Tea Tree Oil . . .

[Bateluer]

I've heard some positives things about Tea Tree Oil as an effective agent against toe nail fungus.

I haven't really been super serious with combating it because it doesn't cause me any physical pain. However, as my running mileage has increased, the distorted nails have been causing some discomfort. I've been cutting them as short as I can with a set of nail clippers, then rubbing Vicks Vapor Rub on the effected toes for a few months now. Unfortunately, it hasn't seemed to make much of an effect. Aside from giving the fungal matter I pry off with the nail clippers a slight minty odor.

So, I bought a bottle of Tea Tree Oil from Amazon. Put a few drops on the effected toes a few minutes before typing those post. Definitely got a tingly-burny sensation going on. Similar to what I felt with the Vicks, though much strong and more intense. Hopefully, this will work out because the next step, I'm thinking, is to locate and schedule an appointment with a local podiatrist. Which won't be cheap.

I've had this crap since basic training. Even with shower sandals, the environment is a breeding ground for all sorts of crap. You're wearing socks, often very sweaty socks, inside full leather boots, marching around on extremely hot pavement all day. Often, you'd sleep in your cotton PT socks too. Some, though I never did, would wear their boot socks three or four days in a row . . .then throw them away and buy new ones.

 

[imported_Imp]

You been to the infirmary/doctor yet? Sounds a bit serious.

No idea on tea tree oil except that it's a "natural" and very strong cleaner for hair, as well as wounds. Could work.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: Imp
You been to the infirmary/doctor yet? Sounds a bit serious.

No, that costs a lot of money. And requires time off from work.

 

[imported_Imp]

Originally posted by: Bateluer

Originally posted by: Imp
You been to the infirmary/doctor yet? Sounds a bit serious.

No, that costs a lot of money. And requires time off from work.

Woops, forgot about my socialist health care.

 

[silverpig]

Rubbing alcohol?

 

[palladium]

Go to your doctor and ask for terbinafine.

EDIT: No idea of how efficacious tea tree oil is...

 

[PricklyPete]

Are you sure you are wearing proper shoes. I used to have all kinds of problems with my nails and toes back when I'd buy any old running shoe. For the last 3-4 years I've gotten my shoes properly fitted (including test runs) and now I never have any problems with my toes. Just a thought...lot cheaper to prevent than to fix.

 

[skace]

Just an aside, anything you do will need to be done consistently for a long time. As I understand it, Tea Tree Oil is only supposed to stop the fungus from growing, which means you have to use it long enough to remove all of the infected toe nail. I think it takes a bout ayear to fully replace an entire nail? Sorry this is all from memory. I need to revisit this subject myself as well....

 

[Bateluer]

Yeah, I'm wearing good shoes. Very nice set of Brooks Adrenalines, which I'll be replacing this saturday.

I'll give the tea tree oil a week or so to show some positive effect, if not, I'll make an appointment with a podiatrist. I actually called one the other day, closest one to me on the list of certified providers my insurance covers. He didn't impress me, seemed in a hurry to brush me off. Granted, I called after 4pm, but it seems like he'd want to get business. Oh well, I'll go somewhere else.

 

[TripleAAA]

Terbinafine (aka Lamisil tablets-prescription form) does work. It's a pain to take it for three months straight but my nails have started getting clearer. You may have to do a blood test before your doctor will approve you for it.

 

[TripleAAA]

Originally posted by: Bateluer
Yeah, I'm wearing good shoes. Very nice set of Brooks Adrenalines, which I'll be replacing this saturday.

I'll give the tea tree oil a week or so to show some positive effect, if not, I'll make an appointment with a podiatrist. I actually called one the other day, closest one to me on the list of certified providers my insurance covers. He didn't impress me, seemed in a hurry to brush me off. Granted, I called after 4pm, but it seems like he'd want to get business. Oh well, I'll go somewhere else.

Also, you won't see any difference in a week. Trust me, I've done everything from tea trea oil to Vics Vaporrub. Toenail fungus takes MONTHS to clear up unless its a really small area at the tip of the nail that will grow out quickly.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: TripleAAA
Terbinafine (aka Lamisil tablets-prescription form) does work. It's a pain to take it for three months straight but my nails have started getting clearer. You may have to do a blood test before your doctor will approve you for it.

The only near opportunity I have to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist is on 1 May, so I'm going to try schedule an appointment for that morning before I drive up to Prescott to destroy my feet at Whiskey Row.