I was given a prescription for Thymol 4% in 70% ethyl alcohol to apply to my fingernails 4 times a day to treat a nail bacteria/fungus. I would like to know what if any side effects this has and what precautions I need to take while using it. How long should it take to begin to work?
2006-08-18 15:21:28 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Thymol is the main aromatic oil in thyme and a number of other herbs. It is a good natural bacteriophage and disinfectant. Applied to the nails, there should be no side effects, nor, indeed should there be if you ingest it once the alchohol has evaporated (thyme is used a great deal as a kitchen herb).
2006-08-18 15:28:47 · answer #1 · answered by Owlwings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a topical (used on the oustide of your body) antiseptic (germ-killer).
Side effects would be irritation of the surrounding skin and it will dry out the skin too.
In my experience, if you truly do have a fungal infection of your nail, this won't take care of it since fungal infections usually infiltrate the entire thickness of the nail plus the nail bed underneath. Topical antiseptics can't penetrate through the nail and get to the nail bed.
You may need to take a pill to combat this from the inside out.
2006-08-18 15:34:20 · answer #2 · answered by rhubarb3142 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What Is Thymol
2016-10-20 08:05:45 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋