I noticed that one of my big toenails was getting kind of ugly looking - yellowish. I went to the doctor who said it's a fungus and there's about nothing you can do about it. There is a pill, but it's very hard on your liver and he would not recommend it. I also heard other remedies, like putting Vicks Vapor Rub on it. There's some ingredient in the VaprRub that kills the fungus. Otherwise, there isn't much to be done. My doctor said to paint my toenails! Now I've noticed it on my other big toe. I practice good hygeine. He said it's nothing I did. A friend of mine said her podiatrist put her on a course of treament with Umetca to soften the nail, and the Naftin gel for the fungus. She did it every night for months, and it cleared it up.

Any suggestions? I'd really like to get rid of this. My doc said some people even lose their toenail from this. Ugh! it's the thought of a fungus on my nail tha also creeps me out.

Thanks,
WriterMom

My dad had the WORST toenail fungus I have ever seen. Dr. said to use Vick's Vapor Rub. Use it several times a day. Will take lots of time, but evidently it works!

another home/natural remedy is vinegar....

Wow!! WHY'D THEY WAIT SO LONG TO TELL US THIS??

My dad had it as well and fought it for a long time. He soaked them in white vinegar, applied tea tree oil, he always used separate clippers for the "good" nails and the affected ones so that the fungus wouldnt spread. Seems to me if you paint your toenails, you should use a separate brush for the big toenails too.

There is a paint on prodeuct available in the Uk I believe but you can only do one nail at a time. If it is just a couple of toes, might be worth it. My 84 yr old mother has it so badly that nothing cab be done but i did have a google and found the single nail paint on treatment.

Tea Tree oil is very effective. It also works on warts. The only drawback with using it...it stinks! If you use it, be sure to use it at night. LOL!

Shebee

I'm allergic!

I am suprised your derm did not offer any topical ointments to you. I have had this problem in the past. My derm precribed Urea Cream to soften the nail, and, Naftin to kill the bacteria. It takes a long time to get rid of it. I would cut the nail down as far as possible, put the Urea Cream on the nail, let it sit for a few minutes, then put the Naftin on and cover with a bandaid. I would usually do this at bedtime and then repeat in the morning after a shower. Also, make sure you clean the clippers with alcohol after you clip each nail so you do not spread the bacteria. It can spread very easily. There may be stronger ointments also. Ask your dermatologist. Hope this helps.
Linda

oops, I just realized it was you doctor and not a dermatologist. Also, do not paint your toenails! Yikes. It will make it worse.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, ladies. I think I will try the tea tree oil treatment. I love going barefoot and in sandels, but if I need to wear shoes so I can get this treatment done, so be it. It's only on my big toes right now. I wonder if going to the gym, getting pedicures, or swimming at the gym had anything to do with it, as I never had a problem before then. Someone also told me to put my sneakers in a bag and freeze them (literally) for 3 days, as that would kill the fungus because it can be in your shoes. Lovely thought.

Thanks again,
WriterMom

You're probably not going to try the freezer route anyway but I thought I'd comment on that little bit of advice just in case someone thinks it's a good idea. It's a waste of time. It will not kill the fungus. Actually, you'd have more success if you put them in the dishwasher (Eewwww!) with REALLY HOT water. The best thing to do with shoes that are already "infected" is get rid of them. At the very least, wash them a couple of times and then make sure they get VERY dry in between uses. Fungi are extremely difficult to kill and generally speaking anything that WILL, will also kill or damage healthy cells. As one poster said, the oral meds are hard on your liver and frequently make people sick. The topical meds work much better. I'll have to try the tea tree oil myself. I have one nail with a mild case of infection and the Vick's treatment did nothing for me. I don't know how long "a long time" is but I used it for several weeks and nothing happened. I hope the tree oil works for you (and the rest of us too!).

How do you think sneakers would hold up in the microwave? I've read that putting things like kitchen sponges and dishcloths in the microwave will kill germs, maybe it'll zap fungus, too.

Hmmm, don't know what it would do to the rubber portion of the shoe. I know it would make it damned hot!!! LOL Maybe give it a try with an old shoe and see what happens?

Different members of my family have had luck with using Vicks Vapor Rub, Listerine and as for myself, I used Dr. Tichenor's. Lke the prescription drug, you must use any of these for about three months, twice a day.

Good luck!