fungus or toe injury? - Nail Problems Message Board

busymom1964 · 10-21-2006, 07:59 PM

OK- I'm looking for advice. I noticed underneath my toenail bed (base) becoming a purplish color about a week or two ago. I was worried about a fungal infection. I saw a doctor and she said it was definitely a fungal infection. She perscribed anti-fungal medication and ran a liver test. On the day I saw her my toe was hurting and appeared swollen. I told her I was a runner. Then a receptionist who works with a foot doctor suggested it might be running injury. So I had decided that is what I thought it was. I remembered a couple of weeks ago while running that my left toe was hitting the end of my shoe. Over the last couple of days, I've had NO pain and have noticed better movement of my toe. I don't want to get on anti-fungal medication if I don't have to. Can anyone give me some good advice? The toenail is not splitting or brittle--most photos I've seen of fungal infections appear brittleness and discoloration at the tip and creeping in on the bed. Thanks--busymom1964.

Marti · 10-22-2006, 06:48 PM

You just bruised the nail bed from having it 'hit' the end of the shoe. Buy shoes where your toes do not and cannot touch the end. You do not need medication to take care of this. Just a better fitting pair of running shoes.

busymom1964 · 11-01-2006, 05:04 PM

Thanks for your comments Marti. I've stared at my toe for a few days. It was a little yellowish. I couldn't tell if it was a fungus or bruise. My toe nail is separating. I've started talking Lamisil but am not happy about it. I appreciate your thoughts, but since I've already starting taking the medicine, I guess I should finish it. What a mess...

Headinabox · 11-01-2006, 05:27 PM

I am taking Lamisil too. I have no side effects yet and I am getting great results! I started putting on vinegar and vick's vapour rub on too. I hope that will kill this annoying fungus infection. Good luck with your toe.

busymom1964 · 11-13-2006, 08:21 PM

Thanks for your help everyone. One question: What does Vicks vapor rub and vinegar do to fungal toe? Use separately I assume?