the dreaded toenail fungus...anything work?

swtgila · 06-08-2010, 02:30 PM

Ok, ok. Settle down. I said it. Yuck I know. No one wants to talk about it. But I have to. I have been looking around on the internet trying to figure out if anything OTC might work for toe nail fungus. Does anyone out there know what has worked for them or someone they know?

Any suggestions would be helpful. I can't take the prescription drugs for liver reasons. OTC is the only way to go for me.

Thanks poodles!

beerab · 06-08-2010, 02:49 PM

Probably Lamisil?

Speaking of TMI... peeing on your feet helps as urine has antifungal properties- hop in the shower and try it lol.

swtgila · 06-08-2010, 03:01 PM

hahaha beerab. I like the way you think! Thanks for sharing :-)

I may just give it a try. ;-)

bandit2 · 06-08-2010, 03:21 PM

Hi - teatree oil (health food store)

beerab · 06-08-2010, 03:25 PM

I looked up home remedies AND it is one! Google "home remedies toenail fungus"

One that I never though of was listerine! Makes sense to me

Just dip your feet in listerine then rinse.

Glory87 · 06-08-2010, 03:29 PM

Good luck, been fighting it since the year 2000 (also not willing to do Lamasil). I did get some topical creams from a dermatologist that helped. One cream broke down the nail and the other one attacked the fungus. After awhile, all my nails disintegrated and grew back. They are BETTER, but I've pretty much just given up and will just keep my toenails painted until the day I die.

I keep the nails very short and dry my toes carefully with my hair dryer when I get out of the shower. I never wear socks or fuzzy slippers around the house anymore (which is how I think I got it so badly, putting damp feet into warm fuzzy slippers - transferred to multiple toes).

astrophe · 06-08-2010, 04:00 PM

Never had it on my feet, but once in my teens had it on my fingers.

I had a cream I had to put on each nail and then I had to tape cotton pads around each so the cream would stay on while I slept. Then I took it all off in the morning and went about my day. Then did it again. I remember doing it but I don't remember the cream.

Perhaps call your family practice?

A.

Lanniedo · 06-08-2010, 08:50 PM

Have had this issue myself and my endo suggested Vicks Vapor rub. It works miracles. Rub into your toenails nightly before bed. You will notice a hugh difference in less than a week.

LisaMarie71 · 06-08-2010, 08:59 PM

I'm fighting the same battle. I've had it on my big toe ever since I gave birth nearly two years ago, and it's been infected twice (once with an ingrown toenail). The podiatrist told me I can't take the medication while nursing anyway, but I've read horror stories about liver damage and such and that it doesn't always work anyway.

I've read about apple cider vinegar working, and I've been putting it on there sometimes but I haven't been consistent. I don't know -- maybe I'll try the Vicks! Or the pee!

swtgila · 06-08-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaMarie71

I'm fighting the same battle. I've had it on my big toe ever since I gave birth nearly two years ago, and it's been infected twice (once with an ingrown toenail). The podiatrist told me I can't take the medication while nursing anyway, but I've read horror stories about liver damage and such and that it doesn't always work anyway.

I've read about apple cider vinegar working, and I've been putting it on there sometimes but I haven't been consistent. I don't know -- maybe I'll try the Vicks! Or the pee!

Well, since I've already had a shower today, I think I'll try the vicks. I'll go with the pee in the morning!

ROTFL

swtgila · 06-09-2010, 10:46 AM

Peeps, I am happy to report that I tried the Vicks last night and my oh my! My toe nails look so much better! A remarkable difference. I don't know if it works long term or how long I will need to keep it up, but they are less yellow and clearer. I am soooo excited!

Mellabella01 · 06-09-2010, 12:24 PM

I've also dealt with this pesky problem on and off most of my adult life. I used to take the oral medication. It would clear up after a couple months. Now I am using tea tree oil and mouth wash. I think I will give the vicks a try too.

Terre · 06-09-2010, 02:15 PM

vicks works. I put it on at night thick and then put socks on. I used to put it on my papa too and it helped his and he was a insulin dependant diabetic...so its safe for diabetics too. Wound care specialist told us to use it on him...so I tried it too

swtgila · 06-09-2010, 03:36 PM

I am so glad to know other women have this problem. It is very pesky! Thanks for all the replies too. I am willing to give any of them a try, one by one. I put on the vicks again this a.m. after posting. I am home all day so I am just gonna keep it on and wear my flip flops around the house. I am so pleased tho. The nails looks so much more normal, I am amazed!

Mikan · 06-11-2010, 11:02 AM

I've had this problem as a skin infection. I tried all the natural and home remedies, but the only thing that worked in the end was the anti fungal creams. Now I have a spot that won't respond to the antifungal cream. I'd say try it all and make sure your foot is very dry before you cover it and maybe powder your shoes, spray with disinfectant, clean the tub/shower floor with a harsh bathroom cleaner that says it can kill ringworm type bacteria, and make sure to always use a clean towel so it doesn't spread elsewhere. Good luck.