Looking For Some Toe Fungus Solutions And Answers - Nail Problems Message Board

doglover · 12-13-2006, 08:44 PM

In an earlier post, I stated I had finished Lamisil and my toe fungus is going away. I do have one toe that is 3/4 of the way still covered in fungus and the other toe has about 15% of it covered. It seems like those nails have stopped growing. I tried to clip them today, but they are not long enough to clip yet. It has been several months since I last cut them.

I would like to speed up the process and have tried a couple of things.

I am now trying Listerine and Vicks Vaporub.

How long should I soak my toes in Listerine? I have been doing about 15-20 minutes. I started it last night and am wondering when I will notice a change.

I read on one item that I should try to get whatever I am using under the toenail. Since the nail is as short as I can cut it, there is no way for me to get under the nail.

Anyone know the time to soak the toe and how long until i notice the difference?

Thanks

Marti · 12-14-2006, 06:43 PM

Fingernails will replace themselves from the cuticle to the free edge in 3-6 months depending on your genetics. Toenails take about 12 months.

3 months on Lamasil is not enough to completely kill all the fungal spores so you are doing the right thing in continuing 'home' treatment. Soak your feet for about 15 minutes every night. Dry them real good and then go to bed. the nail plate is very porous and will absorb a certain amount of the solution. The rest will wick itself into the area of separation, so there is no need to try and force it between the nail plate and the nail bed.

Depending on how meticulous you are in your treatment, you should begin to see a 'little' improvement. You should see a lot more improvement within the first 3 months regardless of which 'home' remedy or 'over-the-counter' treatment you are using.

doglover · 12-15-2006, 09:27 PM

Believe it or not, the Listerine has about cleared it up in a few days. I cannot believe how well it worked.

In addition to the Listerine, I used a file to file it down as well. I have been soaking them for 15-30 minutes per night. I was not sure when to stop, so I took my time with it.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.,

Marti · 12-16-2006, 10:16 AM

The Listerine will cler up the 'look' of the nail but will not completely kill all the fungal spores in so short a time. If you stop the treatment just because it looks good, it will come back with a vengeance. You will need to soak them for at least 6 months to be sure all the fungal spores are dead. Remember, they live deep within the nail bed AND the layers of the nail plate.

doglover · 12-16-2006, 09:23 PM

Thank you for the information. I will continue to soak it. I did complete the 3 months of Lamisil though.