Toenail fungus

[Jarred2004]

Well, it was a year and a half ago when I first found this board and thought maybe I had some hope for my nasty toenail fungus I have had my entire life. (I am 17) I know it must be a true fungus b/c all the males in my family have it. My sisters and mother don't. But every male in my family has always had it. Well, I have tried the tea tree oil, vinegar, the Vicks, the Vitamin E, the stuff on the shelf from Wal-mart, the Lamisil cream, etc. NOTHING WILL WORK! I take fingernail files and saw them down til they bleed. I clip them to where they hurt so bad. Oh by the way, it is only three toenails. But, still that is enough to make me never wear sandals or flipflops or ever go swimming with anyone besides family. The two big toenails and the middle on my right foot. But anyway, my parents have talked to a doctor friend and basically he said he wouldn't recommend the Lamisil for two reasons. Cost & side effects. And obviously I know how much Penlac cost and no way do we have that kind of money. The tea tree oil most likely would have helped, but my skin can't take it. Yes, I have tried the dilluting, but that did nothing! The water separates from the oil anyway. And I did 10 to 1 ratio. So what more can I do??? Will there ever be any help? My left big toenail is looking "okay" but far from normal. My worst does seem to be the middle on the right foot, but it is so thick it can never be normal. My question is: Is there any hope??? I have spent a year and a half. Actually a little more. I have seen maybe a 15% increase in them looking whiter. But still thick and nasty. Please Please Please if anyone knows anything! Is there one cure that I just don't know of any anyone hasn't said yet. I have about driven myself crazy over the past year and a half with this. Twice a day everyday. I have never missed an application!!! I just want this gone so bad. What can I do for normal toenails???

[face]

I tried Vicks and it helped me. I also used the Metaleuca fungus gel too (contains tea tree oil).

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Face

[Marti]

There are other things that will work on toenail fungus, and one of them is Dr. G's Clear Nail. Clearing up true fungus takes a very long time. One thing you are doing wrong is filing the nails until they nearly bleed. Doing this only sends the fungus deeper into the uninfected portions of the nail plate. Trim them down, yes, but not so far that they hurt or bleed. Fungus can live on the clippers you use to cut them and on the file you use to file them; therefore, you stand a HUGE chance of constant re-infection if you do not sanitize the clippers or throw away the file after each use.

Type 'Clear Nail' into your browser and you should find the product. It is made by Woodward Labs.

[This message has been edited by Marti (edited 01-05-2003).]

[winesnob]

You should most definitely have a consultation with a podiatrist (a foot dr.) If you have health insurance, this visit should be covered by your insurance plan. Be sure to work within your provider network. Toenail fungus is very hard to get rid of. If you are past what is considered mild fungus nothing over the counter or topical will help, not even Penlac. Prescription Lamisil pills are safe and usually effective, providing you dont have underlying liver problems. A blood test is given prior to the start of Lamisil treatment to get a baseline blood count and liver function study. It is repeated again after 2 months of use. If all is within normal limits, the 3rd and final month is prescribed. The Lamisil will stay in your system for many months following the 3 month course of treatment and you will continue to see improvement in the nails for up to 1 year. In our practice, we have never had a patient who experienced liver or blood problems related to their Lamisil treatment. Drs. who tell you that Lamisil isnt safe for a healthy person are uneducated in its use. Unfortunately it is expensive. Most, but not all insurance companies cover it use. Many require a nail culture/biopsy be taken and sent to the lab for confirmation of the nail fungus. Once fungus is confirmed they will authorize and pay for the Lamisil. Your dr. office can assist you in this. Otherwise, there isnt much you can do except to continue as you have been. You may get some relief but not eradication of the problem. Also, the fungal spores become ingrained in your socks and shoes. They can not be washed out. Once fungus is eradicated or, in your case if you can get it reduced, you should throw away your old socks and old tennis shoes and replace them with new ones. If you do this every 6 months or so it might help. Good luck to you.