'barrier' effect that the mentholated petroleum imparts to the skin. It blocks the natural oils and moisture from excaping up through the nail plate layers. The end result is that the nail plate builds up MORE moisture, so when you stop applying the Vapor Rub, BOOM, the infection comes right back because it never was completely DEAD.
The best avenue of treating fungus is PREVENTATIVE and not CORRECTIVE.
[This message has been edited by Marti (edited 07-24-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Marti (edited 07-24-2002).]
TRUE fungus is very hard to 'kill' and requires prescription medication taken as prescribed. Most oral fungal medications are very hard on the liver, which is why they are only prescribed for short periods, then the patient is taken off them for a while, then starts again. Fungal spores LOVE a moist environment, which is why it attacks the toenails more often than the fingernails. One can re-infect themselves by wearing the same pair of shoes 2 days in a row because the fungal spores can also live in the moist environment of ones shoes - especially leather shoes.
The 'myth' of Vicks Vapor Rub 'killing' fungus is just that - a myth. It is an old home remedy that I remember my Great Grandmother using for more than just toenail fungus. What is does do is mask the problem, but it actually doesn't 'kill' a TRUE fungal spore. Now, if the problem is actually something else, it might improve the condition, but the condition of the nail is aided more by the 'barrier' effect that the mentholated petroleum imparts to the skin. It blocks the natural oils and moisture from excaping up through the nail plate layers. The end result is that the nail plate builds up MORE moisture, so when you stop applying the Vapor Rub, BOOM, the infection comes right back because it never was completely DEAD.
The best avenue of treating fungus is PREVENTATIVE and not CORRECTIVE.
[This message has been edited by Marti (edited 07-24-2002).]
[This message has been edited by Marti (edited 07-24-2002).]
CazzerKat217
07-25-2002, 02:51 AM
Marti- u are smart lol. i dont understand why everyone is ignoring u! lol just wanted to say that :P
nj mccutchon
09-14-2002, 06:54 AM
Gee, maybe everyone is ignoring Marti because they know what worked for them. AFTER I had already taken all the antifungals (I've had a 3 week Diflucan flush twice a year for 10 years. I was three years on Penlac, then nearly a year killing my liver on Lamisil) Yes, I did have scrapings and yes, it was a fungal infection.
I gave up all those medications for over a year, because I was tired of them, and the expense. I found an article in a Usenet group about the research into how Vicks helps. I don't know that Vicks "killed" my infection. I don't know what it did. It just made the nail normal, like magic. Smooth and white and healthy. And it's been that way 6 months now. No problems. Friends have had good luck with it, too, on their fingernails, as well as their toes, plus -- it makes that hard cracked skin on the foot go away. All smooth and soft like baby feet.
Vicks (or the generic formula) started my nails on the way to normal within DAYS. I know it sounds weird. Vinegar sounds weird, too, since it's fermented, meaning yeasty, and yeast is fungus. I don't understand how that could help, but some swear by that. I haven't tried it. My nails are fine, now.
I say whatever works, as long as it's not harmful.
I don't recommend the Clorox treatment, for example.
But vicks is easy and cheap and worth a try if you're at your wits' end with this. If you've tried everything else, and/or you can't afford the $1000 (at least) to pay for Lamisil or whatever, then why not spend 99 cents on some generic vicks?
I gave up all those medications for over a year, because I was tired of them, and the expense. I found an article in a Usenet group about the research into how Vicks helps. I don't know that Vicks "killed" my infection. I don't know what it did. It just made the nail normal, like magic. Smooth and white and healthy. And it's been that way 6 months now. No problems. Friends have had good luck with it, too, on their fingernails, as well as their toes, plus -- it makes that hard cracked skin on the foot go away. All smooth and soft like baby feet.
Vicks (or the generic formula) started my nails on the way to normal within DAYS. I know it sounds weird. Vinegar sounds weird, too, since it's fermented, meaning yeasty, and yeast is fungus. I don't understand how that could help, but some swear by that. I haven't tried it. My nails are fine, now.
I say whatever works, as long as it's not harmful.
I don't recommend the Clorox treatment, for example.
But vicks is easy and cheap and worth a try if you're at your wits' end with this. If you've tried everything else, and/or you can't afford the $1000 (at least) to pay for Lamisil or whatever, then why not spend 99 cents on some generic vicks?
troain
09-14-2002, 05:14 PM
How do you use the Vicks on your fingernails? I have one that was pulled away from the bed and went to my family doctor last week. Getting an appointment with a dermatologist around here is tough. I have to wait until November to be seen, so that's why I went to my family doctor. He said to just let it go, that it didn't look real bad to him. I'm afraid to go on this Lamasil stuff (sounds like it's too hard on your liver!) So, I thought why not try this Vicks thing! How do I apply it and how ofter?
lindamm
07-29-2003, 01:39 AM
Did anyone try soaking in vinegar? I saw a doctor on TV talking about home remedies and he named Vicks, vinegar and tea tree oil as remedies for nail fungus. He said to soak in the vinegar.
I have apply vicks once in a while and it improved the nail, but I think that was because it moisterized it so it looked better.
Somewhere else I read that tea tree oil was a fungicide or antimicrobial Don't remember what the exact words were. Haven't tried it.
I think that if, indeed, the vinegar will kill the fungus, by soaking, you have a better chance of the vinegar getting under the nail where the fungus lives.
I have never been very diligent about applying any treatments so I couldn't say what worked. But fungi are hard to kill. You can't kill the black spot my roses have. And my sister has had a fungus that makes the skin on her upper torso blotchy for over 20 years now. I've been meaning to tell her to try the vicks, but we are acne prone so I'm not sure that's a good idea.
A lot of doctors don't like to prescribe the oral medications because they don't think nail fungus is serious enough to take such a potentially harmful drug.
Are any of these yeast infection treatments you are talking about topical and available OTC?
I have apply vicks once in a while and it improved the nail, but I think that was because it moisterized it so it looked better.
Somewhere else I read that tea tree oil was a fungicide or antimicrobial Don't remember what the exact words were. Haven't tried it.
I think that if, indeed, the vinegar will kill the fungus, by soaking, you have a better chance of the vinegar getting under the nail where the fungus lives.
I have never been very diligent about applying any treatments so I couldn't say what worked. But fungi are hard to kill. You can't kill the black spot my roses have. And my sister has had a fungus that makes the skin on her upper torso blotchy for over 20 years now. I've been meaning to tell her to try the vicks, but we are acne prone so I'm not sure that's a good idea.
A lot of doctors don't like to prescribe the oral medications because they don't think nail fungus is serious enough to take such a potentially harmful drug.
Are any of these yeast infection treatments you are talking about topical and available OTC?
jahidas1
07-29-2003, 05:39 PM
Its okay for people to give opinions, but you shouldn't give facts if they are inaccurate. Several people have replied stating that after using Vick's or soaking in vinegar their nail became healthy. Going to the doctor does not always work.
shadepra
07-29-2003, 10:06 PM
My opinion about nail fungus cures, based on my own problems with fungus, is that many products such as Vicks, vinegar, and other topical nail products, work to keep the fungus from spreading any further down the nail. But they don't actually Kill the fungus.
So, if the product is working to keep the fungus from spreading any further up the nail, you will need to keep using it until you have eventually cut off ALL, every tiny bit, of the affected nail. This can take up to a year, depending on how far up the nail the fungus had advanced, and how fast your nails grow. Toenails grow excruciatingly slow.
I base my conclusions on the fact that I once almost had my toenail fungus cleared up, but there was still a little bit of affected nail on the very tip when I stopped treating it (I was tired of having to do it twice a day, every day!). Well, within a few weeks, the fungus began invading futher down into the nail again.
My current method of treatment is Tea Tree Oil, which seems to be working well, and keeping the nail trimmed and cleaned out underneath. This time I will keep doing it until all the affected nail is gone, and then some. Hopefully this will work. (Will post back in a year or so to let you know!)
So, if the product is working to keep the fungus from spreading any further up the nail, you will need to keep using it until you have eventually cut off ALL, every tiny bit, of the affected nail. This can take up to a year, depending on how far up the nail the fungus had advanced, and how fast your nails grow. Toenails grow excruciatingly slow.
I base my conclusions on the fact that I once almost had my toenail fungus cleared up, but there was still a little bit of affected nail on the very tip when I stopped treating it (I was tired of having to do it twice a day, every day!). Well, within a few weeks, the fungus began invading futher down into the nail again.
My current method of treatment is Tea Tree Oil, which seems to be working well, and keeping the nail trimmed and cleaned out underneath. This time I will keep doing it until all the affected nail is gone, and then some. Hopefully this will work. (Will post back in a year or so to let you know!)
damnfungus
08-08-2003, 12:54 AM
Ive had nail fungus for over a year now and it has not gone away by it self so now im considering the vinegar treatment. how long before i start seeing results. and how exactly is it that i apply it on? someone please respond
shadepra
08-12-2003, 07:02 PM
"Vinegar treatment for toenail fungus. The vinegar does Not kill the fungus. It changes the chemical makeup of the nail, as it grows, so the fungus cannot grow into it. THAT is why you put it where the nail grows from within the skin and not where the fungus infestation is. Any inexpensive vinegar will work, if applied sparingly (two small drops per toe) twice-daily with an eye-dropper to the gap between the toenail and the skin from where it grows into view. You want the vinegar to wick up under the skin there to become a part of the growing nail, without excessively dampening the toe, since moisture encourages fungus growth. This treatment takes a long time, since you must grow out a complete new nail to remove all the fungus. Some people grow a whole new toenail in 6 months, others take a year or more."
damnfungus
08-15-2003, 11:05 PM
ive been using the vinegar for 2 weeks now and im starting to see some results. Is is okay if i miss a dose now and then?
tpopescu
08-16-2003, 02:00 AM
Hi Jarred, I don't know if you are still around and I can't help you with the infection but I was going to tell you to go out and get swimming shoes so that you can swin with your friends and no one will see your toes. You can get them at places like Walmart and a lot of people where them so you shouldn't feel weird. Good luck.
damnfungus
08-21-2003, 12:37 AM
i was wondering if wearing nail polish can prevent me from curing my nail fungus. im always wearing nail polish so the nail fungus wont be that obvious.
graciela18
01-15-2006, 01:47 PM
:wave: ok so I'm new to this board. Last week I was diagnosed with a fungus in my big toes and I was freaking out because of all the things the doc told me could happen to my liver due to the medication.
So I read in several posts to use Vic Vaporub and I did. Holy Wow! It took only a few hours for my nails to clear up. It is awesome. I can tell the fungus is still there but at least my nails look normal now.
I hope this can help someone else.
Grace.
:jester:
So I read in several posts to use Vic Vaporub and I did. Holy Wow! It took only a few hours for my nails to clear up. It is awesome. I can tell the fungus is still there but at least my nails look normal now.
I hope this can help someone else.
Grace.
:jester:
arcticablue
01-17-2006, 04:24 AM
Jarred, I had a family member get rid of toenail fungus successfully with bleach. You soak your toes in a mixture of bleach and water morning and night for anywhere between 3-10 minutes. Make sure that you wash and dry your feet really good. It will take a bit longer than oral medications, but it can get rid of the nasty stuff without the side effects. If you try this, you can also take an old tooth brush or scrub brush and brush the nails. Good luck with whatever you try!
Arctica
Arctica
thebluedog
01-18-2006, 02:44 AM
You might also consider getting probiotics/good bacteria in your diet. Yogurt and kefir are very good sources. Check out my thread on this board. :)
anton2
01-20-2006, 12:41 PM
Hi everyone,
I feel like I have become an expert on toe nail fungus. I first came on this board and asked for Marti's help well over a year ago.....and that is exactly how long it took to cure it a whole year and a half.
What everyone has to understand is that it dosen't matter if you take oral meds (btw they are soooooo bad for you) or treating the nail topically, it will take at leat 6 months to a year or more to grow off an entire big toe nail. What is yellow and infected WILL NOT clear up, that is dead tissue that cannot be helped, it had to be pushed off by the new nail growing and get clipped off slowly, until the new healthy nail is fully grown.
I had my fungus infection on my big toe nail for about 7 years. Statred out as a white spot then grew bigger, my nail got thicker and thicker, turned yellow, had debris underneath......evntually lifted and seperated and became deformed. I was mortified. Being a woman, and not to toot my own horn, but I take amazing care of myself and take pride in my looks, only to have to sand down this ugly nail and paint it with dark polishes to try to conceal it. I did that for years but then when the nail began to seperate and become deformed.....I knew I had to do something about it. Doctor wanted me to go on Lamisil and after I heard about the side effects I said no thanks.
I then desperately went on the web and started investigating. I am living proof that YES VINAGER DOES WORK. It is not a myth! You have to use 5% acetate (the cheap kind in the grocery store).
Take off all polish---fungus loves to hide under it and your nail can't breathe with it on.
Twice a day (every 12 hours or so) drop with an eye dropper bottle, or soak a Q-tip whatever.......but do not soak. Drop the vinager onto your cuticle and rub it in or just let it soak in. What happens is fungus cannot grow in an acid environment so the vinager goes in through the tiny cracks in your cuticle into the new nail tissue being grown that day deep inside and prevents the new nail from becoming infected.
Eventually if done EVERYDAY....TWICE A DAY (I do it morning and night) NEVER MISS A DOSE, in doing so the fungus can jump onto the new nail if unprotected.
My new nail is flat, pink and beautiful again. Remember it took well over a year, but just think of how long I had the infection. I had lost all hope. This will be the first summer in almost 8 years that I have no fear of someone looking at my feet. I am sooooo looking forward to it!!! And it is a cheap, SAFE solution to this ugly, embarrassing problem.
Another thing I noticed.......I have been putting viinager on all my toes even though I only had the infection on one big toe nail. All my nails have this little indentation on the very top showing a nicer flatter clearer growth below it, so I think all my toenails were starting to show a very slight sign of infection and the vinager nipped that in the bud.
I really want to help anyone who read this and is wondering if it really is a myth.......it isn't. PLEASE TRY IT........but be very diligent and follow the protocol to a tee...........twice a day, everyday and don't expect to see anything exciting for a least 2 months, your new nail grows deep inside and dosen't come out for a while, so you think it's not working, but it is.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel like I have become an expert on toe nail fungus. I first came on this board and asked for Marti's help well over a year ago.....and that is exactly how long it took to cure it a whole year and a half.
What everyone has to understand is that it dosen't matter if you take oral meds (btw they are soooooo bad for you) or treating the nail topically, it will take at leat 6 months to a year or more to grow off an entire big toe nail. What is yellow and infected WILL NOT clear up, that is dead tissue that cannot be helped, it had to be pushed off by the new nail growing and get clipped off slowly, until the new healthy nail is fully grown.
I had my fungus infection on my big toe nail for about 7 years. Statred out as a white spot then grew bigger, my nail got thicker and thicker, turned yellow, had debris underneath......evntually lifted and seperated and became deformed. I was mortified. Being a woman, and not to toot my own horn, but I take amazing care of myself and take pride in my looks, only to have to sand down this ugly nail and paint it with dark polishes to try to conceal it. I did that for years but then when the nail began to seperate and become deformed.....I knew I had to do something about it. Doctor wanted me to go on Lamisil and after I heard about the side effects I said no thanks.
I then desperately went on the web and started investigating. I am living proof that YES VINAGER DOES WORK. It is not a myth! You have to use 5% acetate (the cheap kind in the grocery store).
Take off all polish---fungus loves to hide under it and your nail can't breathe with it on.
Twice a day (every 12 hours or so) drop with an eye dropper bottle, or soak a Q-tip whatever.......but do not soak. Drop the vinager onto your cuticle and rub it in or just let it soak in. What happens is fungus cannot grow in an acid environment so the vinager goes in through the tiny cracks in your cuticle into the new nail tissue being grown that day deep inside and prevents the new nail from becoming infected.
Eventually if done EVERYDAY....TWICE A DAY (I do it morning and night) NEVER MISS A DOSE, in doing so the fungus can jump onto the new nail if unprotected.
My new nail is flat, pink and beautiful again. Remember it took well over a year, but just think of how long I had the infection. I had lost all hope. This will be the first summer in almost 8 years that I have no fear of someone looking at my feet. I am sooooo looking forward to it!!! And it is a cheap, SAFE solution to this ugly, embarrassing problem.
Another thing I noticed.......I have been putting viinager on all my toes even though I only had the infection on one big toe nail. All my nails have this little indentation on the very top showing a nicer flatter clearer growth below it, so I think all my toenails were starting to show a very slight sign of infection and the vinager nipped that in the bud.
I really want to help anyone who read this and is wondering if it really is a myth.......it isn't. PLEASE TRY IT........but be very diligent and follow the protocol to a tee...........twice a day, everyday and don't expect to see anything exciting for a least 2 months, your new nail grows deep inside and dosen't come out for a while, so you think it's not working, but it is.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!
DoubleNickel
02-01-2008, 11:12 PM
Hi: I have been applying white vinegar to my toenails for a year and a half now. It does work but it is a hassle soaking. So I got like Winner the Pouch and think,, and think.
Well 2 night ago I went to Wal-Mart's and bought a size 10 pair of brown farm rubber boots, pulled out the inserts and poured white vinegar in and slipped in my feet. walla, I can walk around and do things and soak at the same time. Half hour in the morning and evening, Now the fungus will go away. It's a cool idea I think. You can use Listerine or whatever. No messes to. I just fold over the tops and apply a big clip till the next time.
DoubleNickel
Well 2 night ago I went to Wal-Mart's and bought a size 10 pair of brown farm rubber boots, pulled out the inserts and poured white vinegar in and slipped in my feet. walla, I can walk around and do things and soak at the same time. Half hour in the morning and evening, Now the fungus will go away. It's a cool idea I think. You can use Listerine or whatever. No messes to. I just fold over the tops and apply a big clip till the next time.
DoubleNickel