Bateluer
Lifer
Okay, I've been using various remedies for my toe nail fungus for several months now. Here's what I've learned.
Vicks Vapor Rub - Produces tingling effect for short term, gives toes a minty smell. Does not effect nail fungus in any measurable way.
Tea Tree Oil - Produced a short term tingling effect. Appeared to reduce the amount of spongy fungus under the nail to where it could be removed with a tweezers. Nails still afflicted, more spongy mass produced. The oil did allow me to cut the nails back further than I was previously able to.
After experiencing limited results with these treatments, I consulted a medical professional. I was given a prescription for Ciclopirox, a generic version of Penlac<?>. This is a topical solution that is applied once per day, usually at bed time, for a week, then removed with rubbing alcohol and the process starts again with a fresh layer. The Ciclopirox, according to the label, is supposed to be a 7 day treatment. Not exactly sure how they are measuring their days though, as this was total BS. In addition, the included documentation also states clearing, though buried, that less than 12% of patients were able to get a clear nail with Ciclopirox. Having said this, I did notice improvement after about 10 days of treatment. The nails are still very much afflicted with the fungus, however, it is possible to use nail clippers to remove the nail almost to the skin. I have roughly half the bottle left and will continue to use until empty.
I've also read that soaking one's feet in vinegar or Listerine can provide a positive effect, as both create a toxic, acidic environment for the fungus. So, on a whim, I picked up a bottle of generic Listerine. In the interests of costs though, I did mix it with water, though its still a pretty strong solution. This has produced the strongest sensations, though I've only had two 'treatments' so far.
If there's not improvement by the time my Ciclopirox runs dry, some time in June, I'll be looking into some stronger options with a podiatrist. I wonder what the success change would be if they removed the afflicted toe nails?
Vicks Vapor Rub - Produces tingling effect for short term, gives toes a minty smell. Does not effect nail fungus in any measurable way.
Tea Tree Oil - Produced a short term tingling effect. Appeared to reduce the amount of spongy fungus under the nail to where it could be removed with a tweezers. Nails still afflicted, more spongy mass produced. The oil did allow me to cut the nails back further than I was previously able to.
After experiencing limited results with these treatments, I consulted a medical professional. I was given a prescription for Ciclopirox, a generic version of Penlac<?>. This is a topical solution that is applied once per day, usually at bed time, for a week, then removed with rubbing alcohol and the process starts again with a fresh layer. The Ciclopirox, according to the label, is supposed to be a 7 day treatment. Not exactly sure how they are measuring their days though, as this was total BS. In addition, the included documentation also states clearing, though buried, that less than 12% of patients were able to get a clear nail with Ciclopirox. Having said this, I did notice improvement after about 10 days of treatment. The nails are still very much afflicted with the fungus, however, it is possible to use nail clippers to remove the nail almost to the skin. I have roughly half the bottle left and will continue to use until empty.
I've also read that soaking one's feet in vinegar or Listerine can provide a positive effect, as both create a toxic, acidic environment for the fungus. So, on a whim, I picked up a bottle of generic Listerine. In the interests of costs though, I did mix it with water, though its still a pretty strong solution. This has produced the strongest sensations, though I've only had two 'treatments' so far.
If there's not improvement by the time my Ciclopirox runs dry, some time in June, I'll be looking into some stronger options with a podiatrist. I wonder what the success change would be if they removed the afflicted toe nails?
