I second, third or whatever tea tree oil.

I paint it on (all over and under the nail) with a q-tip in the morning and again at night. I have found that the nasty stuff needs to grow out and I keep using the tea tree oil until it's completely cleared up (it may take months).

Also, be sure to dedicate a pair of nail clipper to that toe along (and clean it with alcohol or something after each use) the will prevent spreading the ick.

I used this method twice and have gotten great results. I think it's also important to catch the infection early.

I am still using the tea tree oil. I have cut my toenails once since discovering the problem, and was very careful to disinfect before and after using the clippers.

--J--

BPM,while not a fan of this topic, I found an
ad in this years Bakers creek catolog, page 90.
It's a vinegar, herb soak from Long Creek Herbs.

quote:

Originally posted by dirtdaddy:
BPM,while not a fan of this topic, I found an
ad in this years Bakers creek catolog, page 90.
It's a vinegar, herb soak from Long Creek Herbs.

I'll have to look into that. The tea tree oil is helping, but it will still have to grow out. At least the nail doesn't look too bad, and I don't think I'm in danger of using it.

As for the (generic) Lamisil pills I did not take, a couple of weeks ago, Hubby was asking me for them, because he has some yucky toes too. I refused, out of concern for his health. For one thing, when I got them, the pharmacist was adamant about NO ALCOHOL while taking them. And Hubby does like his beer. Nope, when you love someone, you try to protect them.

--J--

I know this is an old thread, but figured I'd put my 2 cents worth in. I had a toenail fungus similar to what you described that I couldn't get rid of, even with tea tree oil.

Someone told me to put some Vicks Mentholatum Rub on my toe. Tried it and the fungus was gone in less than 2 days.

I will try that, Oggar. It sure can't hurt!

--J--

Has anyone else heard of jewelweed? An old herbalist I knew told me that it is an excellent antifungal and works on athlete's foot better than prescription drugs. It grows wild in ditches and woods all over the place here in NH, blooming around June(?). Also known as spotted forget me not, the orange flowers, and I think tops of the plants too are lightly boiled to make an bright orange liquid to be used topically as is. It is very perishable, and the only way to preserve it is to freeze it in ice cube trays. The cubes are good to rub on feet for fungus.

quote:

As for the (generic) Lamisil pills I did not take, a couple of weeks ago, Hubby was asking me for them, because he has some yucky toes too. I refused, out of concern for his health. For one thing, when I got them, the pharmacist was adamant about NO ALCOHOL while taking them. And Hubby does like his beer. Nope, when you love someone, you try to protect them.

--J--

So what you're saying is that your husband isn't able to forego his beer in order to take a course of medication that might solve his medical problem? Frankly, I find that more frightening than his "funky toes". Let's hope he never has to deal with something more serious that requires him to forego beer in order to heal.

And for all you who are swabbing & dipping your feet in Lord knows what - there are a number of different fungi that attack toenails. Not all will respond to topical treatments, no matter how long you swab, soak, or chant. Bite the bullet & go to a doctor for God's sake - at least to find out exactly what kind of fungus you have.

If Hubby wanted to take the pills, I would insist that he go to the doctor himself and have it looked at and get a prescription, as I have always heard that it was not a good idea to take prescription medications that were not prescribed to you.

Hubby can go without beer or other alcohol while taking medications, and he has before. As for me, I saw the doctor, and I did my research, and weighed the risks, and made the choice not to take the pills. My toenail is much better now.

--J--

I saw Dr. Oz on Oprah the other day, he says there are problems with the pills and the liver, they might not even work, but now there are laser treatments that are quick and effective