How do I get rid of toenail fungus? I have tried vinegar, tree tea oil, and Listerine. Please help.
By Rosie from Toronto
Keep clean, dry and exposed to light, that includes using no dark nail polish too. There are products on the market, but the key is consistent use daily over several months, if not always, and cutting damaged nail away as it grows. Always use clean/sterilized files, implements, etc. Products include vinegar, tea tree oil, Vicks, fungus preps, etc. Your mileage with those may vary. What has worked nicely for some does nothing for others.
Over half of people over 60 have some type of toenail fungus. It is difficult to remove and there are no overnight cures. It can also be a sign of a compromised immune system. Anything beyond a nail or two (or combined w/infection) should be checked out by an MD.
This has been my experience/knowledge as a nail tech. Hope it helps.
(01/13/2011)
By hellonheelz
I fought my toenail fungus on my big toe for years. It hurt and was yellow and curling under. I tried Vicks (which seemed to work, but I wasn't great about doing it regularly), soaking in Epsom salts, hot water, tea tree oil, etc. My doctor said that there are pills that will kill it off, but that the pills are very hard on your body, much worse than the fungus itself. She recommended that I just "live with it".
I finally made an appointment with the podiatrist and he removed a strip of the nail, right down to the bed. It allowed the fungus to grow out and it was easier to trim. I kept it cut down as short as possible until it was finally grown out. It took about a year for the nail to look normal again. However, the nail will always be a little bit narrower than the nail on the other foot. I can live with that. :)
The podiatrist said that this won't always work. In my case, it did. I am so glad. I don't have to feel embarrassed when wearing sandals or feel like I need to have my nails painted all the time.
Good luck! (01/13/2011)
By Jess
Vick's Vapor Rub worked for my mom, and it's cheap compared to prescriptions and other methods. Hope it works for you. (01/13/2011)
By Donna
I got this tip from a friend, and it worked! Get the Equate brand of anti fungus for athlete's foot cream from Walmart. I would keep it by my bedside with cotton swabs and dab some all over my toenail and the surrounding skin area. Be diligent. Every night. It sure worked, and the cream is not expensive. (01/14/2011)
By Maile
Just go to your local Sally's beauty supply and get a bottle of "fungoff". If you do not have a Sally's go to a nail salon and have them sell you one. That is what they use for fungus under acrylic nails. (01/14/2011)
By Lilac
I have toenail fungus and tea tree oil is the only thing I've gotten to work effectively. However, it did not work for me until I took a suggestion from my doctor and began filing the toenail as paper thin as possible before soaking it in warm water and Epsom salt. Then I apply the tea tree oil. It has been about 3 months now, but it has gotten significantly better and so patience and diligence is a must too.
By Jillian
The best product is Nonyx Nail Gel, it is all natural and guaranteed to work. You can get it at www.drugstore.com or www.footsmart.com. My 82 year old mother had done everything her doctor prescribed including internal meds, external soaks, drops, and wraps, all to no avail. Only the Nonyx cleared it up. Did I mention it's guaranteed? (01/21/2011)
By Debra
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