I have ugly toe nail fungus since almost 3 years now. What can i do?

Question

I have ugly toe nail fungus since almost 3 years now. I am just 31 years old and I heard that mostly old people get it. I can't wear sandales because it just looks so ugly and I am so jealous of people with nice clear nails. I already went to the doctor but she just said that there is nothing she can do since it's heredetery ( my father has it too ). The pharmacist at Walgreens told me that they have tablets (lamasil) which has to be taken at least 6 months. They cost 200 dollars a months ( insurance doesn't pay since it's ''just'' a cosmetic thing) and on top of it it can even harm the liver. He also said that it doesn't always help. Well I can't afford 200 dollars a months and I also don't want liver damage in exchange for clear nails. I also used a topical treatment but it also didn't help. It seem to stop the growing fungus a little bit but it never went away. Are there any other victims out there with toe nail fungus? Did anybody find a good treatment ? I would love to wear sandales again !!!! I am thankful for any advice.

Answer 1

I took two courses of lamisil and one course of sporanox without any relief from my toenail fungus. Then I started applying vicks vapo-rub to my toenail every day...right after my shower. I just used a tissue and rubbed a healthy blob on the nail and the surrounding skin. I did not wipe off the extra...just left it there (just put my socks on over top or just slipped into my sandals in summer). My nail is now growing out and the bottom half is healthy normal nail!

Please be aware, it takes a long, long time. Toenails grow slowly. I have been using the vicks for about 8 months now. I figure another 4 months and the nail will be totally grown out. Give it a try...it is working for me.

Answer 2

Anytime you use a product for anything but it's intended use you are putting yourself at risk of irritation and aggravating that condition.

Vicks VapoRub is an analgesic, not an antifungal. It's not meant to treat nail fungus and you're wasting your time.

The only approved antifungals are the ones approved by the FDA. Tolnaftate and Undecylenic Acid are the most popular active ingredients in nail fungus treatments that are also recognized by the Federal Drug Administration.

Whenever you choose a treatment, make your decision based on those active antifungal ingredients on the back of the label. For example, Tolnaftate 1% is the maximum permitted strength used to treat fungal infections like finger or toenails.

If you want to go above and beyond and soak your toes, you could do so with a vinegar solution. The vinegar solution can help loosen keratin buildup under the nail but also creates an acetic environment that makes it difficult for Dermatophytes (the bacteria that cause nail fungus) to thrive and spread.

When you use a topical don't expect an overnight cure, that's not the way nail fungus treatment works as has been pointed in numerous other answers in this thread. Your goal with nail fungus treatments is to prevent the spread of the infection and allow for healthy new nail growth as you clip away the infected nail (it grows out). This can take a few months in most situations.

The sooner you start, the better off you are. Nail fungus doesn't go away on it's own and the longer you wait the more risk of exposure you put to other people who use your shower or wear your shoes. Not to mention, it's highly likely adjacent toes will become infected with time, too.

In the source, I attached a link to the FDA's monograph. It lists antifungal ingredients along with approved actives for many other personal healthcare conditions. I also linked to a comparison chart that weighs in on different treatments based on the active and inactive ingredients that perform (or don't perform).

Keep in mind, after you get rid of nail fungus you are still at risk. You especially want to change up footwear or spray down sneakers to prevent a reinfection.

Hope this helps out, you'll be fine in time.

Answer 3

I just cleared up a bad case of toe nail fungus under my
right big toe...Took about 6 months..
Three or Four times a day, sit down, put your heel on the floor
with toes pointing up...Pour some 70% or higher rubbing
alcohol onto the end of your toe, let it soak down under the
nail....Pour a teaspoon or so a couple times so it soaks in
good....Keep the nail cut short so the alcohol won't have so
far to soak....Slowly but surely, it cleared up over about 6 months....

Answer 4

It's not just old people! I have done enough nail scrapings for a lab to know! Lamisil is bad for your liver, I have heard the Vicks and the tea tree oil do well, but both take a while to work.

Answer 5

I have had some success with tea tree oil, smells like turpintine but seems to be clearing it up.Good luck

Answer 6

Soak em in peroxide like twice a day for weeks ,, then once a day from then on! peroxide is cheap and it works ,, you will be amazed! I do this just as preventative foot care,,

Answer 7

See a podiatrist. They specialize in feet and toes.

Answer 8

sorry but it looks like you're going to have to amputate...it is the only way